Columbia, South Carolina, is an undoubtedly great place for retirees seeking out a slower, more stress-free way of life. Residents of the Palmetto State are lucky enough to spend roughly two-thirds of their year basking in the sunshine. At the same time, Columbia itself is growing fast — but it still maintains a neighborly, charming feel as well as providing everything a senior needs to take it slow. Cost-conscious seniors will also be glad to know that the cost of living falls below the national average.
Whether you’re a retiree looking to make a move toward a convenient lifestyle or a loved one searching on behalf of a senior, you might be considering one of Columbia’s assisted living facilities. These types of communities provide both long-term housing and care for seniors who need it. Although many residents in assisted living are still relatively active, they may require support with activities of daily living: everyday tasks such as getting dressed or using the restroom.
Seniors in Columbia’s assisted living communities will also have access to a variety of amenities and services. These might include medication management from trained staff, on-site nursing, invigorating day trips and outings, and complimentary transportation. However, specific amenities offered will vary across facilities.
In this A Place for Mom guide, we’ll discuss the average monthly costs of assisted living in the Columbia area, payment options you have available to you, laws and regulations you should be aware of, an overview of the city’s assisted living market, and everything Columbia has to offer its seniors — including health care, transportation, and enjoyable activities. We’ll also explore in more depth the six Columbia assisted living facilities A Place for Mom partners with, all of which are in a 10-mile radius of downtown.
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...
This is a great community and you should come and visit. They have activities like art work, work out classes, walking, dinner parties, movies, bridge and more for the residents to do. I even entered a...
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.
Laurel Crest is more expensive, but they had better care than where my loved one is now. The staff to resident ratio was better here and we got much more personalized care. They pay attention the the...
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 A Place for Mom’s proprietary data, those staying in assisted living facilities we partner with in Columbia paid $3,864 per month.[02] This monthly cost includes all service and add-on fees, meaning it includes a variety of floor plans, amenities, and additional variables.
A senior’s base monthly cost will include room and board as well as care services. However, services and amenities offered will vary depending on which assisted living facility a senior stays in, and a senior’s individual assisted living costs can fluctuate depending on additional services.
The following chart illustrates baseline costs for the area’s assisted living communities. Please note that unlike the price point above, these figures are initial costs that don’t include service or add-on fees.
Seniors looking to move into an assisted living facility in Columbia have a variety of ways to cover their monthly fees. Some might choose to pay out of their own pocket while others seek out additional assistance — but many seniors opt for a combination of both.
In this section, A Place for Mom will detail all of the options you have when it comes to payment, including private payment, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits, Medicaid, and Medicare. We’ll also share resources relevant to each payment option.
Seniors wanting to fund an assisted living stay are welcome to do so out of pocket. Depending on your individual circumstances, private payment sources might include personal savings, Social Security benefits, returns from investment portfolios, pensions, or any of the following:
Approximately 7,335 veterans live in Columbia, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
About 12% of Columbia veterans are 75 or older, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
Veterans looking to move into assisted living in Columbia might qualify for certain VA-provided benefits that could help defray their monthly costs. One of these is the VA’s Aid and Attendance benefit. This is a very generous offering for qualifying veterans that increases funding to their Pensions to cover in-home care services that improve quality of life.
Although these kinds of benefits are available, navigating the world of veterans’ resources can be complicated — which is why it’s so critical for every vet to reach out to a local veteran service officer. These are vetted and recognized individuals who can offer expert guidance to veterans trying to understand the benefits available to them.
Luckily, several resource centers in the Columbia area are available to connect you to these experts and help you understand and obtain the benefits you’re qualified for. The first of these is the Columbia Regional Office, which is the region’s official Veterans Benefits Administration chapter. Other options include South Carolina’s Department of Veterans Affairs, which provides additional resources for vets and their loved ones, and Veterans Services Organizations (VSOs).
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
Medicaid is another potential payment option for seniors looking to stay at an assisted living facility in Columbia.
Medicaid is a health insurance program for qualifying individuals, including low-income seniors who meet certain income restrictions. Although this is a federal program, it’s implemented at the state level — and residents of the Palmetto State have what’s known as Healthy Connections.
