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Assisted Living South Carolina

Nearly 1 out of every 5 people in South Carolina is aged 65 or older. Popular retirement destinations such as Myrtle Beach have brought in lots of seniors seeking a relaxed lifestyle, mild climate and lots of community engagement. Estimates put the senior population at 1.5 million by 2030, out of a total population of 5.8 million.

According to our 2024 Senior Living Report, South Carolina ranks 49th overall, with low marks in healthcare and transportation dragging down state performance. However, South Carolina is also home to MUSC Health, one of the best hospitals in the country with national rankings in seven specialties, including cancer treatment, according to U.S. News & World Report. South Carolina scores mid-range for categories such as Senior Living and Community Involvement, and when combined with senior-friendly tax policies, it creates an appealing option for seniors seeking long-term care. Assisted living averages only $3,612 per month, which is well below the median national price point.

This guide to assisted living in South Carolina offers a look at expected care costs for long-term options and financial resources that may be available to senior residents. It also provides information about government agencies and nonprofits that offer seniors services, along with a brief look at some of the rules and regulations surrounding senior residential communities.

The Cost of Assisted Living in South Carolina

When trying to decide how to pay for assisted living, one of the first questions that comes up is "How much does it cost?" With the impact of inflation, it's more important than ever to have up-to-date information when making a financial plan for senior living. To help shed light on real senior living prices, Caring.com has compiled proprietary cost data from its network of over 75,000 senior living providers to offer insight into the average cost of assisted living in South Carolina and its 39 cities.

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

The price of assisted living in South Carolina can vary significantly between cities. In the center of the state, Columbia's average rate is $3,927. But heading toward the coast, prices drop in Myrtle Beach to $3,726. Other cities offer rates closer to the statewide norm, such as Spartanburg at $4,021 per month, while some towns have lower costs, including Greenville at $3,782.

South Carolina

$4,161

Columbia

$3,927

Myrtle Beach

$3,726

Spartanburg

$4,021

Greenville

$3,782

Inflation's Impact on the Cost of Assisted Living in South Carolina

Inflation has significantly impacted the price of assisted living in South Carolina, with rates rising by 17.37% between 2022 and 2023. In contrast, the national average increased by 9.55%. Nearby states also saw prices rise during that period. North Carolina experienced a similar increase, with statewide prices climbing by 18.1%, while Tennessee reported a sharp rise of 24.17%. Inflation in Georgia was comparatively tame at 5.95%, but Florida was in line with the national average at 9.12%. This trend toward higher rates underlines the importance of financial planning for seniors living in the South.

Location2022 Cost (Historical)2023 Cost (Current)2024 Cost (Estimated)
South Carolina$3,545$4,161$4,526
U.S. Average$4,070$4,459$4,802
North Carolina$4,088$4,828$4,803
Georgia$3,730$3,952$3,895
Tennessee$3,383$4,201$4,543
Florida$3,727$4,067$4,438

The Costs of Other Types of Senior Living

Assisted living isn't the only senior care option in South Carolina. Seniors who don't need daily living assistance can save by choosing an independent living community, which costs $3,023 on average in the state. On the other hand, memory care provides more advanced services than assisted living for the higher price of $4,234.

Assisted Living

$4,161

Memory Care

$4,234

Independent Living

$3,023

Does Medicaid Cover Assisted Living in South Carolina?

Medicaid in South Carolina offers two programs that may pay for some or all of the cost of assisted living, allowing low-income seniors to find long-term, residential care that would otherwise be out of reach. These two programs — Optional State Supplement Program and Healthy Connections Home and Community-Based Waivers — have similar eligibility requirements but operate differently.

What Assisted Living Services Are Covered by Medicaid in South Carolina?

Medicaid offers help with many assistive services but may not cover room and board costs in an assisted living community. A multidisciplinary team develops an individual care plan that might include:

  • Assistance with some or many activities of daily living or instrumental activities of daily living
  • Medication assistance
  • Various therapies (physical, occupational, speech, etc.)
  • Nursing care on an intermittent basis

These waiver programs may not be available in all areas, and there may be a waiting list to access services and subsidies. 

