Aiken is the seat of Aiken County, located on the border with Georgia and only 25 minutes from downtown Augusta. The 2020 Census revealed 26% of the city’s 32,000 residents are in the 65+ age group, an almost 10% increase on the national average. Aiken’s above-average popularity with seniors may be because of the friendly tax laws that ensure they hold on to more of their incomes, the excellent medical services in and near the city and the below-average cost of living. Aiken also has an abundance of parks, stores and restaurants, in addition to hosting world-class equestrian events and many other annual festivals.
Assisted living is a type of care suitable for reasonably active seniors who need assistance with daily tasks, such as housekeeping, making meals and managing medications. They’re also a great choice for seniors who enjoy the social benefits of residential care. The average monthly fee in Aiken is $3,090, which is considerably less than the state and national averages of $3,988 and $4,300, respectively.
This guide discusses senior care costs in more detail and considers the pros and cons of living in Aiken. It also lists some senior-friendly resources in the area.
Directory of Assisted Living Facilities in Aiken, SC
102 Crepe Myrtle Ct, Aiken, SC, 29803
It is lovely and very homey. It feels like you’re in someone’s home and not in an institution. It’s perfect for mom. They’re very kind and the population is under 50 residents. So, it’s very one-on-on
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It is lovely and very homey. It feels like you’re in someone’s home and not in an institution. It’s perfect for mom. They’re very kind and the population is under 50 residents. So, it’s very one-on-one and they’re very good at what they do.
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It is lovely and very homey. It feels like you’re in someone’s home and not in an institution. It’s perfect for mom. They’re very kind and the population is under 50 residents. So, it’s very one-on-on
… (read more)
It is lovely and very homey. It feels like you’re in someone’s home and not in an institution. It’s perfect for mom. They’re very kind and the population is under 50 residents. So, it’s very one-on-one and they’re very good at what they do.
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1385 Silver Bluff RD, Aiken, SC, 29803
Silver Bluff Groveis located in a wooded area of Aiken, South Carolina, just a short drive from the Gem Lakes Recreation Area and the Aiken Mall. Visitors say this facility is beautiful, with peacefu
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Silver Bluff Groveis located in a wooded area of Aiken, South Carolina, just a short drive from the Gem Lakes Recreation Area and the Aiken Mall. Visitors say this facility is beautiful, with peaceful, well-kept grounds that include a garden and numerous courtyards and patios. According to relatives, residents have access to a wide variety of activities ranging from Zumba classes to visits with rescue dogs from the local shelter. Seniors can choose a studio, one-bedroom apartment or companion suite, all of which are pet-friendly, and visitors say the rooms are beautiful.
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Silver Bluff Groveis located in a wooded area of Aiken, South Carolina, just a short drive from the Gem Lakes Recreation Area and the Aiken Mall. Visitors say this facility is beautiful, with peacefu
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Silver Bluff Groveis located in a wooded area of Aiken, South Carolina, just a short drive from the Gem Lakes Recreation Area and the Aiken Mall. Visitors say this facility is beautiful, with peaceful, well-kept grounds that include a garden and numerous courtyards and patios. According to relatives, residents have access to a wide variety of activities ranging from Zumba classes to visits with rescue dogs from the local shelter. Seniors can choose a studio, one-bedroom apartment or companion suite, all of which are pet-friendly, and visitors say the rooms are beautiful.
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108 Gregg Avenue, Aiken, SC, 29801
Shadow Oaks is located in Aiken, South Carolina, close to Aiken Regional Medical Centers, Walmart Supercenter and numerous restaurants. Visitors describe the facility as upscale and beautiful, and the
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Shadow Oaks is located in Aiken, South Carolina, close to Aiken Regional Medical Centers, Walmart Supercenter and numerous restaurants. Visitors describe the facility as upscale and beautiful, and they’re impressed by its spacious rooms. Community members and their loved ones are pleased with the facility’s helpful staff. They also appreciate the many common areas, including the sunroom and covered porch. Three meals are provided each day, and visitors say the food served in the dining room looks good. Residents report that they’re kept busy with bingo, baking classes, yoga and other on-site activities.
