10 Best Memory Care Facilities in Charleston, SC
Charleston is a charming and historic city along the coast of South Carolina. The city blends waterfront views and historical architecture together perfectly, and southern hospitality is the thread that draws everything together.
Friendly faces and great care are sure to be easy to find if you’re looking for a Charleston memory care facility for a loved one. A comfortable place that provides safety, security, and assistance to your loved one while allowing them to continue to live a life of dignity is what memory care is all about.
In this guide, we’ll cover our 11 memory care facility partners within a 10-mile radius of the center of Charleston, which includes North Charleston, Folly Beach, and Mount Pleasant. We’ll also discuss ways to pay for memory care, laws and regulations that govern memory care, as well as options for health care, transportation, and area activities.
Charleston Memory Care Facilities | 145 Reviews
Ashley Gardens Transitional Assisted Living and Memory Care
2290 Henry Tecklenburg Dr, Charleston, SC 29414
The staff is wonderful, as well as the caregivers. For the most part, my family has a great rapport with the caregivers, and they are very attentive to our sister. We also have a great rapport with the...
We chose Harmony at West Ashely because it is a larger and newer facility. I thought that would lead to more opportunities for mom There's been more turn-over in staff than I would have liked.
We chose Brookdale West Ashley because of the cost for what we were getting. But also the smaller size was helpful due to the proximity of other rooms like dining, PT, library. Nothing was very far to get...
I would say the staff is friendly and the private rooms are big comparatively. As with any place, changes take a bit of time and getting all shifts on the same page. Comparatively, they are still head and...
I would rate all areas 5. Palms of Mt Pleasant is a good place. Staff goes above and beyond to help the residents and families. Yes, we would recommend this community to other families. The staff at Palms...
Dealing with dementia patients has gotta be the hardest job in the world. I think everyone that works there is great and kind and helpful. Big should out to [name removed], he really helped us out a lot...
I have nothing but good things to say about Atria Mount Pleasant! During our initial tour we were very impressed with the tour guide. She knew every resident's name and their story. She gave us suggestions...
Mount Pleasant Gardens Alzheimer's Special Care Center
1025 Hungryneck Blvd, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
I feel that the staff really cares about my dad. The staff always seems very helpful and happy to be of help. I know dad is safe at Mt. Pleasant Gardens! I also love to see the frequent activities and...
Most of the staff cares deeply about the residents. I've been surprised by how much still have to follow up and advocate for my Dad. But I love seeing how they love my dad! The activities director and...
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It's a delightful place with southern beach charm !The room was great spacious being able to look out the windows and see the hummingbird feeders in the birdhouse feeders in the garden beds was spectacular...
If we could give the overall value for cost a 10 we would! What we really like the most about the community is the location. The location of Oaks at Daniel Island is highly accessible. Most everything is...
We love Kempton of Charleston. The facility is great especially if you have access to driving. The location is isolated and there is not enough activities and things going on away from the facility so my...
I am so very thankful for the loving care Mom (age 86 - COPD and dementia) receives at Carter-May Home. She was in Pinewood in Goose Creek, SC for about a year and a half until they raised her level of care...
The staff is amazing they are so kind and caring and take wonderful care of my 97-year-old aunt. Through out the pandemic they have done everything they can to keep the residences safe, healthy and happy. I...
I chose this facility for my mom from the various experiences that I have had with assisted living facilities for the last 10 years. The transitions went smoothly at first and due to my mom's needs and her...
Sweetgrass has been wonderful home for my father! The size is what first attracted me to Sweetgrass and it has met all my expectations! Being small your loved one will get the individual attention they...
I thought overall they did a good job here, but they weren't quite up to the level of care that my loved one needed. It was a nice facility, everything was well kept and clean, and the staff were all...
Mom has been a resident of this community for awhile now. I just want to say Ashley Landing is great. All of the staff is friendly and welcoming. The food is excellent and there is always something going...
Our methodology
How we rank order the Charleston community options above
We developed a proprietary recommendation system that orders Charleston community options based on factors we know are important to seniors and their families:
- Proximity to your search location
- Availability of recent, high-quality reviews
- The amount of detailed community information available
Where we source our information
14,000+ communities
We collect proprietary data from our network of 14,000+ senior living communities in the U.S., with regular refreshes of data and information
350,000+ reviews
We have 387,000+ reviews from senior living residents and family members that provide first-hand accounts about senior living communities
- Costs of memory care in the Charleston area
- How people pay for memory care in Charleston
- Understand South Carolina laws and regulations for memory care communities
- Types of memory care in Charleston
- Explore senior care with confidence
- Unfamiliar with Charleston? Highlights for seniors
- Health care for seniors in Charleston
- Transportation for seniors in Charleston
- Senior activities in Charleston
Costs of memory care in the Charleston area
The average total cost for a memory care facility in Charleston is $4,242 a month.[01] This includes amenities, services, and specialized 24-hour assistance and care for those with Alzheimer’s or dementia.
Below is a chart that displays the average costs of a memory facility without including any additional fees or add-ons.
Average monthly cost of Memory Care in Charleston, SC vs. nearby cities
Average monthly cost of Memory Care in Charleston, SC vs. the state and national average
Average monthly cost of Memory Care in Charleston vs. other types of senior living
Median monthly costs of Memory Care in Charleston, SC by room type
Average cost of Memory Care in Charleston over time
How people pay for memory care in Charleston
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.
Understand South Carolina laws and regulations for memory care communities
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.
Types of memory care in Charleston
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.
Explore senior care with confidence
Know where to start.
Identify the right care for your loved one with our free assessment.
See what you can afford.
Understand cost and payment for long-term care based on your loved one's needs.
Find top facilities for you.
Free, personalized guidance from our Senior Living Advisors can help you narrow your search.
Tour your favorite facilities.
Our free touring checklist can help you choose the right community.
Unfamiliar with Charleston? Highlights for seniors
Health care for seniors in Charleston
Transportation for seniors in Charleston
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.
Senior activities in Charleston
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ashley Gardens Transitional Assisted Living and Memory Care, The Claiborne at Brickyard Crossing and The Palms of Mt. Pleasant are the top-rated Memory Care facilities near Charleston, 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 Charleston is $4,527 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
The 28 memory care facilities near you in Charleston, South Carolina typically provide housing, therapies, and care tailored to those who have Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. To find memory care in Charleston, South Carolina, browse our detailed listings showing photos, floor plans, amenities, activities, and reviews from real families.
Browse A Place for Mom’s listings for memory care in Charleston, South Carolina, to take a virtual tour. Our local senior living experts can arrange for a live tour of these communities as well.
The cost of memory care facilities in Charleston, South Carolina ranges from $2300 to $9395. The average Memory Care cost in Charleston, South Carolina is $4,527. Prices often vary based on care provided, amenities, unit size, and more.
The cost of memory care in Charleston, South Carolina typically starts at $2300. A Place for Mom’s local, expert senior living advisors can help you find affordable memory care facilities near you and offer advice on how to lower costs and pay for care with VA benefits or public payment options.
References
A Place for Mom. (2023). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
U.S. News & World Report. (2023). MUSC Health University Medical Center.
U.S. News & World Report. (2023). Roper Hospital.
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