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If you’re looking for assisted living in Columbia, our local senior living advisors can help you find a safe, welcoming community for you or your loved one. Whether you’re searching for luxury assisted living in Columbia or sticking to a budget, we’ll work with you to understand the cost of assisted living in Columbia.
From there, we’ll show you the best assisted living communities in Columbia for your family member’s budget, lifestyle, and personal care needs. With 25 assisted living facilities in the Columbia area, A Place for Mom makes it easier to find a secure and social community for this next stage of life.
We are also serving Assisted Living facilities in surrounding neighborhoods like St Andrews, Laurel Hill and Wildewood.
You may also consider nearby communities such as West Columbia, Cayce or Arcadia Lakes.
Types of care available in Columbia, SC
Assisted Living
The food was great according to my loved one. The staff were very nice to work with. It was everything I wanted it to be for my loved one. The community was clean and I felt comfortable having my loved one here. It was a great experience for us. I would recommend the community to others for their loved ones.
I feel very comfortable with my loved one being there. We have not regretted our choice. Bright & sunny driving onto property. Clean inside, warm & welcoming. Easy to move around - one level. They are very nice & cooperative.
Everything is pretty good. They need to update the memory care iside. I picked this community, because it was the best value for the price. I would recommend to other families.
4405 Forest Dr, Columbia, SC 29206
Pricing promotion expiring soon
In a beautiful homestead with an expansive Southern-style front porch, you'll find Atria Forest Lake, a family-style senior community. Enjoy a quiet walk in the courtyard, relax with friends by the fountain, or visit with family in the dayroom. Located in the heart of Forest Acres, Atria Forest...
The staff at Atria Forest Lake is extremely friendly and involved, and the food is great. It does not feel like a nursing home. Small staff to patient ratio is a plus.
2205 Gregg St, Columbia, SC 29201
Merrill Gardens at Columbia is a new senior living community offering independent living and memory care. We are located next to Segra Park, home of the Columbia Fireflies, one mile from the State House and downtown. We offer luxury senior living in the heart of revitalized BullStreet District....
My dad has been very happy at Merrill Gardens at Columbia so far. The food served is great! He does say that he would like a church service or transportation to a local church on Sundays if possible. I...
120 Fairforest Rd, Columbia, SC 29212
At Fairforest Grove, you’ll feel the difference that regional ownership and management make in creating a warm, family-focused environment, especially suited for senior living. Fairforest Grove is owned and managed by Mainstay Senior Living, not by a corporation or senior care conglomerate. Our...
The staff is friendly and everyone takes time to talk with you and share information about how your loved one is doing. They seem to have varied activities.
2300 Clemson Rd, Columbia, SC 29229
Welcome to The Harmony Collection at ColumbiaIndependent Living | Assisted Living | Memory CareIn our continued effort to meet the demand of seniors in Columbia, South Carolina, we are offering Virtual Tours, an enhanced screening procedure for new residents, along with the security, support,...
My loved one has consistently received excellent care. The staff is caring and loving with residents, and they are always treated with respect and dignity. I would recommend to others.
731 Polo Rd., Columbia, SC 29223
Personalized assisted living services are designed for individuals who are no longer safe or comfortable living alone or without medical supervision nearby. These residents may require various levels of assistance with activities of daily living (ADL) from medication management to assistance with...
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...
651 Polo Rd, Columbia, SC 29223
Welcome to Mill Creek Manor Independent, Assisted Living, & Memory Care, located in beautiful Columbia, SCMill Creek Manor is conveniently located to dining, shopping, and surrounded by beautiful Sesquicentennial Park.Here at Mill Creek Manor we provide a senior living neighborhood with the...
I was completely satisfied with the mill creek experience. They helped in every phase of the relocation. The only issue I noticed for improvement was not monitoring the main entrance all the time. As a...
251 Springtree Drive, Columbia, SC 29223
Pricing promotion
The Greatest AdventureTucked away in a beautiful building in Columbia, South Carolina, you can experience a retirement rich in luxury amenities and spacious accommodations. With personalized care plans, an action-packed events calendar and a warm and friendly group of residents, you may think you...
This has been a wonderful move for my mother. No health issues since moving and an excellent staff. We could not be more pleased.
7811 Parklane Rd, Columbia, SC 29223
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...
51 Woodcross Drive, Columbia, SC 29212
Embrace The Golden YearsIf you want to embrace your golden years with enthusiasm and energy without sacrificing peace of mind that comes from having access to quality care, look no further than our assisted living community in Columbia, South Carolina. Surrounded by a warm and welcoming care team...
Smaller facility that is more staff to resident ratio. The building itself is aging and could use renovation. Staff is caring and housekeeping service is good and the facility and rooms are kept very clean....
4520 Trenholm Road, Columbia, SC 29206
Carolina Gardens at Kathwood is an assisted living and memory care community in Columbia, South Carolina. Located in the capital city of Columbia, our residents enjoy unparalleled access to fine shopping, dining and medical facilities. Columbia is a historic city with a thriving downtown area,...
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...
3 Summit Terrace, Columbia, SC 29229
We are a 60 bed secured Alzheimer's and Dementia Care community. We promote independence and choice. We have 3 unique neighborhoods where residents are placed dependent on their personal level of cognitive function. This way their neighbors are understanding to each other because they are at 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...
7301 Parklane Road, Columbia, SC 29223
4112 Hartford St, Columbia, SC 29204
100 Finley Rd, Columbia, SC 29203
1645 Ridge Road, Hopkins, SC 29061
Everybody was very nice and helpful. It's a nice place to come to.
7705 Richard St, Columbia, SC 29209
Williams community care is a loving caring place
633 Sharpe Rd., Columbia, SC 29203
1951 Clemson Rd, Columbia, SC 29229
823 Duke Ave, Columbia, SC 29203
821 Duke Ave, Columbia, SC 29203
100 Joseph Walker Dr, West Columbia, SC 29169
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...
100 Joseph Walker Drive, West Columbia, SC 29169
1 Still Hopes Drive, West Columbia, SC 29169
This community offers good care and the staff are very friendly. This is a fancy community and a little more expensive than other communities we looked at. Unfortunately this community was out of our loved...
534 Wil Stel Rd, Columbia, SC 29210
109 Hillpine Rd, Columbia, SC 29212
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.
27.27 miles from you
Your zip code
33.58 miles from you
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:
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.
Number of in-network assisted living facilities in market
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.
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:
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:
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.
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.
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.
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Number of seniors 65 and older currently living in Columbia, according to the U.S. Census Bureau
Percentage of seniors 65 and older within the Columbia population, 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.
Columbia’s public transportation options are more limited, with Walk Score giving the city a 0 out of 100 score for this transportation method. 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.
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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.
The Colonial at Old Camden, Wellmore of Lexington and Sumter Grove Senior Living are the top rated assisted living facilities near Columbia, South Carolina. See full list of communities.
There are 25 assisted living facilities near Columbia, South Carolina. See the full list.
The best assisted living facilities near you in Columbia, South Carolina are Atria Forest Lake and Merrill Gardens at Columbia. These assisted living communities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews.
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