Residents of the Palmetto State spend around two-thirds of their year enjoying pleasant weather and sunshine. Columbia itself is also a fast-growing city, but it manages to keep up the charming and friendly feel locals and visitors love so much.
If your loved one is experiencing memory loss, you can help them find a pleasant and accepting home in Columbia. In Columbia, memory care facilities refer to specialized living arrangements for seniors who are living with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, or other memory-related conditions. These communities provide seniors with safe and secure environments that accommodate the nuanced needs of residents with memory loss.
In particular, Columbia’s memory care facilities provide their residents with services such as medication management, personal care or mobility assistance, and 24-hour supervision. Many also host activities for residents that can enhance memory, as well as an array of social activities and events that encourage residents to socialize and get cognitive stimulation.
In this guide, we’ll introduce you to the memory care options your loved one has in Columbia, all of which are located within a 10-mile radius of downtown. We’ll also share information surrounding the average monthly fee of living in one of Columbia’s memory care facilities, available payment methods, important laws and regulations specific to memory care facilities in the area, an overview of Columbia’s memory care market, and the many perks the city offers its seniors — from noted health care options to transportation and stimulating activities.
I am so very thankful we found Fairforest Grove for Mother! It was such a difficult decision to make having to place her somewhere in the first place; but I couldn’t be happier with the outcome. I’ve not...
Staff is nice, office not as helpful with paperwork, insurance as would like. Activities pretty nice. Not a diverse population of residents. Mostly white females… haven’t been happy with level of attention...
Grandma's enriched life… Grandma's social life flourished when she moved in to Vitality Living Columbia. The different activities and the genuine connections she's made with fellow residents have greatly...
She likes it but doesn't love it. It's pricey for what you receive. She does seem to be more active there and has church every Wednesday. The staff are 50/50 it depends on who you have working.
Brookdale Harbison gets a 5 in each and every category! My mother in law loves it there, and her opinion is the only one that really matters. We have had no issues.
I would tell a friend my mother has been very pleased with Harmony independent living. She's found a group a ladies she enjoys. The staff is very friendly. Communication through email to the billing office...
We are very pleased with Brookdale.Everyone here does their best to make our mother feel comfortable as she has to adjust to her new home.The staff is friendly to our family as we visit with our mother each...
I recently had the opportunity to visit Mill Creek Manor Nursing Home, and I wanted to share my impressions based on my experience. Staff: The staff at Mill Creek Manor truly stand out. From the moment I...
My mother in law is still adjusting to living at this community. The staff have been fabulous and have helped every step of the way. The entire staff watch out for her. She likes the food and they do offer...
After visiting several places in the Columbia area, I made the decision to place my dear friend at The Palmettos. That was in March 2020. Two and a half years later, I am still confident that I made the...
My Aunt has been at the Haven for around seven months. She came from another place where she had UTI's all the time. We are still paying bills from those. Here she has not had one. The place is set up...
My father really enjoyed himself here everyone was very nice and helpful treated us like family would recommend to anyone.
We developed a proprietary recommendation system that orders Columbia community options based on factors we know are important to seniors and their families:
We collect proprietary data from our network of 14,000+ senior living communities in the U.S., with regular refreshes of data and information
We have 387,000+ reviews from senior living residents and family members that provide first-hand accounts about senior living communities
According to proprietary data gathered by A Place for Mom, residents of Columbia’s memory care facilities pay an average cost of $4,017 monthly.[02] This average actual monthly cost includes all associated fees and service fee add-ons, which means it reflects an array of floor plans, amenities, and other variables. Depending on the facility, it will also encompass health care services such as comprehensive memory care, incontinence care, and medication management.[02]
The graphic below outlines baseline costs for the area’s memory care facilities. These costs don’t include add-on fees that may be incurred with additional services.
