Home Care in Charleston, SC

Charleston South Carolina Home Care: Common Terms, How to pay for Home Care, Licensing and Questions to ask

Charleston offers an abundance of historical charm as well as warm weather with ocean breeze and port sights. This city has been ranked the top city in the US for 10 consecutive years. It is the largest and most populated city in South Carolina with a 2020 census population of 150, 277. A typical day in Charleston is hot with averages in the 80’s and winters are only slightly colder.

South Carolina Home Care (or In-home Care) is designed specifically for aging adults who only require some basic assistance at home. The focus of home care is to keep people healthy and safe. Home care caregivers assist in activities of daily living (ADLs). These in-home aides may assist with personal care and monitoring like they would receive in a long-term care community. All while they remain in the comfort of their own home.

About Home Care in Charleston, South Carolina

Home Care is also known as In-Home Care in South Carolina. In-Home Care is suited for seniors who may only require some basic assistance at home. Care plans can be customized for each individual. The home aides may support with activities of daily living (ADLs), which include medication reminders, assistance with bathing and eating. Home Care may be an excellent care option for family members if they must leave town or just need a break from caring for their loved one. The home care aides bring a sense of personalization, providing companionship and socialization, and a sense of connection.

In-Home Care is intended to primarily assist an individual with an (ADL) or in meeting a personal rather than a medical need. This does not include skilled care or specific therapy for an illness or injury. In-Home care is personal in nature, it does not require continuing attention or supervision from trained and licensed medical personnel. Some In-Home Care providers also provide separate services that either the Department does or does not regulate. An In-Home Care provider may also provide private duty nursing, which generally consists of skilled nursing care on a full-time, continuous, and long- term basis.

Cities Near Charleston SC

• North Charleston – 9 miles northwest of Charleston
• Goose Creek – 18 miles northwest of Charleston
• Hollywood – 20 miles southwest of Charleston
• Rockville – 22 miles southwest of Charleston 
• Woodville – 22 miles northeast of Charleston

What are the different Home care options? 

The various care services and options

Personal Care Assistant 

• Companionship as well as assistance with activities of daily living, (non-medical personal care) toileting, dressing, grooming, and bathing.  
• They can help with grocery shopping and meal preparation. 
• A personal care assistant can help with family difficulties. If a family caregiver must leave town or be away from the home overnight the caretaker can stay with the individual and monitor and assist as needed. 
• If a spouse is too heavy, a personal assistant can be a great asset in helping the individual move without risk of injury. 
• These care assistants cannot perform any medical care. 

Companion Care 

• These companions spend time with older adults. Providing companionship is especially relevant for people who live alone, or do not leave the house due to cognitive impairments or frailty.  
• These companions are there to look after the person, keep a watchful eye, act as an extension of the person to help with mobility and general physic functions.  
• They may drive the person to appointments, prepare light meals and snacks. They may even play games or read and listen to music together. 
• Companion care is a great way to bring social interaction and assistance to a person who may otherwise spend long periods of time alone. 

Pricing and How to pay for Home Care in Charleston

In Charleston the typical price for In-Home Care is  $23 – $25 / hour. Statewide the price is closer to $21 / hour and some places in South Carolina are even more affordable.

How to pay for Home Care

Private Funds- YES:

• Many families pay for care with private funds. 
• Private pay can be a combination of retirement funds, personal savings, and pension payments. 
• Family members may contribute funds toward a loved one’s care. 

Medicare – NO:

• Medicare does NOT pay for Assisted Living.
• People 65 years and older and individuals with end stage renal disease are eligible for Medicare benefits, no matter their income.
• Coverage is meant for people in need of short-term care.

Medicaid- MAYBE

Medicaid MAY cover home care for seniors who are eligible. Each state has its own Medicaid programs in place. As a result, eligibility and services fluctuate state to state.  Funding may also be offered under the Home and Community Based Services Medicaid Waivers. 

In-home personal care services (dressing, bathing, eating, etc.) are not federally mandated, and some states do not even regulate these agencies.

