Best Assisted Living in South Carolina

Lakelands Nursing and Rehabilitation Center is a nursing home in Abbeville, South Carolina, providing skilled nursing care, rehabilitation therapy, and hospice services. The community is privately owned and operates under the Self Regional Healthcare affiliation, with Timothy Evans listed as owner and Lisa D. Reavis as the administrator. This 94-bed community accepts Medicare, Medicaid, and private-pay residents, while maintaining 24-hour operations, physician oversight, and continuous staffing coverage. It is also CMS-accredited.

The community maintains a 4-star overall CMS rating, performing notably above South Carolina state averages in several major categories. Health inspection performance and staffing ratings are both considerably stronger than the state average, supported by nursing coverage across both weekday and weekend schedules. However, quality measure scores fall below state averages, warranting additional discussion with clinical leadership.

Occupancy is currently at 51.5%, considerably below the South Carolina average of 82.1%, indicating availability for immediate placements. The average resident stay is approximately 402 days, indicating a substantially long-term care population. Population is balanced among Medicaid, Medicare, and private-pay residents, reflecting a mix of long-term support and shorter-term rehabilitation stays.

Total nursing coverage averages 5 hours and 4 minutes per resident each day, exceeding South Carolina averages by approximately 24%. Registered nurse coverage is especially strong at 1 hour and 11 minutes daily per resident, significantly above state norms. Weekend RN coverage is another major advantage, reaching 52 minutes per resident per day, which is more than double the South Carolina average. Nurse aide staffing also exceeds statewide averages, while licensed practical nurse coverage is a little below benchmark levels. Overall, the staffing profile reflects a strong emphasis on skilled clinical oversight and direct resident support.

Since 2025, only one inspection has been documented, completed in April 2025, resulting in just two moderate-level citations. No critical or serious citations were reported, a notably favorable outcome compared with statewide averages. These issues are related to pharmacy services and care planning, which were corrected following the inspection. This limited deficiency history may provide additional reassurance for families prioritizing regulatory performance and compliance history.

Religious programming, housekeeping services, complimentary Wi-Fi, outdoor porch areas, daily activities, and weekly entertainment offerings are among the services offered. Hospice care services and rehabilitation are also available, supporting both long-term residents and individuals recovering after illness, hospitalization, or surgery.

Lakelands Nursing and Rehabilitation Center is an excellent choice for older adults in Abbeville County and the surrounding Upstate South Carolina region seeking a highly rated skilled nursing community with strong RN staffing levels, hospice support, and an exceptionally clean inspection history. However, a careful review of its quality measure performance is advised to ensure services and care align with the specific medical and personal needs of their loved one.

Union Post Acute is a nursing home in Union, South Carolina, providing 24-hour skilled nursing care, short-term rehabilitation, and long-term support services. The community is owned by Union Community Healthcare LLC and administered by Christopher Patrie with an 88-bed capacity.

Services include post-acute rehabilitation, short-term recovery programming, licensed nursing support, certified nursing assistants, and continuous 24-hour staffing coverage. Focusing on post-hospital recovery and rehabilitation services, the community is a potential option for those transitioning from acute medical care who require continued skilled nursing oversight and therapy support.

Located in Union County in the Upstate South Carolina region, the community serves a smaller local market where skilled nursing and rehabilitation options may be more limited than in larger metropolitan areas. Its mid-sized 88-bed capacity also provides a balance between personalized attention and the clinical resources needed to support rehabilitation and long-term nursing care programs.

Union Post Acute is well-suited for older adults in Union County and surrounding Upstate communities who require skilled nursing services, post-acute rehabilitation, or long-term care following hospitalization or illness.

Overview of Bayshore on Hilton Head Island

Offering independent living and assisted living, Bayshore on Hilton Head Island is a Community Residential Care Facility (CRCF) in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. Featuring an upscale waterfront setting designed for older adults who wish to age in place in one of the Southeast’s premier resort communities, this community has a large capacity of 147 beds. Administered by Rodney McKee, the community is owned by BS Hilton Head Opco LLC and is affiliated with Sentio Investments.