There are several ways residents and their loved ones can pay for memory care fees in Columbia. Although some residents prefer to pay using private income sources, others use additional benefits to help cover these fees. Here, we’ll explore all the payment options residents and loved ones have available to them: private payment, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits, Medicaid, and Medicare.
Private pay is always an option for seniors and families that are able to use their own financial resources to cover the cost of a Columbia memory care facility. Some examples of these kinds of resources include personal savings, pensions, returns from investment accounts, and Social Security benefits. Seniors and their families might consider the following options as well:
Roughly 7,335 veterans live in Columbia, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
Percentage of Columbia veterans that are 75 or older, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
Veterans and their loved ones who are looking into Columbia’s memory care facilities should know that they have a variety of VA benefits that might qualify for. The most generous of these benefits is the VA’s Aid and Attendance benefit, which increases funding to qualified veterans’ monthly Pension.
Although veterans have these kinds of resources available to them, the world of VA benefits can be highly complex. Enter local veterans services officers. These individuals are vetted and recognized by the VA, and they offer trusted guidance surrounding veterans’ benefits. No matter whether you think your loved one will qualify for benefits that could help defray the costs of a memory care facility, reaching out to an expert ensures you won’t miss out on any funding they might be entitled to.
Columbia has several resource centers in the area that can help connect vets and their families to assistance. The Columbia Regional Office serves as the region’s Veterans Benefits Administration office, and the professionals who work there can help you understand the resources available to you. Vets and their loved ones can also reach out to the South Carolina Department of Veterans Affairs or any number of Veterans Services Organizations.
Resources for Columbia veterans
South Carolina Department of Veterans Affairs
1205 Pendleton St., Edgar A. Brown Building No. 477
Columbia, SC 29201
Phone: 803-734-0200
Email: va@scdva.sc.gov
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Columbia Regional Office
6437 Garners Ferry Road
Columbia, SC 29209
Phone: 800-827-1000
Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Wednesday from 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
VFW Department of South Carolina
210 Glassmaster Road
Lexington, SC 29072
Phone: 803-808-0317
Hours: Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
National Association for Black Veterans Chapter 0123
1572 Leesburg Road
Columbia, SC 29209
Phone:844-458-1041, ext. 700
Email: nabvetsscscc@gmail.com
Richland County American Legion Post 6
200 Pickens St.
Columbia, SC 20209
Phone: 803-799-2736
Disabled American Veterans
6437 Garners Ferry Road
Columbia, SC 29209
Phone: 803-647-2422
Seniors or their loved ones who are looking into Columbia’s memory care facilities could consider Medicaid as a potential payment option. In short, Medicaid provides health insurance for low-income individuals, including seniors who meet specific income-based restrictions. Medicaid is a federal program that’s carried out at the state level, and individuals residing in the Palmetto State have what’s called Healthy Connections.
Those seeking more information on whether they’re eligible should read the program’s requirements here. That page covers the specific conditions and annual household income caps that individuals need to qualify. South Carolina has also published a handbook covering all things Medicaid. Among other topics, the handbook explores how Medicaid works, offers advice on selecting a health care professional, and outlines the benefits and services the program covers.
Loved ones who are looking into Medicaid to cover a memory care stay for their loved one in Columbia need to know that the program doesn’t cover “custodial costs” like room and board for these facilities. At the same time, it can be helpful for memory care residents in that it will provide coverage for health services that are considered medically necessary — no matter where your loved one lives.
Health care services are provided through Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waiver programs, such as South Carolina’s Community Choices waiver. Waivers allow states to allocate federal Medicaid funds toward in-residence care that would normally only assist someone in a nursing home. Seniors can apply for HCBS waivers online.
Individuals wanting to apply for South Carolina Medicaid can use the online application that’s available on Healthy Connections’ website.
There are also local resources that can help seniors or their family members who are trying to determine Medicaid eligibility. These include the Healthy Connections eligibility office of Richland County, the South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), and the South Carolina Department of Social Services (DSS). Each office listed here can help seniors or their loved ones with Medicaid-related questions or put them in contact with the right expert who can assist them.