Assisted Living Waiver Programs in South Carolina

Optional State Supplement Program

The Optional State Supplement Program is available to seniors who meet the eligibility guidelines for Supplemental Security Income and reside in a nursing home or residential care facility. This program pays the facility directly to help supplement resident income, making it more affordable for seniors to continue living in an assisted living facility. This program doesn’t offer direct services to seniors. Instead, it offers a financial subsidy that can be applied to room and board or other assistive services.  

To qualify for this program, applicants must be at least 65 years old or disabled and meet both medical and financial eligibility requirements. 

Before enrolling in the OSS program, applicants should apply for SSI with the Social Security Administration and complete an application for nursing home, residential or in-home care through Healthy Connections. These applications should be submitted to the local SCDHHS office. If approved, seniors can designate the facility which will receive funds if they are already a resident or work with SCDHHS to locate a facility with openings. 

Healthy Connections – HCBS Waivers

Healthy Connections manages all long-term care Medicaid Waivers in South Carolina. Some HCBS waivers may pay for assistive care in an assisted living community, but these waivers typically exclude room and board fees. Some examples of the type of care covered by this waiver include: 

 

  • Personal care (help with bathing, dressing, mobility, housekeeping, etc.)
  • Attendant care
  • Companion care
  • Limited skilled nursing
  • Personal emergency response system monitoring
  • Limited incontinence supplies

 

To qualify for this program, seniors must meet both financial and medical eligibility requirements and often must be otherwise qualified for a level of care offered in nursing homes. 

To apply, visit a local SCDHHS office, fill out an application online or by mail. 

How to Know If You’re Eligible for Medicaid in South Caroli

The South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is the agency that handles Medicaid eligibility determinations throughout the state. Applicants who qualify for SSI through the Social Security Administration typically also qualify for Medicaid and may be enrolled at the same time in both programs.  

To qualify, applicants must:

  • Be at least 65 years of age or be blind or disabled
  • Be a U.S. citizen or legal resident and a permanent resident of South Carolina
  • Meet income guidelines

As of 2023, a senior who would otherwise qualify for nursing home coverage may have an annual income of no more than $32,904.

2022 Medicaid Income Limits for Seniors in South Carolina

Household SizeNumber of ApplicantsIncome Limits Per Year*Asset Limits: Applicant(s)Asset Limits: Non-Applicants
One Person1$32,904$4,000
Two Person1$32,904**$4,000$66,480
Two Person2$65,808$8,000

*Depending on the facility setting, a recipient may not be able to keep income up to this level.

**Income limit is for applicant only.

Assistive care services are available in residential treatment facilities, assisted living communities or in-home. In addition to financial eligibility guidelines, seniors must also complete an assessment with their doctor that states assistive services are medically necessary. For HCBS waivers, the assessment must show that seniors need help with some or all of the following:

  • Activities of daily living 
  • Instrumental activities of daily living 
  • Medication assistance
  • Health support  

 

How to Apply for Medicaid in South Carolina

Medicaid applications can be completed online via Healthy Connections. Paper applications are available at SCDHHS offices and online. Paper copies can be mailed or dropped off in person at the nearest SCDHHS office.

Information You Will Need 

When applying for Medicaid, some documentation may be requested, including:

  • Proof of identity and age
  • Proof of citizenship and state residency 
  • Proof of income, including tax returns and other retirement benefits
  • Proof of assets, including bank statements, retirement accounts and trusts 
  • Social Security number 
  • Proof of any current health insurance policy, including Medicare

How to Get Help Applying for Medicaid

If seniors need help with their Medicaid application, there are several government and nonprofit agencies that are available. These agencies offer help understanding benefits, how to apply and where to find all of the necessary documentation.

ProgramContactDESCRIPTION
South Carolina Healthy Connections Choices(877) 552-4642South Carolina Health Connections Choices is the organization that determines eligibility for home and community-based services for seniors and the disabled. Enrollment counselors are available over the phone, Monday through Friday during normal business hours to help with the application process.
SC Thrive(800) 726-8774SC Thrive is a nonprofit organization that helps seniors navigate the complex list of benefits that may be available to them. It offers assistance with Medicaid applications over the phone, online or in-person.
South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services(888) 549-0820The South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services handles all Medicaid applications and has a helpline available for those with questions about the application process.

Does Medicare Cover Assisted Living in South Carolina?

The short answer is that no, Medicare does not cover the cost of assisted living in South Carolina. Assisted living facilities are considered to be a “residential setting” and not a “clinical setting,” (think nursing homes). While Medicare doesn’t cover the cost of care received in an assisted living community, it does still cover things like approved medications, doctor visits, medical equipment, etc., just like it would if you lived at home.

