Heartland of West Ashley Rehab and Nursing Center is located at 1137 Sam Rittenburg Blvd in Charleston, South Carolina. It is a 125 bed nursing care facility. The neighboring area has a dense population, with approximately 36,000 poeple ...
Nursing Homes in South Carolina
- SeniorAdvice's Guide to Nursing Homes in South Carolina
- Nursing Care Directory for South Carolina
- Nursing Care Costs in South Carolina
- Financial Assistance for Nursing Homes in South Carolina
- South Carolina Nursing Care Rules and Regulations
- Free Nursing Care Resources in South Carolina
Seniors looking for a place to relax and enjoy retirement may look no further than South Carolina. With miles of coastline and acres of pristine mountain views, South Carolina offers a diverse landscape wrapped up in mild weather that rarely causes major issues with travel or daily life. With eight population centers and cities to choose from, along with plenty of wine country and farmland, South Carolina has something for every retirement lifestyle.
A low cost of living helps make South Carolina a top retirement destination for many seniors, particularly those with more comprehensive care requirements. With nursing home costs that average $7,298 and housing costs 26.4% below the national average, both seniors and their families can enjoy the lower costs of living in the Palmetto State. With a population of just over 5.1M, the 184 skilled nursing facilities are enough to easily accommodate seniors who need more than just a helping hand.
SeniorAdvice's Guide to Nursing Home Care in South Carolina
SeniorAdvice indicates that South Carolina is a solid choice for nursing home residents when seeking long-term care. At 72, the state's SeniorScore is equal to the national average. SeniorAdvice uses more than 100 data points of information directly related to the senior experience when generating ratings and breaks down information into the following categories: Health & Safety, Recreation & Leisure, Finances and General Quality of Life.
South Carolina scores lowest in the Health & Safety Category, despite having higher than average access to Medicare-registered doctors and plenty of hospitals available. The score of 59 may reflect a higher than average amount of property crime and a slightly below-average life expectancy at 77 years versus the national average of 78.6 years. Recreation & Leisure is another category in which South Carolina scores on the low end at 61, but this can be very location-dependent. For example, Myrtle Beach scores a whopping 71 in the same category.
At 67, the Finances score for South Carolina is on the high end, likely due to low property taxes and more affordable long-term care options. Where the state really shines, though, is in General Quality of Life. Warm winters and relatively low population density make South Carolina a state where seniors can enjoy life in every season of the year.
Top Nursing Care in South Carolina
Anchor Health and Rehab of Aiken is located at 550 East Gate Dr in Aiken, South Carolina. It is a 60 bed nursing facility. With about 38,000 residents in the 29803 zip code, the surrounding area is densely ...
Located at 2600 Elms Plantation Blvd in Charleston, South Carolina, Life Care Center of Charleston is a 148 bed senior care community. The facility is in a primarily middle income area, with a median per-family income of $35,642. ...
Savannah Grace At The Palms is located at 1010 Lake Hunter Cir in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. It is a 42 unit senior community. The neighboring area is heavily populated, with approximately 45,000 residents in the zip ...
The Cottages at Brushy Creek is a 144 unit senior housing community located in Greer, South Carolina. The community is in a mostly middle class area, with an average family income of $66,117. With around 34,000 poeple living ...
NHC Healthcare - Greenville is a 132 bed nursing facility situated in Greer, South Carolina. With an average per-household income of $66,117, the facility is in a generally middle class area. It has a dense population, with roughly ...
PruittHealth - Blythewood is a 120 room skilled nursing facility located in Columbia, South Carolina. With an average per-family income of $68,824, the facility is in a primarily middle income area. It is densely populated, with around 45,000 ...
Heartland Health and Rehabilitation Care Center - Hanahan is located at 1800 Eagle Landing Blvd in Hanahan, South Carolina. It is a 135 bed skilled nursing facility. The neighboring area is densely populated, with around 30,000 individuals residing ...
