Nursing Homes · Columbia
South Carolina Nursing Homes: 2026 Quality Guide
Choosing a South Carolina Nursing Home in 4 Steps
- Start at Medicare Care Compare. Filter by ZIP, sort by Overall Rating, focus on 4–5 star facilities with strong Staffing sub-ratings.
- Read the inspection report (Form 2567). Look for repeat citations or scope-and-severity grade G or higher.
- Visit twice — one weekday meal, one weekend or evening. Note call-light response, odors, resident engagement, and food.
- Interview staff — nurse-to-resident ratios per shift, annual turnover, antipsychotic use rate, and care planning process.
South Carolina Nursing Home Numbers
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Medicare-certified facilities | 195 |
| 5-star Overall rating | 20% |
| Median semi-private room | $8,200/month |
| Median assisted living (alternative) | $4,000/month |
| State survey agency | South Carolina DHEC |
| Long-term care ombudsman | 1-800-868-9095 |
Paying for Nursing Home Care in South Carolina
- Medicare — up to 100 days of skilled care after a qualifying 3-day hospital stay.
- Medicaid — covers long-term custodial care for South Carolina residents who meet financial and medical criteria.
- Long-term care insurance — pays daily benefit once you need help with 2+ ADLs.
- Private pay — personal savings, home equity, annuities.
- Veterans benefits — VA Aid & Attendance or community living centers for eligible veterans.
South Carolina Nursing Home Rights
Federal law guarantees every nursing home resident rights to dignity, privacy, freedom from abuse and unreasonable restraint, participation in care planning, and a formal grievance process. The South Carolina ombudsman (1-800-868-9095) is your advocate.
Related
- Medicare in South Carolina
- Assisted living in South Carolina
- How to choose a nursing home (national guide)
- Printable nursing home visit checklist
Disclaimer: Figures are approximate 2026 benchmarks. Not affiliated with the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many nursing homes are in South Carolina?+
Approximately 195 Medicare-certified nursing homes operate in South Carolina, with 20% rated 5 stars Overall by CMS.
How much does a nursing home cost in South Carolina?+
The median semi-private room cost is about $8,200 per month (Genworth Cost of Care Survey benchmarks). Private rooms typically cost 10–15% more.
Who regulates nursing homes in South Carolina?+
South Carolina DHEC conducts state surveys on behalf of CMS. You can view every facility's latest inspection report on Medicare Care Compare.
Who advocates for South Carolina nursing home residents?+
The state long-term care ombudsman (1-800-868-9095) is the primary advocate. Contact them if you have concerns about quality, rights, or discharge.
Does Medicare pay for long-term nursing home care in South Carolina?+
No. Medicare covers up to 100 days of skilled care after a qualifying hospital stay. Long-term custodial care is paid out-of-pocket, by long-term care insurance, or by Medicaid for those who qualify.