Other senior care options in Columbia:

Best Memory Care in Columbia, SC

Why trust this guide? Our editorial team analyzed 15 memory care communities in Columbia, SC using South Carolina Dept. of Public Health (DPH) data, inspection records, complaints, amenities, and facility-level details. How we rank memory care in SC
Reviewed by
Last updated
Jun 2026
We analyzed
15 homes
Other senior care options in Columbia:
Avg Walk Score: 26/ 100The average Walk Score across facilities in Columbia, SC. A third-party neighborhood walkability score (0–100) measuring convenience and context, not healthcare quality. Individual facilities can vary widely from this average.
National Average: 50/ 100
Avg No. of Beds: 69The average licensed bed capacity across facilities in Columbia, SC. Individual facilities can vary widely from this average.
National Average: 90

Compare Memory Care around Columbia (Metro Area)

The information below is reported by the South Carolina Department of Public Health, Bureau of Healthcare Quality.

Palmettos of Parklane
MC
AL
RC
Columbia (Springwood)
85
Facility 85
SC AVG 90
Rank #159 / 309
Yes
27
Facility 27
SC AVG 32
Rank #141 / 232
Suite-
Spring Oak Lexington
MC
AL
Lexington
90
Facility 90
SC AVG 90
Rank #132 / 309
No
22
Facility 22
SC AVG 32
Rank #156 / 232
--
Harmony at Columbia
MC
AL
IL
Columbia
110
Facility 110
SC AVG 90
Rank #90 / 309
Yes
36
Facility 36
SC AVG 32
Rank #102 / 232
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 BedA+
Colonial Gardens Assisted Living & Memory Care
MC
West Columbia
66
Facility 66
SC AVG 90
Rank #196 / 309
Yes
18
Facility 18
SC AVG 32
Rank #163 / 232
Studio / Suite-
Brookdale Columbia
MC
AL
IL
NH
Columbia (Dentsville)
52
Facility 52
SC AVG 90
Rank #242 / 309
Yes
35
Facility 35
SC AVG 32
Rank #112 / 232
Suite-
Laurel Crest
MC
AL
IL
NC
West Columbia
26
Facility 26
SC AVG 90
Rank #297 / 309
Yes
15
Facility 15
SC AVG 32
Rank #173 / 232
Suite-
Mill Creek Manor
MC
AL
IL
Columbia (Williamsburg East)
59
Facility 59
SC AVG 90
Rank #225 / 309
Yes
8
Facility 8
SC AVG 32
Rank #198 / 232
Private RoomsB+
Still Hopes Episcopal Retirement Community
MC
AL
IL
NH
West Columbia (Still Hopes Drive)
22
Facility 22
SC AVG 90
Rank #303 / 309
Yes
63
Facility 63
SC AVG 32
Rank #14 / 232
-A+
The Blake at Woodcreek Farms
MC
AL
Elgin
100
Facility 100
SC AVG 90
Rank #109 / 309
Yes
17
Facility 17
SC AVG 32
Rank #165 / 232
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 BedA+
Fairforest Grove Senior Living
MC
AL
Columbia (St. Andrews)
66
Facility 66
SC AVG 90
Rank #196 / 309
No
41
Facility 41
SC AVG 32
Rank #81 / 232
StudioA+
Wildewood Downs Retirement Community
MC
AL
IL
NH
Columbia (Williamsburg East)
57
Facility 57
SC AVG 90
Rank #229 / 309
Yes
33
Facility 33
SC AVG 32
Rank #119 / 232
1 Bed / 2 Bed / 3 BedA+
Rice Estate Rehabilitation and Healthcare
MC
AL
HC
IL
NC
NH
RC
Columbia
80
Facility 80
SC AVG 90
Rank #168 / 309
No--A+
Rice Estate – Assisted Living
MC
AL
HC
IL
NC
NH
RC
Columbia
40
Facility 40
SC AVG 90
Rank #289 / 309
No--A
Rice Estate
MC
AL
HC
IL
NC
NH
RC
Columbia
-No
2
Facility 2
SC AVG 32
Rank #221 / 232
--
Seven Oaks Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center
MC
HC
NH
PC
RC
Columbia
108
Facility 108
SC AVG 90
Rank #98 / 309
No---
Addison's Community Care Home
RC
Columbia
9
Archie Drive Group Home
Columbia
8
Beckman I Crcf
RC
Columbia
6
Beckman II Crcf
RC
Columbia
6
Builders Care Home
RC
Columbia
6
Carter Street Group Home
Columbia
8
Eugenia's Residential Care Facility
RC
Columbia
23
Flanagan Community Care Home
RC
Columbia
9
Harmony Collection At Columbia (Il)
RC
Columbia
25
Ida Lane I Crcf
RC
Columbia
8
Ida Lane II Crcf
RC
Columbia
8
Joanne's Community Care Home II
RC
Columbia
9
Joy Community Care Home
RC
Columbia
10
Kensington I
RC
Columbia
8
Kensington II Group Home
RC
Columbia
8
Lexington/Richland Alcohol & Drug Abuse/Detox Unit
Columbia
16
Mary's Residential #2
RC
Columbia
5
Passionate Care Community Center
RC
Columbia
5
Rockhaven Community Care Home
RC
Columbia
10
Rouse Community Care Home #1
RC
Columbia
8
Rouse Community Care Home #2
RC
Columbia
9
Rouse Community Care Home #3
RC
Columbia
10
Williams Community Care Home
RC
Columbia
9
Woodlawn Group Home
Columbia
8
Overview of Wildewood Downs Retirement Community