Besides this, Columbia has its own Local Agency on Aging: the South Carolina Department on Aging (DOA). The DOA can answer Medicaid-related questions for seniors or their loved ones as well as connect families with the long-term care services that are right for them.
Local ombudsmen are another critical resource when it comes to understanding Medicaid. Seniors in Columbia and their family members can contact the local ombudsman, who also helps people age 65 and older navigate a dual Medicaid/Medicare program for coordinated care called Healthy Connections Prime.
Columbia resident Medicaid resources
South Carolina DHHS
1801 Main St.
Columbia, SC 29201
Phone: 803-898-2500
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
South Carolina DSS
1535 Confederate Ave.
Columbia, SC 29201
Phone: 803-898-7601
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Healthy Connections local eligibility office of Richland County
3220 Two Notch Road
Columbia, SC 29204
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
South Carolina DOA
1301 Gervais St., Suite 350
Columbia, SC 29201
Phone: 803-734-9900
Fax: 803-734-9886
Healthy Connections Prime Advocate (Medicaid ombudsman)
1301 Gervais St., Suite 350
Columbia, SC 29201
Phone: 844-477-4632
Fax: 803-734-4534
TTY: 771
Email: primeadvocate@aging.sc.gov
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Medicare is a federal health insurance program that primarily covers those who are 65 or older. Medicare won’t pay for room and board at memory care facilities, but it will help cover medical needs.
Medicare has two main components. Part A is also known as its hospital insurance, and it covers health care such as inpatient hospital care, psychiatric services, care within skilled nursing facilities, home health care, hospice, and medications provided during inpatient stays. Medicare provides more general medical insurance via its Part B, which covers services such as outpatient and doctor’s visits, different forms of therapy (occupational and speech therapy, for instance), assessments for risk and general health, and radiology testing.
For example, Medicare Parts A and B can generally pay for diagnosis, evaluations, care, and care planning for individuals with Alzheimer’s. You can learn more about Medicare’s parts on this site.
Individuals with dementia might also be eligible for Medicare’s Advantage Value-Based Insurance Design (VBID) Model, which ensures patients living with chronic conditions can receive additional perks. These include cost-sharing and advantageous Medicare Advantage plans.
South Carolina’s Medicare Savings Program can help reduce premiums, fees, and deductibles for those eligible. The Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) coordinates services and care for seniors who qualify for nursing homes but are being cared for in other community settings, such as a memory care facility.
Seniors who are eligible for Medicare can visit a Social Security Administration office in Columbia to apply in person. However, those who prefer to apply online can visit this page.
Medicare provides a helpful Medicare basics page that shares more in-depth information about the program. The portal has a variety of useful resources surrounding how to apply for Medicare and how to use this type of coverage. As a rule of thumb, though, individuals can apply for Medicare starting three months before their 65th birthday and up to three months after turning 65. Although you can apply later, you might go months without coverage or incur penalties.
Columbia has ample resources for seniors and their loved ones who are looking to understand their options with Medicare.
The State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) is provided via the South Carolina Department of Aging. Interested parties should know that SHIP will help seniors and their families navigate Medicare applications and answer questions. Richland County also has an ombudsman that can help seniors and their families with Medicare-related questions.
Columbia resident Medicare resources
SHIP
1301 Gervais St., Suite 350
Columbia, SC 29201
Phone: 800-868-9095
Medicare Savings Program
Phone: 888-549-0820
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Prisma Health SeniorCare PACE program
Two locations:
1308 Laurel St.
Columbia, SC 29201
1100 Shirley St.
Columbia, SC 29205
Phone: 803-434-3770
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Social Security Administration office
1835 Assembly St., Floor 11 of Strom Thurmond Federal Building
Columbia, SC 29201
Phone: 866-964-7594
Richland County Ombudsman
Phone: 803-929-6000
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
In South Carolina, memory care facilities are required by state law to be licensed as Community Residential Care Facilities (CRCF), which are also referred to as assisted living. Facilities obtain this license from the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC).
