Best Nursing Homes in Columbia, SC

Why trust this guide? Our editorial team analyzed 18 nursing homes in Columbia, SC using CMS data, inspection records, complaints, amenities, and facility-level details. How we rank nursing homes in SC
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Last updated
We analyzed These are the facilities in Columbia, SC our team has analyzed — not a count of every nursing home provider in Columbia, SC.
18 homes
Other senior care options in Columbia:
Avg Overall CMS Rating: 2.9/ 5The average Overall CMS Rating for all CMS-certified nursing homes in Columbia, SC. Ratings combine health inspections, staffing, and quality measures, with inspections weighted most. Individual facilities can vary widely from this average.
National Average: 3.2/ 5
Avg Staffing Rating: 3.3/ 5The average Staffing Rating across all CMS-certified nursing homes in Columbia, SC. Reflects nursing staff hours per resident per day (including RNs), adjusted for residents' care needs. Individual facilities can vary widely from this average.
National Average: 3.4/ 5
Avg Health Insp. Rating: 2.8/ 5The average Health Inspection Rating across all CMS-certified nursing homes in Columbia, SC. Based on each facility's recent inspections and complaint investigations, weighing the number, scope, and severity of deficiencies. Individual facilities can vary widely from this average.
National Average: 3.0/ 5

Compare Nursing Homes around Columbia (Metro Area)

Info below is compiled from CMS reports & the SC Dept. of Public Health (DPH), senior community websites & trusted data sources such as Walk Score & BBB.

Communities are listed from highest-ranked to lowest-ranked based on our methodology.

