The 5 Best Memory Care Facilities in Spartanburg, SC for 2023

In Spartanburg, a city of about 40,000 residents in the northwestern corner of South Carolina, seniors make up 16% of the population. This demographic is the most likely to be diagnosed with dementia and has seen a drastic increase in Alzheimer’s-related deaths over time. The CDC reports that in 2014, about 6% of deaths, or 126 fatalities, in the Spartanburg region were linked to Alzheimer’s. In 2018, the number of occurrences increased by 45% to 183 deaths, which is equal to over 8% of fatalities. By comparison, the total number of deaths in the Spartanburg region increased by about 10% during that time frame.

For older adults with Alzheimer’s, residential memory services support access to around-the-clock monitoring, dementia-informed programming and compassionate care. These facilities are staffed with highly trained caregivers and have robust programming that incorporates failure-free activities, brain games and open floor plans to promote independence. This guide covers the benefits and drawbacks of obtaining residential care in Spartanburg, the cost of memory care and other senior care options and some resources that help older adults and families navigate local dementia services.

In Spartanburg, memory care facilities are regulated by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, Bureau of Health Facility Licensing. This agency enforces rules and regulations to ensure a consistently high standard of care.

• Spartanburg is home to two hospitals, including Spartanburg Medical Center’s main campus and the Mary Black Campus. Both of these hospitals provide 24-hour emergency care and a range of inpatient and outpatient services, providing easy access to primary and specialty services for those in memory care. Local health care costs are roughly on par with the national average.
• In Spartanburg, older adults don’t pay state income taxes on Social Security benefits and can claim a large deduction on their taxable retirement income, which may help them put more money towards living expenses. Property taxes are relatively low and may benefit those who retain ownership of their home after moving to residential dementia care.
• Spartanburg is one of the cheapest places to live in South Carolina, with an overall cost of living that’s about 8% lower than the state median and 20% lower than that of the typical U.S. city. Real estate is particularly affordable and may correlate with affordable residential care.
• Crime is somewhat more prevalent in Spartanburg than in the typical U.S. city, which may make residential care a good option for those with memory impairments. On a 100-point crime index, the city’s violent crime and property crime rates are more than double the national scores at 55.7 and 90.2, respectively.
• Spartanburg’s year-round temperatures are consistent with the state as a whole, with residents enjoying relatively warm weather throughout the year. High temperatures range from 53-91 degrees and the city sees about 2 inches of snow and 49 inches of rain, offering plenty of time to enjoy therapeutic outdoor activities such as walking and gardening.
• Spartanburg’s air quality is good, with the American Lung Association assigning the region a high rating for annual and particle pollution. This may benefit those with chronic heart or respiratory issues. Ozone pollution levels are moderate, so those sensitive to smog may want to stay indoors on especially warm days.

In Spartanburg, memory care services are typically provided within assisted living facilities with designated Alzheimer’s special care units. On average, memory services cost 20-30% more than standard assisted living services due to additional staffing and staff training requirements. The following rates are estimated based on assisted living rates in the Genworth 2021 Cost of Care Survey, plus 25%.

In Spartanburg, seniors pay approximately $4,500 per month for residential dementia services. This is consistent with the state rate of $4,515 and cheaper than the national median of $5,625. Obtaining care in Spartanburg is an affordable alternative to moving to memory care in nearby Greenville, where rates are higher at $4,679. In Hilton Head Island, care costs are the highest in the state and equal to the national median at $5,625. In Columbia, rates are about $400 less than in Spartanburg at $4,088, and in Sumter, care costs are the most affordable in the state at $3,329.

The most affordable senior care option in Spartanburg is adult day health care, which provides daytime care and monitoring in a community setting for $1,408 monthly. Older adults in the early stages of dementia may obtain the care they need through in-home care, which costs $4,076 for basic homemaker services and $4,172 for specialized home health aide services. Assisted living costs $3,600 per month, and those with special care units charge around $4,500 for dementia care. Nursing homes charge $6,692 for semiprivate accommodations.

While many families use their own funds or personal assets to pay for memory care, there are plenty of additional options to cover these costs. Some additional ways to finance memory care costs include:

• Veterans Benefits
• Life Insurance Policy
• Long-Term Care Insurance
• Reverse Mortgage

For more information about different ways to finance memory care, visit our Memory Care in South Carolina page.