10 Best Independent Living Communities in Columbia, SC
If you’re considering an independent living stay, you might want to do so in the fast-growing yet endlessly charming city of Columbia, South Carolina. As a city of more than 100,000 people, Columbia manages to offer up an array of world-class activities and attractions — all while maintaining a laid-back and friendly feel. And when you throw in the Palmetto State’s lower-than-average housing prices and its pleasant subtropical climate, you end up with a city that seniors are thrilled to call home.
For the most part, seniors looking into independent living options are healthy and active, but they’re seeking a hassle-free lifestyle as well as more opportunities to socialize with their peers. Whereas assisted living helps residents with activities of daily living (such as bathing, walking, or getting dressed), independent living doesn’t offer this type of care or supervision. However, Columbia’s independent living communities do provide an array of attractive amenities and services for their residents. This often includes perks such as healthy dining options, housekeeping services, home maintenance and repairs, and plentiful opportunities for social activities and outings.
A Place for Mom partners with five independent living communities within 10 miles of the downtown Columbia area. In this guide, we’ll share a little more about these facilities so you can make a decision that’s right for your lifestyle. We’ll also cover the costs of independent living in the area, ways to pay for a stay, laws and regulations you should be aware of, health care and transportation options, and great things to do while you’re spending your golden years in sunny South Carolina’s capital city.
Columbia independent living facilities | 378 reviews
Laurel Crest is more expensive, but they had better care than where my loved one is now. The staff to resident ratio was better here and we got much more personalized care. They pay attention the the...
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- What families are saying about independent living in Columbia
- Costs of independent living in the Columbia area
- How people pay for independent living in Columbia
- Understand South Carolina laws and regulations for independent living communities
- Types of independent living in Columbia
- Explore senior care with confidence
- Unfamiliar with Columbia? Highlights for seniors
- Health care for seniors in Columbia
- Transportation for seniors in Columbia
- Senior activities in Columbia
What families are saying about independent living in Columbia
Recent reviews for independent living in Columbia
Fairforest Grove Senior Living in Columbia, SC
Holiday Deepwood Estates in Lexington, SC
The Village at Southlake in Lexington, SC
Costs of independent living in the Columbia area
According to A Place for Mom’s proprietary data, those residing in our partner independent living communities paid an average of $3,155 monthly in 2022.[02] This figure includes all service and add-on fees, but a senior’s individual independent living cost may vary.
Besides basic monthly living costs for rent, independent living facilities’ costs also give residents access to a variety of perks. Available amenities and services will vary depending on the individual independent living community, but some examples include fitness centers; private patios, decks, or balconies; chef-prepared meals for residents; complimentary transportation; and accessible living quarters.[02]
At the same time, seniors in Columbia can choose to reside in an independent living facility that also provides other types of senior care on campus, including assisted living and memory care services.[02]
The following chart illustrates baseline costs for independent living communities in Columbia.
Average monthly cost of Independent Living in Columbia, SC vs. nearby cities
Average monthly cost of Independent Living in Columbia, SC vs. the state and national average
Average monthly cost of Independent Living in Columbia vs. other types of senior living
Median monthly costs of Independent Living in Columbia, SC by room type
Average cost of Independent Living in Columbia over time
How people pay for independent living in Columbia
Seniors looking into staying at Columbia’s independent living facilities have a couple of options when it comes to paying for their stay. Although many seniors pay for their independent living costs out of pocket, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits might also help defray costs for vets.
Please note that if you’re a Medicaid or Medicare recipient or have long-term care insurance, these programs won’t cover independent living costs given that these facilities don’t provide senior care. Regardless, Medicaid, Medicare, or long-term care insurance do cover qualifying in-home health care services for seniors in independent living communities.
Here, we’ll explore private and public payment options for seniors looking into independent living and will share more about the qualifying in-home care that could be covered for seniors under Medicaid and Medicare.
For the most part, residents in independent living communities will rely on their own or a loved one’s financial resources to cover their stay. Seniors and their families should also note that long-term care insurance policies do not cover independent living costs, as they’re not care-providing facilities and don’t include these kinds of fees in their monthly costs.
Private income sources used to cover payment generally include personal savings, Social Security benefits, pensions, returns from investment portfolios, or any of the following:
Approximately 7,335 veterans live in Columbia, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
Approximate percentage of Columbia veterans that are 65 or older, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
If you’re a veteran looking to settle down in an independent living facility in Columbia, you’ll be glad to know that there are a variety of benefits provided by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) as well as local resources and individuals that can help you identify and apply for this type of funding. We’ll cover these veteran-specific options in more detail below.