The facility name. Click to view the full profile page on Assisted Living Magazine, including photos, services, and contact info.
CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the federal agency that regulates nursing homes) Overall 5-star rating — a composite of Health Inspection, Staffing, and Quality Measures scores. 5 stars = top 10% nationally. 1 star = bottom 10%. The single most important number to start with when comparing facilities.
Care Types in This Table AL (Assisted Living): Housing with help for daily activities like bathing, dressing, and medication, without 24-hour skilled nursing. NH (Nursing Home): 24/7 skilled nursing care for residents with complex, ongoing medical needs. SNF (Skilled Nursing Facility): Round-the-clock nursing care, often for recovery after surgery, injury, or illness. MC (Memory Care): Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. RC (Respite Care): Short-term temporary care that gives family caregivers a break. IL (Independent Living): Community living with dining, activities, and transportation for active seniors who need little personal care. HC (Home Care): Professional care delivered in the person's own home, from companionship to skilled nursing. HOS (Hospice Care): Comfort-focused care for those with a terminal illness, prioritizing quality of life over treatment. CCRC (Continuing Care Retirement Community): A campus with multiple care levels so residents can age in place without moving.
Neighborhood or city area where the facility is located. Proximity to family, hospitals, and green space matters for both quality of life and ease of visitation. Consider drive time and transit access when evaluating location.
Licensed bed capacity. Larger facilities (300+ beds) often have more specialized programs but can feel institutional. Smaller homes (under 150 beds) tend to deliver more personalized care. Compare with Avg Res/Day to understand how full the facility typically runs.
Percentage of licensed beds filled on an average day. Color indicates financial health: green (90%+) = operationally strong, typically profitable. Amber (80–89%) = stable but leaving revenue on the table. Orange (70–79%) = financial strain likely, may struggle with fixed costs. Red (<70%) = significant distress, closure or ownership change risk increases sharply.
This facility's occupancy rate compared to the statewide average for similar facilities. A positive number means above-average demand. Facilities running 5%+ above the state average are typically the most sought-after in their market — a strong proxy for reputation.
CMS-adjusted total nurse hours per resident per day (RN + LPN + CNA combined). The national average is approximately 3.5 hrs. Higher is better — more direct care time per resident. Below 3.0 is a red flag. CMS weights RN hours more heavily because RNs handle complex clinical decisions that CNAs cannot.
CMS Health Inspection star rating (1–5 stars), based on the 3 most recent annual state surveys plus any complaint investigations. This is the hardest rating to manipulate — it reflects real surveyor findings on-site. 5 stars = fewest deficiencies found. 1 star = most. It carries the heaviest weight in the Overall CMS rating.
CMS Staffing star rating (1–5 stars), based on daily nurse staffing hours submitted to CMS via verified payroll data. Compares RN, LPN, and CNA coverage relative to resident acuity level. 5 stars = well above expected staffing. Weekend staffing is evaluated separately, as that's where many facilities quietly reduce coverage.
CMS Quality Measures star rating (1–5 stars), based on 15 clinical outcome metrics including fall rates, pressure ulcers, antipsychotic drug use, and hospital readmissions. Captures actual resident health outcomes, not just compliance. High QM combined with low Health Inspection scores can indicate a facility with strong care but weak documentation practices.
Registered Nurse hours per resident/day compared to the statewide average. RNs are the highest-skilled nursing staff — they assess residents, manage medications, and respond to emergencies. A value of +50% means RN coverage is 50% above the state norm. Negative values are a concern for residents with complex or acute medical needs.
Total nursing staff hours (RN + LPN + CNA combined) per resident/day vs. the statewide average. A broader measure than RN vs State — it captures the entire care team. A facility can have high total staffing but low RN hours, meaning more aides and fewer nurses. Read both columns together for the full picture.
Total dollar amount of federal monetary fines (civil money penalties) issued by CMS in the past 3 years. Fines are only levied for serious violations — typically actual harm to residents, repeated uncorrected deficiencies, or systemic non-compliance. Even a single fine is noteworthy. Multiple fines strongly suggest a pattern, not isolated incidents.
