Best Nursing Homes in South Carolina

Overview of The Heritage at Lowman Rehabilitation and Healthcare

The Heritage at Lowman Rehabilitation and Healthcare is a nonprofit continuing care community in Chapin, South Carolina, offering independent living, assisted living, memory care, rehabilitation, and skilled nursing care within a comprehensive Life Plan setting. Operated under Lutheran Homes of South Carolina Inc., the community includes a 176-bed skilled nursing component and ranks among the larger retirement and healthcare campuses serving the greater Columbia, Chapin, and Lexington County region.

As part of Lutheran Homes of South Carolina, the community benefits from the support of a longstanding nonprofit organization with a faith-centered mission and established experience in older adult services. Its multiple levels of care also allow residents to transition within the same residential environment as their health needs evolve.

Services include licensed nurses and certified nursing assistants, rehabilitation programming, memory support services, volunteer opportunities, and various community engagement programs. With the availability of independent living, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing within one setting, the community creates continuity that appeals to residents and families seeking long-term stability and coordinated support over time.

Located in the growing Lake Murray and Chapin corridor of Lexington County, the community is set in an area that has become increasingly popular among older adults seeking residential living options near Columbia while maintaining access to healthcare, recreation, and community amenities. Its setting also attracts those looking for a balance between suburban residential living and access to larger metropolitan medical resources.

The Heritage at Lowman Rehabilitation and Healthcare is well-suited for older adults and families in the Chapin, Irmo, and greater Lake Murray region seeking a nonprofit Life Plan community with a faith-informed mission and multiple levels of care.

Overview of Aiken Rehabilitation and Care Center

Aiken Rehabilitation and Care Center is a privately owned nursing home in Aiken, South Carolina, providing short-term rehabilitation, long-term skilled nursing care, respite services, and dietary support. The community is operated by Pepper Hill SNF Operations Holdings LLC, with a 125-bed capacity. Medicare, Medicaid, and private-pay options are all accepted, supporting access for residents with a variety of coverage and financial situations.

The resident mix includes both short-term rehabilitation and long-term care populations, with occupancy averaging 85.1%, above the South Carolina average.

The community holds a 3-star overall CMS rating, performing slightly above the South Carolina average overall. Health inspection performance ranks approximately 9% above the state benchmark, while staffing scores align closely with statewide averages. On the other hand, quality measures fall roughly 43% below South Carolina averages.

Total nursing and licensed practical nurse coverage averages are both higher than the state average, making it one of the community’s strongest staffing indicators. Nurse aide coverage and weekend nursing hours also perform above the state average. Registered nurse staffing, however, is notably lower than average at 23 minutes per resident daily, with weekend RN coverage also significantly below the statewide average.

Inspection performance over the past five years reflects a mixed but generally stable compliance history, with a total of six health inspections. This is above the South Carolina average of 3.9 inspections, and the most recent survey was completed in March 2025. A total of 16 health citations are recorded, slightly above the statewide average, though the average number of citations per inspection remained below state norms, suggesting improving compliance performance over time.

Importantly, no critical or serious citations were identified during the five-year review period. All recorded deficiencies were classified as moderate or minor in severity, and all were corrected. Citation categories included pharmacy services, abuse prevention and neglect safeguards, and quality of care and quality of life standards. A wide range of amenities and social features, including a therapy gym, solariums used for dining and activities, organized outings, transportation services, and seasonal recreational events, are provided.

Aiken Rehabilitation and Care Center is a solid option for older adults in Aiken County seeking post-acute rehabilitation or long-term skilled nursing support, particularly those who prioritize strong licensed practical nurse and nurse aide staffing levels. Interested families with more medically complex conditions, however, should consider its lower-than-average RN and weekend RN coverage when assessing overall clinical oversight needs.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Overview of Ashley River Healthcare

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Overview of Brightwater Assisted Living

Brightwater Assisted Living is a privately-owned senior living community in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, offering assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing, and short-term rehabilitation. Licensed as a Community Residential Care Facility (CRCF) with 56 beds, the community is owned by Brightwater Retirement LLC and administered by David Dunn, with management affiliated with the Maxwell Group. Medicare and private-pay arrangements are also accepted. Notably, the community received six national awards, a distinction that places it among the more highly recognized senior living providers in the Grand Strand market.

CMS ratings position the community well above South Carolina averages overall, with particularly strong performance in staffing measures. Moreover, total nursing care hours average five hours per resident per day, exceeding statewide benchmarks and ranking among the stronger staffing levels among skilled nursing communities in the state. Weekend nursing coverage and staff-to-resident ratio also significantly outperform the South Carolina average. Health inspection scores are similarly above statewide benchmarks, reflecting generally favorable regulatory performance.

Since 2022, the community has received 15 health citations, including two categorized as critical in severity. While this exceeds the South Carolina average for critical citations, no serious citations were identified, and all deficiencies have been corrected. Additionally, a civil money penalty was issued in July 2023, substantially below the South Carolina average penalty amount, and no payment denials were reported.

Several long-stay quality indicators compare favorably with state averages, with measures related to declines in daily living activities, urinary tract infection rates, and vaccination coverage performing particularly well. Other measures, including rates of bowel and bladder incontinence, falls with major injury, and pressure ulcers, were also above state averages and can be worthwhile discussion points for families evaluating care needs and clinical oversight.

An indoor heated therapy pool, secured courtyard spaces, wellness classes, concierge services, transportation assistance, a professional salon, pet-friendly accommodations, and a 24-hour emergency response system are among the amenities available. Dining services are made-to-order restaurant-style meals.

Combining elevated staffing levels, rehabilitation-focused amenities, and broad care offerings, Brightwater Assisted Living is well-suited for older adults seeking rehabilitation, assisted living, skilled nursing, or memory care services within a highly staffed and amenity-rich environment in the Myrtle Beach area, particularly families exploring Medicare-supported or private-pay senior care options.

Overview of Covenant Place

Featuring a moderately-sized residential setting, Covenant Place is a Community Residential Care Facility (CRCF) in Sumter, South Carolina, that offers assisted living, independent living, respite care, and rehabilitation services. Owned by Sumter Opco LLC and administered by Prinscillia Sumter, the community is licensed with 70 beds.

Licensed nurses and CNAs on staff, 24-hour staffing, rehabilitation services, and respite care are offered, covering a broader service range than many CRCF communities of similar size. Private or semi-private accommodations are also available, along with social activities. The combination of independent living, assisted living, and respite care makes this community one of the more flexible care-model options in the Sumter market.

With a wide range of care options provided in a residential, community-focused setting, Covenant Place is best suited for older adults in Sumter County seeking assisted living or independent living with licensed nursing support and rehabilitation access.