Aid and Attendance benefit
The first step any veteran interested in independent living should take is to consider the VA’s Aid and Attendance benefit. Aid and Attendance is a very generous benefit offered to qualifying veterans that can increase their Pension funding, and these extra funds can be used for health care services at home as long as they improve the veteran’s quality of life.[04]
Other resources for Columbia’s veterans
If you’re not sure if you qualify for any VA benefits, it is still worth connecting with an expert to check. Local Veterans Services Organizations (VSOs), as well as the state’s Department of Veterans Affairs and the Columbia VA benefits field office, are all great places to find veterans services officers. These vetted and trained representatives can help you navigate the tricky field of VA benefits.
Resources for Columbia veterans
South Carolina Department of Veterans Affairs
1205 Pendleton St., Edgar A. Brown Building No. 477
Columbia, SC 29201
Phone: 803-734-0200
Email: va@scdva.sc.gov
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Columbia Regional Office
6437 Garners Ferry Road
Columbia, SC 29209
Phone: 800-827-1000
Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Wednesday from 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
VFW Department of South Carolina
210 Glassmaster Road
Lexington, SC 29072
Phone: 803-808-0317
Hours: Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
National Association for Black Veterans Chapter 0123
1572 Leesburg Road
Columbia, SC 29209
Phone:844-458-1041, ext. 700
Email: nabvetsscscc@gmail.com
Richland County American Legion Post 6
200 Pickens St.
Columbia, SC 20209
Phone: 803-799-2736
Disabled American Veterans
6437 Garners Ferry Road
Columbia, SC 29209
Phone: 803-647-2422
The Palmetto State’s Medicaid program for low-income seniors is known as Healthy Connections. More information on Medicaid’s eligibility requirements is available here, and residents can also peruse the state’s Medicaid-specific handbook.
Medicaid doesn’t pay for costs pertaining to independent living facilities. However, it will cover services deemed medically necessary wherever a senior lives, even if they do reside in independent living communities. These types of services are provided via Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waiver programs. You can apply for a waiver here.
Seniors looking to apply for South Carolina Medicaid can do so via the Healthy Connections website. For help with the application process, seniors can contact the local Healthy Connections department, the South Carolina Department on Aging (DOA), the South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), or the South Carolina Department of Social Services (DSS).
South Carolinians also have a Healthy Connections ombudsman available to them — an impartial party who can address any Medicaid-specific concerns and advocate for residents. The ombudsman can help seniors who are enrolled in Healthy Connections Prime navigate the dual program that coordinates care for people 65+ who qualify for both Medicaid and Medicare.
Columbia resident Medicaid resources
South Carolina DHHS
1801 Main St.
Columbia, SC 29201
Phone: 803-898-2500
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
South Carolina DSS
1535 Confederate Ave.
Columbia, SC 29201
Phone: 803-898-7601
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Healthy Connections local eligibility office of Richland County
3220 Two Notch Road
Columbia, SC 29204
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
South Carolina DOA
1301 Gervais St., Suite 350
Columbia, SC 29201
Phone: 803-734-9900
Fax: 803-734-9886
Healthy Connections Prime Advocate (Medicaid ombudsman)
Phone: 844-477-4632
Fax: 803-734-4534
TTY: 771
Email: primeadvocate@aging.sc.gov
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Seniors 65 and older can access Medicare, a health insurance program provided by the federal government. Although Medicare doesn’t pay for “custodial” costs for independent living communities (such as monthly rent), it does provide coverage for short-term, medically necessary care for seniors wherever they live.
Medicare’s Part A, or hospital insurance, covers services such as inpatient care within a hospital, labs, or in-home care. On the other side, Medicare’s Part B, the plan’s general medical insurance, will cover outpatient services provided by doctors and other medical professionals as well as medical equipment, other types of in-home care, and certain preventive services.[05]
Seniors wanting to learn more about whether they’re eligible for Medicare and the program itself can do so on its website. Those who are interested in applying can do so in person at a Social Security Administration office near them, or they can choose to complete an application online instead.
State and local resources that can help with Medicare
Those residing in Columbia who need assistance understanding and applying for Medicare can contact the State Health Insurance Program (SHIP). SHIP provides assistance with Medicare applications and referral processes. At the same time, the Richland County Ombudsman is also there to advocate for individuals living in Columbia (and the rest of the county) and can address Medicare-related questions.
When it comes to medical bills, however, Columbia’s seniors will be happy to know about South Carolina’s Medicare Savings Program, which can assist with premiums, fees, and deductibles. Finally, Prisma Health SeniorCare’s Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) is a Medicare-adjacent resource in the area that provides expansive health services for seniors, including in-home care.
