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Why trust this guide?
Our editorial team analyzed 144 nursing homes in SC using CMS data, inspection records, complaints, amenities, and facility-level details. How we rank nursing homes in SC
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 TableAL (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.
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.
A 0–100 score of a facility's regulatory inspection record, shown as a letter and compared with other facilities of the same kind in the same state. This is a proprietary Assisted Living Magazine grade. It is not a government rating. A dash means we have no inspection data for that facility.
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.
$6.7M*Fiscal year ending 12/2021These figures are from this home's most recent complete cost report — an older period than most facilities report. Compare with that in mind.
$4.1M*Fiscal year ending 12/2021These figures are from this home's most recent complete cost report — an older period than most facilities report. Compare with that in mind.
61.6%*Fiscal year ending 12/2021These figures are from this home's most recent complete cost report — an older period than most facilities report. Compare with that in mind.
$5.9M*Fiscal year ending 12/2022These figures are from this home's most recent complete cost report — an older period than most facilities report. Compare with that in mind.
$3.3M*Fiscal year ending 12/2022These figures are from this home's most recent complete cost report — an older period than most facilities report. Compare with that in mind.
56.1%*Fiscal year ending 12/2022These figures are from this home's most recent complete cost report — an older period than most facilities report. Compare with that in mind.
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Rank badges are statewide and care-type specific: each nursing home is ranked against every other SC nursing home we track that reports that metric, not just the 144 on this page. See how we rank facilities
Brookdale West Ashley in Charleston, South Carolina, offers both assisted living and memory care, providing a seamless transition should residents’ needs change over time. The community includes basic utilities and maintenance, a selection of pet-friendly floor plans with great natural light, and 24/7 staff availability for emergencies. Assisted living residents receive help with personal grooming, medication management, and daily living activities, allowing them to spend more time pursuing their interests.
Rooted in a person-centered approach, Brookdale’s memory care program helps seniors with Alzheimer’s or dementia maintain their skills and sense of self through a daily structure of socialization, exercise, and entertainment programs. Residents can be as involved as they choose, with options like Zumba, crafting, resident clubs, yoga, gardening, and Bible studies. The dining program offers menu choices to residents’ feedback and preferences, including dementia-friendly selections to support nutrition and a sense of belonging.
Patewood Post-Acute Nursing and rehabilitation center is focused on providing the best possible care to those in need. The multi-awarded nursing home promotes an environment where residents continuously grow as individuals in a nurturing atmosphere where the potential of all seniors is maximized for a better quality of life. Patewood is dedicated to providing a unique customized solution to the needs of its residents for a speedy recovery.
The nursing home compares the individual needs of its residents before providing a specific care plan tailored just for them. The specialties provided are centered on the rehabilitative therapies needed such as physical, occupational, and speech offered. Skilled nursing services include wound care, catheter care, ileostomy care, and restorative nursing. Hospice care, dementia care, and social services are also offered.
Overview of Revela at Mt. Pleasant Assisted Living
Experience the joys of Revela at Mt. Pleasant’s assisted living community, and take the first step towards a fulfilling and engaging lifestyle. Nestled in the coastal beauty of Mt. Pleasant, SC, Mt. Pleasant is an assisted living community that was thoughtfully designed with senior residents’ lifestyles in mind, offering modern studio homes and tailored amenities to create an enriching senior living experience. The studio apartments feature hardwood flooring and expansive windows that provide picturesque views of the lush Charleston surroundings. Senior residents get access to an array of community amenities and services that elevate their daily living, including delightful restaurant-style dining, a community library, and the convenience of an on-site beauty salon.
Located just a short distance from Charleston, residents can indulge in day trips to the downtown area or local spots like Shem Creek Park. Transportation services make it easy to explore the local culture, and with a prime location off Route 17, accessing the area’s attractions becomes a breeze.
Nestled within the charming city of Columbia, South Carolina, Brookdale Columbia offers a vibrant assisted living community that resembles a destination resort. Residents can savor the freedom and independence they deserve, with a care team available to assist with daily living tasks like bathing, dressing, and medication management. The community handles the cooking, cleaning, and household chores, allowing residents to spend more time pursuing their passions.
Spacious accommodations, common rooms, and luxury amenities such as an on-campus beauty salon, library, and fireside living room create a resort-like atmosphere. Residents can explore Columbia’s rich history, thriving arts and culture scene, and abundant outdoor activities. The community’s activities calendar offers opportunities to connect with neighbors, from walking clubs and Bible studies to competitive card games and excursions. Residents can also enjoy delicious, restaurant-style dining with daily menu options tailored to their preferences.
Overview of The Heritage at Lowman Rehabilitation and Healthcare
The Heritage at Lowman Rehabilitation and Healthcare offers nursing home and skilled nursing care, assisted living, hospice care, independent living, memory care, and respite care in Chapin, SC. Assisted living provides help with daily tasks, while memory care offers a secured setting with supervision for someone at risk of wandering.
Independent living supports private living with community services and no daily care, while respite care provides a short stay when a usual caregiver needs to travel or recover. The combination of care levels may be a good fit for a resident whose needs may grow over time, since the community can support changing care needs without requiring a move to another community.
Skilled nursing provides licensed nursing care on site around the clock, and hospice care supports residents receiving end of life care. The Rehabilitation & Nursing program includes rehabilitation services, giving residents access to recovery focused care through the community’s programs. The community has 176 beds. Amanda Knowles serves as administrator, and Lutheran Homes Of South Carolina operates the community.
