What government services provide money for senior housing?

Several government programs offer financial assistance for senior housing in various countries, focusing on the United States for a broad overview: Medicaid: Medicaid is a state and federally funded program that can cover the costs of nursing home care for those who meet eligibility criteria, including income and asset limits. Some states also offer Medicaid waivers that help pay for home and community-based services to prevent or delay nursing home placement. Medicare: Medicare, primarily a health insurance program for people aged 65 and over, does not cover long-term housing costs. However, it can cover short-term stays in a skilled nursing facility under specific conditions following a hospital stay. Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly Program: This program provides housing for low-income seniors. It offers rental assistance and access to supportive services, such as cleaning, cooking, and transportation. Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) Properties: While not a direct subsidy, LIHTC encourages developers to create affordable housing. Seniors with low incomes can find reduced-rent apartments through this program. State and Local Programs: Many states, counties, and cities offer their own programs to assist seniors with housing costs. These can include property tax relief programs, rental assistance programs, and programs that offer affordable senior housing options. Veterans Affairs (VA): The VA offers several programs for veterans, including the Aid and Attendance benefit, which provides monthly payments to veterans who require the aid of another person, or are housebound, to help cover the cost of care in homes, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities. Social Security: While Social Security primarily provides retirement income, for many seniors, these benefits are a crucial part of their budget, including housing costs.

How do you pick the homes you recommend?

Before recommending homes, we conduct a thorough evaluation on crucial factors that define a senior home such as the quality of care they provide, the reputation of the organization, and a comprehensive review of community testimonials as well. Every detail is assessed to assure that seniors are offered not just senior care options, but trustworthy homes where they can experience the care that they deserve.

Do you help families that need Medicaid?

Yes. Assisting families who need Medicaid is important to us as it plays a crucial role in offering financial support to seniors confronting economic challenges. We would like to keep essential healthcare services accessible to all community members, irrespective of one’s financial circumstances.

How much does this service cost?

We extend our services at no cost, ensuring that families and seniors can benefit from tailored assistance in their search for care and home options. Our ability to offer personalized guidance without charge to families and seniors is made possible through the support and funding from the communities with which we team up.

What services do you offer?

Finding and ranking the best assisted living facilities Finding and ranking the best nursing homes Finding and ranking the best memory care facilities Our concierge service helps seniors move into the perfect home for them Helping seniors use medicare, medicaid, and other government programs to pay for their homes Helping seniors avoid senior homes that have bad service or fraud Helping seniors avoid senior homes that have bad service or fraud Autobiography & Family History Writing + Research Senior-focused concierge medicine Senior-focused nutritionist Senior-focused personal training Memory care specialists Custom wheelchairs at all price points. Custom hearing aids Cosmetic skincare + dermatology Companionship: We offer in-person and virtual companionship services. Someone engaging to hang out with or talk to on video chat. Senior housing concierge. Our service finds the best senior living options based on your needs, income, and personality.

Merrill Gardens at Carolina Park | Mount Pleasant, SC | Photos & Videos

Overview of Merrill Gardens at Carolina Park

Merrill Gardens at Carolina Park is an assisted living facility located in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, offering a memory care unit for residents with dementia and an independent living option. The community is part of Merrill Gardens Senior Living, a senior care company, and provides vision care to its residents. The costs at Merrill Gardens at Carolina Park start at $2,040 and range up to $6,595, with the average price being $4,318, which is less than the average price in the area. The community is pet-friendly, and while South Carolina requires three meals to be provided per day, it can accommodate no or low-sodium diets.

Residents at Merrill Gardens at Carolina Park are required to have a scheduled, structured activity every day, and the community offers a variety of activities, including musical performances and social outings. The facility is located near six hospitals, with the two closest being Mount Pleasant Hospital and East Cooper Medical Center, and has above-average reviews for the area. Merrill Gardens at Carolina Park offers 158 independent, assisted living, and memory care apartments, as well as 28 cottages, with concierge services, scheduled transportation, 24-hour staffing, and weekly housekeeping. The community features a pool, fitness center, and restaurant-style dining, allowing residents to live a full and happy life built around their delights and hobbies.

(843) 303-9809

Capacity and availability

Medium-capacity home

Offers a balance of services and community atmosphere.

Total beds 193

193-bed community

A large-scale community that may provide a wide range of amenities, services, and structured programs.

Walk Score: 14 / 100

Car-dependent. Most errands require a car, with limited nearby walkable options.

About this community

Facility TypeCommunity Residential Care Facilities

StatusActive

ExpirationNovember 30, 2026

CountyCharleston

License NumberCRC-1917

Merrill Gardens at Carolina Park is legally operated by New Merrill Gardens At Carolina Park Llc, and administrated by Barresi, Timothy.

Ownership TypeLimited Liability

Emergency SystemsResident call system available.

Safety Features24-hour staffing.

Respite Care

24-Hour Staffing

Offers Alzheimer's Care

Dedicated Alzheimer's Unit

Email [email protected]

ActivitiesAn Active Living Program Director manages a full calendar of enriching activities.

Starting Price$3,295

Food DescriptionResidents enjoy fresh, restaurant-style meals every day with the Anytime Dining program.

What does this home offer?