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Shadow Oaks is located in Aiken, South Carolina, close to Aiken Regional Medical Centers, Walmart Supercenter and numerous restaurants. Visitors describe the facility as upscale and beautiful, and the
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Shadow Oaks is located in Aiken, South Carolina, close to Aiken Regional Medical Centers, Walmart Supercenter and numerous restaurants. Visitors describe the facility as upscale and beautiful, and they’re impressed by its spacious rooms. Community members and their loved ones are pleased with the facility’s helpful staff. They also appreciate the many common areas, including the sunroom and covered porch. Three meals are provided each day, and visitors say the food served in the dining room looks good. Residents report that they’re kept busy with bingo, baking classes, yoga and other on-site activities.
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213 Laurens Street, Aiken, SC, 29801
I toured Trinity on Laurens. It was a well-laid out. The rooms were smaller overall like they will only fit a twin bed, and you couldn’t fit a full-sized bed, so most people use the beds at the facili
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I toured Trinity on Laurens. It was a well-laid out. The rooms were smaller overall like they will only fit a twin bed, and you couldn’t fit a full-sized bed, so most people use the beds at the facility. But the staff was very thorough. It is in a downtown location, which is very nice. It makes it more accessible to the things that little Aiken has to offer. The menu looked good, it seemed a little more limited in terms of the daily offerings, but it still looked very good.
The staff was very conscientious and very thorough. They had the typical amenities. They have a barbershop, a bus, and a couple of nice courtyards. One nice thing about Trinity on Laurens is that they have a lot of outside porches. And because it’s downtown, it’s kind of nice, and you can sit outside. Most of the rooms that we saw had an exterior exposure. In other words, there’s a window or something, which is nice.
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I toured Trinity on Laurens. It was a well-laid out. The rooms were smaller overall like they will only fit a twin bed, and you couldn’t fit a full-sized bed, so most people use the beds at the facili
… (read more)
I toured Trinity on Laurens. It was a well-laid out. The rooms were smaller overall like they will only fit a twin bed, and you couldn’t fit a full-sized bed, so most people use the beds at the facility. But the staff was very thorough. It is in a downtown location, which is very nice. It makes it more accessible to the things that little Aiken has to offer. The menu looked good, it seemed a little more limited in terms of the daily offerings, but it still looked very good.
The staff was very conscientious and very thorough. They had the typical amenities. They have a barbershop, a bus, and a couple of nice courtyards. One nice thing about Trinity on Laurens is that they have a lot of outside porches. And because it’s downtown, it’s kind of nice, and you can sit outside. Most of the rooms that we saw had an exterior exposure. In other words, there’s a window or something, which is nice.
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3215 Wise Creek Lane, Aiken, SC, 29801
This facility has 24 residents, each with their own private rooms and baths. There are one room offerings as well as several 2 room suites. The furnishings are very lovely as is the artwork. There is
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This facility has 24 residents, each with their own private rooms and baths. There are one room offerings as well as several 2 room suites. The furnishings are very lovely as is the artwork. There is a well appointed dining room featuring white table cloth dining. There are outdoor patios and a shaded entry area where residents sometimes sit in rockers. There are many and varied activities both on site and offsite….pinics, cultural events, field trips, games, music and much more. The staff members are caring and attentive, although on a few occassions when I have visited on weekends, I find that my mother’s room has not be cleaned or the bed made properly. Any issue we have is promptly dealth with to our satisfaction. My mother says she is treated with respect and kindness. I would definitely recommend this Assisted Living Facility for you or your loved one.
