Life Care Center of Columbia
Nursing Home & Skilled Nursing · Columbia, SC
CMS overall rating Info CMS (the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) is the federal agency that rates nursing home quality. Its Overall Rating runs from 1 to 5 stars, combining health inspections, staffing, and quality measures, with inspections weighted most heavily.

Life Care Center of Columbia

Nursing Home & Skilled Nursing · Columbia, SC
CMS overall rating Info CMS (the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) is the federal agency that rates nursing home quality. Its Overall Rating runs from 1 to 5 stars, combining health inspections, staffing, and quality measures, with inspections weighted most heavily.
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Life Care Center of Columbia accepts Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay.

Overview of Life Care Center of Columbia

Life Care Center of Columbia is conveniently located near major hospitals, making it the perfect choice for long-term care or short-term recovery after surgery. The 24-hour skilled nursing care is complemented by state-of-the-art equipment and an in-house team of dedicated therapists and nurses who work tirelessly to provide elevated care to seniors. The home offers various services such as discharge planning, case management, fall prevention, IV therapy, social services, post-surgical care, and wound care, among others. Physical, occupational, and speech therapy services are also available for rehabilitation. 
The home’s interior is not just aesthetically pleasing but also creates a warm and inviting environment that surpasses all expectations. Residents have access to amenities like the library, fine dining program, and transportation services. They can also enjoy landscaped grounds and courtyards for an afternoon stroll. Safety is of utmost importance at Life Care Center of Columbia, which is why they have top-of-the-line security and fire safety systems, as well as call lights. The facility also has a certified dietitian and is a non-smoking environment.

Quality ratings

Measured by Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Overall rating Info The Overall CMS Rating combines results from health inspections, staffing levels and quality measures. Health inspections carry the most weight. Staffing and quality scores can increase or decrease the final rating based on performance compared to state and national standards.
▼ 29.7% Below SC avg. ▼ 29.7% Below SC avg.SC average: 2.8Click the badge to see the full State ranking.Click here to see the full State ranking.
Health Inspection Info Based on the results of the facility's three most recent standard inspections and any complaint investigations. CMS reviews the number, scope, and severity of deficiencies, with more recent findings weighted more heavily.
▼ 27.1% Below SC avg. ▼ 27.1% Below SC avg.SC average: 2.7Click the badge to see the full State ranking.Click here to see the full State ranking.
Staffing Info Measures average nursing staff hours per resident per day, including Registered Nurses (RNs) and total nursing staff. Ratings are adjusted based on the level of care residents require and are compared to state and national benchmarks.
▲ 3.7% Above SC avg. ▲ 3.7% Above SC avg.SC average: 2.9Click the badge to see the full State ranking.Click here to see the full State ranking.
Quality Measures Info Based on clinical and physical health indicators reported to CMS, such as hospital readmissions, falls, pressure ulcers, and improvements in mobility. These measures reflect how well residents' health needs are being managed.
▲ 19.0% Above SC avg. ▲ 19.0% Above SC avg.SC average: 3.4Click the badge to see the full State ranking.Click here to see the full State ranking.

Staffing hours breakdown

Info Daily nursing hours per resident by staff type, reported to CMS. Higher is generally better — compare this facility to state and national averages to see where staffing stands.

Hours per resident per day — compared to South Carolina state averages

Total nursing care / resident Info This home is ranked 82nd out of 119 homes in South Carolina for nurse hours. Total adjusted nursing hours per resident per day, combining RN, LPN, and aide time. CMS adjusts this for case-mix so facilities can be fairly compared.
3h 33m per day
Rank #82 / 119Nurse hours — State benchmarkedThis home is ranked 82nd out of 119 homes in South Carolina for Nurse Hours. Shows adjusted nurse hours per resident per day benchmarked to the South Carolina average, with a ranking across 119 South Carolina facilities. More hours mean more direct care. The national average is about 3.5 hrs; below 3.0 is a red flag.Facilities with the same value for a metric share the same rank. Rankings are based only on facilities in South Carolina that report data for that category. Facilities without available data are excluded from the ranking.Click the rank badge to see the full State ranking.Click here to see the full State ranking.
This facility South Carolina avg (4h 0m per day)
vs South Carolina avg
-11%

