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Memory Care in South Carolina
South Carolina is a popular place to retire, thanks to its mild climate and beautiful beaches. The state has an estimated population of 5.28 million, and around 18.6% of residents are aged 65 and over. Seniors are in the high-risk group for developing memory loss disorders such as Alzheimer’s and other dementias. According to the CDC, the number of deaths from Alzheimer’s-related causes increased by 7.61% in South Carolina from 2016 to 2020. This increase is in line with data that shows that Alzheimer’s is now the seventh-leading cause of death across the United States.
Residential dementia care is an important part of caring for seniors with memory loss disorders in South Carolina. Memory care facilities in the state provide a safe environment where seniors receive 24/7 care and support from highly trained caregivers. This guide assists readers looking to connect with statewide agencies that provide support to families and seniors affected by dementia and gives an overview of the average costs of memory care in South Carolina and neighboring states.
The Cost of Memory Care in South Carolina
When trying to decide how to pay for memory care, 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 memory care in South Carolina and its 30 cities.
The Cost of Memory Care in South Carolina's Top Cities
Somewhat surprisingly, the cost of memory care in South Carolina's top cities is just above or slightly below the state average. In South Carolina's largest city, Charleston, memory care residents pay a mere 1.5% more than the state average. In the capital city of Columbia, memory care costs $4,074, 3.8% below the average. Florence is the most affordable of the state's larger cities, with memory care averaging $3,695 per month.
South Carolina
$4,234
Columbia
$4,074
Charleston
$4,300
Greenville
$4,183
Florence
$3,695
Inflation's Impact on the Cost of Memory Care in South Carolina
Memory care prices in South Carolina increased from $4,011 in 2022 to $4,234 in 2023, representing 5.6% inflation. This is about half the national average of 10.4% during the same period when memory care costs rose from $4,863 to $5,369.
Among South Carolina's neighboring states, Kentucky saw comparable inflation with an 11.3% increase in memory care costs. Georgia's costs rose less significantly at 4.5%, while Tennessee and North Carolina experienced an astronomical increase of 21.4% and 27.4% respectively, well above the norm for the United States.
| Location | 2022 Cost (Historical) | 2023 Cost (Current) | 2024 Cost (Estimated) |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Carolina | $4,011 | $4,234 | $4,881 |
| U.S. Average | $4,863 | $5,369 | $5,792 |
| North Carolina | $4,636 | $5,905 | $5,978 |
| Georgia | $4,016 | $4,196 | $4,157 |
| Tennessee | $4,214 | $5,115 | $5,539 |
| Kentucky | $4,359 | $4,852 | $4,784 |
The Costs of Other Types of Senior Living
Compared to the national levels, the shift in cost between different types of senior care is relatively small in South Carolina. Memory care in the state is 40% more expensive than independent living and 1.8% more costly than assisted living. When considering memory care providers, it's crucial to inquire about the full range of amenities and services as many specialized treatments and add-on services aren't included in the base price.
Assisted Living
$4,161
Memory Care
$4,234
Independent Living
$3,023
Does Medicaid Cover Memory Care in South Carolina?
Note: For the purposes of this guide, when we say “Memory Care” we are referring to memory care provided in a “social setting,” such as an Assisted Living Facility. This is the most common way to receive Memory Care and is the best fit for all but the frailest seniors. Sometimes the actual service of memory care can be provided in a Nursing Home (“medical setting”), so the financial assistance options will be very different. To learn more about the financial assistance options available for memory care provided in a nursing home, read our guide to Nursing Home Care in South Carolina.
While South Carolina’s Aged Blind and Disabled (ABD) program, administered through its Healthy Connections Medicaid program, does not cover the cost of room and board at memory care facilities, for those who meet its eligibility requirements, it may pay for the cost of healthcare, personal care services and transportation. In addition, the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) provides similar services for those living in certain areas of the state who need care but can still live safely within the community. South Carolina’s Community Long Term Care waiver may also be an option for seniors still living at home who want to delay moving to a nursing home.
What Memory Care Services Are Covered by Medicaid in South Carolina?
Seniors who meet South Carolina Healthy Connections’ financial and medical criteria may be eligible to receive certain services, such as rehabilitation therapies, emergency devices, personal care and transportation while living in a memory care facility. The PACE program offers a comprehensive array of services tailored to meet the needs of each individual recipient. In addition to requiring specific income and medical criteria, this program is contingent upon the recipient living in one of eight South Carolina counties. The Community Long Term Care waiver delivers similar services but in a home setting as opposed to a residential facility.
