10 Best Nursing Homes in Charleston, SC
As a historic port city, Charleston beautifully blends history, culture, and Southern charm. The cobblestone streets, waterfront views, and famous landmarks give Charleston a depth of offerings to its residents.
If you or your loved one is looking for a nursing home, assisted living, or memory care in Charleston, there are plenty of options to fit the bill. While nursing homes provide 24-hour skilled nursing care, the term is also used by many to describe assisted living and memory care communities. If you or your loved one needs daily assistance but not actual round-the-clock medical care, an assisted living or memory care facility might be the best option.
In this guide, we’ll introduce you to our 13 assisted living and memory care partner facilities in Charleston. They’re all within a 10-mile radius of the city center, which includes North Charleston, Folly Beach, and Mount Pleasant. We’ll also cover how to fund this type of care, the laws and regulations that govern it, and other specifics to the area — like health care and transportation options.
Nursing Homes Facilities near Charleston, SC
Ashley Gardens Transitional Assisted Living and Memory Care
2290 Henry Tecklenburg Dr, Charleston, SC 29414
I would recommend based on my experience. I was impressed with the facility, the attention to detail and the staff. The Executive Director was great compared to the previous residential facility which was...
The update is that all is well, and [name removed] is doing well. The care for her is good. She no longer can walk, nor stand. The only continued issue is the care of her clothes. Either it is missing...
Loved the staff, set up of the unit, activities, etc. the only negative is they overpromised and under delivered. I don't think they gave my Mother as much attention as she needed to acclimate and at the...
I would say the staff is friendly and the private rooms are big comparatively. As with any place, changes take a bit of time and getting all shifts on the same page. Comparatively, they are still head and...
My daughter's experience was not typical because of her age (56 vs much older residents) and she left after only about 6 months. She was there for health recovery and we thought your care was very good...
The food and facility and caregivers were excellent. I would wholeheartedly recommend the memory care unit to anybody looking.
I have been quite remiss in not letting you know how much I enjoyed our holiday dinner last Friday. From the beginning when [name removed] was there as mâitre d' to show us to our tables to the end with...
Dealing with dementia patients has gotta be the hardest job in the world. I think everyone that works there is great and kind and helpful. Big should out to [name removed], he really helped us out a lot...
Mount Pleasant Gardens Alzheimer's Special Care Center
1025 Hungryneck Blvd, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
I feel that the staff really cares about my dad. The staff always seems very helpful and happy to be of help. I know dad is safe at Mt. Pleasant Gardens! I also love to see the frequent activities and...
Most of the staff cares deeply about the residents. I've been surprised by how much still have to follow up and advocate for my Dad. But I love seeing how they love my dad! The activities director and...
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Mom is very happy here! Staff is available and attentive. Very responsive. Clients are friendly and welcoming. The chef takes the daily meals to a higher level. Occupational and physical therapy rate very...
All of the interactions we had with the staff were very positive, they know all the residents by name and they were very caring towards our loved one. Even though our loved one did not participate in the...
Unfortunately I will have to find my dad another facility. Too expensive but the staff is friendly the facility is clean. I really love everything about the facility. I would absolutely recommend this...
The staff is amazing they are so kind and caring and take wonderful care of my 97-year-old aunt. Through out the pandemic they have done everything they can to keep the residences safe, healthy and happy. I...
Sweetgrass has been wonderful home for my father! The size is what first attracted me to Sweetgrass and it has met all my expectations! Being small your loved one will get the individual attention they...
Mom has been a resident of this community for awhile now. I just want to say Ashley Landing is great. All of the staff is friendly and welcoming. The food is excellent and there is always something going...
I thought overall they did a good job here, but they weren't quite up to the level of care that my loved one needed. It was a nice facility, everything was well kept and clean, and the staff were all...
We love Kempton of Charleston. The facility is great especially if you have access to driving. The location is isolated and there is not enough activities and things going on away from the facility so my...
