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The 10 Best Nursing Homes in Columbia, SC for 2024

Located in the heart of the state’s Midlands region, Columbia is South Carolina’s capital and second-largest city. Its population of 131,674 includes approximately 13,400 seniors. Over the next decade, the state’s aging population is expected to grow dramatically. This may lead to increased demand for skilled nursing. Currently, these services cost $7,148 per month, which is slightly lower than the state and national averages.

For most seniors who need long-term care, skilled nursing is just one possibility. These facilities are most appropriate for individuals who don’t need to be in a hospital but still require around-the-clock medical support as they recover. Other alternatives include assisted living and in-home care. These providers offer one-on-one assistance, physical therapy and light medical care, and they’re significantly more affordable in most cases. Seniors can also use these services to delay the need for nursing home placement in some situations.

This guide provides helpful information about the cost of nursing homes in Columbia. It also highlights financial assistance programs and local organizations that can benefit Columbia seniors.

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Nursing Home Facilities in Columbia, South Carolina

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Nursing Home Costs in Columbia, South Carolina

In Columbia, a semiprivate room in a nursing home costs $7,148 per month, and private rooms cost $7,604 per month.

The Cost of Nursing Home Care in Nearby Cities

Nursing home prices in Columbia are lower than the state and national averages, according to the Genworth 2020 Cost of Care Survey. Local seniors pay about $600 less than the national average, and they save $150 on the state median. However, Columbia is not the most affordable major city in the Palmetto State. Cities with more affordable rates include Florence at $6,388 and Sumter at $6,083, which represents a monthly savings of more than $1,000. On the other hand, average nursing home prices are higher in Charleston and Greenville by $182 and $582, respectively.

Columbia

$7,148

South Carolina

$7,298

The United States

$7,756

Sumter

$6,083

Charleston

$7,330

Greenville

$7,730

Florence

$6,388

The Cost of Other Types of Senior Care

Columbia seniors have other options besides skilled nursing, depending on the level of care and assistance they require. In Columbia, skilled nursing facilities are by far the most expensive option. They cost $2,800 more than assisted living and home health care, which average around $4,290. Adult day health care is the most affordable option, with a median cost of $1,274. However, it’s not appropriate for individuals who require around-the-clock nursing or medical supervision.

Home care

$4,242

Home health care

$4,290

Adult day health care

$1,274

Assisted living

$4,299

Nursing home (semiprivate room)

$7,148

Nursing home (private room)

$7,604

Financial Assistance for Nursing Home Care in Columbia, South Carolina

Many seniors and their families use some form of financial assistance to help them pay for nursing care. The main options available are Medicare, Medicaid, and veterans benefits. These programs can be complicated, especially when it comes to benefit terms. Below, we give a brief overview of how these programs may be used towards paying for skilled nursing care.

  • Medicare: Medicare will typically cover all skilled nursing costs for the first 20 days of one’s stay in a nursing home and a portion of the costs until day 100. After 100 days in a skilled nursing facility, Medicare will not cover any part of the cost of the stay. While this is adequate when short-term care is needed, those in need of long-term care will need to either pay out-of-pocket or use another source of financial assistance.
  • Medicaid: Medicaid covers most of the costs of living in a skilled nursing facility for those who qualify. Care, room, and board are covered with no time limit, but residents may be charged for extras like specially prepared food or cosmetic services. Medicaid eligibility standards are strict and complex, so not all seniors are eligible for Medicaid benefits.
  • Veterans Benefits: Veterans receiving a VA pension may also be eligible for the Aid and Attendance benefit administered by the VA. Aid and Attendance is a monthly allowance that beneficiaries may use to pay for their long-term care, including skilled nursing care.

If these options aren’t available to you, check if your loved one has long-term care insurance or contact your Area Agency on Aging to ask about any local financial assistance programs for seniors.

Free Resources for Seniors in Columbia, South Carolina

Families and seniors in Columbia have a wealth of resources at their fingertips. Government agencies and nonprofits offer a variety of free and low-cost services to help older adults age in place. Learn more about some of the most helpful programs below.

ResourceContactService
Central Midlands Council of Governments(803) 376-5390The Central Midland Council of Government is home to the Area Agency on Aging for Columbia and surrounding communities. It’s often the first agency that seniors, caregivers and families call for assistance. Staff members help with in-home care, community-based services, long-term care needs assessments, meal deliveries and ways to pay for institutional supports provided in a nursing home or assisted living facility.
The Lourie Center(803) 779-1971Named after Senator Isadore Lourie, who was a champion for the state’s elders, this nonprofit senior center offers a rich array of recreational programs for adults aged 50 and older. Scheduled activities include Zumba, tai chi, yoga and bingo. The center, which is more than 500 members strong, hosts art classes, craft workshops, language courses and special events, including Words & Wine, which showcases local authors. The center also provides free transportation for seniors in the downtown area.
Prisma Health SeniorCare PACE(803) 931-8166The Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) is a national integrated care model that allows seniors to receive medical care, long-term care and personal supports through one provider. It’s open to adults who are aged 55 or older, qualify for Medicare or Medicaid and live in a designated geographic area. Prisma Health’s PACE program offers personalized supports, including primary and emergency medical care, dental services, medications, meals, therapy and adult day care.
Senior Resources Inc.(803) 252-7734Supporting the local community since 1967, Senior Resources provides Meals on Wheels deliveries, in-home care and transportation, as well as food and veterinary supplies for seniors’ pets. Most services are free or available for a nominal fee to qualifying seniors and disabled adults. Active seniors may be interested in volunteer opportunities offered by this organization.
South Carolina Community Long Term Care (CLTC)(803) 741-082The South Carolina Bureau of Long Term Care and Behavioral Health Services is in charge of Medicaid home- and community-based services waivers and nursing home placements. Referrals and applications are handled by the Area 5 Community Long Term Care office in Columbia. This government agency can help seniors who may benefit from hands-on care.

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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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