10 Best Independent Living Communities in Columbia, SC

Seniors looking into staying at Columbia’s independent living facilities have a couple of options when it comes to paying for their stay. Although many seniors pay for their independent living costs out of pocket, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits might also help defray costs for vets.

Please note that if you’re a Medicaid or Medicare recipient or have long-term care insurance, these programs won’t cover independent living costs given that these facilities don’t provide senior care. Regardless, Medicaid, Medicare, or long-term care insurance do cover qualifying in-home health care services for seniors in independent living communities.

Here, we’ll explore private and public payment options for seniors looking into independent living and will share more about the qualifying in-home care that could be covered for seniors under Medicaid and Medicare.

Independent living communities do not have to be regulated at the state level in South Carolina unless they are part of an assisted living or memory care facility. In that case, the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) is the responsible body for regulating and licensing assisted long-term care facilities.

However, if a senior in an independent living facility is getting care from a home health agency or an independent in-home care provider, those providers have to be licensed by the state.

Independent living communities are subject to federal, state, and local laws pertaining to building code requirements, accessibility standards, safety, and zoning. They may also be required to undergo occasional inspections by local authorities or organizations providing accreditation to safeguard compliance and ensure safety. Tenants can request an inspection by Columbia’s Code Enforcement Division. Code violations over the past two months are listed online.

There are no state or citywide requirements when it comes to living in an independent living facility or community in Columbia, but these requirements are common:

• Age: Most facilities require residents to be a minimum of 55 years old. In certain communities, residents must be at least 62.
• Health: Some facilities require documentation that a potential resident is in good health and able to live independently before their admission.
• Income: There might be income requirements for certain independent living facilities in Columbia to ensure residents can pay for their care.
• Background checks: A background check may be conducted to make sure an applicant doesn’t have a criminal history.
• Applications: Most independent living facilities require an application process to vet potential residents.

South Carolina Department of Health contact information

2600 Bull St.
Columbia, SC 29201
Phone: 1-855-472-3432
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.

COVID-19 regulations for Columbia independent living communities

Columbia’s independent living communities do not have any COVID-19 mandates to follow. The state of South Carolina has relevant information and best practices pertaining to COVID-19 to keep residents safe and aware.

For those wanting to make a move to independent living in Columbia, the overarching goal is to have a way of life that removes a lot of the hassle and stress common in everyday living. Thankfully, Columbia offers a handful of independent living facilities for seniors looking to weigh their options. We’ll explore what seniors can expect from these independent living facilities below.

Independence with heightened convenience

Adults in independent living facilities are generally healthy, active, and can live on their own. The benefit of these communities is that they offer these types of seniors a higher degree of convenience in everyday life as well as opportunities to socialize with peers — all in one community.

Independent living communities don’t provide health care to residents or supervise them. Instead, they offer an array of great amenities on-site to ensure a hassle-free, enjoyable lifestyle. Residents in Columbia’s independent living communities are free to congregate, socialize, and enjoy activities in dedicated arts and crafts centers, fitness centers, game rooms, movie or theater rooms, and raised garden beds. Seniors can also get some rest and relaxation or update their look at barber shops and beauty salons on the premises.^[02]

Remember, however, that the type of amenities offered by individual independent living facilities may vary.

Comfortable and accessible living quarters

Seniors might not necessarily want to live in a luxury-style independent living community, but that doesn’t mean they won’t get to experience enjoyable living quarters. Certain independent living facilities that we partner with in Columbia offer residents comfortable amenities such as private patios, decks, and balconies, as well as room service from professional chefs, full kitchens equipped with useful appliances, high-speed internet, cable or satellite TV, and bathtubs.^[02]

Likewise, seniors with different mobility needs can still enjoy all the benefits independent living has to offer, as some facilities we partner with offer ground-floor units, wheelchair-accessible rooms, and showers.^[02]

Ample care options, no matter what the future looks like

Many communities offering independent living in Columbia also provide more in-depth care options. Two of A Place for Mom’s partner communities in Columbia are standalone independent living facilities, but three other facilities offer a variety of care.

