Assisted Living Facilities in Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston is a charming port city located in South Carolina. The city is known for its historic buildings and cobblestone streets. It has an estimated population of 408,000, and around 17% of residents are aged 65 and over. With its warm weather and retiree-friendly tax policies, Charleston is a popular city for retirees from all over the country. Active seniors may appreciate the variety of outdoor activities and entertainment options.
Assisted living is best suited to seniors who require some help in completing the tasks of daily living such as grooming, driving, housekeeping and bathing. These facilities provide 24/7 caregiver support to seniors so they can remain as independent as possible. Seniors in the Charleston area pay an average of $3,945 per month for assisted living care, which is higher than the South Carolina average of $3,612.
This guide provides a basic overview of assisted living in Charleston. It includes a list of drawbacks and benefits of retiring in the city, average costs involved and free resources that are available to support seniors.
Directory of Assisted Living Facilities in Charleston, SC
Brookdale West Ashley
2030 Charlie Hall Blvd, Charleston, SC, 29414
Brookdale West Ashley is an assisted living and memory care facility situated near the Carolina Bay. The facility gets high marks for offering residents live musical performances, arts and crafts clas
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Brookdale West Ashley is an assisted living and memory care facility situated near the Carolina Bay. The facility gets high marks for offering residents live musical performances, arts and crafts classes, bingo tournaments and movie nights. Residents enjoy staying in shape and active with chair exercise classes, walking in the neighborhood and gardening in the backyard that’s filled with numerous flowers and plants. Families appreciate that their family members are served a variety of healthy meal options that are prepared by a professional chef on a daily basis.
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Brookdale West Ashley is an assisted living and memory care facility situated near the Carolina Bay. The facility gets high marks for offering residents live musical performances, arts and crafts clas
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Brookdale West Ashley is an assisted living and memory care facility situated near the Carolina Bay. The facility gets high marks for offering residents live musical performances, arts and crafts classes, bingo tournaments and movie nights. Residents enjoy staying in shape and active with chair exercise classes, walking in the neighborhood and gardening in the backyard that’s filled with numerous flowers and plants. Families appreciate that their family members are served a variety of healthy meal options that are prepared by a professional chef on a daily basis.
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The Oaks at Daniel Island
320 Seven Farms Drive, Charleston, SC, 29492
I went to visit The Oaks at Daniel Island. The staff was very friendly. It’s a great location. Daniel Island is a great place. It’s nice and clean. The rooms were nice and spacious. They looked like t
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I went to visit The Oaks at Daniel Island. The staff was very friendly. It’s a great location. Daniel Island is a great place. It’s nice and clean. The rooms were nice and spacious. They looked like they would serve my mom’s needs if she ever decided to move there. There was nothing going on. A couple of the residents were watching TV and the other ones were kind of sitting around. There was some physical therapy going on with a couple of patients. Other than that, there wasn’t much going on. They have activities. The staff was very friendly. I met the director and of course, the sales associate, and they were very friendly and accommodating. It was on the older end of the facility. The lobby wasn’t as large as the other facility. But they were nice and clean, there were no odd smells or anything that people associate with retirement villages and the elderly. It was nice. It was one level, which was nice. They have a hair salon and a private little dining area like if you wanted to come over and have lunch. If you don’t want to be in a huge cafeteria or lunchroom, then we can go to another little area to eat as well. They have an alert button.
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I went to visit The Oaks at Daniel Island. The staff was very friendly. It’s a great location. Daniel Island is a great place. It’s nice and clean. The rooms were nice and spacious. They looked like t
… (read more)
I went to visit The Oaks at Daniel Island. The staff was very friendly. It’s a great location. Daniel Island is a great place. It’s nice and clean. The rooms were nice and spacious. They looked like they would serve my mom’s needs if she ever decided to move there. There was nothing going on. A couple of the residents were watching TV and the other ones were kind of sitting around. There was some physical therapy going on with a couple of patients. Other than that, there wasn’t much going on. They have activities. The staff was very friendly. I met the director and of course, the sales associate, and they were very friendly and accommodating. It was on the older end of the facility. The lobby wasn’t as large as the other facility. But they were nice and clean, there were no odd smells or anything that people associate with retirement villages and the elderly. It was nice. It was one level, which was nice. They have a hair salon and a private little dining area like if you wanted to come over and have lunch. If you don’t want to be in a huge cafeteria or lunchroom, then we can go to another little area to eat as well. They have an alert button.