Overview of Seven Oaks Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center
Seven Oaks Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center is a 108 bed nursing home in Columbia, SC, offering skilled nursing, memory care, hospice care, palliative care, and respite care. Skilled nursing provides licensed nursing care on site around the clock, while memory care offers a secured setting with supervision for a resident at risk of wandering. Hospice and palliative care focus on comfort and symptom management, and respite care provides a short term stay when a resident’s usual caregiver needs time away.
Rehabilitation services include subacute care, pulmonary care, IV therapy, cardiac care, stroke and neuro recovery, and orthopedic rehabilitation. These programs support residents recovering from illness, hospitalization, neurological events, or orthopedic conditions, while IV therapy provides treatment through an intravenous line at the center. The rehabilitation options are broad.
Susan Strauss serves as the administrator, and St Andrews Operator runs the community. The range of care services can suit a resident whose needs may change from rehabilitation or respite care to longer term skilled nursing, memory care, hospice care, or palliative care.
Overview of Bishop Gadsden-Gadsden Glen Center for Health and Rehab
Bishop Gadsden-Gadsden Glen Center for Health and Rehab offers independent living, assisted living, memory care, nursing home care, and skilled nursing in Charleston, SC. Independent living means private living with community services and no daily care, while assisted living includes help with bathing, dressing, and medication. Memory care is provided in a secured setting with supervision, and skilled nursing includes licensed nursing care on site around the clock.
Several care levels are available in one community. That can suit a resident whose needs may grow over time without requiring a move to a different community. Respite care offers a short stay when a usual caregiver needs time to travel or recover, while short-term rehabilitation and BG Therapy support residents receiving rehabilitation services.
The community has 100 beds. Residents can use an on-site spa, gym and wellness center, outdoor spaces, a bistro and gift shop, and a chapel and meditation room. Religious services are also available; Jonna Cook serves as administrator, and Bishop Gadsden Episcopal Retirement Community operates the community.
Heritage at Lowman Residential Care offers nursing home, skilled nursing, assisted living, hospice care, independent living, memory care, and respite care in Chapin, SC. Assisted living includes help with daily tasks, while independent living provides private living with community services and no daily care.
Memory care offers a secured setting with supervision. Skilled nursing and nursing home care provide nursing support for residents who need ongoing clinical care, while hospice care supports end-of-life needs.
Respite care provides a short stay when someone’s usual caregiver needs time away. The range of care levels may suit a resident whose needs grow over time and who may want to remain in the same community.
The community has 132 beds. Rehabilitation services and short-term rehab are available for residents who need time-limited recovery support rather than a long-term placement.
Restaurant-style meals prepared by an executive chef give residents an on-site dining option with meals prepared there. Amanda Knowles serves as the administrator, and Lutheran Homes Of South Carolina operates the community.
The available care levels, rehabilitation services, and dining program describe the services residents can access at Heritage at Lowman Residential Care.
Overview of Oak Harbor Healthcare (formerly Mount Pleasant Manor)
Conveniently situated in the heart of Mount Pleasant, Oak Harbor Healthcare is just a short distance west of Vibra Hospital of Charleston and a few blocks from East Cooper Medical Center. With a steadfast commitment to delivering exceptional healthcare, Oak Harbor Healthcare specializes in offering skilled nursing, short-term rehabilitation, and long-term care services.
Oak Harbor Healthcare is dedicated to enhancing its residents’ well-being and quality of life, solidifying its role as a trusted partner in each individual’s healthcare journey. They prioritize delivering services within a compassionate and comfortable environment, ensuring that residents receive the highest quality of care tailored to their unique needs.
Overview of Presbyterian Communities of South Carolina-Columbia
Presbyterian Communities of South Carolina-Columbia offers nursing home, skilled nursing, assisted living, independent living, memory care, and respite care in Lexington, SC. Assisted living includes help with daily tasks such as bathing, dressing, and medication, while independent living provides a private living arrangement with community services but no daily care.
Memory care is provided in a secured setting with supervision. Skilled nursing includes licensed nursing care around the clock. Respite care is available for short stays, which can give a family caregiver time to travel or recover.
The range of care levels may suit a resident whose needs grow over time, since moving to another level of care may not require leaving the community. The community has 91 beds, giving it a defined capacity for its residents.
Short term and outpatient rehabilitation are available for temporary recovery needs or therapy without an overnight stay. Presbyterian Communities of South Carolina operates the community, and Meredith Hughes serves as administrator.
Every nursing home above is evaluated across five weighted categories using CMS data including Care Compare, Payroll-Based Journal, and Medicare Cost Reports. Rank badges compare each home against other nursing homes in the same state — never against assisted living, memory care, or independent living communities.
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
Avg Overall CMS Rating:2.8/ 5The average Overall CMS Rating for all CMS-certified nursing homes in South Carolina. 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:2.9/ 5The average Staffing Rating across all CMS-certified nursing homes in South Carolina. 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:2.7/ 5The average Health Inspection Rating across all CMS-certified nursing homes in South Carolina. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions about Nursing Homes in South Carolina
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 144 nursing homes in South Carolina. Use the filters and comparison tools above to compare ratings, amenities, and pricing.
How do I choose the right nursing home in South Carolina?
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 South Carolina, 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 South Carolina?
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.
If you move into a community through us, that community may pay us a referral fee. This never changes your cost or which options we recommend. Learn more
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