South Carolina Memory Care Facilities

South Carolina is rarely mentioned in the national conversation for senior living, but it’s most certainly a hidden gem. The state is often overlooked based on its proximity as some people aren’t quite sure whether it belongs with the rest of the south or with the mid-Atlantic. Regardless, South Carolina memory care seems to offer the best of both worlds, featuring the rich settings of the mid-Atlantic while providing southern charm and hospitality thanks to the skilled dementia care staff members.

South Carolina memory care facilities are also extremely affordable. The state ranks within the Top 10 of most affordable in the US. Whether you are seeking a room exclusive to Alzheimer’s care or want a little more hands-on attention and treatment in a specialized unit that operates within a larger assisted living center or nursing home, they are definitely worth considering.

Detailed Cost of Memory Care in South Carolina

South Carolina dementia care facilities are known for their lower than average monthly costs. In fact, the average median for memory care communities in South Carolina is only $4,200 per month, substantially lower than the national average. Here, residents pay approximately $140 per day, compared to the national median of $160 per day. That is potential savings of $600 or more per month, and $7,200 in one year.

Rates can get even lower than $140 per day, where the top ten percent of most affordable dementia care facilities in South Carolina are priced between $85 and $110 per day. Based on these numbers, families of loved ones with Alzheimer’s or dementia may pay just over $2,600, give or take, per month.

The prices in South Carolina can fluctuate substantially. Several coastal communities with scenic views of the landscape and the Atlantic coast, along with some of the most reputable and skilled nursing staff, tend to generate far higher daily averages. In certain parts of the state, memory care can be priced at $200 per day. The highest reported costs are approximately $225 per day for a room with Alzheimer’s care.

There are a few other states in the south that offer slightly cheaper average prices for dementia care than South Carolina. Alabama, Florida, Mississippi, Louisiana, Arkansas and West Virginia rank higher in terms of affordability, yet Alabama, Mississippi and Florida are only slightly less expensive. Here are detailed memory costs in the state of South Carolina:

South Carolina Dementia Care - Amenities

South Carolina memory care facilities, whether an exclusive community or a branch of services offered at a larger senior living home, tend to offer the same standard amenities. These include daily meal servings, assistance with daily tasks like hygiene and getting dressed, moving around the facility, housekeeping, and day rooms with arranged programs and activities.

The staff at the top-rated Alzheimer’s care homes in South Carolina are delegated to deal with the unfortunate side effects of dementia, as they are well versed and knowledgeable about the treatment of this disease. The buildings are generally arranged to help prevent a resident wandering outside facility grounds, and even include color-coded walls inside. There are a number of different ways the skilled staff members can assist with your loved one. They understand that each case is different and are always available to help them as well as communicate with you whenever necessary.

Admission Requirements to Memory Care Facilities in South Carolina

A potential resident to any South Carolina memory care facility is required to undergo an assessment prior to admission. In this process, the individual’s needs are evaluated, including physical, nutritional, behavioral, emotional, spiritual, social and recreational. When necessary, their educational, vocational and legal status are reviewed as well. The results of the assessment will determine the individual’s type of cognitive illness, and the stage they are in, if it is Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia.

Once the level of their condition has been identified, the facility will decide whether they can meet the individual’s unique needs. They must also consider the patient’s strengths and weaknesses. In addition, they need to ensure that they can provide the amenities required to address the challenges of the person’s health condition. And finally, an individual care plan must be developed by the facility and agreed to by the resident and their authorized representative.

Security in South Carolina Memory Care Units

The State of South Carolina describes an Alzheimer’s Special Care Unit or Program as “a facility or area within a facility providing a secure, special program or unit for residents with a diagnosis of probable Alzheimer’s disease and/or related dementia.” These residences are mandated by the state law to have safety measures and security policies in place to prevent or limit the access of their residents outside their respective designated living spaces.

South Carolina – Regulations for Memory Care Establishments

Licensed memory care facilities in SC are regulated by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC), which ensures compliance of state’s regulations. The following are regulations that each memory care home has to abide by:

Personal Care

A resident’s individual care plan outlines the services they require, which can be their express wishes and preferences or orders from their physician or authorized healthcare provider. These include: (1) assisting (or directing, when appropriate) the resident with daily living, (2) being aware of their location on-site, even as they have the freedom to walk independently around the community, and (3) constantly monitoring their activities to ensure their safety, health and wellbeing.

Staff

Each dementia care facility is required to employ an administrator to oversee the operations. It must also have an adequate number of Direct Care Staff Members or Direct Care Volunteers who are trained and skilled in assisting residents with their daily living activities.

Each staff member and volunteer should undergo a health evaluation under a physician, an authorized healthcare provider, or a registered nurse. This assessment must be documented according to written standing orders and protocol and approved with a physician’s signature. The physician must review it every year, and the facility must maintain a copy of each employee’s assessment.

A memory care facility may employ a registered nurse with an S.C. Board of Nursing license or one who has been granted multi-state licensing privileges by the same board. The hiring arrangement must be compliant with the Nurse Licensure Compact Act provisions and conditions.