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Oaks at Charleston
2333 Ashley River Road, Charleston, SC, 29414
Oaks at Charleston had excellent facilities. They had activities going on while we were there. It looked like they were playing games or something in one of the gathering rooms. They may have been the
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Oaks at Charleston had excellent facilities. They had activities going on while we were there. It looked like they were playing games or something in one of the gathering rooms. They may have been the best of the three places I visited. They just seemed to have a little more energetic atmosphere. The staff was excellent. There seemed to be a lot of activity going on in and around the facility. The rooms were larger and seemed to be quite well laid out and very nice. The one room they showed us was under renovation. One of the rooms had a nice little portico on it looking into a courtyard. They had a good dining area. It was the largest of the dining areas because it was a little larger facility. The place was very clean and very well kept.
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Oaks at Charleston had excellent facilities. They had activities going on while we were there. It looked like they were playing games or something in one of the gathering rooms. They may have been the
… (read more)
Oaks at Charleston had excellent facilities. They had activities going on while we were there. It looked like they were playing games or something in one of the gathering rooms. They may have been the best of the three places I visited. They just seemed to have a little more energetic atmosphere. The staff was excellent. There seemed to be a lot of activity going on in and around the facility. The rooms were larger and seemed to be quite well laid out and very nice. The one room they showed us was under renovation. One of the rooms had a nice little portico on it looking into a courtyard. They had a good dining area. It was the largest of the dining areas because it was a little larger facility. The place was very clean and very well kept.
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Harmony at West Ashley
1925 Essex Farms Drive, Charleston, SC, 29414
Nestled in Northwest Charleston, Harmony at West Ashley is a senior care provider offering assisted living, independent living and memory care for residents. Featuring a variety of room and housing op
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Nestled in Northwest Charleston, Harmony at West Ashley is a senior care provider offering assisted living, independent living and memory care for residents. Featuring a variety of room and housing options, including one- and two-bedroom apartments and companion suites, this facility allows residents to feel comfortable. Residents and visitors have consistently commented on how well maintained the rooms and facilities are and have remarked on the friendliness of staff. Offering a variety of amenities including an onsite fitness center, library, beauty/barbershop and theater, residents have a host of options to enjoy, which suit their individual needs.
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Nestled in Northwest Charleston, Harmony at West Ashley is a senior care provider offering assisted living, independent living and memory care for residents. Featuring a variety of room and housing op
… (read more)
Nestled in Northwest Charleston, Harmony at West Ashley is a senior care provider offering assisted living, independent living and memory care for residents. Featuring a variety of room and housing options, including one- and two-bedroom apartments and companion suites, this facility allows residents to feel comfortable. Residents and visitors have consistently commented on how well maintained the rooms and facilities are and have remarked on the friendliness of staff. Offering a variety of amenities including an onsite fitness center, library, beauty/barbershop and theater, residents have a host of options to enjoy, which suit their individual needs.
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Savannah Place
1501 Secessionville Road, Charleston, SC, 29412
Savannah Place is an assisted-living facility located in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, near Charleston. Relatives of residents are grateful for and satisfied with the professional and friendly staff
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Savannah Place is an assisted-living facility located in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, near Charleston. Relatives of residents are grateful for and satisfied with the professional and friendly staff who work there. They also remark that their loved ones are fed well-balanced and delicious meals at Savannah Place. Those who live in this community are provided a safe place to call home, and their rooms are spacious. The facility includes plenty of easily accessible, large entryways, and the family members of residents appreciate that the staff keeps them well-informed and up-to-date.