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This facility has 24 residents, each with their own private rooms and baths. There are one room offerings as well as several 2 room suites. The furnishings are very lovely as is the artwork. There is
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This facility has 24 residents, each with their own private rooms and baths. There are one room offerings as well as several 2 room suites. The furnishings are very lovely as is the artwork. There is a well appointed dining room featuring white table cloth dining. There are outdoor patios and a shaded entry area where residents sometimes sit in rockers. There are many and varied activities both on site and offsite….pinics, cultural events, field trips, games, music and much more. The staff members are caring and attentive, although on a few occassions when I have visited on weekends, I find that my mother’s room has not be cleaned or the bed made properly. Any issue we have is promptly dealth with to our satisfaction. My mother says she is treated with respect and kindness. I would definitely recommend this Assisted Living Facility for you or your loved one.
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530 Benton House Way, Aiken, SC, 29803
Benton House of Aiken had all the chandeliers and marble floor units. It was the most expensive and the biggest, but it just wasn’t for Mom at all. They were putting their best foot forward and it see
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Benton House of Aiken had all the chandeliers and marble floor units. It was the most expensive and the biggest, but it just wasn’t for Mom at all. They were putting their best foot forward and it seemed like they had a script that they stuck to. Like I put some money down to be on a waiting list. It was a small amount of money, but they said it was refundable. After I chose another facility, I went back to get the check, but they had already deposited it and it would be a month before I could get it back. I wasn’t told about that.
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Benton House of Aiken had all the chandeliers and marble floor units. It was the most expensive and the biggest, but it just wasn’t for Mom at all. They were putting their best foot forward and it see
… (read more)
Benton House of Aiken had all the chandeliers and marble floor units. It was the most expensive and the biggest, but it just wasn’t for Mom at all. They were putting their best foot forward and it seemed like they had a script that they stuck to. Like I put some money down to be on a waiting list. It was a small amount of money, but they said it was refundable. After I chose another facility, I went back to get the check, but they had already deposited it and it would be a month before I could get it back. I wasn’t told about that.
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515 The Pass, Martinez, GA, 30907
Sodalis Martinez could be a potential place for my husband. We liked the lady that we talked to, Ashley. We found her to be very nice and caring. They were fairly casual, which we liked as well. They
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Sodalis Martinez could be a potential place for my husband. We liked the lady that we talked to, Ashley. We found her to be very nice and caring. They were fairly casual, which we liked as well. They had a very nice courtyard. What we didn’t like was they didn’t have much in terms of facilities like a workout center. They had one stationary bike in a room that I think was their gathering room for games. But it was a nice place and it had been renovated to a large extent.
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Sodalis Martinez could be a potential place for my husband. We liked the lady that we talked to, Ashley. We found her to be very nice and caring. They were fairly casual, which we liked as well. They
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Sodalis Martinez could be a potential place for my husband. We liked the lady that we talked to, Ashley. We found her to be very nice and caring. They were fairly casual, which we liked as well. They had a very nice courtyard. What we didn’t like was they didn’t have much in terms of facilities like a workout center. They had one stationary bike in a room that I think was their gathering room for games. But it was a nice place and it had been renovated to a large extent.
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3725 Wheeler Rd, Augusta, GA, 30909
My father is now a resident of Augusta Gardens. I like the atmosphere and the help that I encountered, the people that work there were enthusiastic. His room is clean and organized, and there’s suffic
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My father is now a resident of Augusta Gardens. I like the atmosphere and the help that I encountered, the people that work there were enthusiastic. His room is clean and organized, and there’s sufficient space for him to live comfortably. And the atmosphere is very caring, the help is always checking on the residents and helping them where they need it. He said that the meals are very good. They have available physical therapy and occupational therapy on-site, they have two main areas for people to socialize in, and they have an outdoor courtyard for the residents to go to any time they want. They have an outdoor courtyard so they could walk outside.
