The 5 Best Memory Care Facilities Facilities in Summerville, SC for 2023
The inviting town of Summerville offers a range of benefits to older adults who call it home, including a warm climate and retiree-friendly tax laws. Of its 51,000 residents, a little over 13% are aged 65 and over, the age group most likely to be diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. While this is lower than the senior population in the average U.S. city, the rate of fatalities from Alzheimer’s has increased considerably in recent years. In 2014, there were 37 Alzheimer’s-related deaths in the Summerville region, making up 5.6% of the total number of fatalities in the county. In 2018, the CDC reported 80 deaths linked to Alzheimer’s, which equates to over 9% of cases. The total death rate went up by about 31% during that period, but Alzheimer’s deaths increased by over 116%.
For those with dementia, residential memory care is a practical solution that provides compassionate specialized care, around-the-clock monitoring and dementia-informed recreational programs. This guide provides an outline of the benefits and drawbacks of obtaining memory care services in Summerville, along with an overview of the cost of care in this region. It also summarizes resources available to those with memory loss and their loved ones.
Directory of Memory Care Facilities in Summerville, SC

Harmony at Wescott
5130 Wescott Blvd., Summerville, SC, 29485

The Retreat at Summerville
950 Travelers Blvd., Summerville, SC, 29485

TerraBella Summerville
335 Midland Parkway, Summerville, SC, 29485

The Blake at Carnes Crossroads
4015 2nd Avenue, Summerville, SC, 29485

The ARK, Alzheimer’s Family Support Services
206 Central Avenue, Summerville, SC, 29483
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COVID-19 Rules for Memory Care in Summerville
Since most COVID-19 rules for Memory Care 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 Memory Care 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 Memory Care in Summerville
In Summerville, memory care facilities are licensed as assisted living facilities and must comply with regulations set by the South Carolina Board of Health and Environmental Control, Division of Health Licensing. This agency conducts background checks on all prospective caregivers and investigates complaints of noncompliance with regulations.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Memory Care in Summerville
- Summerville is among the more expensive South Carolina cities to live in, but its overall cost of living is consistent with the national average. Utility and transportation expenses tend to be higher here than elsewhere in the state, but memory care facilities typically figure costs such as these into their monthly rates.
- Property crime is more prevalent in Summerville than in the typical U.S. city, ranking 49.9 on a 100-point crime index compared to the national score of 35.4. However, according to the most recent FBI data, the number of incidents has been trending downward for years. Violent crime is unusual here, which may provide peace of mind for families seeking local long-term residential dementia services for loved ones.
- With year-round high temperatures ranging from 59-92 degrees, Summerville is one of the warmer places in South Carolina. The town only sees about an inch of annual snowfall, which may be good for older adults who rely on mobility aids. However, summers tend to be very humid. To keep residents comfortable, many memory care facilities have individual climate controls in residents’ units.
- Health care options are somewhat limited in Summerville and may be a consideration for those managing chronic conditions such as dementia. Summerville Medical Center, a 124-bed acute-care hospital, is located in the town itself, and 11 more hospitals are located within 50 miles. There are 60 doctors per capita compared to the national average of 210.
- South Carolina is tax-friendly toward retirees, which may help seniors afford long-term care services in Summerville. Older adults don’t pay state income taxes on Social Security benefits, and they can claim a large taxable income deduction for other types of retirement income.
Paying for Memory Care in Summerville
Memory care services in Summerville are provided in assisted living facilities with Alzheimer’s special care units or programs. On average, memory care costs 20-30% more than standard assisted living. No nationwide cost data sources list rates for memory care services, so the following estimates are based on assisted living fees in the Genworth 2021 Cost of Care Survey, increased by 25%.
The Cost of Memory Care in Nearby Cities
In Summerville, memory care residents pay $4,931 per month for care, which is over $400 higher than the state median of $4,515 but affordable compared to the national rate of $5,625. In Hilton Head Island, rates are equal to the national average, and in the Myrtle Beach area, seniors pay $5,088. Sumter has the state’s most affordable dementia care rates at $3,329.
The Cost of Other Types of Senior Care
Summerville seniors have multiple care options to choose from depending on their needs. Adult day health care is the most cost-effective option at $1,381. Assisted living services average $3,945, and memory care is about $1,000 more at $4,931. Older adults who obtain in-home care pay $5,005 for basic homemaker services and specialized home health aide care. Nursing homes charge $7,513 for semiprivate accommodations and $8,152 for private rooms.
Note: Data for Summerville was unavailable, so data for the nearest city, Charleston, was used instead.
Financial Assistance for Memory Care in Summerville
In Summerville there are options for seniors who need financial assistance paying for Memory Care. For more information about other options, who qualifies, and how to apply, Memory Care in South Carolina page.

More Ways to Pay for Memory Care
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.
Free Memory Care Resources in Summerville
Numerous nonprofit organizations and government agencies serve seniors in Summerville and the surrounding region. Through the following resources, seniors and their families get help with finding local memory care services along with community-based services and programs such as options counseling, support groups and early-stage engagement activities.
Resource
Contact
Description
(800) 272-3900
The South Carolina chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association operates a 24-hour helpline that individuals can call for emotional support, guidance and referrals for community-based services. The chapter organizes early-stage engagement activities such as Peer2Peer online gatherings, virtual and in-person support groups and Living Well sessions. It also has a comprehensive online library with information on recognizing dementia, managing behaviors, taking the next steps toward treatment and long-term care.
(800) 868-9095
The Alzheimer’s Resource Coordination Center is a state initiative that provides families with education and caregiver training as well as information and referrals for community-based resources.
(843) 554-2275
The Trident Area Agency on Aging is a nonprofit, nongovernment agency that provides free and low-cost services for those aged 60 and over. Through this agency, seniors and families can connect with Medicare options counselors who answer questions regarding benefits and screen for eligibility of Medicare Savings Programs and Medicaid. The agency can also help individuals research long-term care options in the Summerville region.
(843) 832-0050
Dorchester County’s Veterans Affairs office is headquartered in Summerville, providing older veterans with easy access to information services, advocacy and community-based services. It screens veterans for eligibility for veterans’ home placement, and VA Aid and Attendance and pension benefits, which can help control memory care expenses.
(800) 868-9095
The South Carolina Long Term Care Ombudsman advocates for older adults in memory care facilities to ensure their rights are honored, and they receive the services in their care plans. The ombudsman can educate families regarding their loved ones’ care options and mediate conflicts with residential facilities. The ombudsman can also investigate concerns regarding substandard care.
Memory Care Laws and Regulations in Summerville
Summerville Memory Care Communities must adhere to the comprehensive set of state laws and regulations that all Memory Care Facilities in South Carolina are required to follow. Visit our Memory Care in South Carolina page for more information about these laws.
