The 10 Best Assisted Living Facilities in Beaufort, SC for 2024

Assisted living is a long-term care solution for seniors who want a maintenance-free lifestyle. Staff members take care of housekeeping, cooking and other daily chores so residents can enjoy on-site amenities and social activities. Seniors can also receive assistance with personal care tasks such as dressing, bathing and medication management as needed. In Beaufort, this type of care costs $4,500 per month on average, according to the Genworth 2021 Cost of Care Survey. This is in line with the national average but significantly higher than South Carolina's statewide norm of $3,612.

This guide includes more details about assisted living services in Beaufort, including the benefits and drawbacks of living in the city. The guide also compares assisted living prices in Beaufort to nearby areas and offers a list of helpful resources for seniors.

The Bureau of Health Facility Licensing implements licensing requirements and other regulations for assisted living facilities in Beaufort and throughout South Carolina. The agency also performs inspections and enforces health and safety standards to protect seniors' well-being.

• The overall cost of living in Beaufort is about 3.2% higher than South Carolina's statewide average. However, local living expenses are 7.5% lower than the national norm, and the city's health care prices are competitive at 5.8% below the U.S. average.
• South Carolina doesn't tax Social Security benefits. Additionally, the state provides deductions of up to $15,000 for all other forms of retirement income, such as IRAs, 401(k)s and public or private pensions.
• Crime rates are high in Beaufort. On a 100-point scale, violent crime ranks 42.3, whereas the national average is 22.7. Property crime is also common, ranking 82 compared to 35.4 nationally. However, these rates have been declining in recent years, and assisted living communities typically feature security cameras and monitored entrances for peace of mind.
• Beaufort has about 8% fewer physicians per capita than the national average, which could increase wait times for medical care. However, some assisted living communities staff medical professionals for faster service. Additionally, Beaufort Memorial Hospital is centrally located and offers specialties such as cancer care, stroke treatment and cardiovascular services. Seniors can also receive walk-in care at the hospital's multiple satellite locations.
• Summer in Beaufort is muggy and rainy, with high temperatures often surpassing 90 degrees in July. Winter can be a little chilly, with January lows dipping to 39 degrees. Seniors in assisted living communities can usually avoid uncomfortable weather thanks to indoor activities and climate control systems.
• Beaufort has comparatively high-quality water and air, so local seniors are exposed to fewer pollutants. On a 100-point scale, the city ranks 61 for water quality compared to the national average of 55, while local air quality ranks 64 versus 58 nationally.

Seniors in Beaufort can expect to pay an average of $4,500 per month for assisted living.

At $4,500 per month, the average cost of assisted living in Beaufort is the same as the national norm. However, the city's costs are 24.6% higher than South Carolina's statewide average, so it may be helpful to compare rates in nearby cities. Prices in Charleston average $555 less per month compared to Beaufort, and rates in Sumter are even more cost-effective at $2,663 per month. Seniors can also save money across state lines, with assisted living rates in Savannah, GA, averaging $3,513.

Seniors can choose from a variety of care options depending on their needs and preferences. At $1,896 per month, adult day health care is generally the cheapest option in Beaufort, although that rate doesn't include housing costs. Residential alternatives tend to be more expensive, including assisted living at $4,500 and nursing home facilities at $6,266. Seniors can also consider receiving care at home through non medical in-home care or home health care, both of which cost $5,577 on average in Beaufort.

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.