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Savannah Place is an assisted-living facility located in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, near Charleston. Relatives of residents are grateful for and satisfied with the professional and friendly staff
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Savannah Place is an assisted-living facility located in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, near Charleston. Relatives of residents are grateful for and satisfied with the professional and friendly staff who work there. They also remark that their loved ones are fed well-balanced and delicious meals at Savannah Place. Those who live in this community are provided a safe place to call home, and their rooms are spacious. The facility includes plenty of easily accessible, large entryways, and the family members of residents appreciate that the staff keeps them well-informed and up-to-date.
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Wellmore of Daniel Island
580 Robert Daniel Drive, Charleston, SC, 29492
We have chosen Wellmore of Daniel Island for my mother-in-law. Well, she’s from Daniel Island, and she’s familiar with the area. She’s still able to get around a little bit, and so we figured it would
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We have chosen Wellmore of Daniel Island for my mother-in-law. Well, she’s from Daniel Island, and she’s familiar with the area. She’s still able to get around a little bit, and so we figured it wouldn’t be a drastic change. Her friends could visit her; that’s the main reason. It’s also a very nice-looking facility. The staff was very friendly. Everybody introduced themselves as we walked through. They seemed very professional, and positive. My mother-in-law hasn’t moved in yet. She’ll be moving in next week.
Wellmore of Daniel Island was excellent as far as physical condition. The dining room, the swimming pool, the TV room, the quiet room, and the sitting room were all well manicured, and clean. The staff was very friendly, and very helpful. Other than it being a little more expensive than the rest, I have no complaints about it. I think it’s a fine facility. I was more impressed with the staff than the building, that’s how good the staff presented themselves. The facility is only two years old.
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We have chosen Wellmore of Daniel Island for my mother-in-law. Well, she’s from Daniel Island, and she’s familiar with the area. She’s still able to get around a little bit, and so we figured it would
… (read more)
We have chosen Wellmore of Daniel Island for my mother-in-law. Well, she’s from Daniel Island, and she’s familiar with the area. She’s still able to get around a little bit, and so we figured it wouldn’t be a drastic change. Her friends could visit her; that’s the main reason. It’s also a very nice-looking facility. The staff was very friendly. Everybody introduced themselves as we walked through. They seemed very professional, and positive. My mother-in-law hasn’t moved in yet. She’ll be moving in next week.
Wellmore of Daniel Island was excellent as far as physical condition. The dining room, the swimming pool, the TV room, the quiet room, and the sitting room were all well manicured, and clean. The staff was very friendly, and very helpful. Other than it being a little more expensive than the rest, I have no complaints about it. I think it’s a fine facility. I was more impressed with the staff than the building, that’s how good the staff presented themselves. The facility is only two years old.
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The Bridge at Charleston
2590 Elms Plantation Boulevard North, Charleston, SC, 29406
The Bridge at Charleston is tucked into a corner of Bluehouse Swamp in Charleston, SC. Visitors are very impressed by the monthly social calendar, which allows guests to pick their favorite events to
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The Bridge at Charleston is tucked into a corner of Bluehouse Swamp in Charleston, SC. Visitors are very impressed by the monthly social calendar, which allows guests to pick their favorite events to attend. The Bridge at Charleston features a massive dining hall, social areas on every floor and a library for quiet reading. Residents add that while the atmosphere is peaceful, weekly bingo games and entertainers create an appreciated change of pace. In addition, visitors take note of the apartment-style living complex. These suites are fully furnished with kitchens, closets and a tiny living room.
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The Bridge at Charleston is tucked into a corner of Bluehouse Swamp in Charleston, SC. Visitors are very impressed by the monthly social calendar, which allows guests to pick their favorite events to
… (read more)
The Bridge at Charleston is tucked into a corner of Bluehouse Swamp in Charleston, SC. Visitors are very impressed by the monthly social calendar, which allows guests to pick their favorite events to attend. The Bridge at Charleston features a massive dining hall, social areas on every floor and a library for quiet reading. Residents add that while the atmosphere is peaceful, weekly bingo games and entertainers create an appreciated change of pace. In addition, visitors take note of the apartment-style living complex. These suites are fully furnished with kitchens, closets and a tiny living room.