I am so very thankful for the loving care Mom (age 86 - COPD and dementia) receives at Carter-May Home. She was in Pinewood in Goose Creek, SC for about a year and a half until they raised her level of care...
The stay has been very good so far at Riverside. He is happy with his therapy services. He is using it and making progress! They are all friendly! Has had some really good nurses! Every time I go there the...
I chose this facility for my mom from the various experiences that I have had with assisted living facilities for the last 10 years. The transitions went smoothly at first and due to my mom's needs and her...
My mom was here after she fell and fractured her hip. I thought they were very good. I was satisfied. They were more conscious - they put pads around the bed like what you would use if you were doing...
Our methodology
How we rank order the Charleston community options above
We developed a proprietary recommendation system that orders Charleston community options based on factors we know are important to seniors and their families:
- Proximity to your search location
- Availability of recent, high-quality reviews
- The amount of detailed community information available
Where we source our information
14,000+ communities
We collect proprietary data from our network of 14,000+ senior living communities in the U.S., with regular refreshes of data and information
350,000+ reviews
We have 387,000+ reviews from senior living residents and family members that provide first-hand accounts about senior living communities
- Costs of nursing homes in the Charleston area
- What families are saying about nursing homes in Charleston
- How people pay for nursing homes in Charleston
- Understand South Carolina laws and regulations for nursing homes
- Types of nursing homes in Charleston
- Charleston nursing homes services and amenities
- Explore senior care with confidence
- Unfamiliar with Charleston? Highlights for seniors
- Health care for seniors in Charleston
- Transportation for seniors in Charleston
- Senior activities in Charleston
Costs of nursing homes in the Charleston area
The monthly median cost for a semi-private room in a Charleston nursing home is $7,513, and $8,152 for a private room.[01] These facilities provide 24/7 skilled nursing care for people who have medical conditions that require that level of constant care, much like the care one would receive in a hospital.
The average total monthly cost for a Charleston assisted living facility is $4,283, while a memory care facility in Charleston is $4,242 a month.[02] This figure is a total that includes amenities, services, and — for memory care residents — specialized 24/7 care for those with Alzheimer’s or dementia.
Average monthly cost of Nursing Homes in Charleston, SC vs. nearby cities
Average monthly cost of Nursing Homes in Charleston, SC vs. the state and national average
Average monthly cost of Nursing Homes in Charleston vs. other types of senior living
Median monthly costs of Nursing Homes in Charleston, SC by room type
Average cost of Nursing Homes in Charleston over time
What families are saying about nursing homes in Charleston
Recent reviews for nursing homes in Charleston
Dayspring Assisted Living in Hollywood, SC
Daysprings of Johns Island
Harmony at Wescott in Summerville, SC
How people pay for nursing homes in Charleston
Paying for a nursing home or an assisted living or memory care facility often comes from private funds. However, there are public programs that can help, as well as private funding streams you might not be considering.
In the tabs below, we’ll discuss private pay methods, VA benefits, Medicaid, and Medicare and how each of those might help.
Private pay pertains to various financial sources that can aid in the payment of nursing homes, assisted living, or memory care costs, which may include Social Security benefits and investment returns. Other sources of income that may prove beneficial are:
Number of veterans who live in Charleston, according to the U.S. Census Bureau
About 20% of Charleston veterans are 75+
If you or your loved one is a veteran looking for care in a senior living facility, you’re not alone. With nearly 6,000 Charleston veterans over the age of 75, it’s likely you are in good company.
The first thing to consider is that they might be benefits available to you as a veteran that you weren’t even aware of. So whether you think you are eligible for a VA benefit or not, it’s worth asking about. For example, the VA Pension provides monthly financial support for both veterans and their spouses. Another benefit worth asking about is the Aid and Attendance benefit. This adds additional money on top of the Pension for vets who need help with day-to-day activities, have serious vision issues, are bedfast most of the time, or live in a nursing home.