5 of 6 metrics below state avg

Staff typeHours / Day / Residentvs state avg
Registered Nurse (RN) Info RNs hold the highest nursing license and can assess residents, interpret test results, and direct care plans. More RN hours per day often signals stronger clinical oversight and faster response to health changes. 28m per day ▼ 27% State avg: 38m per day · National avg: 41m per day
LPN / LVN Info Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) or Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs) deliver routine hands-on care — medication administration, wound dressing, and monitoring vital signs. They work under RN supervision and make up a large share of daily bedside care. 1h 1m per day ■ Avg State avg: 1h 0m per day · National avg: 52m per day
Nurse Aide Info Certified Nurse Aides (CNAs) provide the most direct day-to-day assistance: bathing, dressing, feeding, and mobility. Nurse aide hours are typically the largest staffing category and directly affect residents' quality of life. 1h 56m per day ▼ 13% State avg: 2h 13m per day · National avg: 2h 20m per day
Weekend Total Nursing Info Combined nursing hours (RN + LPN + Nurse Aide) per resident per day on weekends. Staffing often drops on weekends — this figure reveals whether the facility maintains adequate coverage outside of weekday hours. 3h 1m per day ▼ 10% State avg: 3h 22m per day · National avg: 3h 27m per day
Physical Therapist Info Hours per resident per day provided by licensed Physical Therapists (PTs) or PT Assistants. PT services help residents recover mobility after injury or illness and are especially important for post-acute (short-stay) rehabilitation. 4m per day ▼ 26% State avg: 5m per day · National avg: 4m per day
Weekend RN Info Registered nurse hours specifically on weekends. Facilities sometimes reduce RN presence on Saturdays and Sundays — a low weekend RN figure compared to weekday hours can indicate reduced clinical oversight when most administrative staff are absent. 14m per day ▼ 47% State avg: 25m per day · National avg: 29m per day

Capacity and availability

Medium-capacity home

Offers a balance of services and community atmosphere.

Total beds 179
Avg. Length of Stay Info Average number of days residents stay at this facility, based on CMS cost report data. Shorter stays often reflect post-acute or rehab care; longer stays reflect long-term care.
71 days
Walk Score
Walk Score: 9 / 100 Rank #193 / 230Walk Score — State benchmarkedThis home is ranked 193rd out of 230 homes in South Carolina for Walk Score. Shows how walkable this facility's neighborhood is compared to the average Walk Score across South Carolina facilities. Higher scores benefit residents, families, and staff.Facilities with the same value for a metric share the same rank. Rankings are based only on facilities in South Carolina that report data for that category. Facilities without available data are excluded from the ranking.Click the rank badge to see the full State ranking.Click here to see the full State ranking.
Car-dependent. Most errands require a car, with limited nearby walkable options.

Safety & Compliance

Secured Perimeter

Therapy & Rehabilitation

2 services
Rehabilitation Services
Short-Term Rehab

Staffing & Medical

2 services
Doctor on Staff
24-Hour Staffing

Amenities & Lifestyle

Religious Services

Contact Life Care Center of Columbia

Penalties and fines

Federal penalties imposed by CMS for regulatory violations, including civil money penalties (fines) and denials of payment for new Medicare/Medicaid admissions.

Source: CMS Penalties Database

No penalties in the past 3 years

No civil money penalties or payment denials were reported in the last 3 years.

Breakdown by payment type

Medicare

24% of new residents, usually for short-term rehab.

Typical stay 30 days

Private pay

62% of new residents, often for short stays.

Typical stay 1 months

Medicaid

14% of new residents, often for long-term daily care.

Typical stay 10 - 11 months

Finances and operations

Based on CMS SNF Cost Report for fiscal year ending in 06/2024.