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Palmettos of Charleston
1900 Ashley Crossing Drive, Charleston, SC, 29414
Palmettos of Charleston is a senior living community located near three major highways with convenient access to shopping venues, historic attractions and parks. Visitors and loved ones applaud the fa
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Palmettos of Charleston is a senior living community located near three major highways with convenient access to shopping venues, historic attractions and parks. Visitors and loved ones applaud the facility’s welcoming and knowledgeable staff, clean environment and attractive grounds. The community also receives favorable reviews for its wide range of social activities, such as shopping and lunch outings, festive parties, games and exercise classes. Palmettos of Charleston offers a number of convenient amenities and services, including restaurant-style dining, wireless Internet, an in-room emergency call system and scheduled transportation for medical appointments and errands.
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Palmettos of Charleston is a senior living community located near three major highways with convenient access to shopping venues, historic attractions and parks. Visitors and loved ones applaud the fa
… (read more)
Palmettos of Charleston is a senior living community located near three major highways with convenient access to shopping venues, historic attractions and parks. Visitors and loved ones applaud the facility’s welcoming and knowledgeable staff, clean environment and attractive grounds. The community also receives favorable reviews for its wide range of social activities, such as shopping and lunch outings, festive parties, games and exercise classes. Palmettos of Charleston offers a number of convenient amenities and services, including restaurant-style dining, wireless Internet, an in-room emergency call system and scheduled transportation for medical appointments and errands.
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Benton House of West Ashley
1445 Bluewater Way, Charleston, SC, 29414
Benton House of West Ashley is located in Charleston, South Carolina, near Oak Plantation Campground, Savannah Highway, restaurants and shopping centers. The facility offers assisted living and memory
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Benton House of West Ashley is located in Charleston, South Carolina, near Oak Plantation Campground, Savannah Highway, restaurants and shopping centers. The facility offers assisted living and memory care so residents can maintain familiar surroundings as their needs change. The community hosts events such as Burgers and Bingo, live music performances, and lectures on topics of interest to keep residents engaged and active. The facility has an open floor plan that’s easy for patients who need memory care to navigate, and it has keypad security so loved ones know their family members are safe.
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Benton House of West Ashley is located in Charleston, South Carolina, near Oak Plantation Campground, Savannah Highway, restaurants and shopping centers. The facility offers assisted living and memory
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Benton House of West Ashley is located in Charleston, South Carolina, near Oak Plantation Campground, Savannah Highway, restaurants and shopping centers. The facility offers assisted living and memory care so residents can maintain familiar surroundings as their needs change. The community hosts events such as Burgers and Bingo, live music performances, and lectures on topics of interest to keep residents engaged and active. The facility has an open floor plan that’s easy for patients who need memory care to navigate, and it has keypad security so loved ones know their family members are safe.
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Indigo Hall
509 Standard Way, Charleston, SC, 29412
My step-mom moved into assisted living 1-1/2 weeks ago and the first time they took her laundry they lost it. It’s now day 5 with no new info after multiple inquiries from her local family. It’s the l
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My step-mom moved into assisted living 1-1/2 weeks ago and the first time they took her laundry they lost it. It’s now day 5 with no new info after multiple inquiries from her local family. It’s the lack of communication with her directly that has her the most upset. Someone needs to keep her updated on what’s going on.
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My step-mom moved into assisted living 1-1/2 weeks ago and the first time they took her laundry they lost it. It’s now day 5 with no new info after multiple inquiries from her local family. It’s the l
… (read more)
My step-mom moved into assisted living 1-1/2 weeks ago and the first time they took her laundry they lost it. It’s now day 5 with no new info after multiple inquiries from her local family. It’s the lack of communication with her directly that has her the most upset. Someone needs to keep her updated on what’s going on.
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Franke Home at Seaside
1885 Rifle Range Road, Mount Pleasant, SC, 29464
Franke At Seaside’s level of care is excellent. My parents were both in the independent and assisted living. They have many activities, and the meals were also excellent.
Franke At Seaside’s level of care is excellent. My parents were both in the independent and assisted living. They have many activities, and the meals were also excellent.