Columbia resident Medicare resources
SHIP
1301 Gervais St., Suite 350
Columbia, SC 29201
Phone: 800-868-9095
Medicare Savings Program
Phone: 888-549-0820
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Prisma Health SeniorCare PACE program
Two locations:
1308 Laurel St.
Columbia, SC 29201
1100 Shirley St.
Columbia, SC 29205
Phone: 803-434-3770
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Social Security Administration office
1835 Assembly St., Floor 11 of Strom Thurmond Federal Building
Columbia, SC 29201
Phone: 866-964-7594
Richland County Ombudsman
Phone: 803-929-6000
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Understand South Carolina laws and regulations for independent living communities
Independent living communities do not have to be regulated at the state level in South Carolina unless they are part of an assisted living or memory care facility. In that case, the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) is the responsible body for regulating and licensing assisted long-term care facilities.
However, if a senior in an independent living facility is getting care from a home health agency or an independent in-home care provider, those providers have to be licensed by the state.
Independent living communities are subject to federal, state, and local laws pertaining to building code requirements, accessibility standards, safety, and zoning. They may also be required to undergo occasional inspections by local authorities or organizations providing accreditation to safeguard compliance and ensure safety. Tenants can request an inspection by Columbia’s Code Enforcement Division. Code violations over the past two months are listed online.
There are no state or citywide requirements when it comes to living in an independent living facility or community in Columbia, but these requirements are common:
- Age: Most facilities require residents to be a minimum of 55 years old. In certain communities, residents must be at least 62.
- Health: Some facilities require documentation that a potential resident is in good health and able to live independently before their admission.
- Income: There might be income requirements for certain independent living facilities in Columbia to ensure residents can pay for their care.
- Background checks: A background check may be conducted to make sure an applicant doesn’t have a criminal history.
- Applications: Most independent living facilities require an application process to vet potential residents.
South Carolina Department of Health contact information
2600 Bull St.
Columbia, SC 29201
Phone: 1-855-472-3432
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
COVID-19 regulations for Columbia independent living communities
Columbia’s independent living communities do not have any COVID-19 mandates to follow. The state of South Carolina has relevant information and best practices pertaining to COVID-19 to keep residents safe and aware.
Vaccinations. South Carolina encourages residents to get vaccinated and boosted.
CDC guidelines. The state relies on U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance concerning protocol for COVID-19 exposure or illness.
Masks. It also aligns with the CDC’s masking guidance, which varies based on the levels of COVID-19 within specific areas.
Types of independent living in Columbia
For those wanting to make a move to independent living in Columbia, the overarching goal is to have a way of life that removes a lot of the hassle and stress common in everyday living. Thankfully, Columbia offers a handful of independent living facilities for seniors looking to weigh their options. We’ll explore what seniors can expect from these independent living facilities below.
Independence with heightened convenience
Adults in independent living facilities are generally healthy, active, and can live on their own. The benefit of these communities is that they offer these types of seniors a higher degree of convenience in everyday life as well as opportunities to socialize with peers — all in one community.
Independent living communities don’t provide health care to residents or supervise them. Instead, they offer an array of great amenities on-site to ensure a hassle-free, enjoyable lifestyle. Residents in Columbia’s independent living communities are free to congregate, socialize, and enjoy activities in dedicated arts and crafts centers, fitness centers, game rooms, movie or theater rooms, and raised garden beds. Seniors can also get some rest and relaxation or update their look at barber shops and beauty salons on the premises.[02]
Remember, however, that the type of amenities offered by individual independent living facilities may vary.
Comfortable and accessible living quarters
Seniors might not necessarily want to live in a luxury-style independent living community, but that doesn’t mean they won’t get to experience enjoyable living quarters. Certain independent living facilities that we partner with in Columbia offer residents comfortable amenities such as private patios, decks, and balconies, as well as room service from professional chefs, full kitchens equipped with useful appliances, high-speed internet, cable or satellite TV, and bathtubs.[02]
Likewise, seniors with different mobility needs can still enjoy all the benefits independent living has to offer, as some facilities we partner with offer ground-floor units, wheelchair-accessible rooms, and showers.[02]
Ample care options, no matter what the future looks like
Many communities offering independent living in Columbia also provide more in-depth care options. Two of A Place for Mom’s partner communities in Columbia are standalone independent living facilities, but three other facilities offer a variety of care.
- One facility combines independent living with assisted living.
- One facility combines independent living with assisted living, memory care, and senior apartments.
- One facility combines independent living with assisted living and memory care.
With this in mind, seniors who want a facility that can adapt no matter their needs might choose to reside in a Columbia independent living facility that provides other types of care available. Residents in these combined facilities may have access to memory, incontinence, and diabetic care, as well as medication management.[02]
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Unfamiliar with Columbia? Highlights for seniors
Number of seniors over the age of 65 currently living in Columbia
Median annual income for Columbia seniors 65 and older
Health care for seniors in Columbia
Seniors in Columbia have access to two hospitals, both of which provide a variety of care.
Lexington Medical Center is Columbia’s No. 1 medical center. It’s noted as a high performer in 11 different adult procedures and health conditions, including surgery for colon cancer, heart bypasses, and diabetes care.