For-profit
Corporation
Net patient revenue Info Net patient revenue — what the home actually collects for resident care, after contractual allowances, bad debt and discounts are subtracted from its gross charges (CMS cost report, Worksheet G-3). It covers resident care only; money the home earns from other sources is shown separately as "Other income."
$10.1M
Net patient income Info Net patient income: net patient revenue minus the home's total operating expenses. A positive figure means it earns more from resident care than it spends to deliver it; a negative figure means the opposite. It excludes non-operating "other income."
-$1.2M
For-profit Corporation
Net patient revenue Info Net patient revenue — what the home actually collects for resident care, after contractual allowances, bad debt and discounts are subtracted from its gross charges (CMS cost report, Worksheet G-3). It covers resident care only; money the home earns from other sources is shown separately as "Other income."
$10.1M Rank #63 / 122Revenue — State benchmarkedThis home is ranked 63rd out of 122 homes in South Carolina for Revenue. Shows this facility's annual revenue compared to the South Carolina average. Higher revenue generally means more resources for staffing and capital — read alongside Payroll %.Facilities with the same value for a metric share the same rank. Rankings are based only on facilities in South Carolina that report data for that category. Facilities without available data are excluded from the ranking.Click the rank badge to see the full State ranking.Click here to see the full State ranking.
Net patient income Info Net patient income: net patient revenue minus the home's total operating expenses. A positive figure means it earns more from resident care than it spends to deliver it; a negative figure means the opposite. It excludes non-operating "other income."
-$1.2M
Other income Info Money the home earns outside of resident care — such as investments, grants, rentals and other non-operating sources (CMS cost report, Worksheet G-3). It is tracked separately from net patient revenue: it is not part of that figure, and it is not included in net patient income.
$3.4K
Payroll costs Info Staff salaries plus wage-related costs — benefits such as payroll taxes, health insurance and retirement — from the home's own accounting records (CMS cost report, Worksheet A). Contract or agency labor is counted separately, under other operating costs. Rank #47 / 122Payroll — State benchmarkedThis home is ranked 47th out of 122 homes in South Carolina for Payroll. Shows total annual staff payroll benchmarked to the South Carolina average. Higher payroll investment relative to peers often signals better staffing and less reliance on cheaper contract labor.Facilities with the same value for a metric share the same rank. Rankings are based only on facilities in South Carolina that report data for that category. Facilities without available data are excluded from the ranking.Click the rank badge to see the full State ranking.Click here to see the full State ranking.
$7.4M 73% of net patient revenue Info Payroll as a share of revenue: staff salaries and wage-related benefits divided by net patient revenue. A higher figure means more of each revenue dollar goes to staff pay. Rank #36 / 122Payroll % — State benchmarkedThis home is ranked 36th out of 122 homes in South Carolina for Payroll %. Shows payroll as a percentage of revenue versus the South Carolina average. Well-run South Carolina facilities typically land around 52–64% — the top third Statewide. Below 25% may signal understaffing or heavy agency use — read with Staffing ratings.Facilities with the same value for a metric share the same rank. Rankings are based only on facilities in South Carolina that report data for that category. Facilities without available data are excluded from the ranking.Click the rank badge to see the full State ranking.Click here to see the full State ranking.
Other operating costs Info Everything it costs to run the home apart from payroll — food, utilities, supplies, maintenance, contract labor and administration. Calculated as total operating expense minus payroll (staff salaries and wage-related benefits).
$3.9M
Total costs Info The home's total operating expense for the year — all the costs of running it, salaries included (CMS cost report, Worksheet G-3).
$11.3M

Who this home usually serves

TYPE OF STAY

Primarily short stays

Residents typically stay for brief periods, with frequent admissions and discharges throughout the year.

Most new residents arrive under private pay (62% of admissions), and a typical private pay stay runs around 1 months.

Admissions
528 total

Coverage residents most often arrive under.

Medicare 24%
Private pay 62%
Medicaid 14%
Discharges
524 total

Coverage residents most often leave under.