The VA regional office is the place to apply and inquire about eligibility. However, the process can be hard to follow, so getting help from a veterans services officer is a good idea. They can walk you through the process and explain what it takes to qualify. Veterans services organizations (VSOs) are great places to find these helpful guides. South Carolina also has a Veteran Coalition that acts as a one-stop shop so you can access all the resources you need from there. Start by putting your information into the Combined Arms portal. From there, you’ll be connected to the right resources within 72 hours.
Resources for Charleston veterans
The South Carolina Department of Veterans’ Affairs
1800 St. Julian Place, Suite 305
Charleston, SC 29204
Phone: 803-734-4014
Email: va@scdva.sc.gov
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Charleston County Veterans Affairs Office
Veterans services officers: Anne S. Owen and Leslie D. Kemp
4045 Bridge View Drive
North Charleston, SC 29405
Phone: 843-874-6360
Email: vaoffice@charlestoncounty.org
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
American Legion Post 241
Veterans services officer: Perry W. James, IV
3151 Rivers Ave.
North Charleston, SC 29405
Phone: 803-351-0811
American Legion Post 179
1748 Ashley Hall Road
Charleston, SC 29414
Phone: 843-991-6308
VFW Post 445
1639 Camp Road
Charleston, SC 29412
Phone: 843-795-9419
VFW Post 5091
4257 Spruill Ave.
North Charleston, SC 29405
Phone: 843-744-2089
Disabled American Veterans
VA Regional Office
6437 Garners Ferry Road
Columbia, SC 29209
Phone: 803-647-2422
Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 780
520 Folly Road
Charleston, SC 29412
Phone: 843-762-7546
Healthy Connections, South Carolina’s Medicaid doesn’t pay for room and board costs in assisted living or memory care facilities, but it will in nursing homes. But those who live in assisted living or memory care facilities can get medical costs paid for through Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers if they qualify. Specifically, the Community Choices waiver allows for skilled nursing and personal care and to be administered by approved providers.
If you or your loved one is in need of nursing home type care, the Program for All-Inclusive Care of the Elderly (PACE) helps seniors who are at least 55 years old access services in other community settings to avoid nursing home placement.
Applying for Medicaid and waivers
You can apply for Medicaid online or by contacting the South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. You or your loved one can apply for the HCBS waiver online, too. The Trident Area Agency on Aging manages the Eligibility Screening and Assessment Coordination Program to help people determine eligibility for Medicaid. Another place to connect to helpful resources is through SC Thrive or GetCareSC. Finally, the South Carolina Department on Aging’s Long Term Care Ombudsman Program can help answer questions and guide you as well.
The dual program
South Carolina offers a coordinated care program for people who qualify for both Medicaid and Medicare. This program is called Healthy Connections Prime. The South Carolina Department on Aging’s ombudsman can help anyone dually eligible understand and manage this program.
Charleston resident Medicaid resources
Healthy Connections Local Eligibility Office
3685 Rivers Ave., Suite 102
North Charleston, SC 29405
Phone: 888-549-0820
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Saturday, 9 – noon
SC Thrive
Phone: 800-726-8774
Email: contact@scthrive.org
Trident Area Agency on Aging
5895 Core Road., Suite 419
North Charleston, SC 29406
Phone: 843-554-2275
Email: info@tridentaaa.org
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
South Carolina Department on Aging
1301 Gervais St., Suite 350
Columbia, SC 29201
Phone: 800-868-9095
Healthy Connections Prime Ombudsman
Phone: 844-477-4632
Email: primeadvocate@aging.sc.gov
Medicare is a federal health insurance program designed for people aged 65 and over. It does not cover custodial care, including room and board in long-term senior care facilities. However, if it is medically necessary for you or your loved one to have skilled nursing care, then Medicare Part A will provide coverage on a limited basis.
Another way to save is through a Medicare Savings Program. In South Carolina, the Qualified Medicare Beneficiaries (QMB) program helps reduce Medicare premiums, deductibles, and copayments — and in some cases, cover them entirely. The Extra Help program helps with prescription drug expenses.