Located in Columbia, South Carolina, Wildewood Downs is a top-notch destination for independent senior living. Situated within the scenic and secure 37-acre gated community of Wildewood, this premier facility provides a lifestyle that surpasses expectations. Residents can choose from a range of luxurious independent cottage homes and spacious villa apartments, each meticulously designed to offer comfort and elegance.

At Wildewood Downs, residents can enjoy a hassle-free lifestyle with a comprehensive set of amenities and services. Maintenance-free living ensures that residents can enjoy their time without worrying about household chores. Weekly housekeeping keeps their living spaces tidy and organized. Daily dining options cater to their culinary preferences, while convenient bill payment services streamline financial tasks. Transportation services are readily available for hassle-free mobility, and a 24-hour emergency call system ensures safety and peace of mind. Pets are more than welcome at Wildewood Downs, allowing residents to bring their beloved companions along. Additionally, residents have the freedom to furnish their living spaces with their own furniture, creating a familiar and personalized environment.

Contact Wildewood Downs Retirement Community

Overview of Seven Oaks Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center

Seven Oaks Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center is a 108-bed nursing home in Columbia, South Carolina, providing a broad range of post-acute, rehabilitative, and long-term care. Operated by St Andrews Operator LLC and administered by Susan Strauss, the community is CMS certified. Care programs include sub-acute care, memory care, rehabilitation therapy, hospice and palliative services, pulmonary care, IV therapy, cardiac care, orthopedic rehabilitation, stroke and neurological recovery, respite care, and 24-hour nursing support.

The range of clinical services is one of the community’s strongest distinguishing characteristics. The combination of pulmonary care, cardiac support, neurological recovery, IV therapy, orthopedic rehabilitation, and sub-acute care allows the community to manage medically complex recovery cases after hospitalization or surgery. Through hospice and palliative care services, residents can stay even during advanced illness or end-of-life transitions, potentially reducing the need for disruptive transfers. Memory care, rehabilitation therapy, and respite care programs are also available.

Located in Columbia, the community serves residents throughout the state capital region, including surrounding portions of Richland and Lexington counties. Its location within a larger metropolitan healthcare network also provides convenient access to hospitals, specialists, and additional medical resources when needed.

Seven Oaks Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center is a great option for older adults in the Columbia area who require advanced post-acute rehabilitation, skilled nursing support, memory care, or long-term medical management, particularly those recovering from various medical conditions and in need of end-of-life care.

Contact Seven Oaks Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center

Overview of Rice Estate – Assisted Living

Rice Estate – Assisted Living is a 40-bed continuing care retirement community operated by non-profit Lutheran Homes of South Carolina at 100 Finley Road in Columbia, South Carolina. The community offers assisted living, memory care, rehabilitation, and long-term care. Medicare and private pay are accepted.

CMS rates Rice Estate 4 stars, 36.5 percent above the South Carolina average. Health inspection performance runs 45.5 percent above state peers, with three inspections within seven years. Nurse hours run 4h 38m per resident per day against a South Carolina average of 4h 5m, placing the facility 21st of 112 skilled nursing facilities statewide. Occupancy sits at 86 percent, modestly above the 82.1 percent state average which reflects consistent demand.

Amenities include the Magnolia Dining Room, a courtyard garden with walking areas, a fitness room, and a beauty and barber salon. Respite care and 24-hour staffing exist.
Rice Estate suits older adults in Columbia seeking a non-profit continuum of care, from assisted living to rehabilitation and long-term nursing.

Contact Rice Estate – Assisted Living

Overview of Rice Estate Rehabilitation and Healthcare

Rice Estate Rehabilitation and Healthcare is an 80-bed continuing care retirement community at 100 Finley Rd in Columbia, South Carolina, operated by Lutheran Homes of South Carolina Inc, a nonprofit organization. The community offers independent living, assisted living, memory support, rehabilitation, and long-term nursing care in Richland County. Staffing is a clear strength. Nurse aide staffing averages 3 hours and 10 minutes per resident per day, 43% above the South Carolina average. Weekend total nursing hours average 4 hours and 24 minutes daily, 31% above the state norm. That level of direct-care coverage continues throughout the week. On quality outcomes, long-stay residents perform significantly above the South Carolina average on CMS quality measures. Short-stay residents are rehospitalized at a rate of 21.5%, roughly 13% better than the state average of 24.7%. The campus includes Courtyard Gardens, a fitness room, a private dining room adjacent to the Magnolia Dining Room, and access to protected wetlands and walking areas, a setting that distinguishes the property from typical urban nursing facilities. The facility also provides memory support and respite care services. Rice Estate serves residents seeking a nonprofit, continuum-of-care community in Columbia, with particular depth in post-acute rehabilitation and memory support.