Interested seniors can see more information on South Carolina Medicaid’s eligibility requirements here, including the specific conditions and annual household income limits needed to qualify. Additionally, South Carolinians can browse the state’s Medicaid handbook, which explores how Medicaid works in more detail, gives advice on choosing a doctor, lists covered benefits and services, and more.
Those looking to move into an assisted living facility in Columbia should know that Healthy Connections will not cover custodial costs (room and board) in these communities.
However, the program does cover health care services considered medically necessary for seniors who reside in assisted living. These care services are provided via Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waiver programs, which permit states to use federal Medicaid funding to provide senior care in an individual’s residence. You can apply for a waiver here.
Seniors looking to apply for South Carolina Medicaid can do so online via this page on the Healthy Connections website. Those trying to understand whether they’re eligible or seniors seeking assistance with the application process itself can contact Richland County’s Healthy Connections eligibility office, the South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), or the South Carolina Department of Social Services (DSS). Each of these offices will either have in-house experts who can answer Medicaid questions or point a senior in the right direction. Additionally, the area’s Local Agency on Aging, the South Carolina Department on Aging (DOA), helps with Medicaid-specific questions for seniors and can connect them with other long-term care services offered by both Columbia and South Carolina.
Seniors in Columbia can also reach out to the designated Healthy Connections Prime ombudsman for the area. The ombudsman guides seniors who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid. South Carolina is one of just 15 states to offer coordinated care through this dual program.
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.
In contrast with South Carolina Medicaid, a program run jointly by the federal and state governments, Medicare is a completely federally run health insurance program for those 65 or older (as well as certain younger individuals with qualifying disabilities).
Like South Carolina’s Medicaid program, Medicare doesn’t cover custodial costs in assisted living facilities (such as room and board). However, the program can cover short-term care services deemed medically necessary for seniors residing in assisted living communities.
Medicare has two primary components: Part A and Part B. Part A, the plan’s hospital insurance, covers services such as inpatient hospital care, lab work, or care services provided at home. Part B is Medicare’s general medical insurance, which covers things like outpatient care, necessary medical equipment, some in-home care, and specific preventive care.[04]
Eligible individuals can apply for Medicare by visiting Columbia’s Social Security Administration office or can complete their application on this page.
Seniors who would like to understand whether they’re eligible for Medicare — or to learn more about the offering itself — can head to the federal government’s Medicare basics portal. This portal provides seniors with both helpful information about Medicare as well as information about when and how to apply.
South Carolinians who need help understanding or applying for Medicare are free to reach out to the State Health Insurance Program (SHIP). South Carolina’s SHIP program exists to guide seniors and their families toward helpful resources covering all things Medicare, from application tips to useful referrals. On the other hand, South Carolina’s Medicare Savings Program can help when it comes to seniors’ health care premiums, fees, and deductibles.
The Richland County Ombudsman is another great resource when it comes to understanding Medicare. The ombudsman’s role is to help educate Columbia residents on Medicare, long-term care, and other age-related concerns as well as providing advocacy whenever it’s needed.
Lastly, Prisma Health SeniorCare offers a Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE). This is a Medicare-adjacent offering in Columbia that offers a wide variety of health care services to seniors who qualify for a nursing home level of care but want to remain more independent.
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.
The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) is responsible for regulating the state’s assisted living communities, which are referred to as Community Residential Care Facilities (CRCF), according to the South Carolina Code of Regulations’ chapter 61-84. This outlines the licensing requirements and guidelines all of South Carolina’s assisted living facilities must adhere to:
Additionally, Columbia’s assisted living facilities must be inspected by the DHEC at least once every two years. However, these inspections may be more frequent if there are concerns about the conditions inside a facility. Inspections ensure facilities are up to code with the state regulations outlined above and will include interviews with facility staff, residents, and family members. If an assisted living facility is deemed not compliant following an inspection, the facility itself could be subject to enforcement actions. These might include fines, suspended or revoked licenses, or corrective action.