Total health deficiency citations from the most recent standard inspection cycle. Minor citations (scope A–C) are common and often administrative in nature. Higher counts aren't always disqualifying, but should be read alongside Severe Citations to understand actual harm levels. Under 10 is strong for a large facility; 30+ warrants a closer look.
Average deficiency citations per CMS inspection (survey) in the reporting window — total citations divided by the number of inspections. Lower is better; compare alongside total Citations and Severe Citations for context.
Citations at CMS scope/severity level G or higher — G–I means actual harm occurred; J–L means residents were placed in immediate jeopardy. (D–F is potential for harm only). Examples include unaddressed falls, medication errors causing injury, neglect, or abuse.
Average number of residents in the building on any given day, derived from annual census data. Reflects true operating scale — a 400-bed facility running 200 residents/day operates very differently from one at 390. Higher resident counts generally mean more funded staffing hours.
Better Business Bureau rating (A+ to F). Reflects complaint history, business transparency, and how family disputes were resolved. A+ means no significant unresolved complaints. A blank (—) means the facility isn't BBB-accredited, which is common for healthcare providers and not necessarily a negative signal.
Walk Score® (0–100). Measures walkability of the surrounding area. 90–100 = Walker's Paradise. 70–89 = Very Walkable. 50–69 = Somewhat Walkable. Below 50 = Car-Dependent. Higher scores benefit family visitors, resident outings, and staff commuting.
The licensed owner or operator of record filed with CMS — the individual or organization legally accountable for the facility. Searching the operator name across other facilities can reveal chain or multi-site ownership, which matters: chain-operated homes tend to have more variable quality outcomes than independently run facilities.
What the home actually collects for resident care, after contractual allowances, bad debt and discounts — not gross billings. Taken from the latest complete annual cost report, so it is comparable across homes reporting the same period. Revenue alone doesn't indicate care quality, but it funds staffing and capital reinvestment. Pair with Payroll %. Figures are from each facility's most recent complete fiscal year — hover a value for the exact year; a * marks homes that report an older period than most facilities.
Staff salaries plus wage-related benefits from the latest complete annual cost report. Contract and agency labour is counted separately, under other operating costs, so a home leaning on agency staff can show a low figure here. Payroll is the cost most directly tied to care quality — compare with Payroll % for full context. Figures are from each facility's most recent complete fiscal year — hover a value for the exact year; a * marks homes that report an older period than most facilities.
Payroll as a share of NET PATIENT REVENUE (not gross revenue). Both figures come from the same cost-report year. A higher figure means more of each revenue dollar goes to staff pay. Read with the Staffing star rating to judge whether spend translates into coverage — and note that homes whose patient revenue covers only part of their operation can read implausibly high. The South Carolina average is: 62.8% Figures are from each facility's most recent complete fiscal year — hover a value for the exact year; a * marks homes that report an older period than most facilities.
CMS Certification Number: the unique federal identifier for this skilled nursing provider.
Still Hopes Episcopal Retirement Community
NH
AL
CCRC
IL
MC
SNF
West Columbia
22
Facility 22
SC AVG 109
Rank #131 / 132
91.8%
Facility 91.8%
SC AVG 86.6%
Rank #41 / 86
+6%
6.69
Facility 6.69
SC AVG 4.00
Rank #5 / 117
+65%+67%
$0
Facility $0
SC AVG $34.8k
Rank #1 / 120
4
Facility 4
SC AVG 13.7
Rank #14 / 119
1.3
Facility 1.3
SC AVG 3.4
Rank #3 / 119
-20A+
63
Facility 63
SC AVG 34
Rank #3 / 46
Frances Case
$28.0MFiscal year ending 09/2023
Facility $28.0MFiscal year ending 09/2023
SC AVG $12.1M
Rank #4 / 113
$23.0MFiscal year ending 09/2023
Facility $23.0MFiscal year ending 09/2023
SC AVG $7.3M
Rank #3 / 113
82.2%Fiscal year ending 09/2023
Facility 82.2%Fiscal year ending 09/2023
SC AVG 62.8%
Rank #10 / 113
425401
Wildewood Downs Retirement Community
NH
AL
CCRC
IL
MC
SNF
Columbia (Williamsburg East)
57
Facility 57
SC AVG 109
Rank #113 / 132
28.1%
Facility 28.1%
SC AVG 86.6%
Rank #86 / 86
-68%
5.61
Facility 5.61
SC AVG 4.00
Rank #8 / 117
+300%+40%
$0
Facility $0
SC AVG $34.8k
Rank #54 / 120
9
Facility 9
SC AVG 13.7
Rank #70 / 119
3.0
Facility 3.0
SC AVG 3.4
Rank #90 / 119
-16-
33
Facility 33
SC AVG 34
Rank #26 / 46
Wildewood Retirement LLC
$6.6MFiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility $6.6MFiscal year ending 12/2023
SC AVG $12.1M
Rank #101 / 113
$6.1MFiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility $6.1MFiscal year ending 12/2023
SC AVG $7.3M
Rank #68 / 113