Dispensing Medication

The state allows only a licensed pharmacist or staff member of a care facility to administer one or more doses of either a medication or a medical device to the residents. These should be kept in a secure container with a clear label.

Transportation

The written agreement between a resident and a memory care facility must clearly state the maximum distance the facility can transport the resident at no cost. This includes only travels to hospitals, physicians and other health care providers.

Exploitation

The state explicitly prohibits a facility’s staff to force its residents to participate in any activity or labor deemed unlawful, improper, or against their wishes. This does not include those prescribed by their physician or written in their individual care plan.

Unauthorized use of a resident’s funds, property, assets, guardianship, conservatorship or power of attorney is considered exploitation if a facility’s staff profits or gains advantage from it. Similarly, influencing a resident to buy goods or pay for services for the seller’s profit or advantage is defined as exploitation.

When Is Your Loved One Ready for Memory Care?

In the State of South Carolina, Alzheimer’s disease has reached public health crisis levels. With an aging population and no possible cure in the immediate future, its effects are expected to persist or even get worse.

According to the data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), 12.1% of South Carolina residents aged 45 and up are experiencing some form of subjective cognitive decline (SCD). This means loss of memory that happens often, and at a progressive rate over the previous year. Among them, less than half have consulted with a health care provider regarding their condition.

While many of these individuals receive care at home from a family member, 27.5% of them live alone. If your loved one with Alzheimer’s or any form of dementia is in this situation, it is recommended that they move to a memory care facility, especially if they are already in the late stages. Living alone poses serious risks to their safety and wellbeing.

In fact, among the adults of South Carolina with SCD, almost half need help doing household chores. They also complained that increasing memory loss has forced them to work, socialize and volunteer less. The problems are worse for 90% of them who have one or more other chronic condition, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, COPD, arthritis, asthma or cancer.

People with dementia require special medical and personal care. Their living space must also be well suited to the challenges of their condition. If family members are not be able to provide all these at home, then their loved one might not experience the quality of life they deserve. In memory care facilities, residents are cared for by trained professionals, and the environment is designed to ensure their safety and comfort.

Questions to Ask South Carolina Memory Care Communities During a Tour

Before moving your loved one to a South Carolina memory care community, it is highly recommended that you visit several facilities. This way, you can ensure that you select one that best fits your family member’s personal needs and preferences. If they are still capable, it would be best to take them along during these tours. Their reactions to each facility are important factors to consider when making your selection.

Make sure that you meet and discuss with each establishment’s administrator and staff. Ask about admission requirements, monthly charges, and a complete list of the services they provide. Find out the types of employees they hire, particularly those in direct contact with residents with dementia.

Inspect the building and grounds for cleanliness, safety measures and devices installed, ease of navigation, and maintenance of basic utilities. Make time to meet the residents and their families as well. Their physical appearance and demeanor can tell a lot about the quality of care they are receiving in the facility.

Memory Care vs Assisted Living in South Carolina

Many individuals living with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia, whether diagnosed or not, stay at home and are cared for by a friend or a family member. In South Carolina, one in 4 adults are caregivers, according to the BRFSS 2015 report. More than half of them are women, and 9% are caregivers for dementia patients.

Almost one third of dementia caregivers in South Carolina belong to the “sandwich generation,” which means they simultaneously care for an adult diagnosed with dementia, and a child or grandchild. This is a daunting task, considering that 85.2% of these caregivers perform household chores, such as cooking and cleaning, while 73.3% assist the dementia patient with their personal care like feeding and bathing.

With the increasing number of adults being diagnosed with dementia, South Carolina expects more current non-caregivers to be caregivers in the future. The impact of this disease is felt not only by the patient but also by the ones caring for them at home. On average, more than half of South Carolina caregivers provide care for at least 20 hours each week. Many of them experience deteriorating mental and physical health as well as depression.

To address this health crisis, the state supports and promotes the development of long-term residences which cater specifically to individuals living with dementia. Aside from the Alzheimer’s special care units in senior homes, these are the other options available in South Carolina:

Boarding House

In South Carolina, an assisted living establishment that offers room and board is allowed to house an individual with dementia, but they are required to provide personal care for the said resident. They also must not admit more than one person with such condition.

Community Residential Care Facility (CRCF)

Like a boarding house, a CRCF in South Carolina also offers room and board, but it is licensed to provide personal care for two or more individuals. The establishment must be designed to accommodate the changing needs of their residents while maintaining their dignity, privacy, safety, autonomy and independence. It must also provide programs and activities that encourage socialization and family involvement.

Assisted Living

This facility is one type of CRCF which includes a separate and protected area for residents with mental illnesses or disabilities. Transitioning your loved one with dementia from your home to an assisted care facility can be a painful experience for both of you. However, the disease necessitates professional care in a controlled environment, which very few families can provide. But you can be assured that your senior will be in good hands if you choose a long-term residence in South Carolina.