You can search here to see if a facility is licensed, but inspection reports aren’t online. You’ll have to contact the DHEC using the information below to request records.
2600 Bull St.
Columbia, SC 29201
Phone: 855-472-3432
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Columbia’s Department of Health and Environmental Control’s does provide guidance specific to COVID-19 for community residential care facilities, which includes assisted living communities.
Some of DHEC’s guidelines as of September 2021 are listed below, but all guidelines are available on this page.
Facility cleanliness. Frequently touched surfaces should be regularly disinfected. Hand hygiene with alcohol-based sanitizer is also encouraged.
Staff safety. Staff should wear the appropriate personal protective equipment in the facility.
Social distancing. Social distancing of at least six feet between individuals is suggested.
CDC guidelines. The state relies on U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance concerning protocol for COVID-19 exposure or illness.
Columbia is a fast-growing city, and it’s easy to see why. With a relatively low cost of living when it comes to housing, a wonderful climate, and a friendly and charming atmosphere, Columbia is a stellar place for seniors to spend their golden years.
Better yet, Columbia’s assisted living communities offer their senior residents a chance to live independently while still receiving assistance whenever necessary. They also provide an array of attractive amenities and services so residents can relax and truly enjoy themselves.
Seniors who are somewhat active, but still might require assistance with certain tasks enjoy assisted living for the level of independence it provides. Unlike more in-depth types of care, residents in assisted living aren’t under 24-hour supervision — but they do have access to a variety of care-related services that help them live their lives with ease. These include help with personal care or activities of daily living (think getting dressed, bathing, or using the restroom). Certain facilities may also offer convenient services such as laundry, dry cleaning, housekeeping, and beauticians.[02]
Besides the basic care assisted living facilities provide, Columbia’s communities also offer a well-rounded array of health services to ensure residents are healthy and taken care of. The services provided will depend on the individual facility, but Columbia’s assisted living facilities generally offer:[02]
In short, seniors at Columbia’s assisted living facilities will be well taken care of, no matter their health needs.
Many of Columbia’s assisted living facilities also provide other types of care, meaning seniors who want a facility that can adapt to them no matter their care needs are in luck. One A Place for Mom partner assisted living facility offers this care type alone, but five other facilities offer more varied care:[02]
With this in mind, seniors who aren’t quite sure of their care needs — or are simply concerned about the degree of care they could need in the future — might consider residing in an assisted living facility in Columbia that also provides other types of senior care.
When it comes to playful amenities and services, assisted living facilities in Columbia certainly go the extra mile. Opportunities for social butterflies will include things like religious study groups, wine tastings, book clubs, intergenerational programs, barbecues, picnics, holiday parties, and more, depending on the individual facilities.[02]
Looking for opportunities to learn something new or get out and about? Don’t fret: Some assisted living communities in the area offer up art classes, live dance or theater performances, Tai Chi, yoga (or chair yoga), day trips and outings, and complimentary transportation.[02]
Homebodies or seniors who just want to kick back and relax are also accounted for. At Columbia’s assisted living communities, seniors can simply choose to enjoy the array of amenities available on-site. Depending on the facility, these might include (but aren’t limited to) libraries, TV lounges, arts and crafts centers, movie or theater rooms, raised gardens, butterfly or hummingbird gardens, barber shops and beauty salons, patios, and more.[02]
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Number of seniors 65 and older 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
Seniors in Columbia have access to two great hospitals that will cover all medical needs.
Lexington Medical Center is the city’s top-ranked medical center. It performs especially well in 11 different adult procedures and conditions, including colon cancer surgery and diabetes care.
Columbia VA Health Care System
Columbia’s veterans are able to access health care services through the city’s dedicated VA Health Care System. This facility offers everything from primary care to mental health care to social programs.
The five independent living facilities we partner with all offer free transportation to residents. But if you’re looking for broader options or want to go out with a friend, a car is the best way to get around. Even though walking in Columbia isn’t impossible, it’s not the easiest method of transportation — Walk Score gave Columbia a 35 out of 100 for its walkability.[06]
Columbia’s public transportation options are more limited, with Walk Score giving the city a 0 out of 100 score for this transportation method.[06] Nevertheless, the city does offer bus lines to its residents. Residents without cars can still ride the Comet bus system. The Comet runs 34 routes around the Columbia area each day. Lucky for seniors, it also offers special discounts to individuals 65 and above, people with disabilities, and veterans.