92.9%Fiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility 92.9%Fiscal year ending 12/2023
SC AVG 62.8%
Rank #7 / 113
425385
Nhc Healthcare Parklane
NH
HC
HOS
SNF
Columbia
180
Facility 180
SC AVG 109
Rank #5 / 132
--
5.54
Facility 5.54
SC AVG 4.00
Rank #9 / 117
-24%+38%
$0
Facility $0
SC AVG $34.8k
Rank #1 / 120
10
Facility 10
SC AVG 13.7
Rank #88 / 119
5.0
Facility 5.0
SC AVG 3.4
Rank #110 / 119
-103--Nhc Healthcare/Parklane LLC
$21.1MFiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility $21.1MFiscal year ending 12/2023
SC AVG $12.1M
Rank #12 / 113
$11.4MFiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility $11.4MFiscal year ending 12/2023
SC AVG $7.3M
Rank #11 / 113
54%Fiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility 54%Fiscal year ending 12/2023
SC AVG 62.8%
Rank #76 / 113
425352
White Oak Manor Columbia
NH
SNF
Columbia
120
Facility 120
SC AVG 109
Rank #51 / 132
88.8%
Facility 88.8%
SC AVG 86.6%
Rank #60 / 86
+2%
4.00
Facility 4.00
SC AVG 4.00
Rank #58 / 117
-20%0%
$8.8k
Facility $8.8k
SC AVG $34.8k
Rank #71 / 120
9
Facility 9
SC AVG 13.7
Rank #57 / 119
2.3
Facility 2.3
SC AVG 3.4
Rank #47 / 119
1107--Nhc Healthcare/Columbia Wo LLC
$10.4MFiscal year ending 09/2023
Facility $10.4MFiscal year ending 09/2023
SC AVG $12.1M
Rank #60 / 113
$7.3MFiscal year ending 09/2023
Facility $7.3MFiscal year ending 09/2023
SC AVG $7.3M
Rank #40 / 113
70.7%Fiscal year ending 09/2023
Facility 70.7%Fiscal year ending 09/2023
SC AVG 62.8%
Rank #23 / 113
425068
Rice Estate – Assisted Living
NH
AL
HOS
IL
MC
RC
SNF
Columbia
40
Facility 40
SC AVG 109
Rank #127 / 132
35.0%
Facility 35.0%
SC AVG 86.6%
Rank #83 / 86
-60%
5.21
Facility 5.21
SC AVG 4.00
Rank #11 / 117
-42%+30%
$0
Facility $0
SC AVG $34.8k
Rank #1 / 120
5
Facility 5
SC AVG 13.7
Rank #35 / 119
1.7
Facility 1.7
SC AVG 3.4
Rank #39 / 119
-14A-Lutheran Homes Of South Carolina Inc
$12.8MFiscal year ending 09/2023
Facility $12.8MFiscal year ending 09/2023
SC AVG $12.1M
Rank #35 / 113
$7.1MFiscal year ending 09/2023
Facility $7.1MFiscal year ending 09/2023
SC AVG $7.3M
Rank #45 / 113
55.9%Fiscal year ending 09/2023
Facility 55.9%Fiscal year ending 09/2023
SC AVG 62.8%
Rank #67 / 113
425387
The Oaks of Orangeburg
NH
AL
HC
IL
Orangeburg (Felder)
122
Facility 122
SC AVG 109
Rank #50 / 132
93.9%
Facility 93.9%
SC AVG 86.6%
Rank #25 / 86
+8%
3.34
Facility 3.34
SC AVG 4.00
Rank #93 / 117
-59%-17%
$111.7k
Facility $111.7k
SC AVG $34.8k
Rank #119 / 120
21
Facility 21
SC AVG 13.7
Rank #105 / 119
3.5
Facility 3.5
SC AVG 3.4
Rank #95 / 119
1115A+-Joseph Fowler
$11.0MFiscal year ending 09/2023
Facility $11.0MFiscal year ending 09/2023
SC AVG $12.1M
Rank #51 / 113
$7.3MFiscal year ending 09/2023
Facility $7.3MFiscal year ending 09/2023
SC AVG $7.3M
Rank #42 / 113
66.3%Fiscal year ending 09/2023
Facility 66.3%Fiscal year ending 09/2023
SC AVG 62.8%
Rank #34 / 113
425131
PruittHealth Columbia
NH
AL
Columbia
144
Facility 144
SC AVG 109
Rank #4 / 132
92.9%
Facility 92.9%
SC AVG 86.6%
Rank #80 / 86
+7%
4.02
Facility 4.02
SC AVG 4.00
Rank #58 / 117
-20%0%
$48.5k
Facility $48.5k
SC AVG $34.8k
Rank #118 / 120
22
Facility 22
SC AVG 13.7
Rank #109 / 119
3.7
Facility 3.7
SC AVG 3.4
Rank #74 / 119
-134-
24
Facility 24
SC AVG 34
Rank #30 / 46
United Health Services Of South Carolina Inc
$12.6MFiscal year ending 06/2024
Facility $12.6MFiscal year ending 06/2024
SC AVG $12.1M
Rank #38 / 113
$7.8MFiscal year ending 06/2024
Facility $7.8MFiscal year ending 06/2024
SC AVG $7.3M
Rank #32 / 113
62.3%Fiscal year ending 06/2024
Facility 62.3%Fiscal year ending 06/2024
SC AVG 62.8%
Rank #47 / 113
425013
Forest Acres Post Acute
NH
RC
SNF
Columbia
132
Facility 132
SC AVG 109
Rank #28 / 132
94.7%
Facility 94.7%
SC AVG 86.6%
Rank #19 / 86
+9%
3.00
Facility 3.00
SC AVG 4.00
Rank #113 / 117
-64%-25%
$82.0k
Facility $82.0k
SC AVG $34.8k
Rank #116 / 120
10
Facility 10
SC AVG 13.7
Rank #65 / 119
5.0
Facility 5.0
SC AVG 3.4
Rank #54 / 119
1125--Forest Acres Community Healthcare LLC
$10.9MFiscal year ending 01/2023
Facility $10.9MFiscal year ending 01/2023
SC AVG $12.1M
Rank #55 / 113
$6.6MFiscal year ending 01/2023
Facility $6.6MFiscal year ending 01/2023
SC AVG $7.3M
Rank #58 / 113
60.3%Fiscal year ending 01/2023
Facility 60.3%Fiscal year ending 01/2023
SC AVG 62.8%
Rank #53 / 113
425008
The Brian Center Nursing Care – St. Andrews
NH
Columbia (Seven Oaks)
108
Facility 108
SC AVG 109
Rank #65 / 132
28.7%
Facility 28.7%
SC AVG 86.6%
Rank #85 / 86
-67%
4.02
Facility 4.02
SC AVG 4.00
Rank #58 / 117
+36%+1%
$52.9k
Facility $52.9k
SC AVG $34.8k
Rank #110 / 120
40
Facility 40
SC AVG 13.7
Rank #118 / 119
8.0
Facility 8.0
SC AVG 3.4
Rank #117 / 119
431A+
14
Facility 14
SC AVG 34
Rank #34 / 46
-
$7.9MFiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility $7.9MFiscal year ending 12/2023
SC AVG $12.1M
Rank #85 / 113
$4.6MFiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility $4.6MFiscal year ending 12/2023
SC AVG $7.3M
Rank #91 / 113
58.5%Fiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility 58.5%Fiscal year ending 12/2023
SC AVG 62.8%
Rank #60 / 113
425129

