The 10 Best Home Care Agencies for Seniors in Charleston, SC for 2025

Q: What is the difference between in-home care and home health care?

In-home care typically covers personal care services, such as grooming, bathing and cooking. Alternatively, home health care includes medical services, such as medication administration, physical therapy and speech therapy. The prices of both are usually fairly similar, but often home health care is slightly more expensive as a nurse or therapist carries it out.

Q: What is the average cost of in-home elderly care in Charleston?

In-home care in Charleston costs an average of $5,005 per month. However, this can vary depending on the exact location and required services. The cost is slightly higher than the national average and significantly higher than the state average.

Q: What types of services can a home care agency in Charleston provide?

A good home care agency can provide a range of services. These include personal care such as bathing, grooming and dressing, as well as transportation, grocery shopping, cooking and housework. Home care staff assist seniors with daily tasks they can no longer carry out alone.

Q: Assisted living homes vs. home care: how to decide?

The decision of whether to choose an assisted living community or home care comes down to the financial situation, needs and personal preference of the senior. Typically home care is slightly more expensive than assisted living communities, but the cost difference is not that great, so other factors should be considered. Assisted living communities may be more suited to seniors who no longer feel comfortable living independently at home and would benefit from 24/7 support. Home care is better suited to seniors who are still happy at home but require a helping hand with some daily tasks.

Q: What is in-home respite care?

In-home respite care is when an aide comes to a senior home to provide care for a period while their primary caregiver is away or unavailable. It is a good option for seniors who don&#8217;t want the disruption of moving into a facility for respite care. It is important for primary caregivers to be able to have time off and in-home respite care provides the peace of mind that loved ones are being looked after in their own homes.

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Home Care Services in Charleston, South Carolina
Paying for Home Care in Charleston, SC
Financial Assistance for Home Care in Charleston, SC
Free & Low-Cost Home Care Resources in Charleston, SC
Determining Your Loved One’s Need for In-Home Care
Guidelines for Talking About In-Home Care
Frequently Asked Questions

Paying for Home Care in Charleston, SC

The Cost of Home Care in Charleston, SC

The 2021 Genworth Cost of Care Survey reports that home care costs around $5,005 in Charleston, roughly $570 more than the state average and $50 more than the national average. In the middle of the state, in Columbia, care costs around $600 less than in Charleston. Hilton Head Island has the least affordable home care costs in the state, averaging around $5,577 per month. Spartanburg has the most affordable care, costing $4,076 per month. In Myrtle Beach, seniors pay slightly more than the state average at $4,433.

Charleston

$5,005

South Carolina

$4,433

The United States

$4,957

Columbia

$4,385

Hilton Head Island

$5,577

Myrtle Beach

$4,576

Spartanburg

$4,076

The Cost of Home Care vs. Other Senior Care Options in Charleston, SC

Both home care and home health care cost around $5,005 per month in Charleston, but they differ in that home care covers personal care and home health care includes light medical services. Adult day care, which includes daytime support, is by far the most affordable option at around $1,381. For seniors requiring more comprehensive care, assisted living typically costs around $3,945 per month. A semiprivate room in a nursing home is the most expensive option, costing around $7,513 per month.

Home Care

$5,005

Home Health Care

$5,005

Adult Day Health Care

$1,381

Assisted Living

$3,945

Nursing Home Care (semiprivate room)

$7,513

Financial Assistance for Home Care in Charleston, SC

Given the high cost of in-home care, many people use one or more forms of financial assistance to cover the expenses. Below, we explain some of the most common sources of financial help for paying for in-home care. If none of these options are available to you, you can reach out to your Area Agency on Aging or Aging and Disability Resource Center to learn about local resources.

Long-Term Care Insurance: Long-Term Care Insurance covers expenses related to senior care, including in-home care. Depending on the policy type, beneficiaries may receive a cash payment to use towards long-term care or reimbursement for qualifying long-term care expenses. Note that there are limitations- typically a maximum benefit of $150 per day- and exact coverage terms vary depending on the exact policy, so always check the details.
Medicare: Medicare does not cover in-home care because it is classified as custodial, or non-medical, care. However, some Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement plans, which offer expanded benefits, may cover in-home custodial care.
Medicaid: Medicaid coverage of in-home care varies between different states because it is not a federally mandated benefit. Currently, all states cover some in-home care either through their standard Medicaid or a waiver program. The specific coverage rules are set individually by each state.
Veterans’ Benefits: The Aid and Attendance benefit is a monthly cash payment that beneficiaries can use to pay for senior care, including in-home care services. To qualify for A&A, Veterans must already receive the VA pension and meet several additional requirements, including needing assistance with the activities of daily living.Contact the Department of Veterans Affairs to learn more.
Reverse Mortgages: Home Equity Conversion Mortgages (HECMs) are federally insured loans that are available to homeowners age 62 and over. Reverse mortgages allow you to access a portion of your home’s equity in cash, tax free. Many seniors use reverse mortgages to finance their care expenses, including in-home care. Note that although there are no monthly payments due on reverse mortgage loans, borrowers do have to repay the loan once the last surviving homeowner passes away, moves, or sells the home.