Plenty of help is available to understand and apply for Medicare
The Social Security Administration office is where you go to apply for Medicare in person, but it can certainly be done online. But you don’t have to start there. The South Carolina State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) exists to give you free counseling services to understand everything about Medicare and how to apply. You can also check out the GetCareSC website for plenty of information.
If you or your loved one has dual eligibility for Medicare and Medicaid, the Health Connections Prime ombudsman can help. Coordinated care is available for qualified seniors through the Healthy Connections Prime program.
Charleston resident Medicare resources
Social Security Administration Office
1463 Tobias Gadson Blvd.
Charleston, SC 29407
Phone: 800-772-1213
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
South Carolina Department on Aging
State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP)
1301 Gervais St., Suite 350
Columbia, SC 29201
Phone: 800-868-9095
Healthy Connections Prime Ombudsman
Phone: 844-477-4632
Email: primeadvocate@aging.sc.gov
Understand South Carolina laws and regulations for nursing homes
The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) licenses Charleston nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and memory care facilities (also called Alzheimer’s special care units). Both assisted living and memory care facilities in South Carolina are licensed as Community Residential Care Facilities (CRCF).
All of these facilities have state regulations that govern them and are subject to regular inspections. Additionally, nursing homes are subject to federal regulations if they receive funds from Medicare or Medicaid.
Assisted living facilities and memory care facilities have to follow the South Carolina licensing regulations for CRCFs. These cover staffing requirements and training, emergency procedures, as well as the care expected to be provided for residents, including food service guidelines.
Residents of nursing homes, assisted living, and memory care facilities are also protected by the South Carolina Bill of Rights for Residents of Long-Term Care Facilities. Staff at all these facilities also receive training in upholding those rights and ensuring the dignity of residents.
Additional standards for nursing homes
Nursing homes are subject to more rigorous staffing regulations compared to assisted living or memory care facilities because they are required to have medical personnel. A medical director who is a licensed physician is mandated to oversee the medical care within the facility. Additionally, specific guidelines dictate the minimum number of licensed nurses required to be present on staff.
Additional standards for memory care
Staff members in memory care facilities must receive specialized training to understand how to properly provide care for residents with Alzheimer’s or dementia. This specialized training should occur annually and should encompass effective communication with residents who have memory loss, understanding and management of behaviors associated with memory impairment, appropriate activities for residents, and safety measures specific to those with memory loss.
Facility inspections and reporting
The Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) in Charleston conducts unannounced annual inspections of long-term care facilities to ensure compliance with South Carolina’s licensing requirements. These inspections are mandatory and essential to ensure that regulations are followed. If interested, you can access the DHEC’s inspection reports either online or by contacting the DHEC directly.
South Carolina Department of Health contact information
South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control
2600 Bull St.
Columbia, SC 29201
Phone: 855-472-3432
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
COVID-19 regulations for Charleston nursing homes
The city of Charleston provides COVID-19 prevention guidelines, but it doesn’t have any mandates. The city posts the latest coronavirus updates here.
Vaccinations. The Department of Health and Environmental Control in South Carolina highly recommends vaccinations and boosters.
Masking. While masks are not required, they are recommended in public settings.
Facility cleanliness. Regular sanitization is expected in long-term care facilities.
Social distancing. Increasing the space and distance between you and others is recommended by the CDC.
Types of nursing homes in Charleston
While we don’t partner with any nursing homes, A Place for Mom does partner with 13 assisted living and memory care facilities in Charleston. Two of those are standalone assisted living facilities, while three are standalone memory care facilities. Eight facilities offer both assisted living and memory care on one campus — half of those also have independent living as an option.
Assisted living in Southern style
You or your loved one can expect a home-like environment awash with Southern charm and beauty. Chores like laundry and housekeeping are taken care of, while staff members are always on hand to give extra help with daily activities like getting dressed or moving around. Socialization opportunities abound, from planned outings to the Charleston Market or hanging out with friends in the movie room. Happy hours, live music, bingo games, and holiday parties are just a few of the ways you or your loved one can enjoy a relaxing lifestyle.