In turn, South Carolina’s memory care facilities must adhere to regulations set by the DHEC to be eligible for a license, including the following:
The DHEC itself also conducts regular inspections to make sure Columbia’s memory care facilities comply with these rules, including unannounced visits. During these facility inspections, the DHEC will read through a community’s records and gauge the quality of the care offered to residents. Inspectors might also choose to interview staff members, residents, and loved ones.
The frequency of these inspections is not set in stone and depends on a handful of different factors; these include a facility’s past compliance as well as the type of care provided there. Facilities that have been found to be in violation in the past may be inspected more frequently.
As inspections are within the public record but are not available online, individuals are free to contact the DHEC directly to request records. You can, however, search here to see if a facility is licensed.
2600 Bull St.
Columbia, SC 29201
Phone: 855-472-3432
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
South Carolina’s community residential care facilities — which includes Columbia’s memory care facilities — do have specific COVID-19 guidance provided by the state’s DHEC.
We’ll list some of the DHEC’s recommendations below. These pointers are updated as of late September 2021, but a full version of the DHEC’s guidance is available here:
Vaccinations. For unvaccinated residents, indoor visitation should be limited when the county positivity rate is more than 10% and fewer than 70% of a facility’s residents have been fully vaccinated.
Masking. Facility staffers, residents, and visitors are encouraged to wear masks.
Facility cleanliness. Facilities should be sure to disinfect high-touch surfaces regularly. Usage of alcohol-based hand sanitizer is also encouraged.
Staff safety. Staff should be sure to wear personal protective equipment.
Social distancing. The DHEC suggests that individuals practice social distancing whenever possible.
Quarantining. Indoor visitation for residents with COVID-19 and those in quarantine should be limited. Similarly, residents who have COVID-19 should be housed in a specific area within their facility.
Those living with Alzheimer’s, other forms of dementia, or another memory loss-related condition can find individualized care at one of Columbia’s dedicated memory care facilities, four of which are partnered with A Place for Mom.[02]
Of course, memory care facilities in Columbia are sure to provide thoughtful amenities and services that cater to the unique needs and challenges of residents with memory loss. These communities offer individualized care and attention as well as a range of activities meant to boost cognitive function, improve memory retention, and give opportunities for social interaction.
Here are some examples of memory loss-specific services and amenities that some of the area’s memory care facilities offer:[02]
Seniors and their loved ones will be happy to know that all of the memory care communities in Columbia partnered with A Place for Mom offer a variety of care types under one roof:[02]
Living within these combination care facilities ensures that should their care needs change, seniors can access whatever care they need whenever they need it.
Columbia’s memory care communities also offer a wide breadth of amenities that are useful for keeping seniors with memory loss conditions engaged — from opportunities to socialize and enjoy something new to relaxing common areas like movie rooms, libraries, games rooms, or arts and crafts centers. Calming butterfly and hummingbird gardens are even available at some facilities.
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Number of seniors over the age of 65 currently living in Columbia, according to the U.S. Census Bureau
Median annual income for Columbia seniors 65 and older, according to the U.S. Census Bureau
Columbia offers two medical care centers that are lauded for their wide array of high-quality services.
Lexington Medical Center is known as Columbia’s No. 1 hospital system. It’s a top performer in more than 10 adult procedures and conditions, including heart failure, hip fractures, and stroke.
Columbia VA Health Care System
Columbia’s veterans have this comprehensive health care system at their disposal, which offers both primary and specialty care as well as social programs and services.
Columbia isn’t a walkable city, nor is there a robust public transportation system — meaning it’s an area best traveled by car. However, driving is hazardous for those in memory care facilities and not recommended.
