Columbia, South Carolina, the state’s capital city, is a cultural hub and creative melting pot, earning it a well-deserved spot in the top half of Caring’s National Rankings. Columbia commits an abundance of resources to its hospitals, particularly benefiting the elderly community. Lexington Medical Center is a high-performing hospital positively ranked for its exceptional procedural care, and Prisma Health Heart Hospital specializes in cardiovascular needs.

In 2021, the Genworth Cost of Care Survey found that Columbia citizens spend a monthly average of $4,385 for in-home care services. In-home care services differ slightly from home health care since the latter delivers medical aid to residents’ homes. 

Below we’ve compiled a comprehensive directory of every home care provider in Columbia– 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 Columbia, SC

2017, 2020, 2021, 2023

Right at Home Columbia

1904 Sunset Blvd , Suite D, West Columbia, SC, 29169

She goes to the senior center and runs a lot of errands. That helps me out with a lot of things, and I don’t have to go over to her home as much after work. I liked the interaction I had with them fr … (read more)
She goes to the senior center and runs a lot of errands. That helps me out with a lot of things, and I don’t have to go over to her home as much after work. I liked the interaction I had with them fr … (read more)

Always Best Care of The Midlands

5000 Thurmond Mall, Suite 207, Columbia, SC, 29201

It is essential to us, he really needs assistance daily, and I work full time. I like their team approach.
It is essential to us, he really needs assistance daily, and I work full time. I like their team approach.

2020

Home Instead – Columbia, SC

9367 Two Notch Rd, Suite C1, West Columbia, SC, 29169

Good job. Need to more understanding when unexpected things happen with caregiver and has to call out for emergency.
Good job. Need to more understanding when unexpected things happen with caregiver and has to call out for emergency.

Carolina Health Care

1403 Calhoun St, Columbia, SC, 29201

In-Home Care Overview: Carolina Health Care – Columbia, SC For over 30 years, Carolina Health Care has been working to ensure that you are able to abide at home during a time of need. Experienced car … (read more)
In-Home Care Overview: Carolina Health Care – Columbia, SC For over 30 years, Carolina Health Care has been working to ensure that you are able to abide at home during a time of need. Experienced car … (read more)

Senior Helpers

114 Haygood Ave, Suite A, Lexington, SC, 29072

Senior Helpers is taking care of my family member with Dementia. The caregivers are patient,reliable,caring and professional. The owners take great measures to ensure a good match for the client and … (read more)
Senior Helpers is taking care of my family member with Dementia. The caregivers are patient,reliable,caring and professional. The owners take great measures to ensure a good match for the client and … (read more)

Avodah Home Care, LLC

1122 Lady St Suite 262 , Columbia, SC, 29201

Avodah Home Care is founded on servant leadership principles. The term "Avodah" is derived from the Hebrew words for Work, Worship, and Service. These are the qualities and characteristics that each o … (read more)
Avodah Home Care is founded on servant leadership principles. The term "Avodah" is derived from the Hebrew words for Work, Worship, and Service. These are the qualities and characteristics that each o … (read more)

TheKey – Columbia

4408 Forest Drive Suite 203, Columbia, SC, 29206


Cornerstone Caregiving – Columbia, SC

1417 Gregg St , Columbia, SC, 29201

HELPING YOU FIND GREAT HOME CARE Welcome to Cornerstone Caregiving. We are a senior in-home care service that allows your loved ones to stay where they feel most comfortable: home. We are experienced … (read more)
HELPING YOU FIND GREAT HOME CARE Welcome to Cornerstone Caregiving. We are a senior in-home care service that allows your loved ones to stay where they feel most comfortable: home. We are experienced … (read more)

Kimbell Home Care Services, LLC

205 W Oakland Ave , Sumter, SC, 29150

Ms Kim and her team is amazing. They is on time. I have no worries. she answers when ever I call. They will love and care for your family members like they are her own. They will go above and beyond f … (read more)
Ms Kim and her team is amazing. They is on time. I have no worries. she answers when ever I call. They will love and care for your family members like they are her own. They will go above and beyond f … (read more)

Key Choice Home Care

7801 Saint Andrews Road, Irmo, SC, 29063

A friend recommended Key Choice Home Care. They were good and I wish they would continue working with me. They helped with cooking, bathing, light housekeeping, transportation, and laundry. But they t … (read more)
A friend recommended Key Choice Home Care. They were good and I wish they would continue working with me. They helped with cooking, bathing, light housekeeping, transportation, and laundry. But they t … (read more)

Alternatives In Home Care

1612 Marion St., Ste. 211, Columbia, SC, 29201

We are quite pleased with the caregiving services we have received. They were careful to match the providers who would work well with my mother-in-law. They are attentive, flexible, and always pleasan … (read more)
We are quite pleased with the caregiving services we have received. They were careful to match the providers who would work well with my mother-in-law. They are attentive, flexible, and always pleasan … (read more)

Homecare Solutions SC LLC – Columbia, SC

100 Ashland Park Lane, Ste C, Columbia, SC, 29210

Homecare Solutions took care of me after a knee replacement. Their staff took excellent care of me and I would highly recommended them. It was a huge relief to have the help I needed.
Homecare Solutions took care of me after a knee replacement. Their staff took excellent care of me and I would highly recommended them. It was a huge relief to have the help I needed.

