Best Nursing Homes in Hilton Head Island, SC

Why trust this guide? Our editorial team analyzed 3 nursing homes in Hilton Head Island, SC using CMS data, inspection records, complaints, amenities, and facility-level details. How we rank nursing homes in SC
Reviewed by
Last updated
We analyzed These are the facilities in Hilton Head Island, SC our team has analyzed — not a count of every nursing home provider in Hilton Head Island, SC.
3 homes
Other senior care options in Hilton Head Island:
Avg Overall CMS Rating: 3.7/ 5The average Overall CMS Rating for all CMS-certified nursing homes in Hilton Head Island, 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: 4.3/ 5The average Staffing Rating across all CMS-certified nursing homes in Hilton Head Island, 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: 3.3/ 5The average Health Inspection Rating across all CMS-certified nursing homes in Hilton Head Island, 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 Hilton Head Island (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 to lowest based on our ranking 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.
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.
TidePointe, a Vi Community
NH
AL
IL
RC
SNF
Hilton Head Island
25
Facility 25
SC AVG 90
Rank #293 / 304
--
5.69
Facility 5.69
SC AVG 4.00
Rank #7 / 117
+120%+42%
$0
Facility $0
SC AVG $34.8k
Rank #1 / 120
6
Facility 6
SC AVG 13.7
Rank #20 / 119
3.0
Facility 3.0
SC AVG 3.4
Rank #54 / 119
-25A
6
Facility 6
SC AVG 34
Rank #205 / 221
Sandra Gilliam
$7.6MFiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility $7.6MFiscal year ending 12/2023
SC AVG $12.1M
Rank #91 / 113
$5.3MFiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility $5.3MFiscal year ending 12/2023
SC AVG $7.3M
Rank #81 / 113
70.5%Fiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility 70.5%Fiscal year ending 12/2023
SC AVG 62.8%
Rank #25 / 113
425351
Preston Health Center
NH
MC
SNF
Hilton Head Island
77
Facility 77
SC AVG 90
Rank #175 / 304
--
6.79
Facility 6.79
SC AVG 4.00
Rank #3 / 117
+33%+70%
$8.0k
Facility $8.0k
SC AVG $34.8k
Rank #68 / 120
5
Facility 5
SC AVG 13.7
Rank #14 / 119
2.5
Facility 2.5
SC AVG 3.4
Rank #34 / 119
142--The Cypress Club Inc
$6.9MFiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility $6.9MFiscal year ending 12/2023
SC AVG $12.1M
Rank #99 / 113
$13.3MFiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility $13.3MFiscal year ending 12/2023
SC AVG $7.3M
Rank #5 / 113
193.8%Fiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility 193.8%Fiscal year ending 12/2023
SC AVG 62.8%
Rank #1 / 113
425325
Life Care Center of Hilton Head
NH
SNF
Hilton Head Island
88
Facility 88
SC AVG 90
Rank #142 / 304
65.3%
Facility 65.3%
SC AVG 86.4
Rank #86 / 92
-24%
4.12
Facility 4.12
SC AVG 4.00
Rank #49 / 117
+74%+3%
$8.3k
Facility $8.3k
SC AVG $34.8k
Rank #70 / 120
16
Facility 16
SC AVG 13.7
Rank #84 / 119
4.0
Facility 4.0
SC AVG 3.4
Rank #83 / 119
158-
23
Facility 23
SC AVG 34
Rank #150 / 221
John Oehler
$5.1MFiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility $5.1MFiscal year ending 12/2023
SC AVG $12.1M
Rank #106 / 113
$4.3MFiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility $4.3MFiscal year ending 12/2023
SC AVG $7.3M
Rank #98 / 113
85%Fiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility 85%Fiscal year ending 12/2023
SC AVG 62.8%
Rank #9 / 113
425147

Rank badges are statewide: each community is ranked against every SC community we track that reports that metric, not just the 3 analyzed for Hilton Head Island.