Rank badges are statewide: each nursing home is ranked against every SC nursing home we track that reports that metric, not just the 18 analyzed for Columbia. See how we rank facilities

Overview of Still Hopes Episcopal Retirement Community

Situated upon 44 acres of tranquil woods in the greater Columbia area, Still Hopes Episcopal Retirement Community’s open arms welcome all who seek an active independent living home to make the most of their golden years. A range of cozy apartments and free-standing cottages are available, coupled with a staff of well-trained nurses that provide individualized care upon request, making for a safe environment, conducive to relaxation. Still Hopes offers a Wellness Center, Solutions for Living at Home services such as cooking, cleaning, and even healthcare, and rehabilitation plans, for a holistic approach to daily physical and mental rejuvenation. Learn to love your artistic side, discover musical talent you never knew you had, or work on your backhand on the golf course; there’s no shortage of activities you can finally make time for all while your basic necessities are covered.

Should you want to venture out ever so often, Still Hopes is an independent living home that’s not only peaceful but accessible; around seven minutes away is the center of downtown Columbia with every manner of establishment well-within reach.

Contact Still Hopes Episcopal Retirement Community

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 Nhc Healthcare Parklane

Located on Parklane Road in Columbia, South Carolina, Nhc Healthcare Parklane is a skilled nursing and rehabilitation home operated by NHC Healthcare/Parklane LLC under owner William Birmingham. Families can choose from Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay to cover both short-term rehabilitation and ongoing nursing care.

The 180-bed community has 91% occupancy, with 164 residents currently living in the facility. Residents stay an average of 112 days because of the home’s clinical focus on short-term rehabilitation and longer-term care stays.

The facility also has a strong rehabilitation focus. It offers physical, occupational, and speech therapy, as well as specialized short-term rehabilitation programs and respite care. These services can support residents recovering from surgery, illness, or a hospital stay, and families who need temporary caregiving support. The community also provides home care and hospice services.

The home’s daily staffing is robust. Residents receive an average of 5 hours and 3 minutes of nursing care each day. Registered nurses, nurse aides, and licensed practical nurses provide care across all shifts. The level of hands-on support helps residents with medical needs and daily activities throughout the day.

Meals are prepared by a chef and reviewed by a dietitian to meet every resident’s nutritional needs. Residents have access to high-speed wireless internet, cable television in every room, housekeeping and laundry services, an on-site beauty and barber shop, daily activities and entertainment, an indoor dining room, and outdoor relaxation areas.

State inspections and surveys reviewed areas such as medication management, clinical documentation, and care delivery practices. The facility has been working on these areas to comply consistently.

Families seeking intensive rehabilitation support, strong nursing staffing, and comprehensive services in the Columbia area should consider Nhc Healthcare Parklane.