Memory Care Waiver Programs in South Carolina
Aged Blind and Disabled Program
The Aged Blind and Disabled Medicaid program delivers Medicaid benefits to those who are 65 and older, blind or disabled. Recipients must meet the Medicaid income and asset limits to qualify, though there are ways to set aside extra income and spend down excess assets. While this program doesn’t cover memory care room and board, it helps cover the costs of medical-related expenses such as:
- Occupational or physical therapies
- Assistance with daily living tasks such as grooming, bathing and eating
- Medical transportation
Seniors must follow the Medicaid application steps to apply for the ABD program and can apply online through Healthy Connections or by printing the applications and either mailing them to South Carolina’s Department of Health and Human Services or submitting them in-person at their local county office.
Program of All-Inclusive Care of the Elderly
PACE is a combined Medicare and Medicaid program that provides services and supports to seniors living in their communities so they don’t need nursing home placements. Services include personal care, emergency devices, transportation, medical care and therapies. To qualify, you must:
- Be 55 or older
- Reside in a PACE service area (currently offered in eight South Carolina counties)
- Be certified as needing a nursing level of care by the South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services
- Be able to live safely in the community with PACE’s services
How to Know If You’re Eligible for Medicaid in South Carolina
Qualifying for South Carolina Healthy Connections, or Medicaid, depends on your citizenship status, residency, age or current health status as well as specific income and asset limitations. In general, Medicaid qualifications include:
- Being a U.S. citizen, permanent resident or legal alien
- Being 65 years or older, blind or have a permanent disability
- Being a full-time resident of the state of South Carolina
- Possessing no more than $8,400 in total assets, when applying as an individual
- Earning no more than $13,590 income per year, when applying as an individual
2022 Basic Medicaid Income Limits for Seniors in South Carolina
| Household Size | Number of Applicants | Income Limits Per Year* | Asset Limits: Applicant(s) | Asset Limits: Non-Applicants |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| One Person | 1 | $32,904 | $4,000 | |
| Two Person | 1 | $32,904** | $4,000 | $66,480 |
| Two Person | 2 | $65,808 | $8,000 |
*Depending on the facility setting, a recipient may not be able to keep income up to this level.
**Income limit is for applicant only.
Seniors 65 and older who meet other criteria but whose income or assets exceed limitations have options for becoming eligible. Those with incomes in excess of the specified Medicaid cap may put their extra money into a trust, which is then no longer considered countable income. Trusts must have the South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services listed as the remainder beneficiary. They are overseen by trustees, who are appointed to use the money only for very specific purposes related to long-term care, such as covering the cost of room and board. Once established, these trusts cannot be changed or closed.
Assets in excess of the allowed limits can be “spent down” on purchases related to home care, such as home modifications such as wheel ramps; stair lifts; vehicle modifications; home improvements to plumbing, electricity or water heaters; paying off debt; or prepaying funeral costs and burial expenses.
How to Apply for Memory Care in South Carolina
Seniors applying for the ABD Medicaid program in South Carolina can go through the Healthy Connections website or print and complete the paper copy version as well as the other additional applications available online. Printed applications can be mailed to: SCDHHS-Central Mail, P.O. Box 100101, Columbia, SC 29202-3101.
Applications can also be delivered to the local Healthy Connections county office.
Information You Will Need
To apply for South Carolina Medicaid, you must show all income from the previous 5 years before the date of submission as well as all assets during the same time period. A letter from the Social Security Administration that shows the amount of gross Social Security income and any deductions is also needed. Life insurance, health insurance policies and all tax forms are required as well.
Additionally, you should have the following documents on hand before applying:
- Copies of titles to any property owned or sold in the past 5 years
- Government-issued ID that verifies residency status and citizenship
- Copies of any prepaid funeral expenses or burial arrangements
- Five years’ worth of investment activity, including any open or closed bank accounts, investments and trusts
- Documents pertaining to your estate or care, including a will and power of attorney
How to Get Help Applying for Medicaid
Several resources are available to help families applying for Medicaid. Wisconsin’s Aging and Disability Resource Centers can provide more insight into what criteria must be met for eligibility, and they also can provide screenings to confirm financial and physical eligibility for the Long-Term Care Programs. Application assistance is also available by calling ACCESS, the online application portal.
| Program | Contact | Services provided |
|---|---|---|
| Healthy Connections | (888) 549-0820 | South Carolina’s Medicaid program, Healthy Connections has staff who can help families with their application or answer general questions via their helpline. A listing of FAQs is also available online. |
| SC Thrive | (800) 726-8774 | Connecting individuals to benefits, SC Thrive conducts benefit screenings to determine what resources may be available for seniors. |
| Area Agencies on Aging | Various by location | Located in counties across the state, Area Agencies on Aging can connect families to SHIP counselors who can explain the differences between Medicaid and Medicare and answer questions about benefits and eligibility. |
Does Medicare Cover Memory Care in South Carolina?
