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Independent Living in South Carolina
Located in the Southeast region, South Carolina is a beautiful state with ocean and mountain views, classic Southern cuisine and over 90,000 acres of protected parkland. It has nearly 5.2 million residents, over 18% of whom are 65 and over. South Carolina offers a warm climate year-round, giving residents plenty of opportunities to lounge on the beach, visit its more than 350 golf courses and hike the state’s 400 trails, and its very low cost of living makes it a financially feasible option for many retirees.
Independent living provides a maintenance-free lifestyle for active older adults. Unlike assisted living facilities, which are ideal for those who need some personal care services, independent living communities focus on optimizing residents’ comfort and quality of life through social and recreational activities and amenities, housekeeping and lawn care services and daily meals. Some communities have resort-style amenities, such as spas, pools, golf courses, fitness centers and tennis courts. Fees vary considerably depending on a community’s location and amenities, but in general, South Carolina is one of the cheapest states in the nation for this lifestyle, with monthly fees coming in at $2,592 per month.
This guide compares South Carolina’s independent living fees to other states in the Southeast and provides tips on covering costs. It also features an overview of programs and agencies that serve older adults in the state.
The Cost of Independent Living in South Carolina
When trying to decide how to pay for independent living, one of the first questions that comes up is "How much does it cost?" With the impact of inflation, it's more important than ever to have up-to-date information when making a financial plan for senior living. To help shed light on real senior living prices, Caring.com has compiled proprietary cost data from its network of over 75,000 senior living providers to offer insight into the average cost of independent living in South Carolina and its 19 cities.
The Cost of Independent Living in South Carolina's Top Cities
When comparing popular cities in South Carolina, Hilton Head fell below the state average at $2,447 per month for independent living in 2023. Other cities were slightly above average, including the state's capital, Columbia, at $3,195, and Myrtle Beach at $3,283. However, South Carolina's largest city, Charleston, had a significantly higher rate of $3,739.
South Carolina
$3,023
Hilton Head
$2,447
Columbia
$3,195
Myrtle Beach
$3,283
Charleston
$3,739
Inflation's Impact on the Cost of Independent Living in South Carolina
Inflation has spurred rising rates across the nation at independent living communities and other senior living options. From 2022 to 2023, the average independent living cost rose more than 5% nationwide. In some states, increases exceeded 10%, including South Carolina, where independent living costs jumped by 17.3% statewide.
However, many southeastern states fared much better. Neighboring North Carolina's average cost rose a fraction of South Carolina's rate, at only 4.2%. To the south, Georgia's rate also only rose 4.3%, and Florida's rate rose 4.9%. Tennessee had the best outcome, with an average drop of 15.8% in independent living prices.
| Location | 2022 Cost (Historical) | 2023 Cost (Current) | 2024 Cost (Estimated) |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Carolina | $2,578 | $3,023 | $3,106 |
| U.S. Average | $2,810 | $2,955 | $3,162 |
| North Carolina | $2,932 | $3,054 | $3,505 |
| Georgia | $2,904 | $3,030 | $3,198 |
| Tennessee | $3,123 | $2,629 | $2,800 |
| Florida | $3,088 | $3,240 | $3,347 |
The Costs of Other Types of Senior Living
Older adults may also want to compare other types of senior living options based on their personal and health care needs. While independent living offers a more affordable option at $3,023 per month in South Carolina, it's not ideal for seniors needing personal or nursing assistance. Assisted living might better suit aging adults seeking daily care, which averages $4,161. If care requirements include dementia support, the cost increases to $4,234 for memory care.
Assisted Living
$4,161
Memory Care
$4,234
Independent Living
$3,023
Can You Use Medicare or Medicaid to Pay for Independent Living in South Carolina?
Unfortunately, you cannot use Medicaid and Medicare to help pay the monthly fee for residing in an Independent Living community. For seniors who need help with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), there may be financial assistance programs available to help cover the cost of care in Independent Living. For more information about financial assistance for those who need a higher level of care, read our guide to Assisted Living in South Carolina.
Read on for more information about using alternative means to make Independent Living more affordable, such as retirement funds, the sale of a home, etc.