Contact Nhc Healthcare Parklane

Overview of White Oak Manor Columbia

White Oak Manor Columbia is a nursing home and skilled nursing community in Columbia, SC. Nursing care provides ongoing clinical support, while short term rehabilitation offers a temporary stay focused on recovery and functional improvement. The combination may suit someone who needs continuing nursing support or time limited rehabilitation.

Rehabilitation services include general, amputee, back injury, cardiopulmonary, orthopedic and stroke rehabilitation, along with balance and fall prevention training. Residents can address several injury and recovery needs within the community instead of moving to a separate rehabilitation setting. The home has 120 beds, 4 hours of total nurse staffing per resident each day, and staffing around the clock for people who need support throughout the day and night.

Medicare can cover eligible short term skilled care after a hospital stay. Medicaid provides a payment option for eligible residents, while private pay allows families to pay directly. White Oak Manor Columbia is operated by Nhc Healthcare/Columbia Wo.

Contact White Oak Manor Columbia

Overview of Rice Estate – Assisted Living

Rice Estate, Assisted Living offers assisted living, independent living, memory care, respite care, hospice care, and skilled nursing in Columbia, SC. With 40 beds, the community is a smaller setting where staff and residents get to know each other. Its range of care levels can suit a resident whose needs grow over time, since services can change without leaving the community.

Independent living supports private living with community services, while assisted living provides help with daily tasks such as dressing, bathing, and medication. Memory care provides a secured setting with supervision for someone at risk of wandering, and skilled nursing provides licensed nursing care on site around the clock. Hospice care supports end-of-life needs, while respite care offers a short stay for a family whose usual caregiver needs to travel or recover.

The starting price is $979, although the confirmed information does not tie that amount to a specific care level. Payment options include Medicare, which covers short-term skilled care after a hospital stay rather than long-term residence, and private pay. Total nurse staffing is 5h 13m per resident/day, representing the daily hands-on nurse time allocated per resident.

Residents can use the beauty and barber salon, fitness room, multipurpose room for activities, courtyard gardens, and walking areas for grooming, exercise, organized activities, and time outdoors. The Magnolia dining room serves three meals daily and between-meal refreshments, with a daily menu crafted from fresh, local fare, while the Rehabilitation & Nursing program provides rehabilitation services alongside nursing care. Daniel John Amodio serves as administrator, and Lutheran Homes Of South Carolina operates the community.

Contact Rice Estate – Assisted Living

Overview of The Oaks of Orangeburg

The Oaks of Orangeburg, a 122-bed church-affiliated nursing facility at 1000 Methodist Oaks Dr in Orangeburg, South Carolina, has operated as a nonprofit since 1956 under the leadership of owner-operator Joseph Fowler.

Spanning 650 acres with nearly 300 living accommodations, the community provides nursing home, independent living, assisted living, and home care across a 3-story building. It accepts Medicare (average 22-day stay), Medicaid (average 9-month stay), and private pay (average 1–2 month stay) populations. Minimum resident age is 55 years; pets are permitted.

The campus features recreational facilities and programming: fitness center, heated pool with personal training programs, exercise classes, bocce games, kayaking, and arts and crafts activities. Operational services include round-the-clock security and scheduled transportation to local medical appointments.

The facility operates at an annual deficit of $263,500 and occupies 76.8% of beds; below the South Carolina average of 82.1%.

Its location, in rural Orangeburg County, registers a walk score of 0 (completely car-dependent); the nearest hospital lies 5.31 miles away.

Nurses provide 2 hours 59 minutes of care per resident per day; 27% below the South Carolina average of 4 hours 5 minutes. Ranked 105th of 112 state facilities in nurse-to-resident ratios, the facility’s weekend coverage drops to 2 hours 25 minutes per resident; still 27% below state norms.

Of 209 total staff, contractors account for 12.2% of quarterly hours; the staff-to-resident ratio of 1.83:1 aligns with the state average.

Payroll represents 55.9% of revenue.

A June 2025 complaint investigation identified a critical deficiency for improper resident restraint (marked corrected). Over five inspections since 2021, the facility accumulated 23 health citations (99th of 113 statewide). Recent citations span Quality of Care (November 2024), pharmacy errors, nutrition practices, and others.