• One facility combines independent living with assisted living.
• One facility combines independent living with assisted living, memory care, and senior apartments.
• One facility combines independent living with assisted living and memory care.

With this in mind, seniors who want a facility that can adapt no matter their needs might choose to reside in a Columbia independent living facility that provides other types of care available. Residents in these combined facilities may have access to memory, incontinence, and diabetic care, as well as medication management.^[02]

Seniors in Columbia have access to two hospitals, both of which provide a variety of care.

Although there are plenty of top-tier shopping and dining districts in Columbia, you’re most likely going to need a car to get from one place to the next. This is especially true for running errands such as grocery shopping or going to a doctor’s appointment.

Walk Score gave Columbia a 35 out of 100 for its walkability.^[07] This means that there are some connected sidewalks, but you’ll generally need a car to get from point A to point B. Nevertheless, certain neighborhoods in the city are much more walkable than others. These include University Hill, Martin Luther King, and Shandon.

Columbia received the same rating from Walk Score — 35 — for biking. Although there are some bike lanes, they’re not the kind designed to get you across the city.

Columbia’s public transportation options are also limited — Walk Score gives the city a 0 out of 100 for its public transportation options.^[07] However, there are dedicated bus lines available for those who don’t have a car. These include the Comet bus system, which provides residents with 34 routes around the metro area on a daily basis. The Comet also offers fare discounts for individuals 65 and older, people with disabilities, and vets.

Individuals with disabilities who can’t board the Comet’s buses can use its Dial-A-Ride Transit (DART) Service instead. All DART buses include wheelchair lifts and personal attendants, and the service has no restrictions on where residents can go or how often they can use it. DART is available to passengers Monday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., but it doesn’t run on Thanksgiving or Christmas.

The Soda Cap Connector, which is just $1 to ride, is meant more for general convenience. This service runs to destinations of interest in downtown Columbia so that residents and tourists don’t have to worry about driving or parking their cars.

Columbia is a lively, yet laid-back city — and it provides no shortage of activities people from all walks of life can enjoy.

You might have heard that the golf in Columbia is fantastic, and the rumor is true. Cobblestone Park Golf Club and Oak Hills Golf Club are two stunning courses that offer discounts for seniors as well as convenient tee times.

If you’ve shanked one too many shots in your life, though, you could always head to Columbia’s other natural areas, including Sesquicentennial State Park. This park provides a perfect place to kick back and relax, whether you’re by yourself or have family or other loved ones in town. Those wanting a nature experience they’ll never forget, though, should take the short trip to Congaree National Park. This national treasure houses intact old-growth hardwood forest and has a variety of activities visitors can enjoy, from wildlife watching to camping.

Looking for something a little bit less rugged? At the Riverbanks Zoo and Garden, you’ll find more than 3,000 animals framed by gorgeous gardens and exhibits. And once you’re done there, why not take the grandkids to a Minor League baseball game to grab some hot dogs? The Columbia Fireflies offer a great experience for seniors and their families, and the stadium they play in is accessible.

Those looking for a glitzy night out have plenty of options as well. Seniors who love live events will be thrilled with the productions offered at both the Trustus Theatre and the Koger Center for the Arts, from symphonies to plays. Besides these options, the Nickelodeon is famous for showing classic, foreign, and independent films. If you’d rather experience art in a different way, this is where the Columbia Museum of Art comes in and impresses you with its more than 7,000 works.

On the topic of museums, it’s great to learn the history of the place where you live. Those wanting family fun can check out the EdVenture Children’s Museum, but seniors wanting to learn about history, art, and science can visit the South Carolina State Museum or the South Carolina Military Museum instead.

Or maybe you just want to stroll around! The Vista is a shopping and dining district known for its distinct architecture, but the most popular strip in Columbia is Devine Street. Five Points is also known for its many festivities. Speaking of festivities, Columbia’s locals can look forward to the South Carolina State Fair once a year. But if one festival isn’t enough, you can also check out everything the Greek Festival has to offer.

Specific activities for seniors can be found at the Lourie Center, Columbia’s Parks and Recreation Department, and the Richland Library. Events at these centers include classes on arthritis, pilates workouts, and special seminars.