Paying for Independent Living in South Carolina
Older adults in South Carolina have several options for covering independent living fees. While Medicare doesn’t cover monthly fees the way it pays for home health care or nursing home care, Medicaid, veterans’ benefits and long-term care insurance generally provide coverage for expenses, such as housekeeping, meals and maintenance. This can offset ineligible expenses, such as rent or buy-in, making it more affordable for residents. Those who own their homes have additional options for covering expenses. Some sell their homes and use the proceeds to cover living expenses. Alternatively, they may rent out their home or take out a reverse mortgage.
Free and Low-Cost Resources for Seniors in South Carolina
There are many resources in South Carolina that assist seniors in their retirement. Caring.com has compiled information on local organizations, programs and agencies and categorized them into care types for easy reference.
Area Agency on Aging
Retirees can find support and advice on various senior-related issues from their local Area Agency on Aging. The agency provides advice on topics such as financial assistance programs, in-home care and long-term care planning. It also connects seniors and caregivers with community-based resources.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| South Carolina Area Agencies on Aging | The 10 Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) under the ) offer seniors Information about available programs and services, including the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), Medicare, the Long Term Care Ombudsman Program, senior centers and the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP). AAA location info is accessible via the website. |
Cash Assistance Programs
Cash assistance programs in South Carolina provide financial support to help low-income retirees remain in their own homes for as long as possible. Seniors and caregivers can apply for tax rebates and reductions, discounts on vital services and help covering the cost of heating and cooling their home.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| South Carolina Lifeline Program | 800-234-9473 | The LifeLine Program offers a discount on landline or mobile telephone service, ensuring that participants can stay in contact with loved ones. |
Financial Assistance for Senior Care and Senior Living
Whether living in their own home or in a senior living community, South Carolina seniors can find financial assistance from numerous local resources. These organizations help residents cover some of the costs associated with in-home or long-term care and connect them with other helpful community-based resources.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| South Carolina Community Long-Term Care | 888-549-0820 | Community Long-Term Care offers a variety of programs and services to older adults who need personal care assistance to help them delay entry into nursing home care. This includes the Community Choices Waiver that helps individuals aged 18 and older with a disability or seniors aged 65 and older receive services like bathing, dressing and toileting. Other services offered include companionship, home-delivered meals, adult day health care, skilled nursing, respite care and personal emergency response systems. |
Food Assistance Programs
Local organizations help ensure elderly citizens have a balanced diet and receive essential vitamins and minerals to remain healthy. Through nutrition programs, congregate meals, home-delivered meals and food pantries, these programs help South Carolina seniors afford the nutritious food they need.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| South Carolina Meals on Wheels | South Carolina Meals on Wheels works with South Carolina food pantries, senior centers and churches to provide weekday deliveries of hot, nutritious lunches to homebound seniors. Delivery times and options vary by specific MOW partner. There's no charge for the delivery service, though donations are accepted. Many Meals on Wheels partners also offer congregate meal sites that provide a social experience for otherwise isolated seniors. | |
| South Carolina Seniors Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) | 888-227-3487 | The Southern California Seniors Farmer's Market Nutrition Program is a seasonal grant program that provides seniors with fresh fruits and vegetables from local farmer's markets. The program runs from June 1 to October 31. Each eligible senior receives $50 worth of checks to spend at participating markets. Seniors must be over 60 years of age, reside in one of 46 participating counties and meet certain income requirements to be eligible for the program. |
| South Carolina Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) | 888-227-3487 | The South Carolina Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program helps qualifying seniors over age 60 obtain nutritious food. Those who are eligible receive their benefits on an electronic benefits transfer card, which functions like a debit card and is accepted at supermarkets, convenience stores and farmers' markets statewide and at participating online retailers. Only food and beverages can be purchased with the card, excluding prepared food items, alcohol and tobacco. Expedited benefits are available within 7 days of application for qualifying seniors. |
Home Repair and Modifications
Seniors and those with disabilities can access a variety of local resources to help them pay for home repairs and modifications. Programs in South Carolina have different eligibility criteria and often assist retirees by providing grants or loans.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| South Carolina Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) | 803-734-0662 | WAP helps seniors with limited budgets reduce their energy bills by making their property more energy-efficient. This includes installing insulation and replacing windows, doors and older appliances. Replacing HVAC units, hot water heaters and refrigerators. |
