Explore Open Rooms
1 Contact details
2 What type of senior care service are you looking for?
3 What budget do you have in mind for senior care?
4 How soon do you need to find care?
5 Additional details

Thank you for your interest!

Our team will be in touch shortly to help with next steps.

Assisted Living in Columbia

Merrill Gardens at Columbia

Assisted Living in Columbia

Merrill Gardens at Columbia

Overview of Merrill Gardens at Columbia

Merrill Gardens at Columbia is an assisted living facility located in Columbia, South Carolina, offering independent living and hospice services on-site. 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 Columbia start at $3,225 and range up to $6,585, with the average price being $4,905, which is more than the average cost of assisted living in the area. The community is pet-friendly, and while South Carolina requires three meals to be provided per day, it can accommodate vegan or vegetarian diets.

Residents at Merrill Gardens at Columbia 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 five hospitals, with the two closest being Palmetto Health Richland and Palmetto Health Baptist, and has above-average reviews for the area. Merrill Gardens at Columbia offers 120 independent living and assisted living apartments, with concierge services, scheduled transportation, 24-hour staffing, and weekly housekeeping. The community features a variety of amenities, including a pet-friendly environment, pool, fitness programs, outdoor areas, and social outings, allowing residents to choose from a range of options to suit their individual needs and preferences.

(803) 234-5075

Capacity and availability

Smaller home

May offer a more intimate, personalized care environment.

Total beds 52
Bed community size
52-bed community
A moderately sized community that may balance personal attention with shared amenities and social activities.
Walk Score
Walk Score: 17 / 100
Car-dependent. Most errands require a car, with limited nearby walkable options.

About this community

License Details

Facility TypeCommunity Residential Care Facilities
ExpirationMarch 31, 2026
CountyRichland /

Additional Licensing Details

License NumberCRC-1979
Awards2024 Great Place to Work, 2024-2025

Ownership & Operating Entity

Merrill Gardens at Columbia is legally operated by Merrill Gardens At Columbia Llc, and administrated by Dougal, Kear.

Ownership Type#REF!

Safety & Compliance

Emergency SystemsResident Call System
Safety Features24-hour Staffing

Staffing & Medical

1 service
24-Hour Staffing

Memory & Specialized Care

2 services
Offers Alzheimer's Care
Dedicated Alzheimer's Unit

Contact Information

Additional Policies & Features

HousekeepingYes

Amenities & Lifestyle

9 amenities
24-Hour Staffing
Resident Call System
Transportation Options
Anytime Dining
On-Site Maintenance
Weekly Housekeeping
Fitness Area
Pets Welcome
Wellness Program
ActivitiesActive Living Program with a packed calendar of enriching activities.
Specific ProgramsIndependent Living, Assisted Living, Neighborhood

Pricing & Financial Information

Starting Price$4,800

Dining & Nutrition

Food DescriptionAnytime Dining program with fresh restaurant-style meals served seven days a week.
Meals IncludedYes

What does this home offer?

Pets allowed icon
Pets allowed icon

Pets Allowed: Yes, Pets Allowed

Room sizes icon
Room sizes icon

Room Sizes: 504 - 1,172 sq. ft

Housing options icon
Housing options icon

Housing Options: Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed

Transportation services icon
Transportation services icon

Transportation Services

Fitness and recreation icon
Fitness and recreation icon

Fitness and Recreation

Types of Care at Merrill Gardens at Columbia

Assisted Living Independent Living

Contact Merrill Gardens at Columbia

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

Filter by care type
Merrill Gardens at Columbia
AL

Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence.

IL

Independent Living Lifestyle-focused communities for older adults offering dining, activities, and transportation with minimal personal care. Best for active, independent seniors who want community without medical support.

Columbia (Midtown - Downtown)
52
Yes
17
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
-
Brookdale Columbia
AL

Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence.

Columbia
52
Yes
35
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
-
Brookdale Harbison
AL

Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence.

Columbia
52
Yes
36
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
-
Atria Forest Lake
AL

Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence.

MC

Memory Care Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. Staff trained in cognitive impairment, with higher staff-to-resident ratios and an environment designed to reduce confusion and wandering risk.

Columbia
-
Yes
65
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
-
Carolina Gardens at Kathwood
AL

Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence.

MC

Memory Care Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. Staff trained in cognitive impairment, with higher staff-to-resident ratios and an environment designed to reduce confusion and wandering risk.

Columbia
-
Yes
36
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
A+

Living Spaces & Floor Plans

Merrill Gardens At Columbia 1 Bed
Merrill Gardens At Columbia Studio
Merrill Gardens At Columbia 2 Bed

Places of interest near Merrill Gardens at Columbia

Address 2 miles from city center — 0.48 miles to nearest hospital (Prisma Health Pediatric Urologyu2013Columbia)

Calculate Travel Distance to Merrill Gardens at Columbia

Add your location

Address

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

Financial Aid for South Carolina Seniors

Get financial aid guidance

Community Long Term Care (CLTC)

SC Medicaid CLTC

Age 65+ or disabled, South Carolina resident, Medicaid-eligible, nursing home-level care need.

~$2,829/month (300% FBR, individual).

$2,000 (individual), $3,000 (couple).

High rural demand; waitlists possible.

South Carolina Respite Care Program

SC NFCSP Respite

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

No strict limit; prioritizes low-income.

Not applicable.

Limited slots; rural/urban balance.

Medicare Savings Program (MSP)

South Carolina Medicare Savings Program

Age 65+ or disabled, SC resident, Medicare Part A/B.

~$2,510/month (QMB), ~$3,380/month (SLMB), ~$3,598/month (QI)—individual.

$9,430 (individual), $14,130 (couple).

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

Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

South Carolina LIHEAP

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

~$3,970/month (individual, 185% FPL).

Not assessed; income-focused.

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

Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP)

South Carolina SCSEP

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

~$1,983/month (125% FPL).

Not specified; income-focused.

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

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

South Carolina VA Aid and Attendance/Housebound

Age 65+ or disabled veteran/spouse, SC resident, wartime service, need for ADL help (A&A) or homebound.

Net income < ~$1,984/month (veteran with dependent, A&A); pension offsets income.

~$155,356 (net worth limit).

High veteran population; supports rural/urban care needs.

Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP)

South Carolina SFMNP

Age 60+, SC resident, low-income.

~$2,322/month (individual, 185% FPL).

Not assessed.

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

Homestead Exemption Program

South Carolina Homestead Exemption

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

None; tax-based eligibility.

Not assessed; home-focused.

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

Elderly Simplified Application Project (ESAP)

South Carolina ESAP (SNAP for Seniors)

Age 60+, SC resident, no earned income, not on SCCAP.

~$1,732/month (133% FPL, individual).

$4,250 (individual, higher than standard SNAP).

Simplified process; serves ~50,000 seniors annually.

Tour Icon
Planning a tour? Check our touring checklist.
Chat Icon
Thinking of living here? We can help you speak to a current resident