Along with its waterfront location and resort-style amenities, a community boat for sunset cruises, an expansive pier, and a top-floor Bayview Club are provided. These amenities are genuinely rare among South Carolina living options for older adults and reflect the upscale lifestyle in the Hilton Head Island setting.

The Sentio Investments affiliation places the community within a privately held senior living investment platform, which families may want to research further when exploring long-term operational stability. Additionally, TidePointe, which is a Vi Community, is a similar 5-star CMS-rated senior living community on Hilton Head Island, providing a useful local benchmark for families comparing options on the island.

With a combination of resort-quality amenities, Hilton Head Island’s natural beauty, and aging-in-place care continuity, Bayshore on Hilton Head Island is a good option for older adults seeking an active, luxury-oriented independent or assisted living experience in a waterfront setting.

Overview of Ashley River Healthcare

Ashley River Healthcare is a nursing home in Charleston, South Carolina, that provides 24-hour skilled nursing care, short-term rehabilitation, and long-term support services. Operated by Orange Grove Healthcare Inc., the community is also affiliated with the Ensign Services network. Participating in both Medicare and Medicaid programs, the community has confirmed physician oversight and 24-hour staffing support.

Available services include in-house rehabilitation therapy, skilled nursing support, and a “Stay Active” wellness program intended to encourage engagement and mobility among residents. Acceptance of both Medicare and Medicaid also widens accessibility for those with varying financial and coverage needs. Its connection to the Ensign Services network also provides operational support through standardized clinical practices, compliance resources, and staff development programs.

In comparison with the Charleston skilled nursing market, two nearby nursing communities report strong CMS performance metrics. Bishop Gadsden Episcopal Retirement Community holds a 5-star overall CMS rating and staffing levels reported above the South Carolina average, while Kempton of Charleston also maintains a 5-star CMS rating. These communities serve as useful benchmarks for families comparing local skilled nursing and rehabilitation options.

Offering skilled nursing services, post-acute rehabilitation, or long-term care support under Medicare or Medicaid coverage, Ashley River Healthcare is a suitable option for older adults in the Charleston area.

Mccormick Post Acute is a privately owned nursing home in McCormick, South Carolina, providing short-term rehabilitation, long-term skilled nursing care, and individualized recovery planning for those recovering from surgery, illness, or injury. Administered by Jessica Grice, with McCormick Skilled Nursing LLC, this 120-bed community is the primary post-acute care provider in McCormick County.

One of the community’s most notable strengths is its CMS 5-Star Quality Measures rating, the highest possible designation for resident outcome performance. Long-stay hospitalization rates average 0.92 per 1,000 resident days, significantly outperforming the South Carolina average of 2.03. Emergency department visits for long-stay residents are also substantially lower than statewide benchmarks.

Additionally, short-term rehabilitation outcomes are similarly strong, with re-hospitalization rates after nursing home stays reported at 6.9%, significantly below the South Carolina average of 24.7%. Emergency department visits among short-stay residents also remain considerably lower than average, and there were no major injury falls among short-stay rehabilitation residents. Collectively, these measures suggest strong clinical management and resident monitoring outcomes compared with many South Carolina skilled nursing communities.

However, staffing metrics present a more mixed picture and warrant discussion, as registered nurse coverage averages 17 minutes per resident per day, notably below the South Carolina average. Licensed practical nurse hours, nurse aide coverage, weekend nursing hours, and physical therapy staffing also fall below statewide benchmarks. Weekend RN coverage is especially limited relative to state averages. This contrast between the community’s excellent clinical outcome measures and below-average staffing hours is significant, which families may discuss directly with the management and nursing staff.