Overview of TidePointe, a VI Community

Owned by Sandra Gilliam, TidePointe, a VI Community, is a skilled nursing community on TidePointe Way in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, with a 25-bed capacity. It provides skilled nursing, post-acute rehabilitation, and respite care, with cottages and one-bedroom and two-bedroom villas. It has an occupancy rate of 85.3%, with an average length of stay of 55 days, supporting both short-term recovery and longer-term care needs.

Residents receive an average of 5 hours and 34 minutes of nursing care each day from registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, nurse aides, and physical therapists. Furthermore, strong weekend registered nurse coverage and a staff-to-resident ratio of 3.04:1 help ensure consistent, individualized clinical support.

Rehabilitation services, wellness programs, daily activities, and meals tailored to individual dietary needs are offered to promote recovery and overall well-being. Medicare, private pay, and respite care options also provide flexibility for families. Meanwhile, the surrounding neighborhood has a Walk Score of 6, making transportation necessary for most errands. State inspections have confirmed compliance with health and safety standards.

Contact TidePointe, a Vi Community

Preston Health Center

87 Birdsong Way, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926-1365
Overview of Preston Health Center

Operated by The Cypress Club Inc under the administration of Monique McRae, Preston Health Center is a skilled nursing home on Birdsong Way in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. The facility provides post-acute rehabilitation and longer-term nursing care. Medicare and private pay are accepted, giving families flexibility in covering both short-term recovery stays and extended care. The 77-bed home has an occupancy rate of 88%, reflecting steady demand for its services.

One of the facility’s key strengths is its staffing level. Residents receive an average of 7 hours and 26 minutes of nursing care each day. Registered nurses, nurse aides, and LPNs make up the care team. The level of support helps residents recovering from surgery, illness, or a hospital stay. Most stay an average of 60 days, which aligns with the facility’s focus on short-term rehabilitation and recovery.

The facility’s rehabilitation program, known as The Preston Difference, is a major part of the community’s clinical identity. The program mainly helps residents return to their previous level of function and, when possible, return home. Private and semi-private rooms are available. Meals are prepared on site by the culinary team at The Cypress. The Preston Spa is also available and provides a bathing area for residents’ dignity and safety.

State inspections have reviewed the facility over the years. A recent annual inspection found no health deficiencies and no complaints. Earlier inspections found gaps in medication management, food storage, refuse disposal, and staff training. These are important parts of daily operations in a nursing home. Inspection records show the facility has worked to address those areas over time.

Families considering short-term rehabilitation should take a tour of the facility to get an idea of the staffing ratios physical spaces, and how clinical teams talk about their approach to recovery and transition planning.

Contact Preston Health Center

Overview of Life Care Center of Hilton Head

Set in the scenic neighborhood of Hilton Head, SC, Life Care Center of Hilton Head is a respected senior living community that offers skilled nursing and rehabilitation services. The community designed their accommodations to provide plenty of space, privacy, and comfort to its residents, ensuring a relaxing day-to-day experience. With round-the-clock nursing care and compassionate care team members, residents can enjoy their peace of mind knowing that they are well-cared for by capable hands.

Vibrant activities and thoughtful amenities, such as a salon, library, and beautifully landscaped grounds are available to encourage residents to be more active and engaged within the community. A certified dietician and in-house chef work together in creating excellent menus and preparing delicious and nutritious meals for an excellent dining experience. Here, residents are provided with a safe and nurturing environment that allows them to thrive.

Contact Life Care Center of Hilton Head

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
Submit a correction
Who we are

Your Senior Care Partner, Every Step of the Way

We help families find affordable senior communities and unlock same day discounts, Medicaid, and Medicare options tailored to your needs.

Contact us Today

Frequently Asked Questions about Nursing Homes in Hilton Head Island, 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 3 nursing homes in Hilton Head Island, SC. Use the filters and comparison tools above to compare ratings, amenities, and pricing.

How do I choose the right nursing home in Hilton Head Island, 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 Hilton Head Island, 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 Hilton Head Island, 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.