10 Best Memory Care Facilities in Columbia, SC

There are several ways residents and their loved ones can pay for memory care fees in Columbia. Although some residents prefer to pay using private income sources, others use additional benefits to help cover these fees. Here, we’ll explore all the payment options residents and loved ones have available to them: private payment, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits, Medicaid, and Medicare.

In South Carolina, memory care facilities are required by state law to be licensed as Community Residential Care Facilities (CRCF), which are also referred to as assisted living. Facilities obtain this license from the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC).

In turn, South Carolina’s memory care facilities must adhere to regulations set by the DHEC to be eligible for a license, including the following:

• Staffing: There must be adequate staff to meet residents’ care needs. Staff must also be trained in the care and management of those with memory conditions. This includes skills surrounding communication, behavioral management, and emergency response.
• Resident care: Similarly, memory care facilities in South Carolina must provide specialized care that meets the unique needs of residents. They might choose to provide activities built to promote residents’ socialization and cognitive processing, for example.
• Environment: Memory care facilities in South Carolina must be safe and secure for those with memory-related impairments. Among other features, this could include secure entry and exit points or specialized design features that make it easier for residents to navigate the building.
• Medication management: South Carolina’s memory care facilities should be able to manage medication safely and effectively for residents. This includes safe medication dispensing and storage as well as monitored medication use.
• Resident rights: Memory care facilities in South Carolina must respect the rights and dignity of residents as outlined in the South Carolina Bill of Rights for Residents of Long-Term Care Facilities. These revolve around dignity, autonomy, and the ability to participate in discussions surrounding care decisions.

The DHEC itself also conducts regular inspections to make sure Columbia’s memory care facilities comply with these rules, including unannounced visits. During these facility inspections, the DHEC will read through a community’s records and gauge the quality of the care offered to residents. Inspectors might also choose to interview staff members, residents, and loved ones.

The frequency of these inspections is not set in stone and depends on a handful of different factors; these include a facility’s past compliance as well as the type of care provided there. Facilities that have been found to be in violation in the past may be inspected more frequently.

As inspections are within the public record but are not available online, individuals are free to contact the DHEC directly to request records. You can, however, search here to see if a facility is licensed.

South Carolina Department of Health contact information

2600 Bull St.
Columbia, SC 29201
Phone: 855-472-3432
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.

COVID-19 regulations for Columbia memory care facilities

South Carolina’s community residential care facilities — which includes Columbia’s memory care facilities — do have specific COVID-19 guidance provided by the state’s DHEC.

We’ll list some of the DHEC’s recommendations below. These pointers are updated as of late September 2021, but a full version of the DHEC’s guidance is available here:

Those living with Alzheimer’s, other forms of dementia, or another memory loss-related condition can find individualized care at one of Columbia’s dedicated memory care facilities, four of which are partnered with A Place for Mom.

Unique amenities to accommodate those with memory loss

Of course, memory care facilities in Columbia are sure to provide thoughtful amenities and services that cater to the unique needs and challenges of residents with memory loss. These communities offer individualized care and attention as well as a range of activities meant to boost cognitive function, improve memory retention, and give opportunities for social interaction.

Here are some examples of memory loss-specific services and amenities that some of the area’s memory care facilities offer:

• Memory care (including care tailored to hallucinations, delusions, redirection, cuing, disorientation, exit-seeking behavior, restlessness, pacing, and wandering)
• Incontinence care
• Ambulatory care
• Medication management
• Restaurant-style dining and guest meals
• Respite or short-term stay options
• Complimentary transport
• Secure outdoor and indoor common areas
• Housekeeping and laundry services
• Building design that accommodates residents with memory loss
• Brain fitness/Dakim
• Visiting occupational, physical, or speech therapists
• Visiting podiatrist

Communities providing a combination of care types

Seniors and their loved ones will be happy to know that all of the memory care communities in Columbia partnered with A Place for Mom offer a variety of care types under one roof:

• Two facilities combine memory care and assisted living.
• One facility combines memory care, assisted living, senior apartments, and independent living.
• One facility combines memory care, assisted living, and independent living.