Private rooms are offered, supporting resident comfort and privacy during rehabilitation and long-term stays. Licensed nursing support and rehabilitation services are also available on-site.

Mccormick Post Acute is well-suited for older adults in McCormick County and western South Carolina seeking post-acute rehabilitation or long-term skilled nursing care with exceptionally strong quality outcome metrics.

Overview of Magnolia Bridge at Murrells Inlet

Featuring a full-continuum lifestyle, Magnolia Bridge at Murrells Inlet is a Community Residential Care Facility (CRCF) in Murrells Inlet, South Carolina, that offers independent living, assisted living, memory care, rehabilitation services, respite care, and residential villa homes. Licensed with 82 beds, the community is administered by Katherine Weaver and operated by BFG Compass Murrells Inlet Propco LLC.

With a relatively extensive set of amenities among CRCF communities in the region, the community provides access to restaurant-style dining, along with wellness and social programming. A swimming pool, fitness center, beauty salon, and barber services, concierge support, housekeeping, maintenance services, and scheduled transportation are also offered. Licensed nurses and certified nursing assistants also provide 24-hour coverage, while rehabilitation services and respite care are also provided. Residential villa homes are offered as a separate living option, which provides independent living residents with additional privacy and expanded living space.

Its location in TPC Boulevard also places the community within the Murrells Inlet and Pawleys Island coastal corridor, which allows convenient access to healthcare providers, restaurants, shopping, and the recreational attractions of the Grand Strand area.

Magnolia Bridge at Murrells Inlet is well-suited for older adults and families seeking a comprehensive coastal living community that combines villa-style independent living with assisted living, memory care, rehabilitation support, and a wide range of lifestyle amenities in the Murrells Inlet area.

Cooper River Post Acute is a nursing home in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, offering skilled nursing and rehabilitation. Privately owned by Palmetto Master Tenant, LLC through operating entity Mtpleasant SNF LLC, the community has been serving the Charleston County area for over four decades. Medicare, Medicaid, and private-pay are also accepted, with service offerings that include skilled nursing care, short-term rehabilitation, housekeeping, person-centered activities, and an on-site beauty salon.

The resident population leans heavily toward short-stay rehabilitation patients, with Medicare and private-pay residents accounting for the majority of admissions and an average length of stay of approximately 131 days. With a current occupancy of 91%, which is notably above the South Carolina average of 82.1%, the community reflects a consistently strong local demand for rehabilitation and nursing services.

The community currently holds a 1-star CMS rating, the lowest among its performance tiers. Health inspection scores fall significantly below South Carolina averages, while staffing ratings also trail statewide benchmarks. Total adjusted nursing care averages 3 hours and 11 minutes per resident per day, approximately 22% below the state average of 4 hours and 5 minutes. Weekend staffing levels decline further to 2 hours and 44 minutes daily, which closely aligns with staffing concern indicators.

Since 2023, the South Carolina Department of Public Health’s Bureau of Healthcare Quality has completed six inspections, resulting in a total of 47 health citations, substantially exceeding state averages. Citation frequency per inspection is also considerably higher than the statewide average. These deficiencies are often categorized into Quality of Life and Care, Resident Rights, Pharmacy Services, Infection Control, and Abuse or Neglect oversight. Moreover, the community’s composite high-risk clinical events score, which measures issues such as falls, pressure injuries, weight loss, and declines in physical functioning, performs significantly worse than South Carolina averages.

The most recent inspection on April 10, 2025, also identified moderate-level deficiencies involving infection control, nutrition services, and pharmacy operations, which were corrected. On the other hand, five civil monetary penalties totaling roughly $85,000 have also been issued, with the largest penalty, approximately $49,000, following the April 2024 inspection. Additional fines were also issued across 2023, 2024, and 2025. No Medicare payment denials were reported in the available records.

With its longstanding local presence and stable occupancy levels, Cooper River Post Acute appeals to older adults in the Mount Pleasant and Charleston area seeking short-term rehabilitation or skilled nursing support after hospitalization.

