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The 10 Best Home Care Agencies for Seniors in Charleston, SC for 2024

Charleston is a charming port city in South Carolina famous for its rich history and excellent cuisine. It is home to 151,612 people with a senior community that accounts for 15.4% — around 1% less than the national average. Seniors in Charleston can access a variety of high-quality health care facilities. For instance, MUSC Health-University Medical Center is nationally ranked for two adult specialties and rated the best hospital in South Carolina. On average, seniors in Charleston pay around $5,005 per month for home care that includes personal care services. Seniors who need light medical services should opt for home health care instead.

Below we’ve compiled a comprehensive directory of every home care provider in the Charleston area – complete with services offered and reviews from families who’ve actually used the service. In addition to our in-depth provider listings, we’ve compiled resources to help seniors and their families to access all the tools they need to age in place safely and gracefully.

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Home Care Agencies in Charleston, SC

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Paying for Home Care in Charleston, SC

The Cost of Home Care in Charleston, SC

The 2021 Genworth Cost of Care Survey reports that home care costs around $5,005 in Charleston, roughly $570 more than the state average and $50 more than the national average. In the middle of the state, in Columbia, care costs around $600 less than in Charleston. Hilton Head Island has the least affordable home care costs in the state, averaging around $5,577 per month. Spartanburg has the most affordable care, costing $4,076 per month. In Myrtle Beach, seniors pay slightly more than the state average at $4,433. 

Charleston

$5,005

South Carolina

$4,433

The United States

$4,957

Columbia

$4,385

Hilton Head Island

$5,577

Myrtle Beach

$4,576

Spartanburg

$4,076

The Cost of Home Care vs. Other Senior Care Options in Charleston, SC

Both home care and home health care cost around $5,005 per month in Charleston, but they differ in that home care covers personal care and home health care includes light medical services. Adult day care, which includes daytime support, is by far the most affordable option at around $1,381. For seniors requiring more comprehensive care, assisted living typically costs around $3,945 per month. A semiprivate room in a nursing home is the most expensive option, costing around $7,513 per month.

Home Care

$5,005

Home Health Care

$5,005

Adult Day Health Care

$1,381

Assisted Living

$3,945

Nursing Home Care (semiprivate room)

$7,513

Financial Assistance for Home Care in Charleston, SC

Given the high cost of in-home care, many people use one or more forms of financial assistance to cover the expenses. Below, we explain some of the most common sources of financial help for paying for in-home care. If none of these options are available to you, you can reach out to your Area Agency on Aging or Aging and Disability Resource Center to learn about local resources.

  • Long-Term Care Insurance: Long-Term Care Insurance covers expenses related to senior care, including in-home care. Depending on the policy type, beneficiaries may receive a cash payment to use towards long-term care or reimbursement for qualifying long-term care expenses. Note that there are limitations- typically a maximum benefit of $150 per day- and exact coverage terms vary depending on the exact policy, so always check the details.
  • Medicare: Medicare does not cover in-home care because it is classified as custodial, or non-medical, care. However, some Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement plans, which offer expanded benefits, may cover in-home custodial care.
  • Medicaid: Medicaid coverage of in-home care varies between different states because it is not a federally mandated benefit. Currently, all states cover some in-home care either through their standard Medicaid or a waiver program. The specific coverage rules are set individually by each state.
  • Veterans’ Benefits: The Aid and Attendance benefit is a monthly cash payment that beneficiaries can use to pay for senior care, including in-home care services. To qualify for A&A, Veterans must already receive the VA pension and meet several additional requirements, including needing assistance with the activities of daily living.Contact the Department of Veterans Affairs to learn more.
  • Reverse Mortgages: Home Equity Conversion Mortgages (HECMs) are federally insured loans that are available to homeowners age 62 and over. Reverse mortgages allow you to access a portion of your home’s equity in cash, tax free. Many seniors use reverse mortgages to finance their care expenses, including in-home care. Note that although there are no monthly payments due on reverse mortgage loans, borrowers do have to repay the loan once the last surviving homeowner passes away, moves, or sells the home.

Free & Low-Cost Home Care Resources in Charleston, SC

Charleston has a range of resources available designed to support seniors and help them stay living independently for as long as possible. Local and government programs offer assistance with paying bills, home repairs and meal assistance. Contact the agencies below to find out more.

ResourceContactService
South Carolina Weatherization Assistance Program(803) 648-6836The South Carolina Weatherization Assistance Program helps low-income families to make home improvements that enhance their quality of life. The program is available to all low-income households that meet income requirements (e.g., income must not exceed $27,180 per year for a one-person household), but special preference is given to seniors over 60 and people with disabilities. Weatherization services include installing attic insulation, repairing ceilings and replacing windows.
Meals on Wheels(843) 722-4127Meals on Wheels is a nonprofit national program that brings meals to homebound seniors. A friendly volunteer delivers hot, nutritious meals Monday through Friday and extra services such as pet food delivery are also available. The program is funded by the government and local agencies, but donations are welcome. To be eligible, seniors must be homebound and unable to shop for or prepare their own meals.
Critical Home Repair Program(843) 202-6986Vulnerable seniors in Charleston can access vital home repairs through the Critical Home Repair Program. To be eligible, you must be a Charleston Country resident, be 62 or older, meet the income guidelines and own the home you want repaired. The program aims to make homes safe and livable through services such as modifying for accessibility, installing plumbing and repairing components.
Waring Senior Center(843) 402-1990Waring Senior Center is a 16,000-square-foot center with a wide variety of senior amenities, including a fitness center, a computer room and an exercise studio. Seniors can get involved in various activities, including pickleball, exercise and computer classes. The center aims to be a place where all seniors can come to feel part of a community.

Determining Your Loved One’s Need for In-Home Care

Aging can be a difficult process, and loved ones may not always ask for help – often times it’s up to their family to evaluate their need for help around the house. While no two situations are exactly alike, this checklist can help you and your loved ones determine when it’s time to start the search for a home care provider.

Download
Checklist for determining the need for home care
Checklist for determining the need for home care

Guidelines for Talking About In-Home Care

If you’ve determined that your loved one needs the assistance of a care provider in their home, it may be time for a difficult conversation. Handled correctly, however, this process can bring a family together and ensure that everyone’s concerns are addressed. Use this PDF as a starting point to help the conversation stay as positive and productive as possible.

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Talking with Family and Others about a loved one's needs
Talking with Family and Others about a loved one's needs

Frequently Asked Questions

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The material on this site is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal, financial, professional, or medical advice or diagnosis or treatment. By using our website, you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Caring.com

Caring.com is a leading online destination for caregivers seeking information and support as they care for aging parents, spouses, and other loved ones. We offer thousands of original articles, helpful tools, advice from more than 50 leading experts, a community of caregivers, and a comprehensive directory of caregiving services.

 

The material on this site is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal, financial, professional, or medical advice or diagnosis or treatment. By using our website, you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

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