Living within these combination care facilities ensures that should their care needs change, seniors can access whatever care they need whenever they need it.

Stimulating activities for residents

Columbia’s memory care communities also offer a wide breadth of amenities that are useful for keeping seniors with memory loss conditions engaged — from opportunities to socialize and enjoy something new to relaxing common areas like movie rooms, libraries, games rooms, or arts and crafts centers. Calming butterfly and hummingbird gardens are even available at some facilities.

Columbia offers two medical care centers that are lauded for their wide array of high-quality services.

Columbia isn’t a walkable city, nor is there a robust public transportation system — meaning it’s an area best traveled by car. However, driving is hazardous for those in memory care facilities and not recommended.

It’s helpful to know that all Columbia memory care facilities partnered with A Place for Mom offer complimentary transportation services for residents, with 25% of them offering transportation at cost. Seniors with disabilities can also take advantage of Columbia’s Dial-A-Ride Transit (DART) Service as long as they have a caregiver with them. DART operates a fleet of wheelchair-accessible buses, and each $4 fare comes with a personal care attendant. Besides this, the service places no restrictions on usage, and its buses run Monday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (except for Thanksgiving and Christmas). You must apply for a DART card to use the service.

Another transportation option is Senior Express. This transit system has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and takes seniors wherever they need to go — whether that’s to errands or outings such as the grocery store, religious functions, doctor’s appointments, or the airport. Senior Express operates on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Note that caregivers should still be present for seniors using this service.

Columbia is a laid-back city that still offers up plenty for its residents to do — and this includes a variety of activities that are suitable for seniors with memory loss and their loved ones. In fact, while the area’s memory care facilities generally provide plenty of in-house activities that give seniors a chance to socialize and flex their cognitive muscles, some of the area’s memory care facilities will even take residents out on day trips and outings.

Considering it’s sunny for most of the year in Columbia, there’s plenty of time to soak up the sunshine. Visiting loved ones could take their seniors out for a trip to the Riverbanks Zoo and Garden, which is home to more than 3,000 animals in lush exhibits. Riverbanks offers its visitors a wide array of sensory experiences to enjoy, as well as guided tours and animal encounters that can be attended by people with disabilities. Besides this, certain themed areas like the Walled Garden offer peaceful and tranquil environments for seniors with memory loss.

The Robert Mills House and Gardens — a historic site featuring a restored mansion and several outdoor gardens — is another calming choice for seniors due to its quiet environment and variety of accessibility features. Wide paths make walking easier, plus there are plenty of seating areas around the property.

Families who are looking for more of a relaxing park experience can check out Saluda Shoals Park. Saluda Shoals has a gorgeous river walkway, but it also provides great accessibility, offering up accessible kayaking, fishing, trails, and even disability-minded events. Sesquicentennial State Park — or “Sesqui,” as it’s known by locals — might be another stop for families who love to get outside. It’s known for its trails, fishing, and boating, and it’s also home to a large lake. Lake Murray also offers boat tours as well as accessible trails and fishing piers.

There are plenty of accessible museums in Soda City as well. Koger Center for the Arts is where you’ll find music and other performances that can be great for the soul — not to mention therapeutic for seniors with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. Besides this, the Columbia Museum of Art offers engaging and interactive exhibits that are sure to be a hit with family and friends, and the South Carolina State Museum will teach you all about the Palmetto State’s history. Its planetarium also hosts shows and astronomy programs.

Of course, loved ones can also bring their seniors to a variety of activities tailored to those living with memory loss. First, the Lourie Center offers memory care programs and activities for seniors with dementia. These programs might include music, art, or reminiscence therapy. Caregivers themselves might also be interested in checking out Leeza’s Care Connection, which has a chapter in Columbia. The organization’s mission is to support caregivers, and it hosts a variety of relevant events and support programs, from Tai Chi to a men’s coffee club.