Overview of Loving Thy Neighbor Residential Care

Loving Thy Neighbor Residential Care operates a 33-bed community residential care facility at 126 Tokeena Rd in Seneca, Oconee County, South Carolina, under the management of Loving Thy Neighbor Residential Care LLC. Administrator Adrian Reid oversees day-to-day operations at a facility licensed as a Community Residential Care Facility and accredited by the South Carolina Department of Disabilities and Special Needs (DDSN) and the Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC).

The facility was established in 2015. Its dual accreditation reflects its role in serving both older adults and individuals with disabilities requiring residential support and assistance with daily living activities. Medicaid is the primary payment mechanism; Medicare is not accepted.

State records show no outstanding compliance issues or enforcement actions against the facility.

Twenty-four-hour staffing provides continuous on-site presence and response capability for residents. The 33-bed licensed capacity creates a smaller-scale residential environment compared to larger assisted living or nursing home settings.

The facility’s structure, accreditations, and staffing model position it as a residential care option within South Carolina’s network of community-based care providers serving residents with functional or developmental support needs.

Loving Thy Neighbor Residential Care serves individuals and families seeking a licensed, smaller residential care setting with around-the-clock staffing support within an accredited, Medicaid-accessible framework.

Overview of Crossings of Georgetown

Licensed with 50 beds, Crossings of Georgetown is a Community Residential Care Facility (CRCF) in Georgetown, South Carolina, providing assisted living services, personalized daily support, and a broad range of on-site wellness and lifestyle amenities. Affiliated with ALG Senior, the community is administered by Joan Cisneros and owned by Georgetown Opco II LLC.

Its affiliation with ALG Senior provides the community with access to a larger senior living management organization that provides operational consistency, staff development resources, and standardized resident care practices across multiple locations.

Licensed nurses, certified nursing assistants, and dedicated caregivers are available around the clock. Housekeeping and maintenance services, transportation assistance, restaurant-style dining with balanced meal options, and entertainment spaces are also offered, along with on-site therapy services, pharmacy access, and visiting healthcare provider services.

Located within Georgetown County, the community stands out as one of the few assisted living options that offer a combination of clinical support, lifestyle amenities, and integrated on-site services. Its smaller size also appeals to families seeking a more intimate residential environment with individualized attention.

Crossings of Georgetown is best for older adults in Georgetown County seeking assisted living support with enhanced on-site wellness services, daily care assistance, and convenient access to therapy, pharmacy, and provider resources within a community-focused environment.

Overview of May River Landing

May River Landing in Bluffton, South Carolina, is a Community Residential Care Facility (CRCF) that offers independent living, assisted living, and memory care in one of the Lowcountry’s fastest-growing communities. Owned by SWC Bluffton Opco LLC, this 68-bed community is administered by Terry Shawn Williams.

Licensed nurses and CNAs are on staff with 24-hour staffing, which represents a clinical staffing baseline that goes beyond other CRCF options. Operating hours are from Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 8 PM, Saturday 9 AM to 4 PM, and Sunday 9 AM to 6 PM, suggesting structured staffed access hours alongside around-the-clock resident care coverage.

The ownership structure suggests a privately held operator with a localized market focus. The local market for older adults is growing rapidly alongside the broader Hilton Head Island and Sun City Hilton Head corridor, and this community’s combination of independent living through memory care within a moderately sized setting promotes aging in place in a highly desirable area of South Carolina.

For families comparing options in Bluffton, Bloom at Belfair is a nearby neighborhood choice offering independent living, assisted living, and memory care, providing a useful local reference point.

Set in a Lowcountry setting close to the region’s leisure and healthcare resources, May River Landing is a great option for older adults and families in Bluffton and the Hilton Head Island area seeking a multi-level care community that supports aging in place, from maintenance-free independent living through assisted living and memory care.