Merrill Gardens at Columbia

Q: What neighborhood is Merrill Gardens at Columbia in?

Merrill Gardens at Columbia is in the Midtown - Downtown neighborhood of Columbia.

Q: Is Merrill Gardens at Columbia in a walkable area?

Merrill Gardens at Columbia has a walk score of 17. Car-dependent. Most errands require a car, with limited nearby walkable options.

Q: What is the license number of Merrill Gardens at Columbia?

According to SC state health department records, Merrill Gardens at Columbia's license number is CRC-1979.

Q: When does Merrill Gardens at Columbia's license expire?

According to SC state health department records, Merrill Gardens at Columbia's license expires on March 31, 2026.

Q: What is the best email address for Merrill Gardens at Columbia?

The team at Merrill Gardens at Columbia can be reached at DOUGALK@MERRILLGARDENS.COM.

Q: Who is the administrator of Merrill Gardens at Columbia?

Kear Dougal is the administrator of Merrill Gardens at Columbia.

Q: How many beds does Merrill Gardens at Columbia have?

Merrill Gardens at Columbia has 52 beds.

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

Types of Care at Merrill Gardens at Columbia

Assisted Living Independent Living

52-bed community

A moderately sized community that may balance personal attention with shared amenities and social activities.

Walk Score: 17 / 100

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

About this community

Awards2024 Great Place to Work, 2024-2025

Facility TypeCommunity Residential Care Facilities

ExpirationMarch 31, 2026

CountyRichland /

License NumberCRC-1979

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

Ownership Type#REF!

Emergency SystemsResident Call System

Safety Features24-hour Staffing

Offers Alzheimer's Care

Dedicated Alzheimer's Unit

Email [email protected]

HousekeepingYes

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.

Starting Price$4,800 per month

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

What does this home offer?

Pets Allowed

Room Sizes: 504 - 1,172 sq. ft

Housing Options: Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed

Transportation Services

Fitness and Recreation

Living Spaces & Floor Plans for Merrill Gardens at Columbia

Merrill Gardens At Columbia 1 Bed

Merrill Gardens At Columbia Studio

Merrill Gardens At Columbia 2 Bed

2.0 miles from city center Estimated distance in miles from Columbia's city center to Merrill Gardens at Columbia's address, calculated via Google Maps. — 0.48 miles to nearest hospital (Prisma Health Pediatric Urologyu2013Columbia)

Quick search

Calculate Travel Distance to Merrill Gardens at Columbia

Add your location

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).

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.

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).

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

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.

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.

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

Simplified process; serves ~50,000 seniors annually.

Benefits

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

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


Harmony 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. 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	110	Yes	36	Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed	C-
Spring Oak Lexington	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.	Lexington	90	No	22	Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed	-
Colonial Gardens Assisted Living & Memory Care	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.	West Columbia	66	Yes	18	Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed	-
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 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	-

View all Nearby Homes

What neighborhood is Merrill Gardens at Columbia in?

Merrill Gardens at Columbia is in the Midtown - Downtown neighborhood of Columbia.

Is Merrill Gardens at Columbia in a walkable area?

Merrill Gardens at Columbia has a walk score of 17. Car-dependent. Most errands require a car, with limited nearby walkable options.

What is the license number of Merrill Gardens at Columbia?

According to SC state health department records, Merrill Gardens at Columbia's license number is CRC-1979.

When does Merrill Gardens at Columbia's license expire?

According to SC state health department records, Merrill Gardens at Columbia's license expires on March 31, 2026.

What is the best email address for Merrill Gardens at Columbia?

The team at Merrill Gardens at Columbia can be reached at [email protected].

Who is the administrator of Merrill Gardens at Columbia?

Kear Dougal is the administrator of Merrill Gardens at Columbia.

How many beds does Merrill Gardens at Columbia have?

Merrill Gardens at Columbia has 52 beds.

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