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My father is now a resident of Augusta Gardens. I like the atmosphere and the help that I encountered, the people that work there were enthusiastic. His room is clean and organized, and there’s suffic
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My father is now a resident of Augusta Gardens. I like the atmosphere and the help that I encountered, the people that work there were enthusiastic. His room is clean and organized, and there’s sufficient space for him to live comfortably. And the atmosphere is very caring, the help is always checking on the residents and helping them where they need it. He said that the meals are very good. They have available physical therapy and occupational therapy on-site, they have two main areas for people to socialize in, and they have an outdoor courtyard for the residents to go to any time they want. They have an outdoor courtyard so they could walk outside.
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326 Boy Scout Road, Augusta, GA, 30909
Located in the city of Augusta, Georgia, Brookdale Augusta offers assisted living residences and services to seniors. "Homey" and "clean" are two words residents and their loved ones use to describe t
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Located in the city of Augusta, Georgia, Brookdale Augusta offers assisted living residences and services to seniors. "Homey" and "clean" are two words residents and their loved ones use to describe this pet-friendly senior living community. The dining room is described as pretty and inviting, while the staff receives high marks for being friendly and keeping family members well-informed. Residents enjoy bingo, art and crafts, working out in the exercise room and reading on the sun porch. They can also cook up a meal in the community kitchen or visit local attractions on a group outing.
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Located in the city of Augusta, Georgia, Brookdale Augusta offers assisted living residences and services to seniors. "Homey" and "clean" are two words residents and their loved ones use to describe t
… (read more)
Located in the city of Augusta, Georgia, Brookdale Augusta offers assisted living residences and services to seniors. "Homey" and "clean" are two words residents and their loved ones use to describe this pet-friendly senior living community. The dining room is described as pretty and inviting, while the staff receives high marks for being friendly and keeping family members well-informed. Residents enjoy bingo, art and crafts, working out in the exercise room and reading on the sun porch. They can also cook up a meal in the community kitchen or visit local attractions on a group outing.
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4275 Owens Road, Evans, GA, 30809
I toured the Brandon Wilde, it’s a classy, first-rate place. I met some of the staff, and they’re outstanding. People were playing cards, doing puzzles, and working together. It’s a positive atmospher
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I toured the Brandon Wilde, it’s a classy, first-rate place. I met some of the staff, and they’re outstanding. People were playing cards, doing puzzles, and working together. It’s a positive atmosphere. I saw a 1-bedroom and a studio apartment, and the layouts were good. It’s a very impressive and very cordial place, and the campus was very nice.
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I toured the Brandon Wilde, it’s a classy, first-rate place. I met some of the staff, and they’re outstanding. People were playing cards, doing puzzles, and working together. It’s a positive atmospher
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I toured the Brandon Wilde, it’s a classy, first-rate place. I met some of the staff, and they’re outstanding. People were playing cards, doing puzzles, and working together. It’s a positive atmosphere. I saw a 1-bedroom and a studio apartment, and the layouts were good. It’s a very impressive and very cordial place, and the campus was very nice.
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313 Furys Ferry Rd, Martinez, GA, 30907
Thrive at Augusta was a very nice facility and relatively new. They had a dedicated workout room, a crafts room, and outdoor spaces. They did give us a pie from their chef, and it was very good. They
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Thrive at Augusta was a very nice facility and relatively new. They had a dedicated workout room, a crafts room, and outdoor spaces. They did give us a pie from their chef, and it was very good. They had nice room layout options. We met the director, Sharon, and the chef. It just seemed like a place that we could call home.
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Thrive at Augusta was a very nice facility and relatively new. They had a dedicated workout room, a crafts room, and outdoor spaces. They did give us a pie from their chef, and it was very good. They
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Thrive at Augusta was a very nice facility and relatively new. They had a dedicated workout room, a crafts room, and outdoor spaces. They did give us a pie from their chef, and it was very good. They had nice room layout options. We met the director, Sharon, and the chef. It just seemed like a place that we could call home.
