Merrill Gardens at Columbia

Assisted Living in 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
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

Awards

Awards2024 Great Place to Work, 2024-2025

License Details

Facility TypeCommunity Residential Care Facilities
ExpirationMarch 31, 2026
CountyRichland /
License NumberCRC-1979

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

Memory & Specialized Care

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

Contact Information

Additional Policies & Features

HousekeepingYes

Amenities & Lifestyle

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 ProgramsNeighborhood

Pricing & Financial Information

Starting Price$4,800 per month

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

Living Spaces & Floor Plans

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

Financial Assistance for
Assisted Living in South Carolina

Merrill Gardens at 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%)

Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

South Carolina LIHEAP

Age 60+ prioritized
General SC resident, low-income household.
Income Limits (2025) ~$3,970/month individual, 185% FPL
Asset Limits Not assessed; income-focused.
SC

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

Benefits
Heating/cooling aid (~$300-$1,000/season) Emergency aid Weatherization

Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP)

South Carolina SCSEP

Age 55+
General unemployed, low-income, SC resident.
Income Limits (2025) ~$1,983/month 125% FPL
Asset Limits Not specified; income-focused.
SC

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

Benefits
Paid training (~20 hours/week at ~$7.25/hour) Job placement

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)

Places of interest near Merrill Gardens at Columbia

Address 2 miles from city center Info 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)

Calculate Travel Distance to Merrill Gardens at Columbia

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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

Penalty History

Penalties are imposed by CMS for violations of federal nursing home regulations.

No penalties in the past 3 years

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

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)52Yes 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 (Dentsville)52Yes 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.

Columbia52Yes 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 (Deaswood)-Yes 36 Studio / 1 Bed / 2 BedA+

Guides for Better Senior Living

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