For more information about when Medicare can be used to pay for senior living in a nursing home, and for Medicare-related resources, see our guide to Nursing Homes in South Carolina.

DEV NOTE: Please include a link to the section on the appropriate nursing home state page that discusses Medicare.

Other Financial Assistance Options for Assisted Living in South Carolina

Seniors who are not eligible (due to location, financial situation, or other factors) for other types of financial assistance, do still have some options. See the table below for an overview of some of the most common ways to make Assisted Living affordable.

NameHowToApplyHowItWorks
Aid and AttendanceLearn more and apply online at va.gov.Veterans who receive a VA pension may also be eligible for the Aid and Attendance benefit, a monthly cash allowance that veterans receive in addition to their standard pension amount. The benefit is intended for veterans in need of long-term care services and may be used towards paying for Assisted Living.
Reverse MortgagesLearn more about your options and how to apply at ftc.govIf you own a home, you may be able to use a reverse mortgage to help pay for Assisted Living. 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. Reverse mortgage loans do need to be repaid with interest, typically within 12 months of receiving the loan.
Long-Term Care (LTC) InsuranceLearn more about Long-Term Care Insurance and how to apply for a policy at acl.gov.Seniors who already have long-term care insurance may be able to use it to pay for Assisted Living. Most policies cover at least a portion of the cost, but it depends on the specific policy terms. Note that older adults who are already in need of Assisted Living will not typically be eligible to sign up for a LTC insurance policy.

Free and Low-Cost Resources for Seniors in South Carolina

There are many resources in South Carolina that assist seniors in their retirement. Caring.com has compiled information on local organizations, programs and agencies and categorized them into care types for easy reference.

Area Agency on Aging

Retirees can find support and advice on various senior-related issues from their local Area Agency on Aging. The agency provides advice on topics such as financial assistance programs, in-home care and long-term care planning. It also connects seniors and caregivers with community-based resources.

Program NamePhone NumberDescription
South Carolina Area Agencies on AgingThe 10 Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) under the ) offer seniors Information about available programs and services, including the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), Medicare, the Long Term Care Ombudsman Program, senior centers and the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP). AAA location info is accessible via the website.

Cash Assistance Programs

Cash assistance programs in South Carolina provide financial support to help low-income retirees remain in their own homes for as long as possible. Seniors and caregivers can apply for tax rebates and reductions, discounts on vital services and help covering the cost of heating and cooling their home.

Program NamePhone NumberDescription
South Carolina Lifeline Program800-234-9473The LifeLine Program offers a discount on landline or mobile telephone service, ensuring that participants can stay in contact with loved ones.

Financial Assistance for Senior Care and Senior Living

Whether living in their own home or in a senior living community, South Carolina seniors can find financial assistance from numerous local resources. These organizations help residents cover some of the costs associated with in-home or long-term care and connect them with other helpful community-based resources.

Program NamePhone NumberDescription
South Carolina Community Long-Term Care888-549-0820Community Long-Term Care offers a variety of programs and services to older adults who need personal care assistance to help them delay entry into nursing home care. This includes the Community Choices Waiver that helps individuals aged 18 and older with a disability or seniors aged 65 and older receive services like bathing, dressing and toileting. Other services offered include companionship, home-delivered meals, adult day health care, skilled nursing, respite care and personal emergency response systems.

Food Assistance Programs

Local organizations help ensure elderly citizens have a balanced diet and receive essential vitamins and minerals to remain healthy. Through nutrition programs, congregate meals, home-delivered meals and food pantries, these programs help South Carolina seniors afford the nutritious food they need.

