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Assisted Living in South Carolina

Over the past nine years, the number of residents aged 65 and over has held steady at almost 18% in South Carolina, compared to 16% nationwide. One reason might be the mild climate, from the warm winters of Charleston to the brisk autumn breezes of upstate South Carolina. Assisted living facilities are spread out from the Atlantic coast to the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in this green and scenic area of the country. The median monthly cost of assisted living here is $3,500, 14% less than the average national cost of $4,051.

This guide compares the costs and services provided at assisted living facilities with other forms of care in some of the major cities of South Carolina. It also gives information about free and low-cost resources for seniors that could help cover the costs of assisted living.


SeniorAdvice's Guide to Assisted Living in South Carolina



The SeniorScore for a state provides a snapshot of how it measures up to other states in factors such as the cost of living, climate and recreational opportunities. Data from Medicare, the U.S. Census and other reliable sources are combined to give a livability score that's specific to seniors. South Carolina has a good SeniorScore of 72, meaning that it's a desirable location for seniors when it comes to health and safety, quality of life and affordability.



SeniorScore™ for South Carolina



The SeniorScore™ is calculated based on over 100 variables, some of which are shown below. The final score is curved based on a linear curving method. For More info visit senioradvice.com/seniorscore.

72

SeniorScore™ Overview

  • South Carolina's SeniorScore™ of 72 is the same as the national average of 72.
59

Health & Safety

  • South Carolina has high access to Medicare registered healthcare providers.
  • South Carolina has an average number of hospitals within the state.
  • South Carolina has a high number of senior living facilities within the state.
  • South Carolina has an average number of home healthcare providers operating in the state.
  • The average life expectancy in South Carolina is 77.0, compared to the national average of 78.6.
  • South Carolina has a very high overall property crime rate compared to national averages.
  • South Carolina has a high overall violent crime rate compared to national averages.
61

Recreation & Leisure

  • 28% of the population in South Carolina are seniors, compared to 29% nationally.
  • South Carolina has 347 golf courses in the state.
  • South Carolina has a high number of municipal parks throughout the state.
  • South Carolina has 2,381 churches in the state.
67

Finances

  • The property taxes average 1.43% of total income in South Carolina, which is significantly lower than the national average of 2.79%.
  • The property taxes average 0.58% of property value in South Carolina, which is significantly lower than the national average of 1.09%.
  • The average sales tax in South Carolina is 7.50%, which is higher than the national average of 6.97%.
  • The average state income tax in South Carolina is 4.61%, which is significantly higher than the national average of 3.38%.
  • The mean household income in South Carolina is $59,641, which is lower than the national average of $64,580.
  • South Carolina's median household income is $45,630, which is significantly lower than the national average of $51,560.
  • The average per capita income in South Carolina is $23,907, which is lower than the national average of $25,611.
  • Assisted living costs in South Carolina average $35,047 per year, which are significantly lower than the national average of $42,700.
  • Nursing home costs in South Carolina average $75,884 per year, which are significantly lower than the national average of $92,481.
  • Costs for adult daycare in South Carolina average $14,029 per year, which are significantly lower than the national average of $17,931.
  • Costs for home healthcare in South Carolina average $41,271 per year, which are significantly lower than the national average of $46,197.
  • The unemployment rate is about 10.25% in South Carolina, which is significantly higher than then national rate of 8.26%.
  • The overall cost of living in South Carolina is average compared to national averages.
  • 1.16% of the senior population in South Carolina are financially responsible for at least one grandchild.
69

General Quality of Life

  • South Carolina receives an average of 49.5 inches of rain per year.
  • South Carolina has an average annual temperature of 62.7 degrees fahrenheit.
  • South Carolina has an average low temperature of 50.6 degrees fahrenheit.
  • South Carolina has an average high temperature of 73.7 degrees fahrenheit.
  • South Carolina has an average population density of 741 people per square mile.
  • South Carolina has a very low public school quality ranking.
  • South Carolina has an average public school safety ranking.
  • South Carolina has an average graduation rate of 83.67%.