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105 North Hills Drive, North Augusta, SC, 29841
Brookdale North Augusta was very attractive. It was a very small group, and it’s set back off the road, so it would be quiet. I liked it a lot. The staff was very informative, friendly, and thorough.
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Brookdale North Augusta was very attractive. It was a very small group, and it’s set back off the road, so it would be quiet. I liked it a lot. The staff was very informative, friendly, and thorough. The facility was perfect. It looked very comfortable, bright, and very clean. It’s hands down my favorite, but my mother didn’t like the location because it’s in South Carolina.
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Brookdale North Augusta was very attractive. It was a very small group, and it’s set back off the road, so it would be quiet. I liked it a lot. The staff was very informative, friendly, and thorough.
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Brookdale North Augusta was very attractive. It was a very small group, and it’s set back off the road, so it would be quiet. I liked it a lot. The staff was very informative, friendly, and thorough. The facility was perfect. It looked very comfortable, bright, and very clean. It’s hands down my favorite, but my mother didn’t like the location because it’s in South Carolina.
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128 Walnut Ln, North Augusta, SC, 29860
I looked here. The staff was friendly and very knowledgeable. They provide me with a wealth of information and even did a follow-up, which was kind of them. The rooms were nice and spacious, and they
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I looked here. The staff was friendly and very knowledgeable. They provide me with a wealth of information and even did a follow-up, which was kind of them. The rooms were nice and spacious, and they have a very home-like appeal to them. All their activities were posted, and it was a lot. They had a lot of activities posted and the residents there appeared to be happy.
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I looked here. The staff was friendly and very knowledgeable. They provide me with a wealth of information and even did a follow-up, which was kind of them. The rooms were nice and spacious, and they
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I looked here. The staff was friendly and very knowledgeable. They provide me with a wealth of information and even did a follow-up, which was kind of them. The rooms were nice and spacious, and they have a very home-like appeal to them. All their activities were posted, and it was a lot. They had a lot of activities posted and the residents there appeared to be happy.
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353 North Belair Road, Evans, GA, 30809
I looked at the Oaks at Evans. Overall, the experience was very good. They were very helpful and gave me a lot of information. The facility was very well kept and organized. I was impressed with it, m
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I looked at the Oaks at Evans. Overall, the experience was very good. They were very helpful and gave me a lot of information. The facility was very well kept and organized. I was impressed with it, making all kinds of improvements to it as needed. The staff was very accommodating and helpful with what was available, when she could move in, and pricing. I was very impressed overall. The rooms were extremely small. I was surprised at how small they were, and how little closet space there was. The place was square shaped. It had a courtyard in the middle of all the rooms, which was very nice, and a barbecue patio covered area. The living area was a nice size. A bunch of people were playing a game when I went through. The dining area was right as you come in. The menus looked really good. There’s a lot of variety.
I met a guy who seemed to be in charge of everything. He was very proud of what was going on. He was very helpful, very friendly, very informative, and explained everything. I had a whole list of questions and he went down the list and gave me answers to them. Then his assistant came up and introduced herself and said if I had any questions to be sure to ask, and she had no problem with that. I didn’t meet anybody else.
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I looked at the Oaks at Evans. Overall, the experience was very good. They were very helpful and gave me a lot of information. The facility was very well kept and organized. I was impressed with it, m
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I looked at the Oaks at Evans. Overall, the experience was very good. They were very helpful and gave me a lot of information. The facility was very well kept and organized. I was impressed with it, making all kinds of improvements to it as needed. The staff was very accommodating and helpful with what was available, when she could move in, and pricing. I was very impressed overall. The rooms were extremely small. I was surprised at how small they were, and how little closet space there was. The place was square shaped. It had a courtyard in the middle of all the rooms, which was very nice, and a barbecue patio covered area. The living area was a nice size. A bunch of people were playing a game when I went through. The dining area was right as you come in. The menus looked really good. There’s a lot of variety.