Legal Resources
Many organizations offer free or low-cost legal services to South Carolina seniors. Older adults can access advice on issues such as estate planning, living wills and power of attorney. Some firms also act as long-term care ombudsmen, advocating for the rights of seniors in senior living communities.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| South Carolina Long Term Care Ombudsman | 800-868-9095 | The Long Term Care Ombudsman Program was created to ensure residents of memory care communities and other long term care facilities receive high quality care. The program's volunteers investigate complaints about facilities and seek a resolution that supports the best interests of the facility's residents. Before moving into a facility, an ombudsman can help find facilities' inspection records and past citations so families can choose the best facility for their loved one's needs. |
| South Carolina Legal Services | 803-799-9668 | South Carolina Legal Services is a statewide nonprofit with offices in Columbia and other major cities. It's dedicated to ensuring that all residents have equal access to legal services, regardless of their ability to pay. Seniors can contact this organization for help with all types of civil matters, including health care, family law, housing, deceptive sales practices, debt collection and consumer rights. |
Senior Centers
Senior centers in South Carolina bring together residents through recreational activities and events. Many also offer advice and support on senior issues, run wellness and nutrition programs, and connect older adults with other resources in the local area.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| South Carolina Multipurpose Senior Centers | 800-868-9095 | South Carolina's Multipurpose Senior Centers offer residents a place to gather, share meals in a congenial setting, participate in wellness classes and generally remain active in their communities. These centers also act as a first stop for many seniors seeking benefits assistance. Public benefits counseling and transportation services are just a small sample of the help that may be available at a local senior center. |
Social Security Offices
Social Security offices in South Carolina help seniors and disabled people access the benefits they're entitled to. Older adults can contact their local office for information about receiving retirement benefits, disability allowance and Supplemental Security Income.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| South Carolina Social Security | Social Security is a source of income available to retirees and people who can no longer work because of a disability. The money for Social Security comes from a payroll tax levied on employers, employees and self-employed individuals. When you retire, you'll receive monthly payments based on how much you earned when you were working. |
Tax Assistance
Seniors can apply for tax assistance from several South Carolina resources. Elderly residents and those with disabilities could be eligible for tax exemptions on medical expenses, reductions on property tax and other tax assistance programs.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| South Carolina Homestead Exemption | 803-898-5700 | The South Carolina Homestead Exemption provides an exemption of the first $50,000 of the Fair Market Value of your property in order to reduce tax liability. |
Utility & Energy Bill Assistance
Low-income seniors who are struggling to meet the costs of maintaining their homes can find support from organizations that offer assistance with utility and energy bills. South Carolina retirees could also qualify for emergency funding programs if they're in danger of losing utility services due to unpaid invoices.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| South Carolina Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) | 803-734-0662 | LIHWAP is a federally funded program that assists residents of South Carolina with water bills and waste management fees. This assistance applies to seniors and individuals who use public water systems or treatment works. |
| South Carolina Low-Income Home Energy Improvement Plan (LIHEIP) | 803-734-0662 | LIHEAP helps seniors pay for high energy bills, especially during winter. The program provides utility bill payment assistance, energy crisis assistance and weatherization and home repair assistance. The program is offered by local county Community Action Agencies. |
Veteran's Services
South Carolina retirees who have served in the U.S. military can find support from local veteran services. These offices and organizations help vets access the benefits they're eligible for and provide advice and information on a variety of issues.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| South Carolina VA Benefits and Health Care | Veterans in South Carolina can access VA health care services, which vary and offer coverage for preventive care, inpatient hospitalizations and emergency care. Disability compensation is available for veterans who became ill, injured or disabled while on active duty. Other VA benefits available to some South Carolina veterans include pension benefits, assistance securing employment, life insurance and access to VA home loans. Eligibility requirements can vary and can be reviewed at a local VA office. |
Independent Living Facilities in South Carolina
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