Long-term care insurance- MAYBE:

• The purpose of long-term care insurance is to cover senior care, which includes home care. Though, be aware that coverage varies depending on the insurance provider, the specific policy, and other factors. 
• It is common that long-term care insurance will only start to cover care when the person with the policy requires assistance with two or more ADLs. 
• As a result of the above, individuals who only need companion care may not be covered by their long-term care insurance.  
• Typically, purchasing long-term care insurance is not an option if you are at the point where you already need care. 

Veteran Aid and Assistance – MAYBE:

This benefit is available to some military veterans and surviving spouses who live in an assisted living community and those who have in-home care.

• There are specific guidelines, but a veteran may qualify for as much as $2,050 each month.
• A veteran with a sick spouse may be eligible for $1,600 per month.
• If a veteran has passed, their surviving spouse can qualify for $1,300 per month.

Private Pay

• Many families pay for care with private funds.
• Family members may contribute funds toward the care of a loved one.
• Private pay may be a combination of personal savings, retirement funds, or pension payments.

Resources and Links – South Carolina

South Carolina Department on Aging works with 10 regional Area Agencies on Aging and a network of local organizations to develop and manage services that help seniors remain independent in their homes and in their communities.

Community Residential Care Facilities this website provides a description of what qualifies as a community residential care facility and the regulations and codes of law.

South Carolina Adult Protective Services is part of South Carolina’s public safety system and is responsible for protecting vulnerable adults from abuse, neglect and exploitation by their caretakers

Vantage Point is the Pee Dee Regional Agency on Aging and the Aging and Disability Resource Center. They advocate and provide services for seniors and their caregivers in the six counties of the Pee Dee Region (Chesterfield, Darlington, Dillon, Florence, Marion, Marlboro). They provide information and referral information to disabled individuals residing in the region.

Appalachian Aging and Disability Resource Center offers in-depth information about the following aging services: Long Term Care Ombudsman Program, Family Caregiver Program, State Health Insurance Program (SHIP), Information & Referral, Nutrition Program

Eldercare Locator This is a great resource to search for specific care in specific counties and cities. This database is a nationwide resource that connects older Americans and their caregivers with trustworthy local support resources. Connect with services such as meals, home care or transportation, or a caregiver education or respite from caregiving responsibilities. The Eldercare Locator is a public service of the Administration on Aging (AoA), an agency of the U.S. Administration for Community Living.

Medicare provides a search feature to find & compare providers near you, most senior housing and care providers are included on CareAvailability.com. Find & compare plans in your area. Determine if you qualify for premium savings

Medicaid offers information on how to apply for Medicaid, eligibility criteria, links to local state offices, and additional resources

The Alzheimer’s Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support, and research. Whether you are living with Alzheimer’s or caring for someone with the disease, information and resources are available.

Local Hospitals and Healthcare Providers in Charleston

MUSC Health-University Medical Center 

169 Ashley Avenue Charleston, SC 29425-8905

Roper Hospital 

316 Calhoun Street Charleston, SC 29401-1125

Bon Secours St. Francis Hospital

2095 Henry Tecklenburg Drive Charleston, SC 29414-5733

Questions and inquiries about home care

Agency Information

• Is the agency RN operated?
• Is the agency a franchise or locally owned and operated?
• Is the agency licensed by WA State Department of Health?
• Is the agency licensed for both home care and home health?
• Does the agency have liability insurance?
• Can the agency respond to you 24/7?

Caregiver Information

• Are employees licensed, bonded & insured? Or are they independent contractors?
• Does the agency test skills, conduct behavioral interviews and verify caregiver credentials?
• Are caregivers required to have current certifications for First Aid, CPR, and TB?
• Are caregivers provided continuing education/training?
• Can authorized individuals monitor care and make requests online in real time?
• Does the agency offer caregiver replacement when the “fit” may not be right?

Documentation and Supervision

• Does an RN/MSW/Care Manager conduct a free home care assessment?
• Does an RN/MSW/Care Manager create a home care plan?
• Does an RN/MSW/Care Manager supervise the caregivers?
• Do caregivers receive client orientation before arriving at a client’s home?

Policies and Cost

• Can services be cancelled with a 4-hour notification?
• Does the agency offer flexible scheduling, custom care plans, and  a continuum of care?
• Does the agency have weekly or monthly minimums?
• What is the hourly minimum per shift?
• Does the agency offer home care discounts?
• What is the required deposit?
• Will the agency accept long-term care insurance?

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