Those who aren’t able to board a Comet bus due to disability can opt to use the city’s Dial-A-Ride Transit (DART) Service in its place. DART’s buses are highly accessible, as each one has wheelchair lifts and includes a personal attendant. Better yet, it doesn’t place restrictions on where passengers can travel to or how much they use the service. DART fares are $4, and the service runs Monday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with the exception of Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Another public transportation option could be more useful to those checking out downtown Columbia: The Soda Cap Connector runs to interesting destinations in this area, and it costs $1 to ride. Although it’s not the most wide-ranging transportation option, it might prove helpful when visitors come to town.
As a decently sized city with a laid-back feel, Columbia offers plenty to enjoy for people of all interests and abilities.
Retirement is a great time to start fine-tuning your golf game, for instance. Luckily, you’ll have plenty of gorgeous courses in the Columbia area, including Cobblestone Park Golf Club and Oak Hills Golf Club. These are both highly rated golf courses that offer discounts to seniors as well as senior-friendly tee times.
If playing golf isn’t relaxing enough, maybe a day out fishing would do the trick! Sesquicentennial State Park — or “Sesqui,” as it’s known by locals — is a great park to go and spend a day by yourself or to bring family and friends. It features trails, fishing and boating opportunities, and a large lake for swimming and picnicking. Those looking for a world-class nature experience, however, should check out Congaree National Park. Located about a 25-minute drive from Columbia’s city center, Congaree is home to intact old-growth hardwood forest and features a variety of activities visitors can enjoy. The park itself is also accessibility-minded and has accessible trails and all-terrain wheelchairs available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Looking for a nature experience that’s a little more buttoned-up, though? Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is home to more than 3,000 animals living in lush exhibits. This is another great place for family fun or to spend the day by yourself.
Although Columbia doesn’t have any professional sports teams, sports fans can still have their fun. Why not check out budding baseball stars at a Columbia Fireflies game while enjoying a hot dog and a beer? The Fireflies offer senior-friendly games and promotions, and the stadium they plan in has accessibility accommodations for those with mobility limitations.
Art lovers will find that this is another area in which Columbia’s attractions do not disappoint! The Columbia Museum of Art boasts over 7,000 works, but if you are looking for a performance — whether it be a concert, a play, or a musical — check out the Trustus Theatre and the Koger Center for the Arts. Film buffs can even enjoy movies of all types, ranging from classic to foreign or independent, at the Nickelodeon Theater.
The art museum isn’t the only museum you’ll find in Columbia, though. If the grandkids are in town, why not treat them to a day at the EdVenture Children’s Museum? The South Carolina State Museum can also quench your thirst for knowledge when it comes to science and history. For a more regional flavor, check out the South Carolina Military Museum.
And of course, we can’t forget about the food and the shopping! If you want to be surrounded by awesome architecture while you’re enjoying a meal, Congaree Vista is the district for you. Devine Street is arguably the most popular shopping district in the Columbia area, however, with more great options for shopping and dining. And if you pop down to Five Points, you just might run into a festival.
Speaking of festivals, Columbia has a few fan favorites. The big winner is the South Carolina State Fair, but equally fun is the jubilant Greek Festival.
Fairforest Grove Senior Living, Harbison Shores and Forest Lake Manor are the top-rated Assisted Living facilities near Columbia, SC. These Assisted Living facilities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews. See full list of communities.
The average cost of Assisted Living in Columbia is $3,913 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].
Medicare.gov. (n.d.). What Medicare covers.
U.S. News and World Report. (n.d.). Lexington Medical Center.
Walk Score. (2023). Living in Columbia.
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].
Medicare.gov. (n.d.). What Medicare covers.
U.S. News and World Report. (n.d.). Lexington Medical Center.
Walk Score. (2023). Living in Columbia.