10 Best Memory Care Facilities in Charleston, SC

The ability to pay for memory care generally comes from private funds. But there are several private funding streams as well as public help that can be combined to cover a memory care stay for your loved one.

Below, we’ll discuss everything from private payment methods to VA benefits to Medicaid and Medicare.

Memory care facilities — also called Alzheimer’s special care units — in South Carolina are licensed as Community Residential Care Facilities (CRCF) by The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC).

These facilities must comply with South Carolina licensing regulations for CRCFs. The standards cover emergency preparedness to staff training to care expectations. Residents of memory care facilities have additional protection from the state’s Bill of Rights for Residents of Long-Term Care Facilities.

Staff and specialized training

To operate, a memory care facility is required to have a licensed administrator. In terms of staffing, there are minimum ratios that must be followed. During peak hours, there must be at least one staff member for every eight residents, and during non-peak hours, the ratio is one staff member for every 30 residents. Moreover, there must be someone awake at all times to attend to everyone’s needs.

The staff members are also required to undergo training, which should cover various areas such as medication management, first aid, CPR, accident or injury response, and specialized training for residents with dementia or Alzheimer’s.

This specialized memory care training must take place at least once a year. The training must include information on how to communicate best with residents who have memory loss. It also must cover understanding and properly dealing with the behaviors that accompany a memory impairment, as well as appropriate activities for these residents and special safety measures.

Facility inspections and reporting

In Charleston, the Department of Health and Environmental Control is responsible for conducting unannounced annual inspections of long-term care facilities. These inspections are mandatory as part of South Carolina’s licensing requirements, and they serve to ensure that these facilities comply with all regulations.

If you’re interested in accessing the DHEC’s inspection reports, you can search for them online or contact 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 memory care communities

There are no COVID-19 mandates in place for memory care facilities in Charleston. However, the city has established guidelines that serve as best practices for these facilities to follow. You can find the latest coronavirus updates from the city at this link.

A Place for Mom partners with three standalone memory care communities in Charleston. The rest of our partner memory care facilities are located within assisted living facilities. Four of our partner facilities also offer independent living along with assisted living and memory care options.

Safety is No. 1

In our partner memory care facilities, the safety of your loved one is the top priority. Someone on staff will be awake 24/7 to provide your loved one with assistance whenever needed. Nearly all of our partner facilities have staff members trained to gently calm the anxieties of those with Alzheimer’s or dementia by redirecting them, providing disorientation care, and watching out for exit-seeking behaviors.

Southern charm and great amenities

Your loved one will be surrounded by lush landscaping and caring people in our partner memory care facilities. They’ll have the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful Charleston weather in safe and secure surroundings since 82% of our partners have enclosed courtyards. Some facilities even provide a sensory spa that helps calm the anxieties of residents with memory loss. Your loved one can even enjoy global adventures through virtual reality at some facilities. In real life, they can enjoy supervised outings to nearby parks.

If your loved one is in memory care, it isn’t advisable for them to get out and about on their own. Fortunately, 73% of our partner memory care facilities provide free supervised transportation, while 27% provide it for a fee.

Charleston has a special partnership with Uber that provides 55+ seniors with $4 rides in this specific service area. The service is called CARTA OnDemand and personal care attendants can ride along for free. They must be approved in advance through the application process for the Tel-A-Ride paratransit program; the same application process applies to your loved one.

If you are taking your loved one out and about, you can also use the Charleston Black Cab Company or the Charleston Cab Company or A Golden Ride, which is a senior-specific option.

Engaging in meaningful activities can be beneficial for people with memory loss, as it can help improve their mood, cognition, and overall well-being. In Charleston, there are various activities that may be suitable for your loved one depending on their interests and abilities.

Visiting 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 nice outing.

The Charleston City Market could be a fun stop to get a treat, check out some art or even watch locals weave the area’s famous sweetgrass baskets.

Strolling with your loved one at Magnolia Plantation and Gardens is sure to be relaxing. With more than 400 acres of beautiful gardens, this Southern plantation can be toured on foot, by boat, or on a train. While the train and the boat are both accessible, the guided house tour has a lot of stairs making it less accessible than other areas.

Charleston’s Waterfront Park is another gorgeous place to enjoy the natural beauty of the coastal city. The park has an abundance of benches and shade for frequent breaks. Another wonderful place to take in the coastal views is Folly Beach.