Program NamePhone NumberDescription
South Carolina Meals on WheelsSouth Carolina Meals on Wheels works with South Carolina food pantries, senior centers and churches to provide weekday deliveries of hot, nutritious lunches to homebound seniors. Delivery times and options vary by specific MOW partner. There's no charge for the delivery service, though donations are accepted. Many Meals on Wheels partners also offer congregate meal sites that provide a social experience for otherwise isolated seniors.
South Carolina Seniors Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP)888-227-3487The Southern California Seniors Farmer's Market Nutrition Program is a seasonal grant program that provides seniors with fresh fruits and vegetables from local farmer's markets. The program runs from June 1 to October 31. Each eligible senior receives $50 worth of checks to spend at participating markets. Seniors must be over 60 years of age, reside in one of 46 participating counties and meet certain income requirements to be eligible for the program.
South Carolina Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)888-227-3487The South Carolina Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program helps qualifying seniors over age 60 obtain nutritious food. Those who are eligible receive their benefits on an electronic benefits transfer card, which functions like a debit card and is accepted at supermarkets, convenience stores and farmers' markets statewide and at participating online retailers. Only food and beverages can be purchased with the card, excluding prepared food items, alcohol and tobacco. Expedited benefits are available within 7 days of application for qualifying seniors.

Home Repair and Modifications

Seniors and those with disabilities can access a variety of local resources to help them pay for home repairs and modifications. Programs in South Carolina have different eligibility criteria and often assist retirees by providing grants or loans.

Program NamePhone NumberDescription
South Carolina Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)803-734-0662WAP helps seniors with limited budgets reduce their energy bills by making their property more energy-efficient. This includes installing insulation and replacing windows, doors and older appliances. Replacing HVAC units, hot water heaters and refrigerators.

Many organizations offer free or low-cost legal services to South Carolina seniors. Older adults can access advice on issues such as estate planning, living wills and power of attorney. Some firms also act as long-term care ombudsmen, advocating for the rights of seniors in senior living communities.

Program NamePhone NumberDescription
South Carolina Long Term Care Ombudsman800-868-9095The Long Term Care Ombudsman Program was created to ensure residents of memory care communities and other long term care facilities receive high quality care. The program's volunteers investigate complaints about facilities and seek a resolution that supports the best interests of the facility's residents. Before moving into a facility, an ombudsman can help find facilities' inspection records and past citations so families can choose the best facility for their loved one's needs.
South Carolina Legal Services803-799-9668South Carolina Legal Services is a statewide nonprofit with offices in Columbia and other major cities. It's dedicated to ensuring that all residents have equal access to legal services, regardless of their ability to pay. Seniors can contact this organization for help with all types of civil matters, including health care, family law, housing, deceptive sales practices, debt collection and consumer rights.

Senior Centers

Senior centers in South Carolina bring together residents through recreational activities and events. Many also offer advice and support on senior issues, run wellness and nutrition programs, and connect older adults with other resources in the local area.

Program NamePhone NumberDescription
South Carolina Multipurpose Senior Centers800-868-9095South Carolina's Multipurpose Senior Centers offer residents a place to gather, share meals in a congenial setting, participate in wellness classes and generally remain active in their communities. These centers also act as a first stop for many seniors seeking benefits assistance. Public benefits counseling and transportation services are just a small sample of the help that may be available at a local senior center.

Social Security Offices

Social Security offices in South Carolina help seniors and disabled people access the benefits they're entitled to. Older adults can contact their local office for information about receiving retirement benefits, disability allowance and Supplemental Security Income.

Program NamePhone NumberDescription
South Carolina Social SecuritySocial Security is a source of income available to retirees and people who can no longer work because of a disability. The money for Social Security comes from a payroll tax levied on employers, employees and self-employed individuals. When you retire, you'll receive monthly payments based on how much you earned when you were working.

Tax Assistance

Seniors can apply for tax assistance from several South Carolina resources. Elderly residents and those with disabilities could be eligible for tax exemptions on medical expenses, reductions on property tax and other tax assistance programs.

Program NamePhone NumberDescription
South Carolina Homestead Exemption​803-898-5700The South Carolina Homestead Exemption provides an exemption of the first $50,000 of the Fair Market Value of your property in order to reduce tax liability.

Utility & Energy Bill Assistance

Low-income seniors who are struggling to meet the costs of maintaining their homes can find support from organizations that offer assistance with utility and energy bills. South Carolina retirees could also qualify for emergency funding programs if they're in danger of losing utility services due to unpaid invoices.

Program NamePhone NumberDescription
South Carolina Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP)803-734-0662LIHWAP is a federally funded program that assists residents of South Carolina with water bills and waste management fees. This assistance applies to seniors and individuals who use public water systems or treatment works.
South Carolina Low-Income Home Energy Improvement Plan (LIHEIP)803-734-0662LIHEAP helps seniors pay for high energy bills, especially during winter. The program provides utility bill payment assistance, energy crisis assistance and weatherization and home repair assistance. The program is offered by local county Community Action Agencies.

