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.

Directory of Home Care Services in Charleston, SC

Home Instead – Charleston, SC

I had requested assistance for my husband 3 days a week. Aid came one day, called in sick one day, and I had to cancel one day because my husband developed an irregular heartbeat and we were sent to a … (read more)
I had requested assistance for my husband 3 days a week. Aid came one day, called in sick one day, and I had to cancel one day because my husband developed an irregular heartbeat and we were sent to a … (read more)

Right at Home Charleston

Right at Home provides me with an in-home Caregiver for 5days a week. I am a current Client, and have been have been a Client since March 2022. I am very pleased with my Caregiver Melissa King becau … (read more)
Right at Home provides me with an in-home Caregiver for 5days a week. I am a current Client, and have been have been a Client since March 2022. I am very pleased with my Caregiver Melissa King becau … (read more)

Care Givers Unlimited

Outstanding organization and wonderful support staff. Incredibly helpful!
Outstanding organization and wonderful support staff. Incredibly helpful!



Home Instead – Summerville, SC

Founded more than 25 years ago in Omaha, Nebraska, Home Instead provides individualized, compassionate care to aging adults with the goal of helping them live independently for as long as possible. Th … (read more)
Founded more than 25 years ago in Omaha, Nebraska, Home Instead provides individualized, compassionate care to aging adults with the goal of helping them live independently for as long as possible. Th … (read more)

BrightStar Care Charleston

They provided service my parents couldn’t do on their own. They were easy and helped us right when we got home from the hospital.
They provided service my parents couldn’t do on their own. They were easy and helped us right when we got home from the hospital.

Senior Helpers Charleston

I have been with Senior Helpers Charleston since the first of the year. I have had some great people, but I’ve also had not-so-great people. Right now, I’ve got some good people that are helping me, a … (read more)
I have been with Senior Helpers Charleston since the first of the year. I have had some great people, but I’ve also had not-so-great people. Right now, I’ve got some good people that are helping me, a … (read more)

FirstLight Home Care of The Grand Strand

The caregiver from First Light Homecare was excellent. She was very caring, very professional, and if she would call if she would be late.
The caregiver from First Light Homecare was excellent. She was very caring, very professional, and if she would call if she would be late.

Interim HealthCare of Charleston, SC

I had to have a substitute care giver to come in while my regular one was away on family matters. I was assigned Regina from the North Charleston branch. This girl was excellent!! Proactive, hard work … (read more)
I had to have a substitute care giver to come in while my regular one was away on family matters. I was assigned Regina from the North Charleston branch. This girl was excellent!! Proactive, hard work … (read more)

Lowcountry Companions In Home Care

My in-laws have been taken care of by this company for the past several years. They are an awesome company and we have always been impressed with their caregivers. We do not live in the same city and … (read more)
My in-laws have been taken care of by this company for the past several years. They are an awesome company and we have always been impressed with their caregivers. We do not live in the same city and … (read more)

@ Home Senior Care

@ Home Senior Care is very receptive. They are willing to do whatever it is needed to be done to work out the schedule for my dad. They took the time to make sure to interview my dad and place the rig … (read more)
@ Home Senior Care is very receptive. They are willing to do whatever it is needed to be done to work out the schedule for my dad. They took the time to make sure to interview my dad and place the rig … (read more)

Visiting Angels – Mount Pleasant, SC

I’m very pleased with the caregivers from Visiting Angels. They come in for my parents three times a week, 8 hours a day. We’ve been working with them for about two weeks now.
I’m very pleased with the caregivers from Visiting Angels. They come in for my parents three times a week, 8 hours a day. We’ve been working with them for about two weeks now.

Griswold Home Care

My mother is using Griswold Home Care. They come from 9:00 to 5:00, Monday through Friday. They sit with her, cook, and help her with pretty much everything she needs during those hours. They document … (read more)
My mother is using Griswold Home Care. They come from 9:00 to 5:00, Monday through Friday. They sit with her, cook, and help her with pretty much everything she needs during those hours. They document … (read more)

Aura Home Care and Concierge, LLC

At Aura, our mission is simple. Provide authentic care with passion and purpose. We strive to be a positive presence for our clients, their families, and our community. Our team of compassionate ca … (read more)
At Aura, our mission is simple. Provide authentic care with passion and purpose. We strive to be a positive presence for our clients, their families, and our community. Our team of compassionate ca … (read more)






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. 

$5005

Charleston

$4433

South Carolina

$4957

The United States

$4385

Columbia

$5577

Hilton Head Island

$4576

Myrtle Beach

$4076

Spartanburg

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.

$5005

Home Care

$5005

Home Health Care

$1381

Adult Day Health Care

$3945

Assisted Living

$7513

Nursing Home Care (semiprivate room)

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.

Resource

Contact

Service

(803) 648-6836

The 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.

(843) 722-4127

Meals 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.

(843) 202-6986

Vulnerable 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.

(843) 402-1990

Waring 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.

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.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between in-home care and home health care?

In-home care typically covers personal care services, such as grooming, bathing and cooking. Alternatively, home health care includes medical services, such as medication administration, physical therapy and speech therapy. The prices of both are usually fairly similar, but often home health care is slightly more expensive as a nurse or therapist carries it out.

What is the average cost of in-home elderly care in Charleston?

In-home care in Charleston costs an average of $5,005 per month. However, this can vary depending on the exact location and required services. The cost is slightly higher than the national average and significantly higher than the state average.

What types of services can a home care agency in Charleston provide?

A good home care agency can provide a range of services. These include personal care such as bathing, grooming and dressing, as well as transportation, grocery shopping, cooking and housework. Home care staff assist seniors with daily tasks they can no longer carry out alone.

Assisted living homes vs. home care: how to decide?

The decision of whether to choose an assisted living community or home care comes down to the financial situation, needs and personal preference of the senior. Typically home care is slightly more expensive than assisted living communities, but the cost difference is not that great, so other factors should be considered. Assisted living communities may be more suited to seniors who no longer feel comfortable living independently at home and would benefit from 24/7 support. Home care is better suited to seniors who are still happy at home but require a helping hand with some daily tasks. 

What is in-home respite care?

In-home respite care is when an aide comes to a senior home to provide care for a period while their primary caregiver is away or unavailable. It is a good option for seniors who don’t want the disruption of moving into a facility for respite care. It is important for primary caregivers to be able to have time off and in-home respite care provides the peace of mind that loved ones are being looked after in their own homes.