Riverside Health and Rehab is located at 2375 Baker Hosp Blvd in Charleston, South Carolina. It is a 160 room nursing home facility. The neighboring area is densely populated, with about 27,000 residents in the 29405 zip code. ...
KershawHealth Karesh Long Term Care Center is a 96 room nursing home facility. It is located at 1315 Roberts St in Camden, South Carolina. The encompassing area has a dense population, with approximately 23,000 individuals residing in the ...
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, ...
Wildewood Downs is located within the Oakbrook Village neighborhood of Columbia, South Carolina. It is a 32 unit senior care facility. The facility is in a primarily middle class area, with an average family income of $55,063. ...
Nhc Healthcare - Parklane is a 99 room skilled nursing facility located close to the North Columbia area of Columbia, South Carolina. The surrounding area is heavily populated, with approximately 51,000 individuals residing in the zip code of 29223. ...
Hallmark Healthcare & Rehab Center is an 88 unit nursing care facility situated in Summerville, South Carolina. The surrounding area is densely populated, with approximately 46,000 individuals residing in the zip code of 29485. It is a generally ...
Veterans' Victory House is located at 2461 Sidney Rd in Walterboro, South Carolina. It is a 220 unit senior care community. With roughly 23,000 people residing in the zip code of 29488, the neighboring area is densely populated. ...
The Retreat at Brightwater Skilled Nursing is a 67 unit skilled nursing facility situated in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The neighboring area is heavily populated, with around 33,000 people residing in the zip code of 29579. It is ...
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 ...
NHC Healthcare - Lexington is located at 2993 Sunset Blvd in West Columbia, South Carolina. It is a 120 unit nursing home facility. The community is in a mostly middle class area, with an average per-family income of ...
White Oak Of Charleston is located at 9285 Medical Plaza Dr in Charleston, South Carolina. It is a 176 room senior housing community. The surrounding area is heavily populated, with approximately 25,000 poeple living in the 29418 zip ...
Located at 10 Fountainview Terrace, Cascades Verdae Assisted Living is a senior housing facility serving Greenville, South Carolina. The facility is in a predominantly middle class area, with an average family income of $54,934. With roughly 35,000 individuals ...
The Cost of Nursing Home Care in South Carolina
Seniors in South Carolina can expect nursing home costs below the national average at $458 less or an average of $7,298 per month. Costs in South Carolina are similar to other states in the region, running just $2 less than in North Carolina and $226 more than in Tennessee. Georgia is the most affordable of the neighboring states at $6,722, which is $576 less per month than in South Carolina. Florida is $1,371 more expensive.
- South Carolina: $7,298
- United States: $7,756
- North Carolina: $7,300
- Tennessee: $7,072
- Georgia: $6,722
- Florida: $8,669
The Cost of Nursing Home Care in South Carolina's Top Cities
Most nursing homes in South Carolina range from approximately $6,400 to $8,000, which is a fairly big range in pricing. The most affordable location is Sumter, where nursing home costs average a very low $6,083. Hilton Head Island is the most expensive region at $7,954.
- Greenville: $7,730
- Spartanburg: $7,026
- Columbia: $7,148
- Sumter: $6,083
- Florences: $6,388
- Myrtle Beach: $6,600
- Charleston: $7,330
- Hilton Head Island: $7,954
Senior Care Cost Comparison in South Carolina
Nursing homes offer the most comprehensive level of residential care, which is reflected in the pricing. However, prices are fairly comparable to other long-term care options requiring additional, around-the-clock skilled nursing care. Memory care costs an average of $4,985, which is $2,313 less expensive per month, for those who qualify for a lower level of care. In-home care is similarly priced at $4,076, while adult day care offers the most affordable option at $1,289.