Medicare 17%
Private pay 61%
Medicaid 21%

Compare Nursing Homes around Columbia

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

CMS & SC Dept. of Health data

Still Hopes Episcopal Retirement Community
NH
AL
IL
MC
SNF
West Columbia (Still Hopes Drive)
22
Facility 22
SC AVG 90
Rank #301 / 307
96.4%
Facility 96.4%
SC AVG 84.8
Rank #11 / 94
+14%- +65%-
$0
Facility $0
SC AVG $34.8k
Rank #1 / 121
5
Facility 5
SC AVG 13.7
Rank #14 / 120
1.3
Facility 1.3
SC AVG 3.4
Rank #3 / 120
121A+
63
Facility 63
SC AVG 32
Rank #14 / 230
Frances Case
$28.0MFiscal year ending 09/2023
Facility $28.0MFiscal year ending 09/2023
SC AVG $13.0M
Rank #2 / 122
$23.0MFiscal year ending 09/2023
Facility $23.0MFiscal year ending 09/2023
SC AVG $5.4M
Rank #3 / 122
82.2%Fiscal year ending 09/2023
Facility 82.2%Fiscal year ending 09/2023
SC AVG 44%
Rank #38 / 122
425401
Wildewood Downs Retirement Community
NH
AL
IL
MC
SNF
Columbia (Williamsburg East)
57
Facility 57
SC AVG 90
Rank #228 / 307
28.1%
Facility 28.1%
SC AVG 84.8
Rank #92 / 94
-67%
5.41
Facility 5.41
SC AVG 4.00
Rank #10 / 119
+300%+35%
$3.7k
Facility $3.7k
SC AVG $34.8k
Rank #55 / 121
13
Facility 13
SC AVG 13.7
Rank #71 / 120
4.3
Facility 4.3
SC AVG 3.4
Rank #91 / 120
-16-
33
Facility 33
SC AVG 32
Rank #117 / 230
Diana Chavis
$6.6MFiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility $6.6MFiscal year ending 12/2023
SC AVG $13.0M
Rank #39 / 122
$6.1MFiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility $6.1MFiscal year ending 12/2023
SC AVG $5.4M
Rank #60 / 122
92.9%Fiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility 92.9%Fiscal year ending 12/2023
SC AVG 44%
Rank #98 / 122
425385
Nhc Healthcare Parklane
NH
HC
HOS
SNF
Columbia
180
Facility 180
SC AVG 90
Rank #7 / 307
--
5.05
Facility 5.05
SC AVG 4.00
Rank #15 / 119
-24%+26%
$0
Facility $0
SC AVG $34.8k
Rank #1 / 121
17
Facility 17
SC AVG 13.7
Rank #89 / 120
5.7
Facility 5.7
SC AVG 3.4
Rank #111 / 120
-104--William Birmingham
$21.1MFiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility $21.1MFiscal year ending 12/2023
SC AVG $13.0M
Rank #12 / 122
$11.4MFiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility $11.4MFiscal year ending 12/2023
SC AVG $5.4M
Rank #12 / 122
54%Fiscal year ending 12/2023
Facility 54%Fiscal year ending 12/2023
SC AVG 44%
Rank #89 / 122
425352
Rice Estate – Assisted Living
NH
AL
HOS
IL
MC
RC
SNF
Columbia
40
Facility 40
SC AVG 90
Rank #287 / 307
35.0%
Facility 35.0%
SC AVG 84.8
Rank #89 / 94
-59%
4.63
Facility 4.63
SC AVG 4.00
Rank #23 / 119
-42%+16%
$0
Facility $0
SC AVG $34.8k
Rank #1 / 121
8
Facility 8
SC AVG 13.7
Rank #35 / 120
2.7
Facility 2.7
SC AVG 3.4
Rank #40 / 120
-14A-Lutheran Homes Of South Carolina Inc
$12.8MFiscal year ending 09/2023
Facility $12.8MFiscal year ending 09/2023
SC AVG $13.0M
Rank #59 / 122
$7.1MFiscal year ending 09/2023
Facility $7.1MFiscal year ending 09/2023
SC AVG $5.4M
Rank #55 / 122
55.9%Fiscal year ending 09/2023
Facility 55.9%Fiscal year ending 09/2023
SC AVG 44%
Rank #53 / 122
425387

Financial Assistance for
Nursing Home in South Carolina

Life Care Center of Columbia is located in Columbia, South Carolina.
Here are the financial assistance programs available to residents in South Carolina.