Atria Mount Pleasant (Now Open)
601 Solana Way, Mount Pleasant, SC, 29464
Atria Mount Pleasant is conveniently located near I-526, just north of Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. Upscale studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments are available as well as companion suites and vil
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Atria Mount Pleasant is conveniently located near I-526, just north of Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. Upscale studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments are available as well as companion suites and villas. Residents enjoy a wide range of services, including a full-service salon and spa, movie theater, walking trails and several dining venues. Additional daily activities are also provided and offer a variety of recreational and social opportunities. Staff is on hand around the clock to assist with basic chores like cooking and laundry. Atria Mount Pleasant also offers personalized memory care assistance for those dealing with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
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Atria Mount Pleasant is conveniently located near I-526, just north of Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. Upscale studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments are available as well as companion suites and vil
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Atria Mount Pleasant is conveniently located near I-526, just north of Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. Upscale studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments are available as well as companion suites and villas. Residents enjoy a wide range of services, including a full-service salon and spa, movie theater, walking trails and several dining venues. Additional daily activities are also provided and offer a variety of recreational and social opportunities. Staff is on hand around the clock to assist with basic chores like cooking and laundry. Atria Mount Pleasant also offers personalized memory care assistance for those dealing with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
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Sandpiper Courtyard Assisted Living
1047 Anna Knapp Blvd., Mount Pleasant, SC, 29464
Sandpiper Courtyard Assisted Living is a small community. They also only offered studio style apartments; they didn’t have the ones with the separate bedrooms. Once we saw that, we kind of lost intere
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Sandpiper Courtyard Assisted Living is a small community. They also only offered studio style apartments; they didn’t have the ones with the separate bedrooms. Once we saw that, we kind of lost interest after that. And right now, they’re in the middle of a renovation, too, so there was a lot going on. Some of the rooms that we saw looked like they were fairly well kept up, and some of them have a small kitchenette area. The lady that gave us the tour was very nice. They had a beauty salon. There was a musician in the dining area performing, so we didn’t get a real good view of the facility just because they were in the middle of an activity going on in there. Overall, the community wasn’t as nice as some of the other ones that I saw.
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Sandpiper Courtyard Assisted Living is a small community. They also only offered studio style apartments; they didn’t have the ones with the separate bedrooms. Once we saw that, we kind of lost intere
… (read more)
Sandpiper Courtyard Assisted Living is a small community. They also only offered studio style apartments; they didn’t have the ones with the separate bedrooms. Once we saw that, we kind of lost interest after that. And right now, they’re in the middle of a renovation, too, so there was a lot going on. Some of the rooms that we saw looked like they were fairly well kept up, and some of them have a small kitchenette area. The lady that gave us the tour was very nice. They had a beauty salon. There was a musician in the dining area performing, so we didn’t get a real good view of the facility just because they were in the middle of an activity going on in there. Overall, the community wasn’t as nice as some of the other ones that I saw.
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Somerby of Mount Pleasant
3100 Tradition Circle, Mount Pleasant, SC, 29466
We looked at Somerby of Mount Pleasant. I’ve seen it in person, and I did the virtual, but I thought the amenities were a lot better at the other place. I wasn’t impressed with the staff; they weren’t
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We looked at Somerby of Mount Pleasant. I’ve seen it in person, and I did the virtual, but I thought the amenities were a lot better at the other place. I wasn’t impressed with the staff; they weren’t friendly. The facility was very clean, and well kept. As far as the facility, I would give it a very good rating, as far as presenting itself; it all looked well cared for. The staff members weren’t quite as friendly, and there didn’t seem to be as many staff members.
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We looked at Somerby of Mount Pleasant. I’ve seen it in person, and I did the virtual, but I thought the amenities were a lot better at the other place. I wasn’t impressed with the staff; they weren’t
… (read more)
We looked at Somerby of Mount Pleasant. I’ve seen it in person, and I did the virtual, but I thought the amenities were a lot better at the other place. I wasn’t impressed with the staff; they weren’t friendly. The facility was very clean, and well kept. As far as the facility, I would give it a very good rating, as far as presenting itself; it all looked well cared for. The staff members weren’t quite as friendly, and there didn’t seem to be as many staff members.