Pets Allowed: Yes, Pets Allowed

Room Sizes: 420 / 445 / 600 / 645 / 690 / 692 / 1017 / 1020 / 1113 sq. ft

Housing Options: Cottage / Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed

Building Type: 3-story

Transportation Services

Fitness and Recreation

Types of Care at Merrill Gardens at Carolina Park

Assisted Living Independent Living Memory Care

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Merrill Gardens at Carolina Park

Mt Pleasant

193

Yes

Cottage / Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed

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Merrill Gardens at Carolina Park

Type of care: AL IL MC

Community: Mt Pleasant

Bed Count: 193

Pets Allowed: Yes

Bed Options: Cottage / Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed

The Marsh at Carolina Park

Type of care: AL IL MC NH

Community: Mt Pleasant

Bed Count: 97

Pets Allowed: Yes

Bed Options: Cottage / Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed

Applewood Assisted Living

Type of care: AL

Community: Mt Pleasant

Bed Count: 20

Pets Allowed: No

Bed Options: Cottage / Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed

Maplewood of Mt. Pleasant

Type of care: AL

Community: Mount Pleasant

Pets Allowed: No

Bed Options: Cottage / Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed

South Bay At Mount Pleasant

Type of care: AL

Community: Mount Pleasant

Pets Allowed: No

Bed Options: Cottage / Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed

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Living Spaces & Floor Plans

Merrill Gardens At Carolina Park 3

Merrill Gardens At Carolina Park1 2

Merrill Gardens At Carolina Park2 2

Merrill Gardens At Carolina Park3

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Guides for Better Senior Living

Care Cost Calculator: See Prices in Your Area

Nursing Home Data Explorer

Don’t Wait Too Long: 7 Red Flag Signs Your Parent Needs Assisted Living Now

The True Cost of Assisted Living in 2025 – And How Families Are Paying For It

Understanding Senior Living Costs: Pricing Models, Discounts & Financial Assistance

Community Long Term Care (CLTC)

SC Medicaid CLTC

General: Age 65+ or disabled, 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 Specifics: High rural demand; waitlists possible.

South Carolina Respite Care Program

SC NFCSP Respite

General: Caregiver of someone 60+ (or with dementia), South Carolina resident.

Income Limits: No strict limit; prioritizes low-income.

Asset Limits: Not applicable.

SC Specifics: Limited slots; rural/urban balance.

Medicare Savings Program (MSP)

South Carolina Medicare Savings Program

General: Age 65+ or disabled, 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 Specifics: Three tiers; includes Extra Help for Part D; no waitlist.

Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

South Carolina LIHEAP

General: Age 60+ prioritized, SC resident, low-income household.

Income Limits (2025): ~$3,970/month (individual, 185% FPL).

Asset Limits: Not assessed; income-focused.

SC Specifics: Covers gas, electric, oil; emergency aid via ECAP (~$500 max).

Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP)

South Carolina SCSEP

General: Age 55+, unemployed, low-income, SC resident.

Income Limits (2025): ~$1,983/month (125% FPL).

Asset Limits: Not specified; income-focused.

SC Specifics: Priority for veterans, rural residents; Goodwill/AARP partnership.

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

South Carolina VA Aid and Attendance/Housebound

General: Age 65+ or disabled veteran/spouse, 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 Specifics: High veteran population; supports rural/urban care needs.

Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP)

South Carolina SFMNP

General: Age 60+, SC resident, low-income.

Income Limits (2025): ~$2,322/month (individual, 185% FPL).

Asset Limits: Not assessed.

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

Homestead Exemption Program

South Carolina Homestead Exemption

General: Age 65+ (or disabled/blind), SC resident 1+ year, homeowner.

Income Limits (2025): None; tax-based eligibility.

Asset Limits: Not assessed; home-focused.

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

Elderly Simplified Application Project (ESAP)

South Carolina ESAP (SNAP for Seniors)

General: Age 60+, 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 Specifics: Simplified process; serves ~50,000 seniors annually.

Assisted Living in Mount Pleasant

Merrill Gardens at Carolina Park

Assisted Living in Mount Pleasant

Merrill Gardens at Carolina Park

Capacity and availability

Medium-capacity home

About this community

License Details

Additional Licensing Details

Ownership & Operating Entity

Safety & Compliance

Therapy & Rehabilitation

Staffing & Medical

Memory & Specialized Care

Contact Information

Additional Policies & Features

Amenities & Lifestyle

Pricing & Financial Information

Dining & Nutrition

What does this home offer?

Types of Care at Merrill Gardens at Carolina Park

Contact Merrill Gardens at Carolina Park

Compare Assisted Living around Mount Pleasant The information below is reported by the South Carolina Department of Public Health, Bureau of Healthcare Quality.

Living Spaces & Floor Plans

Merrill Gardens At Carolina Park 3

Merrill Gardens At Carolina Park1 2

Merrill Gardens At Carolina Park2 2

Merrill Gardens At Carolina Park3

Places of interest near Merrill Gardens at Carolina Park

Calculate Travel Distance to Merrill Gardens at Carolina Park

Guides for Better Senior Living

Eldertainment

Financial Aid for South Carolina Seniors

Community Long Term Care (CLTC)

South Carolina Respite Care Program

Medicare Savings Program (MSP)

Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP)

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

Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP)

Homestead Exemption Program

Elderly Simplified Application Project (ESAP)

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