Cost of South Carolina Assisted Living Facilities

The average cost of assisted living in South Carolina is $2,400 per month

The range of costs is from $1,000 to $4,000 per month

This data is based on 39 of the larger facilities within the state and may not represent all facilities within the state. Additional fees may apply.

More info on Assisted Living Costs

South Carolina Assisted Living Information

South Carolina defines an assisted living facility as a residential program for two or more people that offers meals, lodging, personal support activities for more than 24 hours. Community residential care programs may be for the elderly, the physically disabled, or those with mental illnesses.

South Carolina Assisted Living Facilities Scope of Care

South Carolina assisted living facilities are not permitted to offer nursing services, nor are they permitted to admit anyone who needs care beyond the scope of the facility.

South Carolina Assisted Living Admission Requirements

Only those residents who have a short-term need for nursing care due to an injury or illness can contract with a home health care agency to receive nursing care. Residents will not be admitted who need daily care from a nurse or who are a danger to themselves or others.

South Carolina Assisted Living Care Plan Requirements

All new residents must undergo a thorough assessment to determine if the needs and preferences of the resident can be effectively met through the facility. The assessment will be used to develop an individual care plan, which addresses the physical, emotional, behavioral, social, spiritual, nutritional, recreational, and, when appropriate, vocational, educational, and legal needs of the resident. A resident's strengths and weakness should also be incorporated in to the care plan.

South Carolina Assisted Living Medication Management Requirements

Unlicensed direct care staff who have been trained to do so may assist residents with their medications.

South Carolina Assisted Living Facility Requirements

Three residents are allowed per unit, though private resident units must be a minimum of 100 square feet and multiple-occupancy resident units must provide a minimum of 80 square feet of living space per resident. There must be one toilet for every six residents and one tub/shower for every eight residents.

South Carolina Assisted Living Staffing Requirements

Direct care staff must be sufficient in number to meet the needs of the residents. During times of peak resident activity, there must be one staff person for every eight residents. During the night, there must be one staff person for every 30 residents. The Department of Health and Environmental Control may determine that a facility may have additional staffing requirements. An administrator is in charge of the facility and must be reasonably accessible and local. Such administrators must have earned at least an associate's degree and must hold a license from the South Carolina Board of Long Term Care Administrators.

South Carolina Assisted Living Medicaid Policy

At this time, there is no available Medicaid home and community-based services waiver.

South Carolina Alzheimer’s Unit Requirements

If an assisted living facility has an Alzheimer’s unit, then staff who work in the unit must have specific training for working with that population. At least one specially trained staff person must be present in the unit at all times. Certain written disclosures are required for these units.

South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, Division of Health Licensing