I met a guy who seemed to be in charge of everything. He was very proud of what was going on. He was very helpful, very friendly, very informative, and explained everything. I had a whole list of questions and he went down the list and gave me answers to them. Then his assistant came up and introduced herself and said if I had any questions to be sure to ask, and she had no problem with that. I didn’t meet anybody else.
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557 Furys Ferry Rd, Martinez, GA, 30907
Claiborne at West Lake was a fairly new facility, about four years old. It had all the amenities that we were looking for. We met Kristin and we liked her. They had a lot of different floor plan optio
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Claiborne at West Lake was a fairly new facility, about four years old. It had all the amenities that we were looking for. We met Kristin and we liked her. They had a lot of different floor plan options. The rooms were very nice and they had a beautiful courtyard. They had an outside firm that comes in and manages the therapy with all the equipment. They had a theater, a game room, and a bistro.
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Claiborne at West Lake was a fairly new facility, about four years old. It had all the amenities that we were looking for. We met Kristin and we liked her. They had a lot of different floor plan optio
… (read more)
Claiborne at West Lake was a fairly new facility, about four years old. It had all the amenities that we were looking for. We met Kristin and we liked her. They had a lot of different floor plan options. The rooms were very nice and they had a beautiful courtyard. They had an outside firm that comes in and manages the therapy with all the equipment. They had a theater, a game room, and a bistro.
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204 Frazier Ct, Augusta, GA, 30909
Benton House is situated in Augusta, Georgia near Interstate Parkway and a variety of restaurants and shops. Visitors are often impressed with the facilities, which include high-end materials such as
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Benton House is situated in Augusta, Georgia near Interstate Parkway and a variety of restaurants and shops. Visitors are often impressed with the facilities, which include high-end materials such as marble and living accommodations with plenty of closet space. Activities such as trips to the ice cream shop, crafts and other social opportunities keep residents active, and there is an option which allows spouses to live together. Visitors appreciate the professional and attentive staff, who personalize care to each resident, and the qualified coordinator who tracks resident activities. The facility has a courtyard, and many units have patios.
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Benton House is situated in Augusta, Georgia near Interstate Parkway and a variety of restaurants and shops. Visitors are often impressed with the facilities, which include high-end materials such as
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Benton House is situated in Augusta, Georgia near Interstate Parkway and a variety of restaurants and shops. Visitors are often impressed with the facilities, which include high-end materials such as marble and living accommodations with plenty of closet space. Activities such as trips to the ice cream shop, crafts and other social opportunities keep residents active, and there is an option which allows spouses to live together. Visitors appreciate the professional and attentive staff, who personalize care to each resident, and the qualified coordinator who tracks resident activities. The facility has a courtyard, and many units have patios.
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1840 Phinizy Rd, Augusta, GA, 30906
Agape Living is a bright, clean and cheery assisted living facility nestled in Augusta, Georgia, close to Phinizy Road. Relatives express gratitude to the efficient and competent manager for
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Agape Living is a bright, clean and cheery assisted living facility nestled in Augusta, Georgia, close to Phinizy Road. Relatives express gratitude to the efficient and competent manager for creating a homelike atmosphere and communicating important information to family members. Residents give high marks for the delicious hot meals that are served in the inviting dining room and appreciate that food is prepared according to special dietary needs and preferences. This community also has many activities and social gatherings, such as holiday parties and exercise classes.
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Agape Living is a bright, clean and cheery assisted living facility nestled in Augusta, Georgia, close to Phinizy Road. Relatives express gratitude to the efficient and competent manager for
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Agape Living is a bright, clean and cheery assisted living facility nestled in Augusta, Georgia, close to Phinizy Road. Relatives express gratitude to the efficient and competent manager for creating a homelike atmosphere and communicating important information to family members. Residents give high marks for the delicious hot meals that are served in the inviting dining room and appreciate that food is prepared according to special dietary needs and preferences. This community also has many activities and social gatherings, such as holiday parties and exercise classes.
