16 Assisted Living Communities in Horry County, South Carolina

The average cost of assisted living in the county is $4,526 a month. This guide is a starting point covering the cost of assisted living care in the county, as well as financing options to pay for it. You’ll find in-depth information on 16 Assisted Living Communities in Horry County and several in surrounding areas. The Cost of Senior Care in Horry County, SC

• Assisted Living: $4,526
• Nursing Home Care: $6,235
• In-home Care: $3,718
• Adult Day Health Services: $1,213

At $4,526 per month, Horry County has the highest cost for assisted living in South Carolina according to the 2018 Genworth Cost of Care Survey. The cost here is more than $500 above than the national average of $4,000 per month and over $1,000 more expensive than the state average of $3,500. To put these drastic price differences into perspective, Horry County seniors pay $2,251 more than those in Florence, where the average monthly rate for assisted living is just $2,275.

Note: Data on senior care costs for Horry County wasn’t available, so data for the county’s largest city, Myrtle Beach, was used instead.

Monthly cost is an important consideration when comparing senior care options. Prices in Horry County vary considerably based on the type of care, how many service hours are needed and where the care is provided. Adult day health services cost the least, but the rates only cover a limited amount of daytime care in a group setting. The most expensive option is nursing home care, but the additional cost may be justified if 24-hour skilled nursing services are required. To accurately compare lower-priced in-home services with assisted living, monthly household operating costs should be taken into account. In a residential facility, essential living expenses, utilities and maintenance are typically included in the lease.

The Medicaid program that serves America’s low-income residents is the nation’s largest health insurance provider. Jointly funded and administered by each state in accordance with federal regulations, the program provides free or low-cost health care to more than 72 million people coast to coast.

The South Carolina Medicaid program, which is called Healthy Connections, covers the state’s most vulnerable residents, including families with young children, pregnant women, disabled and blind adults and seniors aged 65 or older. Eligible residents can receive a number of essential services, such as doctor visits, specialty care, inpatient and emergency hospital services, X-rays, lab tests, prescription drugs and long-term care in a nursing home.

To qualify for regular Medicaid coverage, Horry County residents must meet these specific requirements:

• Be a South Carolina resident and a US citizen or legal alien
• Earn less than $1,041 if single or $1,409 if applying jointly
• Own $7,730 or less in countable assets if single or $11,600 if married

Those who qualify for Supplemental Security Income automatically receive full Medicaid coverage. The state allows seniors and disabled adults in need of long-term care to have up to $2,313 in monthly income but only $2,000 in assets per individual.

While income from all sources counts toward the limit, some assets can be disregarded, such as a primary residence, an automobile, household and personal effects and burial plots.

South Carolina makes exceptions to the income and asset limits for married couples if only one spouse needs coverage.

• The applicant can lower their monthly income by a maximum of $3,160.50 to provide a living allowance for their spouse.
• Countable joint assets may be reduced by up to $66,480 as a resource allowance for a non-applicant spouse.

Horry County residents can apply online for Healthy Connections coverage. For assistance, seniors and disabled adults can call (888) 549-0820 or visit the South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services office located at 1201 Creel St. in Conway.

Community Choices Long-Term Care Waiver

Assisted living isn’t an entitlement under the Healthy Connections program, but the state does offer the Community Choices waiver to give Medicaid-eligible seniors an alternative to nursing home admission. The waiver helps seniors stay at home or in a community setting, which saves on costly institutional care and provides enrollees with greater independence and a higher quality of life.

To qualify for the waiver, seniors and disabled adults must be screened to verify they need a nursing facility level of care but can live safely in the community using waiver-based supports. Provided services can include:

• Companion or attendant services
• Assistance with activities of daily living and personal care
• Disposable medical supplies
• Approved durable medical equipment
• Blood glucose level and blood pressure checks
• Periodic skilled nursing services
• Nutritional supplements
• Case management
• Transportation
• Personal emergency response systems

The SCDHHS caps the number of participants in the Community Choices program, so qualified applicants may be added to a waiting list depending on availability.

For more information or to begin the application process, Horry County residents can call (843) 248-7249 or visit the Conway SCDHHS office at 1201 Creel St.

Optional State Supplementation

South Carolina offers a monthly cash benefit for blind and disabled individuals and seniors aged 65 or older who live in participating state-licensed facilities. This Optional State Supplementation program is available to Horry County residents who:

• Meet SSI program eligibility requirements except for income

• Are US citizens or legal residents

• Have a monthly income of $1,456 or less

• Own countable assets valued at $2,000 or less

Once approved, participants receive full medical benefits through Healthy Connections and a monthly benefit check for room and board that’s sent directly to their care facility.

Seniors can complete an online application for the OSS program, call (888) 549-0820 or visit the Horry County SCDHHS office at 1201 Creel St. in Conway for assistance.

Reverse Mortgage

Married Horry County residents over age 62 who need to move to assisted living but whose spouse plans to remain in their home may benefit from a reverse mortgage. This kind of mortgage can provide seniors with a monthly income to pay for assisted living. The payment received varies depending on the applicant’s age and amount of home equity, and repayment isn’t necessary until the last owner vacates and the property is sold.

For more details about reverse mortgages, Horry County seniors can call Elderlife Financial Services at (888) 228-4500.

As the region’s designated AAA, the Horry County Council on Aging helps older residents live independently and maintain a high quality of life. The agency provides long-term care counseling, health insurance advice, transportation services and referrals to assistive programs. The HCCOA staff can also assess seniors’ needs and develop a personalized plan to help them stay active, healthy and involved in their community. Horry County Council on Aging
2213 N. Main St., Conway, SC 29526
(843) 248-5523

Staff at the Horry County Veterans Affairs office in Conway are available to help senior veterans file applications and appeals for VA pensions and benefits. Two VA outpatient clinics located in Myrtle Beach provide primary care, mental health care, physical therapy and nonemergency services to Horry County veterans.

Horry County Veterans Affairs Office
1949 Industrial Park Road, Suite 101, Conway, SC 29526
(843) 915-5480

Market Commons VA Clinic
1101 Johnson Ave., Suite R-2A, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
(843) 477-0177

Myrtle Beach VA Clinic
3381 Phillis Blvd., Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
(843) 477-0177

Senior Homes has an extensive directory of senior living options, with care and living providers across the United States.