Contact Rice Estate Rehabilitation and Healthcare

Overview of Rice Estate

Rice Estate Rehabilitation and Healthcare sits on Finley Road in Columbia’s Richland County, operated by Lutheran Homes of South Carolina Inc for the past 18 years. The 80-bed campus is not a single-use nursing facility. It carries nursing home care alongside assisted living, independent living, memory support, hospice, and respite services, a continuum that allows residents to move between levels of care without leaving the property.

With 69 of 80 beds occupied, the facility runs at 86% capacity. The 67-day average length of stay tells you something meaningful about who comes here: most residents are working through a defined recovery, not settling in indefinitely. That shorter-stay orientation shapes the staffing picture too.

Total nursing hours reach 4 hours and 38 minutes per resident per day, with registered nurses clocking 40 minutes of that daily. For a post-acute setting, that level of direct clinical contact is worth noting.

The named Rehabilitation & Nursing program anchors the short-stay side of the operation, and memory support is available for residents who need a higher level of cognitive care. The Magnolia Dining Room serves a daily menu built from fresh, local ingredients, with Private Dining Rooms available when families want a quieter setting. Courtyard Gardens, walking paths, and access to a protected wetlands area give the grounds an unhurried character that contrasts with typical urban nursing home campuses. A fitness room, beauty and barber salon, card room, and multi-purpose room fill out the common areas inside.

Rice Estate accepts Medicare and private pay. It is built for adults who need structured post-acute rehabilitation or longer-term nursing care within a setting that can accommodate changing care needs over time.

Contact Rice Estate

Weighting overview

  • 35%
    Resident Experience
  • 25%
    Regulatory
  • 15%
    Visual Media
  • 10%
    Website
  • 10%
    Stability
  • 5%
    Environment
01

Resident & Family Experience 35%

The single largest share of every ranking. Aggregated review sentiment and volume from major platforms — the closest signal to real resident experience.

  • Includes
  • Review Sentiment
  • Review Volume
02

Regulatory & Safety Record 25%

State inspection records, citations, and complaint visits. We weight per-inspection rates more heavily than raw counts.

  • Includes
  • State Inspections
  • Citations/Inspection
  • % Inspections w/ Citations
  • Complaint Visits
  • Accreditations
  • BBB Rating
03

Visual Media & Transparency 15%

Communities that publish high-quality visuals give families a real preview. No photos or tours = a negative transparency signal.

  • Includes
  • Video Tours
  • Virtual Walkthroughs
  • Photo Quantity
  • Photo Quality
04

Website & Operator Transparency 10%

Site quality and whether the operator publishes basic accountability information — staff names, contact details, ownership.

  • Includes
  • Website Content
  • Mobile Usability
  • Staff Info Available
  • Owner Info Available
05

Community Stability 10%

Operational signals indicating whether a community is well-run and meeting demand.

  • Includes
  • Occupancy Rate
  • Bed Options
06

Environment & Pricing 5%

Walkability and pricing transparency. Walk Score is weighted higher for Independent Living than for Memory Care, where most residents do not leave unaccompanied.

  • Includes
  • Walk Score
  • Pricing Transparency
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Frequently Asked Questions about Memory Care in Columbia, SC

What's the difference between assisted living and memory care in South Carolina?

Assisted living in South Carolina supports residents with daily activities (bathing, dressing, medication management) while preserving independence. Memory care is a specialized form of assisted living for residents living with Alzheimer's or dementia, and adds 24/7 secured environments, dementia-trained staff, and structured routines designed to reduce confusion and wandering.

Does South Carolina Medicaid cover memory care?

South Carolina Medicaid does not directly pay room-and-board for memory care, but most states (including South Carolina) offer Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers that can offset the cost of care services delivered inside a licensed community. Eligibility, waitlists, and covered services vary — check directly with the state Medicaid agency.

What is memory care?

Memory care is a specialized form of assisted living for residents living with Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia, with secured environments, dementia-trained staff, and routines built to reduce confusion and wandering.

How many memory care communities are listed on this page?

This page features 15 memory care communities in Columbia, SC. Use the filters and comparison tools above to compare ratings, amenities, and pricing.

How do I choose the right memory care community in Columbia, SC?

Start by matching the level of care offered to the resident's current and anticipated needs, then compare licensing status, staff-to-resident ratios, recent inspection results, and pricing. Tour at least two or three communities in Columbia, SC, talk to current residents and families, and confirm what is included in the base rate versus billed as add-on services.

What should I look for when visiting memory care communities in Columbia, SC?

Pay attention to staff interactions with residents, cleanliness and odor, food quality at meal times, the activity calendar, and how questions about pricing and care plans are answered. Ask to see the most recent state inspection report, the move-out / level-of-care-change policy, and a sample monthly bill that lists every fee.