Federal fines totaled $122,000 across 14 penalty actions over three years; 264% above the state average.

Most significantly, preventive care falls far short of standards: pneumococcal vaccination coverage reaches only 26.9% for short-stay residents (66% worse than the 79.5% state average) and 35.8% for long-stay residents (60% worse than 90.5%). Influenza vaccination rates track similarly low at 26.6% and 62.7% respectively. Functional decline and high-risk events score better than state average, but falls with major injury occur at 5.6%; 89% worse than the state average of 3.0%.

The community is organized for short-term Medicare rehabilitation and longer-stay private-pay and Medicaid admissions on a rural, car-dependent campus where low staffing levels and vaccine compliance gaps present measurable clinical risk.

Contact The Oaks of Orangeburg

Overview of PruittHealth Columbia

PruittHealth Columbia runs 185 beds in Richland County, Columbia, South Carolina, operating under the PruittHealth brand. At 80.8% occupancy with 140 residents and an average stay of 140 days, the facility skews short-term: the profile classifies it as primarily a short-stay destination, and the care model bears that out.

Rehabilitation is the center of gravity here. The facility confirms physical, occupational, speech, aquatic, and fitness therapy, targeting recovery from post-surgical wounds, injuries, and stroke. Hospice and palliative care round out the clinical offering for residents who need end-of-life support rather than a return to independence. Long-term skilled nursing is available as well, though it is not the primary profile.

Total nursing time is 3 hours and 10 minutes per resident per day. The facility accepts Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay, and carries CMS certification for both government pathways. An active resident council meets regularly. The neighborhood is car-dependent with a Walk Score of 24, so families and visiting staff should plan on driving.

PruittHealth Columbia is a large, rehabilitation-oriented nursing facility built around post-hospital recovery, with enough breadth in its therapy offerings and care types to handle complex clinical presentations, and enough size, at 185 beds, to maintain consistent availability.

Contact PruittHealth Columbia

Overview of Forest Acres Post Acute

Forest Acres Community Healthcare LLC-operated and Melissa R Kizer-administered, Forest Acres Post Acute is a 132-bed skilled nursing home on Forest Drive in Columbia, South Carolina. It’s oriented toward post-acute rehabilitation and short-term recovery. Averaging a stay length of 39 days, the home serves residents transitioning from hospitalization or major procedures who need intensive care and therapy support during healing. It accepts Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay, giving families multiple coverage options.

Daily nursing care averages 3 hours per resident, paired with dedicated rehabilitation services and respite care. To support residents throughout their stay and recovery process, the facility maintains 24-hour staffing. Current occupancy is at 81 percent, reflecting consistent use of the 132 beds.

Forest Acres Post Acute is set to support families requiring focused rehabilitation and skilled nursing care for loved ones in a structured recovery setting. The highlight on short-term rehab and respite services makes it a grounded choice for post-hospital care or momentary stays while a family member heals and regains independence.

Contact Forest Acres Post Acute

Overview of The Brian Center Nursing Care – St. Andrews

Set in the area of Columbia, SC, The Brian Center Nursing Care – St. Andrews is a well founded senior care provider, dedicated to helping seniors achieve their optimal health and strength. The community offers excellent short-term rehabilitation and long-term care to help residents quickly regain their strength to go back to their old routines. Featuring 120 well-designed units, the community warrants a relaxing and cozy living or healing environment tailored to residents’ comfort and safety needs.

With a team of experienced healthcare professionals, residents are guaranteed personalized care plans that cater to their individual needs and preferences. As an added convenience, the community also accepts both Medicare and Medicaid, making it a viable option for those who need financial assistance. Here, residents are guaranteed to receive top-quality care and services without breaking the bank.

Contact The Brian Center Nursing Care – St. Andrews

Overview of Rice Estate Rehabilitation and Healthcare

Located on Finley Road, Rice Estate Rehabilitation and Healthcare is a continuing care community in Columbia’s Richland County. Lutheran Homes of South Carolina Inc operates the community, while Daniel John Amodio serves as administrator. It offers independent living, assisted living, memory support, rehabilitation, and long-term nursing care under one roof. Residents can move between care levels as their needs change without relocating to another facility.