Specialized care for those with memory impairments
A calm and safe environment is the top priority for residents of memory care facilities. With nearly all of our partners offering enclosed courtyards, residents can securely enjoy the beautiful Charleston weather and outdoor activities. Staff members will be on hand at all hours of the day and night to calm anxieties and care for those with Alzheimer’s or dementia who become disoriented.
Charleston nursing homes services and amenities
Availability of select care services in Charleston nursing homes
Availability of select dementia care services in Charleston nursing homes
Availability of select dietary accommodations in Charleston nursing homes
Availability of select dining options in Charleston nursing homes
Availability of select programs and activities in Charleston nursing homes
Explore senior care with confidence
Know where to start.
Identify the right care for your loved one with our free assessment.
See what you can afford.
Understand cost and payment for long-term care based on your loved one's needs.
Find top facilities for you.
Free, personalized guidance from our Senior Living Advisors can help you narrow your search.
Tour your favorite facilities.
Our free touring checklist can help you choose the right community.
Unfamiliar with Charleston? Highlights for seniors
Number of seniors over the age of 65 currently living in Charleston
Median annual income for Charleston seniors 65 and older
Health care for seniors in Charleston
The Medical University of South Carolina is South Carolina’s only comprehensive academic health system and has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report for excellence in 22 different types of care.
As the sole private not-for-profit health care system in the area, Roper is dedicated to healing all individuals with compassion, faith, and excellence. U.S. News & World Report has recognized Roper as a high performer in 12 procedures and conditions.
Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center
The main campus for veteran health care in Charleston provides care across a broad range of areas, including but not limited to orthopedics, mental health, substance abuse, neurosurgery, and cardiology.
Transportation for seniors in Charleston
If you or your loved one lives at an assisted living or memory care facility, getting to and from appointments and running errands won’t be too much of a chore. Transportation is provided for free at 77% of our partner facilities, and 23% offer transportation at cost. Those with memory loss will need to travel with a caregiver.
Charleston has a special collaboration with Uber, offering 55+ seniors $4 rides within a designated service area through CARTA OnDemand. Personal care attendants are permitted to ride along for free but must be approved in advance through the application process for the Tel-A-Ride paratransit program. A similar application process applies to your loved one.
In addition, seniors can opt for other transportation options such as the Charleston Black Cab Company, the Charleston Cab Company, or the senior-specific option called A Golden Ride when going out and about.
Senior activities in Charleston
Exploring historical sites and museums, such as the Charleston Museum or the Historic Charleston Foundation, which offer interactive exhibits and programs that showcase the city’s rich history, can make for a great outing.
For a sweet treat or to check out local art and crafts, a visit to the Charleston City Market could be a fun stop. Watching the locals weave the famous sweetgrass baskets is also a unique experience.
If a relaxing stroll is preferred, Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, with over 400 acres of beautiful gardens, offers tours on foot, by boat, or on a train. While the train and boat are both accessible, the guided house tour has several staircases, making it less accessible than other areas.
Charleston’s Waterfront Park is another beautiful spot to enjoy the natural coastal scenery, with numerous benches and shaded areas for rest breaks. Folly Beach is also a wonderful place to take in the coastal views.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ashley Gardens Transitional Assisted Living and Memory Care, The Claiborne at Brickyard Crossing and Quality Care Residential Home are the top-rated Nursing Homes facilities near Charleston, SC. These Nursing Homes facilities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews. See full list of communities.
The average cost of Nursing Homes in Charleston is $4,519 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
References
Genworth Financial. (2021). Cost of Care Survey.
A Place for Mom. (2023). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
U.S. News & World Report. (2023). MUSC Health University Medical Center.
U.S. News & World Report. (2023). Roper Hospital.
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