With a population of almost 5 million, South Carolina is a midsize state with a few larger cities and an abundance of rural countryside. There are 47 state recreation areas, and many are located on one of the 27 lakes in South Carolina. Summers are hot on the coast and mild in the hills of the northwest, and snow is a rare occurrence in most of the state.

South Carolina has a high number of senior living facilities, and a healthy proportion of health care providers are registered to accept Medicare. Assisted living costs are lower than the national average, and the price of health care is reasonable. The state has a low-to-average cost of living, and transportation costs are only 88% of the U.S. average.



Top Assisted Living Facilities in South Carolina



Myrtle Beach Manor - Myrtle Beach, SC

Myrtle Beach Manor

9547 Highway 17 North

Myrtle Beach, SC 29572

1-855-240-2530

9 Reviews  

Myrtle Beach Manor is a 60 bed senior housing facility located in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The community is in a generally middle income area, with a median per-household income of $49,331. It has an average population density, ...

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Wesley Commons - Greenwood, SC

Wesley Commons

1110 Marshall Rd

Greenwood, SC 29646

1-855-229-7494

8 Reviews  

Wesley Commons is located at 1110 Marshall Rd in Greenwood, South Carolina. It is a 102 room senior housing facility. The facility is in a largely middle income area, with a median per-household income of $35,297. With ...

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Rosecrest - Inman, SC

Rosecrest

200 Fortress Dr

Inman, SC 29349

1-855-243-3078

7 Reviews  

Rosecrest is located at 200 Fortress Dr in Inman, South Carolina. It is a 75 room senior community. The facility is in a predominantly middle income area, with a median household income of $47,875. It is densely ...

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The Cost of Assisted Living in South Carolina



Compared to the nation's median monthly assisted living cost of $4,051, the cost of assisted living in South Carolina is a reasonable $3,500. Assisted living is $3,500 in Florida, and Georgia's median monthly cost for assisted living is even lower, at $3,335. Tennessee approaches the national median cost of $3,900 per month, and North Carolina nearly meets it at $4,000 per month for assisted living.

  • South Carolina: $3,500
  • United States: $4,051
  • North Carolina: $4,000
  • Tennessee: $3,900
  • Georgia: $3,335
  • Florida: $3,500

The Cost of Assisted Living in South Carolina's Top Cities

Median prices for assisted living are $3,590 in the three coastal cities of Charleston, North Charleston and Mt. Pleasant. Upstate, in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Greenville has a higher median cost of $3,806. Rock Hill, a city near the major metropolis of Charlotte, North Carolina, is much more costly at $4,583 per month, and Columbia, in central South Carolina, has the lowest cost at $3,248.

  • Columbia: $3,248
  • Charleston: $3,590
  • North Charleston: $3,590
  • Mt. Pleasant: $3,590
  • Rock Hill: $4,583
  • Greenville: $3,806

Senior Care Cost Comparison in South Carolina

The median price for assisted living in South Carolina is $3,500 per month. By comparison, it costs $4,000 to employ a full-time home health aide, and the rate for in-home housekeeping assistance is $3,813. Independent seniors can take advantage of the much lower cost of adult day care at $1,343, and seniors needing 24-hour care can choose a nursing home facility, but the median rate is a costly $7,123 for a semiprivate room.

  • Assisted Living: $3,500
  • In-Home Care: $3,813
  • Home Health Care: $4,000
  • Adult Day Care: $1,343
  • Nursing Home Care: $7,123

Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in South Carolina



South Carolina Medicaid/Healthy Connections


Phone Number: (888) 549-0820
Website: https://www.scdhhs.gov/Getting-Started

Medicaid is called Healthy Connections in South Carolina, and it's directed by the South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. Although Medicaid doesn't pay for the cost of assisted living, in some cases, it pays for nursing home care for seniors who need assistance with the activities of everyday life. Individuals who qualify for nursing home care may be able to take advantage of a Home and Community-Based Services waiver to pay for assisted living instead.