The 80-bed community has been operating for 18 years. Its current occupancy rate is 86%. Residents stay an average of about 67 days, which is a pattern that reflects post-acute rehabilitation admissions alongside residents receiving ongoing nursing care. Most new residents use private pay, while Medicare covers shorter-term rehabilitation stays. Families have different ways to fund care based on the type of stay.

Nursing coverage is a notable part of daily life. Total nursing care averages 4 hours and 38 minutes per resident daily. Registered nurses provide 40 minutes of that time, and nurse aides contribute close to 3 hours per resident each day. This staffing gives residents regular clinical oversight and hands-on daily assistance.

Rehabilitation is a main focus, with dedicated short-term rehabilitation services alongside general rehabilitation and nursing programs. The community also offers a memory support program and respite care for families needing temporary care.

Residents can gather in the Magnolia Dining Room or one of the private dining rooms. They can spend time in the courtyard gardens or use walking paths beside the property’s protected wetlands. Other amenities include a fitness room, card room, common laundry room, and an on-site beauty and barber salon.

Families touring the community may ask how the memory support and short-term rehabilitation programs are structured because both programs are particular strengths within the community.

Contact Rice Estate Rehabilitation and Healthcare

Ranking Methodology

How we rank these nursing homes

Every nursing home above is evaluated across five weighted categories using CMS data including Care Compare, Payroll-Based Journal, and Medicare Cost Reports.

  • CMS data
  • 5 weighted categories
  • Updated quarterly
Full methodology

Weighting overview

  • 35%
    Care Quality
  • 20%
    Staffing
  • 20%
    Regulatory
  • 20%
    Operational
  • 5%
    Environment
01

Care Quality 35%

The largest single share of every ranking. CMS star ratings and quality measures that reflect actual care delivered to residents.

  • Includes
  • Overall Rating
  • Health Inspection
  • QM Rating
  • Long-Stay QM
  • Short-Stay QM
02

Staffing Adequacy 20%

The strongest predictor of resident outcomes. Volume and stability of nursing care, drawn from CMS Payroll-Based Journal.

  • Includes
  • Nurse Hrs/Res/Day
  • RN vs State
  • Total Nurse Staff Hrs vs State
  • RN Turnover
03

Regulatory & Safety Record 20%

Inspection patterns that star ratings can mask. We weight per-inspection rates more heavily than raw counts.

  • Includes
  • Citations
  • Citations/Inspection
  • Severe Citations
  • Fines
  • Accreditations
04

Operational & Financial Stability 20%

Stable operations and sound finances are leading indicators of consistent care over time.

  • Includes
  • Occupancy vs State
  • Avg Length of Stay
  • Revenue
  • Payroll %
  • Years in Operation
  • Admin Tenure
05

Environment & Accessibility 5%

Context that matters to families but doesn't directly measure clinical care. Weighted lower for nursing homes than for assisted or independent living.

  • Includes
  • Walk Score
  • BBB Rating
No paid rankings Facilities cannot pay to influence placement.
How we're paid: If we help you find a home and you move in, that home may pay us a referral fee. This never affects where they rank or what you pay. Learn more
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Frequently Asked Questions about Nursing Homes in Columbia, SC

What's the difference between assisted living and a nursing home in South Carolina?

Assisted living in South Carolina is a residential model focused on housing, hospitality, and help with daily activities. Nursing homes (skilled nursing facilities) provide 24/7 medical care from licensed nurses for residents with significant health needs, and are regulated more strictly under both state and federal CMS rules.

Does South Carolina Medicaid cover nursing home care?

Yes — South Carolina Medicaid covers nursing home care for residents who meet income, asset, and medical-need eligibility requirements. Most CMS-certified nursing homes accept Medicaid as a primary payer once long-term-care eligibility is established.

What is nursing home care?

Nursing homes (also called skilled nursing facilities) provide 24/7 medical care from licensed nurses, rehabilitation services, and long-term custodial care for residents with significant health or functional needs.

How many nursing homes are listed on this page?

This page features 18 nursing homes in Columbia, SC. Use the filters and comparison tools above to compare ratings, amenities, and pricing.

How do I choose the right nursing home 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 nursing homes 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.