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Assisted Living In Charleston, SC

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Find the Best Assisted Living Near Charleston, SC

Assisted living communities in Charleton, SC, may be an option for seniors unable to live independently, providing help with personal care or mobility. Many seniors in this coastal city may be seeking the right property for their needs, and with dozens to choose from, the task can be challenging. This guide provides more information about the cost of an assisted living facility in Charleston and ways that families may pay for the fees. It also offers more information about the city and what seniors can expect from living in an assisted living community.
If you aren’t sure how to take the first steps towards finding the right assisted living property for yourself or a loved one, a local Charleston senior living advocate can help. They can arrange for tours of different properties and direct you towards ones that best fit your needs.

Finding the perfect assisted living option in Charleston for your loved one can be a challenge. Fortunately, there are Assisted Living Locators® Care Advisors nearby who can help guide you through the process from start to finish.

Your Charleston, SC Senior Living Advisor

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What is the Cost of Assisted Living in Charleston, SC

Seniors in Charleston, SC, can expect to pay an average of $3,945 per month for assisted living. However, some facilities may be more expensive, depending on their amenities. Your senior living advocate can help you and your senior better understand how each assisted living facility structures its billing.

If you aren’t sure how much you can afford for assisted living, it can help to look at your current household budget. Include your housing costs (mortgage or rent), utilities, groceries, transportation, household maintenance, and optional spending. This can give you an idea of how much you can afford and may help you narrow down your choices of communities. Many assisted living properties offer inclusive pricing for room and board, utilities, WiFi and phone, and meals. Other facilities may charge for these services separately or provide additional add-on services and amenities.

Seniors living in Charleston assisted living communities are given a hand with the activities of daily living as needed, with as much independence as they desire. Typical activities of daily living (ADLs) that assisted living facilities help with include:

  • Mobility assistance, transfers, and lifts
  • Grooming, bathing, and using the bathroom
  • Getting dressed and selecting appropriate attire
  • Shaving, trimming nails, and other personal care
  • Medication management
  • Help preparing meals or doing chores in the apartment

Assisted living communities in Charleston are staffed with trained professionals day and night to attend to resident needs. If your loved one enjoyed a high degree of independence before transitioning into assisted living, they’ll be afforded the same level of autonomy in the facility. However, as their needs change, they’ll receive additional help with ADLs.

It can be difficult for many families to bring up the topic of moving into assisted living with a loved one. However, some people may find it helps to monitor their senior’s ability to care for themselves at home and address transitioning if they notice a decline in their loved one’s ability to perform ADLs. If you aren’t sure how to determine the right assisted living property for your loved one’s needs, a local senior care advisor can help.

What Should Every Senior Know About Living in Charleston, SC?

Charleston, SC, is one of the oldest cities in the state, established in 1670, and an area rich in American history. Seniors in Charleston can reap the benefits of living in a large city, including more options for health care and entertainment, while still enjoying the charm of this coastal town. South Carolina is also relatively tax-friendly for seniors. The tax structure exempts Social Security from state income tax and provides a $15,000 deduction for other retirement income.

Charleston Weather & Climate

Charleston summers are warm and humid, with high temperatures averaging 90 degrees and over 200 days of sunshine in the year. Winters are mild, with rare snow and low temperatures averaging 39 degrees. While the weather is generally pleasant, the city may be at risk for hurricanes and tropical storms.

Local Hospitals & Notable Medical Care

Charleston is home to the Medical University of South Carolina, the state’s leading academic research medical facility offering leading-edge and innovative medical care for a variety of conditions. The MUSC system provides primary and specialist care and emergency treatment. Or, seniors may opt to visit Trident Medical Center, which boasts award-winning heart health treatment.

Transportation

Charleston’s public transit system, Charleston Area Regional Transportation Authority (CHARTA), operates fixed-route bus lines around the greater metro area. Seniors may be eligible for reduced fares and handicapped transit as needed.

Arts, Culture & Recreation

History buffs may enjoy exploring Fort Sumter, a Civil War monument and national park, or the museums near Historic Charleston Harbor. The city is famous for low-country cuisine and fresh seafood, which many “foodies” may enjoy. Or, people who enjoy spending time on the water may appreciate the close access to the beaches and ocean.

How Do I Pay for Charleston, SC Assisted Living?

Your Charleston local senior care advocate can help you and your family find ways to offset some of the costs associated with an assisted living facility. In addition, they can help your family understand the fee structure of your chosen property and locate benefits that your loved one may be eligible for.  Some ways to pay for Charleston assisted living include:

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Veteran's Benefits

The U.S. Department of Veteran’s Affairs provides military veterans and their surviving spouses the Improved Pension Program (IPP) benefit to pay for long-term care. The IPP may cover some or all of the fees for an assisted living community. Veterans can learn more about this program and receive help applying for it at a Charleston VA Center.

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Long-Term Care Insurance

This is an insurance policy specifically for paying long-term care fees, including assisted living. Long-term care insurance is optional and not typically part of a regular insurance plan, so ask your loved one if they’ve enrolled in any supplemental insurance. If so, contact the carrier for details about the plan’s coverage.

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Home Equity

Homeowners may have built up substantial equity in their Charleston home, which may be used to pay for assisted living. If your senior owns their home or has paid off most of their mortgage, ask your local senior living advocate how to use home equity to pay for assisted living.

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Medicare

Traditional Medicare Part A and Part B don’t cover assisted living. However, some supplement Medicare plans may pay a portion, so check your loved one’s Medicare coverage.

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Medicaid

Seniors receiving South Carolina Medicaid may be eligible for the Program for All-Inclusive Care of the Elderly (PACE). PACE is intended to help people who would otherwise be in a nursing home pay for accommodations and care in another facility, such as assisted living.

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Care assessment tool

Access our free senior care assessment tool, which can help you evaluate the specific needs and requirements of you or your loved one. By answering a series of questions, you’ll receive personalised recommendations and insights to aid in the decision-making process.

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FAQ About Assisted Living in Charleston, SC

Assisted living properties help with ADLs and may have a nurse on staff during business hours, but most medical treatment is provided at other facilities. Nursing homes, however, offer around-the-clock medical treatment, plus assistance with personal care and ADLs.

Yes, many Charleston assisted living communities welcome pets, although some may have specific policies about the kinds of animals allowed. Your local senior living advisor can help you find the right community for you and your animal companion.

Many assisted living communities permit residents to stay overnight with family for special occasions. However, each property has its own regulations for visitors and overnight stays, so ask your senior care advocate to help your family find one that fits your visitation needs.

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