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The Palms of Mt. Pleasant
937 Bowman Road, Mount Pleasant, SC, 29464
The Palms of Mt. Pleasant is a senior living facility located in South Carolina and close to two major highways, shopping venues and medical centers. The community offers residents a wealth of ameniti
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The Palms of Mt. Pleasant is a senior living facility located in South Carolina and close to two major highways, shopping venues and medical centers. The community offers residents a wealth of amenities, including scheduled transportation, all-day dining, laundry/housekeeping and an on-site beauty/barber shop. Visitors and residents give the facility high marks for its friendly staff, spacious apartments, appetizing meals and clean atmosphere. The Palms of Mt. Pleasant also receives positive reviews for providing a wide range of social activities such as shopping trips, devotionals, book clubs and exercise sessions.
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The Palms of Mt. Pleasant is a senior living facility located in South Carolina and close to two major highways, shopping venues and medical centers. The community offers residents a wealth of ameniti
… (read more)
The Palms of Mt. Pleasant is a senior living facility located in South Carolina and close to two major highways, shopping venues and medical centers. The community offers residents a wealth of amenities, including scheduled transportation, all-day dining, laundry/housekeeping and an on-site beauty/barber shop. Visitors and residents give the facility high marks for its friendly staff, spacious apartments, appetizing meals and clean atmosphere. The Palms of Mt. Pleasant also receives positive reviews for providing a wide range of social activities such as shopping trips, devotionals, book clubs and exercise sessions.
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Ashley Landing Assisted Living – CLOSED
4550 Great Oak Drive, North Charleston, SC, 29418
Ashley Landing Assisted Living is a modern, 100-bed facility located just minutes from shopping, entertainment and medical services in North Charleston, South Carolina. The food, the caring attitude o
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Ashley Landing Assisted Living is a modern, 100-bed facility located just minutes from shopping, entertainment and medical services in North Charleston, South Carolina. The food, the caring attitude of the staff, the on-site beauty salon and the pet-friendly policy all receive high marks from residents and their loved ones. Regular praise is also heaped on the cozy, homelike ambiance, where residents enjoy activities such as checkers, bingo and religious services. This facility also offers off-site group activities as well as on-site social activities. Family members of residents are appreciative of the professional 24-hour care and supervision.
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Ashley Landing Assisted Living is a modern, 100-bed facility located just minutes from shopping, entertainment and medical services in North Charleston, South Carolina. The food, the caring attitude o
… (read more)
Ashley Landing Assisted Living is a modern, 100-bed facility located just minutes from shopping, entertainment and medical services in North Charleston, South Carolina. The food, the caring attitude of the staff, the on-site beauty salon and the pet-friendly policy all receive high marks from residents and their loved ones. Regular praise is also heaped on the cozy, homelike ambiance, where residents enjoy activities such as checkers, bingo and religious services. This facility also offers off-site group activities as well as on-site social activities. Family members of residents are appreciative of the professional 24-hour care and supervision.
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is a Caring Star Community
Earning a Caring Star means this community is among the best Senior Living commuities in America.
COVID-19 Rules for Assisted Living in Charleston
Since most COVID-19 rules for Assisted Living Communities and other Senior Living Facilities are set at the state level, you can view the specific rules for your state on our Guide to Assisted Living in South Carolina. Keep in mind that every community has specific policies that they put in place to protect their residents, so you should contact your local community for more information. Additionally, you can contact your local Area Agency on Aging to learn more – find contact information here.
What to Consider About Assisted Living in Charleston
In Charleston and across the state of South Carolina, The Bureau of Health Facility Licensing regulates and issues licenses to assisted living facilities. The bureau ensures that all assisted living facilities in the state comply with the required rules and regulations. It carries out regular planned and unplanned inspections at all facilities.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Assisted Living in Charleston
- The warm climate of Charleston is ideal for seniors who enjoy outdoor activities. The city receives no snow and has an average winter low temperature of 39. Summer months are warm with an average high of 90. Charleston enjoys around 209 days of sunshine each, but it can be humid due to the high rainfall in the area. Seniors will need to budget for cooling expenses in the warmer months.
- The cost of living in Charleston is around 4% higher than the national average. Seniors who are worried about budgeting for each month can rest assured that living in an assisted living community means that most of their costs are fixed.