- Memory Care: $4,985
- Assisted Living: $3,988
- In-Home Care: $4,076
- Home Health Care: $4,195
- Adult Day Care: $1,289
- Nursing Home Care: $7,298
Financial Assistance for Nursing Home Care in South Carolina
As you can see above, Nursing Home Care is often the most expensive senior care option – sometimes even 2-3 times the cost of other types of senior living. The primary reason for this is the 24/7 skilled nursing and other medical services that are provided. Thankfully, most people aren't forced to pay for skilled nursing care entirely out-of-pocket. Rather, many qualify for financial assistance programs to help cover the cost of nursing care.
Medicaid is the most comprehensive financial assistance program – but, not all seniors are eligible for Medicaid. And because each state operates its own Medicaid program within federal guidelines, eligibility and benefits vary from state to state. Below, we provide more information on Medicaid in South Carolina.
Medicaid in South Carolina
Medicaid is a public health insurance program that is only available to low-income adults and children. This program offers comprehensive health care coverage, including long-term care and supports for the elderly such as skilled nursing. South Carolina has opted not to expand Medicaid eligibility for its residents, though enrollment has increased by 26.24% since the expansion was first offered in 2013. Currently, 1,105,625 state residents are enrolled in Medicaid, and many of the state's nursing homes accept Medicaid reimbursement for patients.
Medicaid Eligibility in South Carolina
Healthy Connections is the South Carolina Medicaid program designed to assist seniors and disabled adults with nursing home costs. Seniors interested in this program must meet both financial and functional criteria to qualify. Successful applicants must:
- Earn a monthly maximum of $2,382 if applying individually with a spousal allocation of up to $3,259 for married seniors.
- Own no more than $2,000 in countable assets for individuals and $3,000 for married couples. A home, personal vehicle, personal belongings (clothing, jewelry, toiletries, etc.) and home furnishings are uncountable assets.
- Live in South Carolina.
- Be a U.S. citizen or other qualifying legal resident.
- Require nursing facility level of care either in the home or in a facility.
- Live or plan to move to a nursing facility for at least 30 days.
- Have a Social Security number or have put in an application to receive one.
Note: Even those who do not meet the income eligibility guidelines may still qualify after using spend down rules for medical expenses.
The South Carolina Health and Human Services department handles all Medicaid applications, including those for the Healthy Connections program. To apply, seniors can go online to complete the application electronically, mail a copy of the completed form to SCDHHS-Central Mail, P.O. Box 100101, Columbia, SC 29202, or drop it off at the local office.
Additional Financial Assistance Options
- Medicare: For the first 20 days in a skilled nursing facility, Medicare will cover the entire cost of care, and a portion of the costs up until day 100. After 100 days, Medicare won't cover any of the costs. Importantly, seniors must also have a "qualifying hospital stay" that lasts 3 days prior to their admission to a nursing home in order to qualify for Medicare coverage.
- Aid and Attendance: Aid and Attendance may be available to veterans who receive a VA pension. This benefit is a monthly cash allowance that veterans receive in addition to their standard pension amount. It is intended for veterans in need of long-term care services and may be used to pay for skilled nursing care.
- Reverse Mortgages: For those who own a home, reverse mortgages are loans that one can take out against the value of their home, essentially converting some of the home's equity into cash. It's often a good fit for married couples when only one partner needs nursing care, as the other residents of the home may continue living there. Keep in mind that reverse mortgage loans do need to be repaid (with interest), typically within 12 months of receiving the loan.
- Long-Term Care Insurance: For seniors who already have long-term care insurance, the cost of skilled nursing care may be covered. Most policies cover at least a portion of the costs, but it depends on the specific policy terms. It's important to note that older adults who are already in need of skilled nursing care will not be eligible to sign up for a long-term care insurance policy.
South Carolina Nursing Home Care Rules and Regulations
The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control is the administrating agency that handles licensing for nursing homes statewide. It maintains a list of all licensed facilities and available bed spaces to help streamline the search for skilled nursing care. The SCDHEC also handles vital records and environmental matters for the state.