The short answer is that no, Medicare does not cover the cost of memory care in South Carolina. As was mentioned above, this doesn’t apply to Memory Care received in a Nursing Home. Since it is the most common to receive memory care in a “social setting” (such as an assisted living facility), Medicare won’t be a viable financial assistance option for most seniors who need Memory Care. However, Medicare will still cover things like approved medications, doctor visits, medical equipment, etc., just like it would if you lived at home.
For more information about when Medicare can be used to pay for Memory Care in a nursing home, and for Medicare-related resources, see our guide to Nursing Homes in South Carolina.
Other Financial Assistance Options for Memory Care in South Carolina
Seniors who are not eligible (due to location, financial situation, or other factors) for other types of financial assistance, do still have some options. See the table below for an overview of some of the most common ways to make Memory Care affordable.
| Name | How To Apply | How It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Aid and Attendance | Learn more and apply online at va.gov. | Veterans who receive a VA pension may also be eligible for the Aid and Attendance benefit, a monthly cash allowance that veterans receive in addition to their standard pension amount. The benefit is intended for veterans in need of long-term care services and may be used towards paying for Memory Care. |
| Reverse Mortgages | Learn more about your options and how to apply at ftc.gov | If you own a home, you may be able to use a reverse mortgage to help pay for Memory Care. Reverse mortgages are loans that one can take out against the value of their home, essentially converting some of the home's equity into cash. Reverse mortgage loans do need to be repaid with interest, typically within 12 months of receiving the loan. |
| Long-Term Care (LTC) Insurance | Learn more about Long-Term Care Insurance and how to apply for a policy at acl.gov. | Seniors who already have long-term care insurance may be able to use it to pay for Memory Care. Most policies cover at least a portion of the cost, but it depends on the specific policy terms. Note that older adults who are already in need of Memory Care will not typically be eligible to sign up for a LTC insurance policy. |
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. |
Memory Care Laws and Regulations in South Carolina
Assisted living communities and facilities that provide memory care services for two or more non-related adults in South Carolina must be licensed by the South Carolina Board of Health and Environmental Control. These facilities are known as community residential care facilities (CRCFs), and CRCFs that offer Alzheimer’s care are referred to as Alzheimer’s special care units (SCUs).
| Topic | Rule |
|---|---|
| Scope of Care | Facilities can only admit and retain residents with needs that can be safely met at the facility based on the availability of skilled and unskilled staff, as well as any behavioral and/or medical issues presented by the residents. |
| Care Plan Requirements | New residents must be assessed by a direct care staff member from the facility within 72 hours of admission to determine if the resident is suitable for long-term placement in the facility. Within 7 days, the facility must develop a customized individual care plan (ICP) for the resident, and that plan must be reviewed at least once every 6 months or less, particularly if there are changes in the residents' behavior or medical status. |
| Medication Management Requirements | Memory care staff who have been trained in medication administration by a licensed nurse may administer routine prescription medications such as oral and topical medications. Injectables including B-12 shots and insulin can only be administered by a licensed registered nurse, with the exception of an emergency injection (Epi-pen) to treat anaphylactic reactions. |
| Staff Screening Requirements | Facility administrators are responsible for screening all direct and indirect care staff to determine their suitability for employment in a memory care program. |
| Staff Training Requirements | Each facility must have a designated administrator approved by the state Board of Long-Term Health Care Administrators, as well as a designated staff member who is responsible in the absence of the administrator. Facilities that serve Medicaid members must also have a licensed nurse on site at least one day each week, and all memory care staff need to be trained in basic first aid, infectious disease control, medication management and the care of people living with memory loss. |
| Medicaid Coverage | Facilities that accept Medicaid members must have a licensed nurse on-staff, and that nurse needs to be on-site at least one day each week. |
| Reporting Abuse | Abuse should be reported to local law enforcement authorities or South Carolina's Long Term Care Ombudsman at 1-800-868-9095. |
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