- South Carolina is tax-friendly towards retirees. The state does not charge tax on Social Security retirement benefit income and provides a sizable tax income deduction on any other forms of retirement income. South Carolina has some of the lowest property taxes in the country. This all means that seniors have more income available to enjoy all the activities in Charleston.
- Seniors have easy access to a number of excellent medical facilities in Charleston. Some of the top hospitals in the city include MUSC Health -University Medical Center and Roper Hospital.
- Charleston has a high crime rate and is ranked as safer than just 16% of U.S. cities. The city has a very high rate of property crime. Seniors who are worried about crime can feel safe knowing that most assisted living communities offer 24/7 security services and secure gated access for the safety of residents.
- Seniors living in Charleston can take advantage of miles of scenic coastline to explore, a vibrant cultural scene, a number of golf courses and tours of the city to learn about its interesting past.
Paying for Assisted Living in Charleston
According to the Genworth Cost of Care Survey 2021, the average monthly cost of assisted living in Charleston is $3,945. This is less than the national median of $4,500 and more than the South Carolina state average of $3,612.
The Cost of Assisted Living in Nearby Cities
At $3,945 per month, Charleston is one of the more expensive cities for assisted living in the state. The least expensive option is Sumter, which has a monthly average cost of $2,663. At the upper end of the cost scale, Hilton Island has an average monthly cost of $4,500, and the average senior in the coastal city of Myrtle Beach pays $4,070 for assisted living.
When it comes to assisted living, Greenville is fairly close in price to Spartanburg, though the latter is slightly cheaper, with an average cost of $3,600. Other cities in South Carolina offer rates that are lower still. The median rate in Columbia is $3,270, and in Florence, it is $3,456. Sumter’s prices are particularly low, averaging $2,663 per month.
The Cost of Other Types of Senior Care
Seniors living in Charleston have a choice of senior care options besides assisted living. Adult day care is the lowest cost option with an average monthly fee of $1,381. Home care and home health care both have a monthly median cost of $5,005. Nursing home care is best suited to frail seniors who require around-the-clock medical care and supervision. A semiprivate room in a nursing home has a monthly average cost of $7,513, and the corresponding cost for a private room is $8,512.
Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Charleston
In South Carolina, seniors who need help paying assisted living costs can apply for the South Carolina Community Choices Medicaid Wavier. The state also offers supplemental SSI payments.
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 Charleston
Seniors living in Charleston have access to a number of support services offered by nonprofit organizations and government departments. These services and activities may be of interest to seniors who are currently living in assisted living facilities and those who are considering making the move.
Resources
Contact
Services
(843) 722-4127
The Charleston Area Seniors is a nonprofit organization that provides a number of services to assist seniors in the community. Services are all provided by volunteers, and the organization is supported by local churches. Some of the services offered include a food pantry, transport services, caregiver support, friendship calls, meals on wheels and congregate meals. The organization runs a senior center that provides activities such as fitness classes, board games and educational lectures.
(843) 577-1306
The Charleston Office on Aging focuses on assisting seniors and caregivers in the community. The office runs an elder abuse hotline where seniors in long-term care facilities can use to report any issues. It operates a volunteer group that organizes intergenerational community activities.
(843) 724-7311
The city of Charleston runs three senior community centers for seniors aged 55 and older. These centers provide a hot meal at lunch each day where seniors can socialize and enjoy a nutritious meal. Activities offered include day trips to local attractions, fitness classes, computer classes, card games, live entertainment and wellness lectures.
(803) 734-9886
The South Carolina Department on Aging offers a number of programs and initiates to support seniors. Some of the programs offered include nutrition programs, medicare information, legal assistance, caregiver support, evidence-based health programs and senior centers. The Long-Term Care Ombudsman program advocates for seniors in long-term care facilities such as assisted living communities and nursing homes.
Assisted Living Laws and Regulations in Charleston
Charleston Assisted Living Communities must adhere to the comprehensive set of state laws and regulations that all Assisted Living Facilities in South Carolina are required to follow. Visit our Assisted Living in South Carolina page for more information about these laws.