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3949 Evans to Lock Road, Evans, GA, 30809
The price that you charge, you should provide more than a hot dog or spaghetti noodles with a dab of sauce. How about the salad that has wilted lettuce. My mother inlaw has complained several times a
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The price that you charge, you should provide more than a hot dog or spaghetti noodles with a dab of sauce. How about the salad that has wilted lettuce. My mother inlaw has complained several times about this food. Very little food provided. for the clients.
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The price that you charge, you should provide more than a hot dog or spaghetti noodles with a dab of sauce. How about the salad that has wilted lettuce. My mother inlaw has complained several times a
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The price that you charge, you should provide more than a hot dog or spaghetti noodles with a dab of sauce. How about the salad that has wilted lettuce. My mother inlaw has complained several times about this food. Very little food provided. for the clients.
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724 greene street, Augusta, GA, 30901
550 Gibbs Rd , Evans, GA, 30809
I went to Waverly Gardens of Evans. My mother didn’t like that community at all. It was a small community, a small number of residents. The facilities were small, kind of outdated, had no modern conve
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I went to Waverly Gardens of Evans. My mother didn’t like that community at all. It was a small community, a small number of residents. The facilities were small, kind of outdated, had no modern conveniences, and the price was more than her income. The staff was nice, they gave us a very nice tour and good information. She promised to send me some information in the email, but she never did, so we’re kind of disappointed as well. The residents were eating at that time when we were there. It was an older facility. The outside was nice, they did have a garden, they had an area for the residents to sit outside.
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I went to Waverly Gardens of Evans. My mother didn’t like that community at all. It was a small community, a small number of residents. The facilities were small, kind of outdated, had no modern conve
… (read more)
I went to Waverly Gardens of Evans. My mother didn’t like that community at all. It was a small community, a small number of residents. The facilities were small, kind of outdated, had no modern conveniences, and the price was more than her income. The staff was nice, they gave us a very nice tour and good information. She promised to send me some information in the email, but she never did, so we’re kind of disappointed as well. The residents were eating at that time when we were there. It was an older facility. The outside was nice, they did have a garden, they had an area for the residents to sit outside.
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What to Consider About Assisted Living in Aiken
The Bureau of Health Facility Licensing, a division of the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, regulates and licenses assisted living facilities in the state. Its work includes making unannounced inspections and liaising with other departments, such as the Long-Term Care Ombudsman, to ensure facilities continue to operate at a high standard.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Assisted Living in Aiken
- Aiken’s average cost of living index of 85.7 is below the 88.5 average for South Carolina and the 100 average for the country. This suggests seniors’ incomes can go further in the city, despite health costs being above average, as most other costs are lower than normal.
- Winter in Aiken can be cold, with the average temperature in January being around 34 degrees. However, for most of the year, the weather is fine, rising to around 92 degrees for most of July. Rainfall is above normal, at 48 inches per year, but the benefit is above-average water quality and soil packed with enough nutrients to keep the surrounding landscape rich and green.
- Aiken’s crime statistics don’t reflect well on the city. Violent crime is above the state average by just over half a percentage point, while property crime is almost 20 points higher. Seniors worried about these figures may want to consider neighborhoods with statistically less crime, such as Springdale and College Acres. Those considering assisted living may be pleased to know that many include surveillance cameras and security features as standard.
- Aiken Regional Medical Centers, rated high-performing by U.S. News & World Report, is the primary health care facility in the city. There are also a significant number of Medicare-registered physicians and other health professionals, ensuring seniors have greater choice over who manages their health care. Within a 30-minute journey, seniors also have access to Augusta’s many hospitals, such as Augusta University Medical Center.
- South Carolina’s senior-friendly approach to taxation ensures retirees on Social Security don’t need to pay state taxes on their benefits. Additionally, retirees aged 65 and older receiving income from their own plans can deduct up to $10,000 of their annual income.