Scope of Care | Registered nurses are the primary staff at a nursing home, and residents receive constant care and attention from nurses, rehabilitative therapists, nurses aides and other health care professionals. Care is provided at any time of the day or night, following a care plan developed by the patient's primary care doctor. Some nursing homes offer care for Alzheimer's patients or those with dementia and may have specialized staff on hand to help with confused patients. |
Care Planning | Facilities must complete a comprehensive assessment and develop an Individual Care Plan with input from a multi-disciplinary team. Care plans must be created within 21 days of patient admission. Staff must update care plans whenever a patient's status changes or quarterly, whichever comes first. |
Pharmacy Services | Residents must be able to easily obtain prescribed medications while in a nursing facility. To meet the needs of patients, nursing facilities often use an in-house pharmacy to fill prescriptions, but there is no requirement to do so. However, a consulting pharmacist must be available to perform monthly checks on patient records for any possible drug interactions or allergies and review storage areas and emergency kits. |
Staff Screening | Prior to hiring, all direct care staff must have a background check on file that demonstrates no history of physical, mental, emotional, sexual or financial abuse of the children or the elderly. In addition to a criminal check, all direct care staff must be screened for tuberculosis and complete a personal health assessment. Staff may not be dependent on psychoactive substances that may impair their ability to perform duties as assigned. |
Staff Training | In South Carolina, all direct care staff must have the education required to perform their stated duties. Nursing staff must be continuously licensed to practice medicine in the state, and the same is true for nurses' aides. An unlicensed nurse aide may provide direct patient care under the guidance of a licensed nurse if that staff member is currently enrolled in an approved nurse aide educational program. |
Medicaid Coverage | The Healthy Connections program is just one of several Medicaid programs that may help pay some or all of the costs associated with long-term stays in a nursing home. To qualify for nursing home assistance, applicants must meet all of the guidelines for standard Medicaid eligibility and a functional needs assessment to determine the level of care needed. |
Reporting Abuse | In cases of suspected abuse or neglect, please file a complaint or report with the Long-Term Care Ombudsman by calling 1-800-868-9095. For more information, visit the LTCO website. |
Free Nursing Home Resources in South Carolina
Healthy Connections Long-Term Living
The Long-Term Living division of Healthy Connections provides seniors and their families with a wealth of information about nursing home options and possible financing. It maintains a list of all currently licensed nursing facilities along with the number of facilities that are Medicare/Medicaid participants. Seniors can easily and quickly locate an open bed by using the South Carolina Long Term Bed Locator or find information about the levels of care provided in nursing homes and the definition of complex care.
South Carolina Agencies
South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services
Address: SCDHHS, P.O. Box 100101, Columbia, SC 29202
Phone Number: (888) 549-0820
Website: scdhhs.gov
The South Carolin DHHS administers many public programs of greatest interest to low-income seniors and disabled adults. In addition to the state's Medicaid program, this agency also manages SNAP benefits, access to home and community-based services waivers and many other possible support services for those who may need an institutional level of care.
Area Agencies on Aging in South Carolina
South Carolina maintains 10 Area Agencies on Aging to help direct seniors and their caregivers to local services and streamline their ability to access public benefits. Emergency financial assistance and caregiver support programs are offered alongside tools such as a bed locator for those seeking a transfer to a nursing home. Transportation services and insurance counseling are both available free of charge to seniors. For more information, seniors can visit their local AAA office.
Veteran Affairs Office in South Carolina
The South Carolina Department of Veterans Affairs offers those who have served in the armed forces and their dependents help to identify and apply for benefits to which they may be entitled. Length of service, specific conflicts and many other factors can influence which benefits are available to which veteran. To get help navigating the complex landscape of civilian access to veteran's benefits, seniors can call or visit a local VA office.
Social Security Offices in South Carolina
The Social Security Administration is a federal agency with locations nationwide. The SSA administers retirement benefits and disability claims, along with Medicare benefits. In states where there is a Social Security supplement, the SSA may also administer those funds along with standard retirement benefits. Low-income seniors who qualify for Supplemental Security Income may also qualify for financial assistance with nursing home costs. To find out more about available benefits, seniors can contact their local SSA office.
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