The income limit for receiving Medicaid nursing home benefits is $2,349 for an individual and $3,216 for a couple. For married seniors, only the income of the applicant is counted when qualifying for a waiver. There are also acceptable ways to adjust income and assets to create the qualifications necessary to receive a waiver, and a Medicaid counselor can help determine the available options.

Low-income seniors who are at least 65 years of age, blind or disabled may qualify for Aged, Blind or Disabled Medicaid, an assistance program that pays for medical care and for assisted living in some cases. The income/asset limit is $1,064 per month/$7,860 for individual seniors and $1,437 per month/$11,800 for married couples. To apply for ABD Medicaid, a senior needs to provide proof of:

  • South Carolina residency
  • U.S. citizenship or permanent residency
  • Social Security number

Optional State Supplementation (OSS)


Phone Number: (888) 549-0820
Website: https://www.scdhhs.gov/eligibility-groups/optional-state-supplementation-program-oss

In addition to Social Security payments and Supplemental Security Income, a state supplementary payment reimburses assisted living facilities that provide food, shelter and personal assistance to individuals aged 65 and over and to anyone who is blind or disabled. With Optional State Supplementation, participating facilities accept a negotiated payment that is considered payment in full.

To qualify for OSS, a senior must be aged 65 or older, a citizen of the United States, have a Social Security number or apply for one, and first apply for any other benefits to which they are entitled. As of March 2020, the income limit for OSS qualification is $1,456 per month. To receive the OSS benefit, a senior must have resources of no more than $2,000. Once a senior qualifies for SSI, they usually don't have to meet any additional qualifications to receive OSS benefits.

Once approved, a senior should not accept financial assistance from family members because it would be counted as income and could end OSS eligibility. At least 50 Medicaid-approved facilities in South Carolina are eligible to participate in the state-funded program. An application for residential care OSS can be found here.


Optional Supplemental Care for Assisted Living Program (OSCAP)


Phone Number: Area office numbers are listed on the website.
Website: https://phoenix.scdhhs.gov/cltc_referrals/new

To apply for the OSCAP benefit, a senior must first be approved for the OSS program. To receive the benefit of $207 per month, a senior must need limited assistance with either two activities of daily living or experience cognitive impairment and need assistance with one ADL.

A nurse from the SC Department of Health and Human Services will evaluate whether a senior is eligible for the benefit. The assessment includes an examination of the applicant's medical record and individual care plan and an interview with the senior and the health care providers at the facility. The assessment will be given every 18 months unless the level of care changes.


HUD Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM)


Address: 1835 Assembly Street, 13th Floor, Columbia, SC 29201-2480
Phone Number: (803) 765-5592 or (800) 569-4287
Website: hud.gov/program_offices/housing/sfh/hecm/hecmhome

The Department of Housing and Urban Development offers a program for seniors who have equity in their homes. A reverse mortgage can provide a monthly income to help pay for assisted living, and the federal government insures the program. A minimum income isn't required to obtain a loan, and an FHA-approved lender can underwrite it.

A reverse mortgage converts equity in the home to a monthly income without selling it, and it's an especially helpful option when one spouse remains in the home while the other moves to an assisted living facility. A reverse mortgage can be obtained from any approved lender, but an HECM mortgage from HUD includes a detailed comparison of costs and provides financial counseling for the borrower. Contact information for local HUD offices can be found here.


South Carolina Assisted Living Rules and Regulations



The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control regulates Community Residential Care Facilities in the state. Guidelines have been established for the aid and care of seniors that respect their dignity and allow them as much personal independence as possible. Below is a summary of CRCF regulations in South Carolina.

Operating Requirements

Each facility must provide room, board and personal care for residents without exceeding the licensed number of beds. Written policies and procedures must be in place for the regulation of resident care, including policies for those who have special needs.

Physical Environment and Accommodations

The facility shall be cleaned regularly, with the exterior free of debris and weeds. Clean clothing and bed linens will be available at all times, and a beneficial environment must be provided with sufficient space for residents.