It’s helpful to know that all Columbia memory care facilities partnered with A Place for Mom offer complimentary transportation services for residents[01], with 25% of them offering transportation at cost. Seniors with disabilities can also take advantage of Columbia’s Dial-A-Ride Transit (DART) Service as long as they have a caregiver with them. DART operates a fleet of wheelchair-accessible buses, and each $4 fare comes with a personal care attendant. Besides this, the service places no restrictions on usage, and its buses run Monday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (except for Thanksgiving and Christmas). You must apply for a DART card to use the service.
Another transportation option is Senior Express. This transit system has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and takes seniors wherever they need to go — whether that’s to errands or outings such as the grocery store, religious functions, doctor’s appointments, or the airport. Senior Express operates on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Note that caregivers should still be present for seniors using this service.
Columbia is a laid-back city that still offers up plenty for its residents to do — and this includes a variety of activities that are suitable for seniors with memory loss and their loved ones. In fact, while the area’s memory care facilities generally provide plenty of in-house activities that give seniors a chance to socialize and flex their cognitive muscles, some of the area’s memory care facilities will even take residents out on day trips and outings.[02]
Considering it’s sunny for most of the year in Columbia, there’s plenty of time to soak up the sunshine. Visiting loved ones could take their seniors out for a trip to the Riverbanks Zoo and Garden, which is home to more than 3,000 animals in lush exhibits. Riverbanks offers its visitors a wide array of sensory experiences to enjoy, as well as guided tours and animal encounters that can be attended by people with disabilities. Besides this, certain themed areas like the Walled Garden offer peaceful and tranquil environments for seniors with memory loss.
The Robert Mills House and Gardens — a historic site featuring a restored mansion and several outdoor gardens — is another calming choice for seniors due to its quiet environment and variety of accessibility features. Wide paths make walking easier, plus there are plenty of seating areas around the property.
Families who are looking for more of a relaxing park experience can check out Saluda Shoals Park. Saluda Shoals has a gorgeous river walkway, but it also provides great accessibility, offering up accessible kayaking, fishing, trails, and even disability-minded events. Sesquicentennial State Park — or “Sesqui,” as it’s known by locals — might be another stop for families who love to get outside. It’s known for its trails, fishing, and boating, and it’s also home to a large lake. Lake Murray also offers boat tours as well as accessible trails and fishing piers.
There are plenty of accessible museums in Soda City as well. Koger Center for the Arts is where you’ll find music and other performances that can be great for the soul — not to mention therapeutic for seniors with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. Besides this, the Columbia Museum of Art offers engaging and interactive exhibits that are sure to be a hit with family and friends, and the South Carolina State Museum will teach you all about the Palmetto State’s history. Its planetarium also hosts shows and astronomy programs.
Of course, loved ones can also bring their seniors to a variety of activities tailored to those living with memory loss. First, the Lourie Center offers memory care programs and activities for seniors with dementia. These programs might include music, art, or reminiscence therapy. Caregivers themselves might also be interested in checking out Leeza’s Care Connection, which has a chapter in Columbia. The organization’s mission is to support caregivers, and it hosts a variety of relevant events and support programs, from Tai Chi to a men’s coffee club.
Fairforest Grove Senior Living, Harbison Shores and Forest Lake Manor are the top-rated Memory Care facilities near Columbia, SC. These Memory Care facilities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews. See full list of communities.
The average cost of Memory Care in Columbia is $3,997 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
Payscale. (n.d.). Cost of Living in Columbia, South Carolina.
A Place for Mom. (2023). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Population Estimates 2021: Columbia, South Carolina [Data set].
U.S. News and World Report. (n.d.). Lexington Medical Center.
Ask an A Place for Mom local advisor at no cost.
Payscale. (n.d.). Cost of Living in Columbia, South Carolina.
A Place for Mom. (2023). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Population Estimates 2021: Columbia, South Carolina [Data set].
U.S. News and World Report. (n.d.). Lexington Medical Center.