10 Best Independent Living Communities in Charleston, SC

Paying for independent living is generally out of pocket, but there are options to find savings in other areas to leave more space in your budget to cover independent living in Charleston.

Medicaid, Medicare, and long-term care insurance won’t help with the cost of independent living, these programs can help you with medical costs you might incur while living there.

Here, we’ll talk about private payment methods, as well as how VA benefits, public assistance, Medicaid, and Medicare might be useful.

Independent living facilities in South Carolina are not required to be licensed. They do have a lot of conveniences, such as housekeeping services, transportation, and social activities, but they don’t offer any type of care. However, if an independent living facility is combined with assisted living or memory care, then state licensing requirements for Community Residential Care Facilities will apply.

The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) is responsible for the licensing, regulation, and inspection of long-term care facilities in Charleston. South Carolina licensing regulations for assisted living facilities cover a lot of areas, but here are some key takeaways around what they govern:

• Guidance for staffing levels and training requirements
• Required reporting of accidents
• Record maintenance rules
• Safety precautions
• Transportation and recreation guidance
• Medication management
• Meal service
• Emergency preparedness
• Infection control
• Maintenance and construction requirements

Unannounced inspections, both routine and those triggered by a complaint, are part of the state’s licensing requirements for long-term care facilities. The DHEC inspects to ensure facilities uphold the guidelines and laws discussed above. Facilities are inspected at least annually. Inspection reports are made available to the public by contacting DHEC or searching online.

Protections for residents of all facilities in Charleston can be found in the Bill of Rights for Residents of Long-Term Care Facilities. Independent living communities in South Carolina have minimum age requirements — most often, it’s 55 and up.

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 independent living communities

Independent living facilities do not have to adhere to any COVID-19 mandates, but Charleston does provide some guidelines and gives coronavirus updates here. The Charleston guidelines match the recommendations from the CDC.

Independent living in your retirement years can make your days easier and more fun. Independent living communities offer built-in social environments and a plethora of conveniences, from provided meals to housekeeping services. You can plan to join community activities, jump in the pool for water aerobics, or play cards with friends in the game room.

A blend of living options

There are seven independent living facilities partnered with A Place for Mom within 10 miles of Charleston’s historical city center. While three are standalone, the rest are blended with other living options. Four of the independent living facilities also offer assisted living and memory care. These are good choices for seniors who want to seamlessly age in place.

Locations for everyone’s taste

Nestled in the historic downtown area of Charleston, you’ll find independent living communities close to the hustle and bustle of shops, restaurants, and cultural events. Waterfront living near the Charleston Harbor is also available, giving active residents easy access to parks, walking trails, and activities like fishing or sailing.

Lowcountry luxury living

Southern style and charm are reflected in the architecture of many of our partner independent living facilities that offer fun, resort-style living. Well-appointed private apartments and manicured grounds are an expectation. Many facilities are all-inclusive, meaning that you don’t have to spend time paying individual bills, instead, you can enjoy lively happy hours at built-in bars and bistros, spa time at onsite salons, or first-class holiday parties.

Getting around town won’t be a chore since 71%  of our partner independent living communities offer transportation for free, while 43% offer it at-cost. Of course, you can certainly have your own personal vehicle if you’d like.

Charleston’s public transportation system, Charleston Area Regional Transportation Authority (CARTA), offers a fixed-route bus system. The Downtown Area Shuttle (DASH) has three additional routes to get riders around the downtown area faster. CARTA offers quarterly free ride days for seniors who are at least 55 years old to help encourage them to learn how to use the bus system.

For 55+ seniors, CARTA OnDemand offers up to 20 trips per month within this service area for as low as $4 a ride. The rest of the fare is subsidized because this program is a partnership between the city of Charleston and Uber. Tel-A-Ride paratransit customers are automatically eligible for this program, too.

If you’d like to access a private option for getting around, here are some available choices:

• A Golden Ride
• Charleston Black Cab Company
• Custom Care Carriage
• Let’s Go Transportation
• Charleston Cab Company
• Charleston Water Taxi 

Despite having some public transport, the city doesn’t get a great score in that area. Charleston earns just 24 on a scale of 100 from Walk Score, which measures pedestrian friendliness based on public density and walking and biking routes. Walkability is fair, with the Radcliffeborough, Cannonborough, and Elliotborough neighborhoods being the best for pedestrians. There are some trails and urban infrastructure for bicycles. The city of Charleston has this guide for cyclists with safety and law reminders.

There is so much to do and see in the gorgeous coastal city of Charleston, it’s hard to know where to begin! For a city that’s been around for more than three centuries, that’s hardly a surprise.

Take a trip back in time

Once the center of Charleston’s commerce and trade, Charleston’s Rainbow Row is now a designated historic landmark and a must-see attraction. A horse-drawn carriage tour is one unique way to enjoy it. Peek inside a late Colonial-era mansion with a tour of the Nathaniel Russell House Museum or step inside America’s first museum.

To honor Charleston’s roots, learn something about African-American history in the South at the Old Slave Mart Museum. The spot where the first shot of the Civil War was heard is also part of Charleston’s history. The Confederates fired on Fort Sumter on April 12, 1861. You’ll have to ride a ferry boat to visit the Fort. There is a ramp system making the ferries accessible, but sometimes the tides prevent the ramps from being used. The Fort itself is partially, but not entirely, accessible.

The Charleston City Market is steeped in history, too. It is open every day of the week, and the night market is open on Friday and Saturday evenings. The market has vendors who sell everything from fine art to handmade jewelry to homemade sweetgrass baskets that are weaved by artisans before your eyes.

The performing arts scene

From classes and workshops to exhibits and art sales, The Gibbes Museum of Art has everything an art lover could want. You can access portions of the museum for free. This accessibility guide to the museum will tell you everything you need to know to have a great experience.

Charleston’s Gaillard Center is home to the performing arts. You can catch a comedy show, live music, or dance performances at this fully accessible venue. Charleston Music Hall also offers live music with six accessible seating spots, as shown on this seating chart. The Black Fedora Comedy Mystery Theatre is a great way to spend a night out with friends.

No shortage of natural beauty to enjoy

Charleston’s eight-acre Waterfront Park is a city landmark. With more than 1,000 feet stretching along the coast, the scenery alone is breathtaking. Fishing along the pier or strolling any of the walking paths is a great way to enjoy a day.

The James Island County Park fishing dock is another great place to cast a line. If you love staying near the water, you’ll want to book a sailing tour out of Charleston Harbor. Renting a canoe or a kayak is another way to enjoy life on the coast. If you want a more relaxing way to enjoy the water, kick back at the popular Folly Beach.

Good times specific for seniors

• Waring senior center: Take an exercise class or enjoy outdoor pickleball courts.
• Senior centers at Dorchester and Northwood: Hang out with friends at these two North Charleston senior centers with coffee bars and activity rooms.
• Lowcountry senior center: This James Island senior center is a great place to visit if you like the outdoors. It has walking trails with outdoor fitness stations nestled in the giant live oaks.