Paying for Assisted Living in Aiken
The data published in the 2020 Genworth Cost of Care Survey shows Aiken to be one of the most affordable locations in South Carolina for seniors in assisted living facilities. At $3,090, fees are below the averages for the state and the country. They’re also lower than some of South Carolina’s most populous cities, such as Columbia, where the average fee is $4,299, and Savannah, where it’s $5,475. An exception is Greenville, where fees are typically $2,800 per month.
The Cost of Assisted Living in Nearby Cities
The Cost of Other Types of Senior Care
Adult day centers are the only type of senior care in Aiken that’s more affordable than assisted living, with average fees of $1,490. Homemaker agencies typically charge $4,195 for standard home care services, while seniors who need additional medical care from a home health aide can get both services for around the same fee. The most expensive type of care in Aiken is provided by nursing homes, which often charge around $6,509 for a semiprivate room and an additional $426 per month for a private one.
Nursing Home Facility (semiprivate room)
Nursing Home Facility (private room)
Note: Care cost data for Aiken was not available, so data for the closest city, Augusta, Georgia, was used instead.
Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Aiken
Aiken and the state of South Carolina provide public assistance for seniors who need help paying for an assisted living facility through the Medicaid State Plan. Eligibility for the program is open to seniors over the age of 60 who meet all Medicaid program criteria and those who are receiving the Optional State Supplement (OSS) to the federal Supplemental Security Income program (SSI). Family supplementation for private rooms is not allowed.
Learn more about these programs, plus who’s eligible, on our Assisted Living in South Carolina page.
More Ways to Pay for Assisted Living
While many families use their own funds or personal assets to pay for assisted living, there are plenty of additional options to cover these costs. Some additional ways to finance assisted living costs include:
- Veterans Benefits
- Life Insurance Policy
- Long-Term Care Insurance
- Reverse Mortgage
For more information about different ways to finance assisted living, visit our Assisted Living in South Carolina page.
Free Assisted Living Resources in Aiken
Aiken’s seniors can call on the support of numerous organizations and agencies dedicated to supporting residents in their later years. These resources show how to get support if a care provider fails to provide quality care, where to get free and low-cost transport to travel around the city and how to get medical assistance if the senior is a veteran.
The Long-Term Care Ombudsman is a division of the South Carolina Department of Aging that advocates for the rights of seniors residing in care homes. The ombudsman's role involves raising standards within the state's residential care facilities and educating seniors about their rights. Additionally, ombudsmen investigate complaints made by seniors, their families and third parties and attempt to resolve them on the complainant's behalf.
Located within Immanuel Baptist Church in nearby North Augusta, Dana's Recovery Room provides gently used and refurbished medical equipment for those in need. All loaned equipment is free of charge. Examples of what's available include wheelchairs, walkers, blood pressure monitors, shower benches and bedside toilets. However, as the church depends on donations, the equipment required may not be available at the time of the senior's request.
Aiken VA Clinic is a primary care facility for U.S. military veterans, their spouses and dependents. It also has a cardiology department with surgeons who perform cardiovascular surgeries. Additionally, the mental health department can assist with a wide range of psychological issues and there's a weight management resource for those with eating issues. Although not housed within the building, the area's veteran services officer can help seniors apply for the state and federal benefits to which they're entitled.
Lower Savannah Council of Governments operates the Aging, Disability and Transportation Resource Center. Some of the center's benefits for seniors include access to legal advisors to help with noncriminal matters, such as protection from possible elder abuse and exploitation. The center also helps finance various transit services in the area, which provide low-cost transportation options for older and disabled residents.
Assisted Living Laws and Regulations in Aiken
Aiken-area assisted living communities must adhere to the comprehensive set of state laws and regulations that all assisted living communities in South Carolina are required to follow. Visit our Assisted Living in South Carolina page for more information about these laws.