Get Financial aid guidance

Community Long Term Care (CLTC)

SC Medicaid CLTC

Age 65+ or disabled
General South Carolina resident, Medicaid-eligible, nursing home-level care need.
Income Limits (2025) ~$2,829/month 300% FBR, individual
Asset Limits $2,000 (individual), $3,000 (couple).
SC

High rural demand; waitlists possible.

Benefits
Personal care (5-7 hours/day) Respite (240 hours/year) Adult day care ($60/day) Home modifications ($1,500 avg.)

South Carolina Respite Care Program

SC NFCSP Respite

Age Caregiver of someone 60+ (or with dementia)
General South Carolina resident.
Income Limits No strict limit; prioritizes low-income.
Asset Limits Not applicable.
SC

Limited slots; rural/urban balance.

Benefits
In-home respite (4-6 hours/day) Adult day care (~$60/day) Short-term facility care (up to 5 days)

Medicare Savings Program (MSP)

South Carolina Medicare Savings Program

Age 65+ or disabled
General SC resident, Medicare Part A/B.
Income Limits (2025) ~$2,510/month (QMB), ~$3,380/month (SLMB), ~$3,598/month (QI)—individual.
Asset Limits $9,430 (individual), $14,130 (couple).
SC

Three tiers; includes Extra Help for Part D; no waitlist.

Benefits
Covers Part B premiums ($174.70/month) Deductibles ($240/year) Copays (~20%)

VA Aid and Attendance (A&A) and Housebound Benefits

South Carolina VA Aid and Attendance/Housebound

Age 65+ or disabled veteran/spouse
General SC resident, wartime service, need for ADL help (A&A) or homebound.
Income Limits (2025) Net income < ~$1,984/month (veteran with dependent, A&A); pension offsets income.
Asset Limits ~$155,356 net worth limit
SC

High veteran population; supports rural/urban care needs.

Benefits
Cash (~$1,433-$2,642/month veteran, ~$951-$1,318 spouse) for care costs (e.g., in-home, assisted living)

Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP)

South Carolina SFMNP

Age 60+
General SC resident, low-income.
Income Limits (2025) ~$2,322/month individual, 185% FPL
Asset Limits Not assessed.
SC

Vouchers (~$50/season); serves ~20,000 annually via 10 AAAs.

Benefits
Vouchers (~$50/season) for fresh produce at approved markets

Homestead Exemption Program

South Carolina Homestead Exemption

Age 65+ (or disabled/blind)
General SC resident 1+ year, homeowner.
Income Limits (2025) None; tax-based eligibility.
Asset Limits Not assessed; home-focused.
SC

Saves ~$500-$1,000/year avg.; applies to primary residence.

Benefits
Property tax exemption (~$50,000 value, ~$500-$1,000/year savings)

Elderly Simplified Application Project (ESAP)

South Carolina ESAP (SNAP for Seniors)

Age 60+
General SC resident, no earned income, not on SCCAP.
Income Limits (2025) ~$1,732/month 133% FPL, individual
Asset Limits $4,250 individual, higher than standard SNAP
SC

Simplified process; serves ~50,000 seniors annually.

Benefits
EBT card for food (~$100-$300/month based on income)

Frequently Asked Questions about Life Care Center of Columbia

Is Life Care Center of Columbia in a walkable area?

Life Care Center of Columbia has a walk score of 9. Car-dependent. Most errands require a car, with limited nearby walkable options.

What is the occupancy rate at Life Care Center of Columbia?

Life Care Center of Columbia's occupancy is 57.0%.

Does Life Care Center of Columbia operate as a for-profit or non-profit?

Life Care Center of Columbia is registered as a for-profit.

Are there photos of Life Care Center of Columbia?

Yes — there are 5 photos of Life Care Center of Columbia in the photo gallery on this page.

What is the phone number of Life Care Center of Columbia?

(803) 865-1999 will put you in contact with the team at Life Care Center of Columbia.

Is Life Care Center of Columbia Medicare or Medicaid certified?

Life Care Center of Columbia is not currently listed as a CMS-certified provider of Medicare or Medicaid.

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