Skilled Nursing in Charleston, SC

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Charleston, South Carolina: Search Near You, How to Pay, Licensing, Local Resources, 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.

charleston historic district

About Skilled Nursing Facilities in Charleston

A skilled nursing facility (SNF) is a nursing home with an organized nursing staff to maintain and operate organized facilities and services to accommodate two or more unrelated persons over a period exceeding 24 hours. The facility is operated either in connection with a hospital or as a freestanding facility for the express or implied purpose of providing intermediate or skilled nursing care for persons who are not in need of hospital care.

Considerations when looking for care in Charleston

The city of Charleston has 30 different communities that qualify as skilled nursing facilities (SNF). These homes offer care for those needing near 24 hour assistance. With so many options in the area, you are bound to find one that is a perfect fit for the client and the family.

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

Pricing and How to Pay for Skilled Nursing

Pricing varies depending on what kind of care each facility provides and how large they are among many other factors. In South Carolina the average annual cost is $87,418-$95,813. In Charleston the annual rate ranges between $90,155 and $97,820.

Paying for Senior Living and Care will vary depending on a few factors. For instance, the level of care needed; the income and savings of the resident; the state and location of the community; or if the resident is a veteran. In the United States there are over 400 programs that may offer some monetary relief for senior care, but often the majority of costs are covered by private funds and family assistance. These funds come from our Federal, State, and Local Governments. 

It is important to take your time when exploring payment and coverage options.

Private pay – YES:

  • Many families pay for assisted living with private funds.
  • Private pay can be a combination of retirement funds, personal savings, and pension payments.
  • Family members may contribute funds to pay for assisted living or other senior housing and care.

Medicare -MAYBE:

Medicare will TYPICALLY cover Skilled Nursing (SNF) care ONLY under these factors: 

  • 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.
  • The person has Medicare Part A, and has available days left in their benefit period. The person has a qualified hospital stay. (3 consecutive midnights or more) 
  • The individual must enter SNF within 30 days of leaving the hospital. 
  • The person’s doctor has ordered inpatient services at a skilled nursing facility. 
  • The individual must need and receive the skilled care daily. The care provided must be care that the person can only receive in a SNF. 
  • The person needs skilled services because of an ongoing condition or a new condition that started while in a SNF for treatment of an ongoing condition. 
  • The skilled services must be reasonable and necessary for the treatment of the condition.  
  • You must receive the care in a Medicare certified SNF.

Medicaid – MAYBE:

Medicaid can be a payer source if the patient needs both care and has a financial hardship based on the individual state criteria. Eligible participants include: low-income adults, elderly adults and people with disabilities. The program is funded jointly by each state and the federal government; and national guidelines are in place do decipher how states must spend Medicaid money, but with allowances toward the guidelines. Every state has their own individual Medicaid assistance program. Each state determines what levels of care will be covered by Medicaid, who is eligible, and how much the state will reimburse the care community.

  • Skilled nursing falls under Medicaid’s Nursing Facility Services. 
  • People who are eligible for Medicaid must meet the state criteria for skilled nursing care. 
  • The state of residency must abide by federal law and regulations when setting their skilled nursing care requirements.  
  • The patient meets the state guidelines for income and asset limits.

If you are unsure whether you qualify for Medicaid, you should apply. You may be eligible depending on your household income, family size, age, disability and other factors.For a clearer understanding on coverage contact your State Health Insurance Assistance Program.

Long-term Care Insurance – MAYBE:

Long term care insurance is a great way to pay for assisted living, and planning ahead is important when considering how to pay for senior housing and care. Nearly 75% of people over the age of 65 will require long-term care and services at some point. Buying into long-term care insurance when a person is in their 50s and 60s is the most common time to do so.

  • Long-term care insurance helps cover the costs of chronic medical conditions.
  • Individuals and couples with the ability to pay into long-term care insurance have the advantage of a head start in allocating funds for senior 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.

Questions to ask a skilled nursing facility

  • Is the facility licensed?
  • Has the facility’s license ever been revoked?
  • Is the facility Medicare/Medicaid certified?
  • What types of insurance is accepted?
  • Are all specific medical needs able to be met?
  • What services are offered?
  • What is the rate for basic care?
  • Are any reviews available to be seen by the public?
  • Are protocols in place to ensure healthy, balanced meals?
  • What if an individual has specific dietary restrictions, can they be met at the facility?

Additional questions and inquiries to ask skilled nursing facilities

  • What should a new resident (patient) bring with them?
  • What is the difference between skilled nursing and assisted living?
  • What happens in case of an emergency?
  • Can the family pet visit the resident?
  • What is the level of privacy?
  • What are the available social activities?
  • What is the hours for family visits?
  • Can patients request special meals for dietary needs?
  • Are skilled nursing facilities connected to hospitals?
  • How big are the rooms?
  • What are the training requirements of skilled nurses?

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

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.

Search other areas for skilled nursing

Not finding what you’re looking for? Take a look below.

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Written by The Care Availability Team
Experts in the senior care & retirement living industries

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