The Best Home Care Agencies for Seniors in Summerville, SC for 2025

Summerville’s average home care cost of $5,005 as listed in the 2021 Genworth Cost of Care Survey runs on the high side compared to the national and state averages and to other South Carolina cities. Summerville’s costs top the national average by less than $50, but they are over $570 higher than the state average. Hilton Head Island to the south offers a cost hike of over $500, but Sumter, Myrtle Beach and Columbia are all lower in price by up to $620.

Home care costs in Summerville are lower than nursing home rates by over $2,500, but seniors who require significant medical care may need to consider a nursing home. Assisted living runs lower than home care by $1,060, and this may be a good option for seniors willing to relocate. Home health care costs are equivalent to those of home care, but services are different, with home health care provided by licensed nurses and therapists. Adult day programs cost the least of the available options.

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.