Veteran's Services

South Carolina retirees who have served in the U.S. military can find support from local veteran services. These offices and organizations help vets access the benefits they're eligible for and provide advice and information on a variety of issues.

Program NamePhone NumberDescription
South Carolina VA Benefits and Health CareVeterans in South Carolina can access VA health care services, which vary and offer coverage for preventive care, inpatient hospitalizations and emergency care. Disability compensation is available for veterans who became ill, injured or disabled while on active duty. Other VA benefits available to some South Carolina veterans include pension benefits, assistance securing employment, life insurance and access to VA home loans. Eligibility requirements can vary and can be reviewed at a local VA office.

Assisted Living Laws and Regulations in South Carolina

Assisted living facilities in South Carolina comply with regulations set by the Agency for Health Care Administration, Bureau of Health Facility Regulation. These regulations ensure a high standard of care for residents by setting minimum requirements for care, staffing and environmental features.  

SOUTH CAROLINA LAWS AND REGULATIONS
Assisted Living Service Plan Requirements Before admitting a new resident, assisted living facilities are required to arrange for a comprehensive medical examination that outlines the resident’s health status, care needs and dietary requirements. This evaluation should take place within 60 days before admission or 30 days after. Based on this evaluation, it develops a written service plan that addresses the individual’s needs and preferences. Residents, as well as their representative, guardian or attorney, should be allowed to participate in developing the plan.
Assisted Living Admission Requirements The assisted living facility’s owner or administrator is responsible for determining whether an individual is eligible for admission. Prospective residents must need help with some activities of daily living, and they should be able to participate in social and recreational activities. Facilities are permitted to admit residents who use assistive devices or require skilled nursing services, as long as the facility can provide that care directly or through a third party.
Assisted Living Scope of Care Assisted living facilities provide housing, meals and one or more personal care services. They may hire or contract with licensed healthcare providers to perform nursing tasks, including medication administration and medical monitoring. 
Assisted Living Medicaid Policy Florida’s Medicaid managed care program covers assisted living services under its Assistive Care Services provision as well as its Long-Term Care Managed Care Program. To accept payment from Medicaid, assisted living facilities must be licensed. 
Assisted Living Facility Requirements Assisted living facilities licensed prior to October 1999 may have up to four residents in a room, and they must have one toilet and one sink per six residents and one bath or shower per eight residents. Those licensed after that date may have only two residents per room, and no more than four residents must share a bathroom. Facilities that serve residents receiving Medicaid assistive care services aren’t required to have apartment-style rooms, but those with residents in the Long-Term Care Managed Program must have private rooms and apartments for residents. 
Medication Management Regulations Unlicensed staff in assisted living facilities can help residents with self-administered medication. This includes bringing premeasured medication to the resident, informing the resident of the medication and dosage, confirming that the medication is intended for the resident, placing the medication in the individual’s hand, applying topical medications, returning medication containers to storage and recording when a resident took their medication. Only licensed healthcare workers can administer medication.
Staffing Requirements Assisted living facilities must have an administrator responsible for monitoring day-to-day activities and a direct care staff that provides personal care services. There must be at least one staff member on-site at all times who’s certified in first aid and CPR. The state requires facilities to have minimum weekly staff hours, averaging about one full-time employee per 20 residents. Facilities must have enough staff members at all times to care for residents’ scheduled and unscheduled needs, even if that exceeds minimum requirements. 
Staff Training Requirements Administrators must complete 26 hours of initial training plus a competency test within 90 days of employment, plus 12 hours of continuing education every 2 years. Within 30 days of employment, unlicensed direct care staff must complete at least an hour of in-service training in infection control and 3 hours of training in topics related to residents’ needs and behaviors.
Background Checks for Assisted Living Assisted living facilities require level 2 background screening for prospective employees. An individual is ineligible for hire or continued employment if convicted of an intentional or negligent act that jeopardized the health or safety of a resident, theft from a resident or behaving in a way that could cause the facility to lose its licensing.
Requirements for Reporting Abuse Per state law, assisted living facility staff are mandated reporters and are required to report observed or suspected abuse, neglect or exploitation. Reports are to be made immediately to the central abuse hotline at (800) 962-2873 or online through the Florida Department of Children and Families.

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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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