Support Services

Each new resident will be given a written explanation of care services to be provided and sign a joint agreement with the residential facility. The cost of all services must be included, and a 30-day prior notice must be given for any fee changes.

Fundamental Services

Assistance will be provided with bathing, feeding, toileting and other activities of daily living. Each senior will receive a personal allowance and will have the opportunity to socialize with other residents.

Food Services

A minimum of three meals will be served daily that meet the nutritional requirements of residents. Snacks will be served as well, and a special diet will be provided as needed. Efforts will be made to accommodate religious and cultural dietary preferences.

Health-Related Services

Assistance must be provided for self-administered medications, as well as an individual care plan developed for each senior within seven days of admission. Arrangements must be made for visits to physicians and other health care providers.

Staff Screening

Personnel must have proof of a health screening within the 12 months prior to employment, including a tuberculin skin test. A criminal record review is also required for employment.

Staffing Requirements

Staff members and volunteers must be able to provide direct care and basic services to all residents and have sufficient education to speak, read and write English. At least one staff member or direct care volunteer must be present for every eight residents.

Staff Training

Staff must be trained in CPR, basic first aid and medication management. Personnel must undergo regular in-service training to stay current with health and safety standards, including emergency and disaster preparedness.


Free Assisted Living Resources in South Carolina



State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP)


SHIP is a federally sponsored free service offered to all South Carolina seniors and their families. It helps seniors understand the benefits and assistance they're eligible for under Medicare, including waivers, trusts and other programs that provide subsidies for low-income seniors. A counselor is available to speak one-on-one with seniors, family members and caregivers about coverage options that can help pay for assisted living costs.

Contact: https://www.shiptacenter.org/about-medicare/regional-ship-location/south-carolina or call (800) 868-9095 for assistance.


South Carolina Agencies


South Carolina Department on Aging

Address: 1301 Gervais Street, Suite 350, Columbia, SC 29201
Phone Number: (800) 868-9095
Website: https://aging.sc.gov/programs-initiatives/healthy-connections-prime-ombudsman

The SC Department on Aging assists seniors by providing the Healthy Connections Prime Ombudsman Program, a free service. As a liaison between seniors and the sometimes confusing financial assistance programs available, an ombudsman can help draft benefit appeals, prevent overbilling and guide seniors through Medicaid recertification. With help from the ombudsman program, seniors in assisted living facilities can continue to meet their expenses while being protected from unpaid claims and unjust discharges.


Area Agencies on Aging in South Carolina


The nonprofit Area Agencies on Aging is an organization with 10 regional offices in South Carolina. These local agencies provide meals, transportation and other support for seniors, including assistance in locating assisted living facilities in the area. Seniors aged 60 and over can participate in programs regardless of income level, and staff help with the coordination of care and the application process for financial assistance that could help with the cost of assisted living.


Veteran Affairs Offices in South Carolina


Seniors who receive a veteran's pension may be entitled to additional benefits that can help pay for assisted living costs. Veterans who served during wartime and are 65 years and over or disabled qualify for the Aid and Attendance Benefit if they meet one of the following criteria:

  • Unable to perform the activities of daily living without assistance
  • Confined to the bed most of the time because of illness
  • In a nursing home due to a disability
  • Experiencing serious loss of eyesight

Seniors in South Carolina can find their local VA office online here.


Social Security Offices in South Carolina


The Social Security Office offers Supplemental Security Income to assist seniors who have little or no income besides monthly Social Security payments and have financial resources worth no more than $2,000 for an individual or $3,000 for a couple. Veterans benefits, Social Security, worker's compensation and cash payments from friends or relatives are all counted as income when establishing eligibility.

Life insurance policies with a value of $1,500 or less and the family home are not counted as assets, and a family automobile is usually exempted as well. To qualify for Social Security SSI, a senior must be a U.S. citizen in most cases and aged 65 or older. The application for SSI is submitted at the same time as the application for Social Security.

 

Other Cities in South Carolina

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