Carepro Health Services

1612 Marion Street, Suite 103, Columbia, SC, 29201

Fabulous office staff. Caring caregiver. My dad has been pleased and he is not easily pleased with his caregivers. Thank you Addis Columbia!!
Fabulous office staff. Caring caregiver. My dad has been pleased and he is not easily pleased with his caregivers. Thank you Addis Columbia!!

St Christopher’s Home Care Agency

9005 Two Notch Road, Columbia, SC, 29223


Comfort Keepers In Home Care

117 Alpine Circle, Suite 100, Columbia, SC, 29223


Home Care Assistance Columbia

1201 Main Street, Suite 1980, Columbia, SC, 29201



Home Helpers

2 Big Oak St, Hilton Head Island, SC, 29926


Sheppard’s Helping Hands

114-B East Columbia Ave., Batesburg, SC, 29006


ResCare HomeCare Columbia, South Carolina

455 Saint Andrews Road, Columbia, SC, 29210


Paying for Home Care in Columbia, SC

The Cost of Home Care in Columbia, SC

Compared to the state average, Columbia saves its residents $48 per month on home health care costs. It also fares much better than the national average of $4,957. Monthly rates in Sumter and Charleston exceed Columbia’s expense by more than $570. Simpsonville, tucked in the northwest region of South Carolina, is slightly cheaper than surrounding cities, with Charlotte, North Carolina, 93 miles north of Columbia, around the same price.

$4385

Columbia

$4433

South Carolina

$4957

The United States

$4957

Sumter

$4671

Simpsonville

$5005

Charleston

$4668

Charlotte

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

As a boon to Columbia senior citizens, the average cost of home care is the same as home health care which often involves more direct medical supervision like dispensing medications and taking vitals. Adult day health opportunities are the least expensive option, but individuals must commute to a group center to participate in classes and projects. Assisted living facilities offer health care for less than the cost of home care for a significant savings of just over $1,100 monthly. For the highest price, residents can choose a nursing home facility. 

$4385

Home Care

$4385

Home Health Care

$1376

Adult Day Care

$3270

Assisted Living

$7300

Nursing Home Care (semiprivate room)

Financial Assistance for Home Care in Columbia, 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.

Columbia Home Care Resources 

Home care services are only one of the pieces needed for seniors to gracefully age in place. There are many services and programs that are low-cost or free, that enable seniors to enjoy an independent lifestyle in the comfort of their own home, such as help with home modifications, meal delivery services, and more. Below, we’ve compiled a few of the most helpful resources in Columbia:

The FriendShip

Address: 2827 Wheat St., Columbia, SC 29205
Phone number: (803) 602-6434

The FriendShip is a nonprofit that offers a variety of programs to help seniors live independently and healthy in their own homes and engage in their communities. Volunteers provide personalized support with home maintenance, transportation, errands and technology assistance to members aged 50 and older. The organization also connects members with resources for plumbing, home inspections and contractors.

Senior Resources

Address: 2817 Millwood Ave., Columbia, SC 29205
Phone number: (803) 252-7734

Senior Resources provides care and services for older Columbians who wish to remain in their homes but cannot afford private services. This organization brings food to seniors through its Meals on Wheels, Senior Care Pantry and Food Co-op programs. Experienced and trained caregivers help with activities of daily living on a temporary or long-term basis. Clients can receive assistive medical devices such as shower seats, walkers and wheelchairs. Senior companions offer respite services, meal preparation, light housekeeping and friendship.

Lourie Center

Address: 1650 Park Circle, Columbia, SC 29201
Phone number: (803) 779-1971, ext. 102

The Lourie Center offers low-cost transportation for older adults aged 50 and older and disabled individuals within the downtown Columbia area. The wheelchair-accessible shuttle bus runs five mornings per week to take riders to medical appointments and on personal errands and shopping trips. Clients must live within the boundaries of Sunset Drive to the north, Huger/Elmwood to the west, Rosewood to the south and Beltline to the east.

South Carolina Low Income Home Energy Assistance (LIHEAP)

Address: 1915 Harden St., Columbia, SC 29204
Phone number: (803) 807-9811

The LIHEAP is a federal emergency assistance grant that provides seniors with assistance for safe and efficient home heating and cooling. Clients can also receive energy crisis assistance and help with utility bill payments. Qualification is subject to income guidelines and proof of need. Wateree Community Actions, Inc. administers the program in Columbia.

Home Builders Association

Address: 625 Taylor St. #A, Columbia, SC 29201 
Phone number: (803) 256-6238

The Home Builders Association of South Carolina maintains a directory of Certified Aging-in-Place Specialists (CAPS) contractors who are specially trained in the best ways to modify residences for seniors who prefer to remain in their homes as they age. Some contractors work for a reduced fee or sliding scale. These professionals can also point clients to grant and loan programs to help finance repairs and modifications.

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