Free & Low-Cost Home Care Resources in Charleston, SC

Charleston has a range of resources available designed to support seniors and help them stay living independently for as long as possible. Local and government programs offer assistance with paying bills, home repairs and meal assistance. Contact the agencies below to find out more.

Resource	Contact	Service
South Carolina Weatherization Assistance Program	(803) 648-6836	The South Carolina Weatherization Assistance Program helps low-income families to make home improvements that enhance their quality of life. The program is available to all low-income households that meet income requirements (e.g., income must not exceed $27,180 per year for a one-person household), but special preference is given to seniors over 60 and people with disabilities. Weatherization services include installing attic insulation, repairing ceilings and replacing windows.
Meals on Wheels	(843) 722-4127	Meals on Wheels is a nonprofit national program that brings meals to homebound seniors. A friendly volunteer delivers hot, nutritious meals Monday through Friday and extra services such as pet food delivery are also available. The program is funded by the government and local agencies, but donations are welcome. To be eligible, seniors must be homebound and unable to shop for or prepare their own meals.
Critical Home Repair Program	(843) 202-6986	Vulnerable seniors in Charleston can access vital home repairs through the Critical Home Repair Program. To be eligible, you must be a Charleston Country resident, be 62 or older, meet the income guidelines and own the home you want repaired. The program aims to make homes safe and livable through services such as modifying for accessibility, installing plumbing and repairing components.
Waring Senior Center	(843) 402-1990	Waring Senior Center is a 16,000-square-foot center with a wide variety of senior amenities, including a fitness center, a computer room and an exercise studio. Seniors can get involved in various activities, including pickleball, exercise and computer classes. The center aims to be a place where all seniors can come to feel part of a community.

Determining Your Loved One’s Need for In-Home Care

Aging can be a difficult process, and loved ones may not always ask for help – often times it’s up to their family to evaluate their need for help around the house. While no two situations are exactly alike, this checklist can help you and your loved ones determine when it’s time to start the search for a home care provider.

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Checklist for determining the need for home care

Guidelines for Talking About In-Home Care

If you’ve determined that your loved one needs the assistance of a care provider in their home, it may be time for a difficult conversation. Handled correctly, however, this process can bring a family together and ensure that everyone’s concerns are addressed. Use this PDF as a starting point to help the conversation stay as positive and productive as possible.

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Talking with Family and Others about a loved one's needs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between in-home care and home health care?

What is the average cost of in-home elderly care in Charleston?

What types of services can a home care agency in Charleston provide?

Assisted living homes vs. home care: how to decide?

What is in-home respite care?

Reviews of Care Providers Nearby

Home Care

Anonymous_1741266678

5.0

March 6, 2025

I am a past client of this provider

Review of BrightStar Care Charleston

They were well-prepared and well-trained. The individuals knew what to do and didn't need a lot of help from me.

Home Care

James B_77

5.0

January 10, 2025

I am a current client of this provider

Review of BrightStar Care Charleston

The agency has helped me to cut back on infections to make my experience positive. I would recommend them because they are responsive and on time.

Home Care

Zack M

3.0

December 27, 2024

I am a current client of this provider

Review of BrightStar Care Charleston

I didn't really need it that much, nothing on them. They were able to help me out last minute, so I would say I would recommend them.

The 10 Best Home Care Agencies for Seniors in Charleston, SC for 2025

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On this page:

Paying for Home Care in Charleston, SC

The Cost of Home Care in Charleston, SC

The Cost of Home Care vs. Other Senior Care Options in Charleston, SC

Financial Assistance for Home Care in Charleston, SC

Free & Low-Cost Home Care Resources in Charleston, SC

Determining Your Loved One’s Need for In-Home Care

Guidelines for Talking About In-Home Care

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between in-home care and home health care?

What is the average cost of in-home elderly care in Charleston?

What types of services can a home care agency in Charleston provide?

Assisted living homes vs. home care: how to decide?

What is in-home respite care?

Reviews of Care Providers Nearby

In Home Care near Charleston, SC

Other Options in Charleston, SC

Home Care near Charleston County, SC

More Options Near Charleston, SC

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