Columbia VA Health Care System
Columbia’s veterans are able to access health care services through the city’s dedicated VA Health Care System. This facility offers primary care, mental health care, specialty care, social programs and services, and even telehealth appointments.
Transportation for seniors in Columbia
Although there are plenty of top-tier shopping and dining districts in Columbia, you’re most likely going to need a car to get from one place to the next. This is especially true for running errands such as grocery shopping or going to a doctor’s appointment.
Walk Score gave Columbia a 35 out of 100 for its walkability.[07] This means that there are some connected sidewalks, but you’ll generally need a car to get from point A to point B. Nevertheless, certain neighborhoods in the city are much more walkable than others. These include University Hill, Martin Luther King, and Shandon.
Columbia received the same rating from Walk Score — 35 — for biking. Although there are some bike lanes, they’re not the kind designed to get you across the city.
Columbia’s public transportation options are also limited — Walk Score gives the city a 0 out of 100 for its public transportation options.[07] However, there are dedicated bus lines available for those who don’t have a car. These include the Comet bus system, which provides residents with 34 routes around the metro area on a daily basis. The Comet also offers fare discounts for individuals 65 and older, people with disabilities, and vets.
Individuals with disabilities who can’t board the Comet’s buses can use its Dial-A-Ride Transit (DART) Service instead. All DART buses include wheelchair lifts and personal attendants, and the service has no restrictions on where residents can go or how often they can use it. DART is available to passengers Monday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., but it doesn’t run on Thanksgiving or Christmas.
The Soda Cap Connector, which is just $1 to ride, is meant more for general convenience. This service runs to destinations of interest in downtown Columbia so that residents and tourists don’t have to worry about driving or parking their cars.
Walk Score
Transit Score
Bike Score
Senior activities in Columbia
Columbia is a lively, yet laid-back city — and it provides no shortage of activities people from all walks of life can enjoy.
You might have heard that the golf in Columbia is fantastic, and the rumor is true. Cobblestone Park Golf Club and Oak Hills Golf Club are two stunning courses that offer discounts for seniors as well as convenient tee times.
If you’ve shanked one too many shots in your life, though, you could always head to Columbia’s other natural areas, including Sesquicentennial State Park. This park provides a perfect place to kick back and relax, whether you’re by yourself or have family or other loved ones in town. Those wanting a nature experience they’ll never forget, though, should take the short trip to Congaree National Park. This national treasure houses intact old-growth hardwood forest and has a variety of activities visitors can enjoy, from wildlife watching to camping.
Looking for something a little bit less rugged? At the Riverbanks Zoo and Garden, you’ll find more than 3,000 animals framed by gorgeous gardens and exhibits. And once you’re done there, why not take the grandkids to a Minor League baseball game to grab some hot dogs? The Columbia Fireflies offer a great experience for seniors and their families, and the stadium they play in is accessible.
Those looking for a glitzy night out have plenty of options as well. Seniors who love live events will be thrilled with the productions offered at both the Trustus Theatre and the Koger Center for the Arts, from symphonies to plays. Besides these options, the Nickelodeon is famous for showing classic, foreign, and independent films. If you’d rather experience art in a different way, this is where the Columbia Museum of Art comes in and impresses you with its more than 7,000 works.
On the topic of museums, it’s great to learn the history of the place where you live. Those wanting family fun can check out the EdVenture Children’s Museum, but seniors wanting to learn about history, art, and science can visit the South Carolina State Museum or the South Carolina Military Museum instead.
Or maybe you just want to stroll around! The Vista is a shopping and dining district known for its distinct architecture, but the most popular strip in Columbia is Devine Street. Five Points is also known for its many festivities. Speaking of festivities, Columbia’s locals can look forward to the South Carolina State Fair once a year. But if one festival isn’t enough, you can also check out everything the Greek Festival has to offer.
Specific activities for seniors can be found at the Lourie Center, Columbia’s Parks and Recreation Department, and the Richland Library. Events at these centers include classes on arthritis, pilates workouts, and special seminars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Fairforest Grove Senior Living, Forest Lake Manor and Harbison Shores are the top-rated Independent Living facilities near Columbia, SC. These Independent Living facilities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews. See full list of communities.
The average cost of Independent Living in Columbia is $3,394 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
References
Payscale. (n.d.). Cost of Living in Columbia, South Carolina.
A Place for Mom. (2023). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Population Estimates 2021: Columbia, South Carolina [Data set].
United States Department of Veterans Affairs. (2022, October 12). VA Aid and Attendance benefits and Housebound allowance.
Medicare.gov. (n.d.). What Medicare covers.
U.S. News and World Report. (n.d.). Lexington Medical Center.
Walk Score. (2023). Living in Columbia.
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