Assisted Living in Easley, SC

Assisted Living Costs in Easley

The Genworth 2018 Cost of Care study shows that Easley’s average monthly cost of assisted living is slightly lower than the national average at $3,843, but higher than the $3,500 state average. When compared to major metropolitan areas in the northern half of the state, Easley is the most expensive for assisted living care. The difference is especially significant when comparing smaller South Carolina cities such as Spartanburg ($2,310) and Florence ($2,275).

Note: Senior care cost data wasn’t available for Easley, so data for the closest city, Greenville, was used.

Cost of Assisted Living Comparison Chart

• Easley/Greenville area: $3,843
• National average: $4,000
• State average: $3,500
• Columbia: $3,808
• Spartanburg: $2,310
• Sumter: $3,000
• Florence: $2,275

Care Cost Comparison

Aside from location, the type of care required also has a major impact on the cost of senior care in the area. Nursing home care in Easley is almost double the average monthly cost of assisted living. Families can experience slight financial relief if homemaker or home health aide services are needed, with savings of about $80 per month. When choosing between senior care options, it’s important to consider the various home maintenance, food and utility costs related to remaining at home for a more accurate cost comparison with assisted living, which typically covers these expenses.

Cost of Homemaker/Home Health Aide Comparison Chart

• Assisted living: $3,843
• Homemaker services: $3,766
• Home health aide: $3,766
• Adult day health: $1,343
• Nursing home care (semiprivate room): $6,935

Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Easley

Medicaid in South Carolina

Medicaid is a federal- and state-funded health insurance program available to all Americans with limited income and assets. In South Carolina, Medicaid is known as Healthy Connections and administered through the state’s Department of Health and Human Services.

South Carolina Medicaid offers specific assistance programs for different levels of care. The Home and Community Based Services program provides services to eligible seniors in their home, for adult day care or when living in an assisted living facility.

To qualify, individuals must have a monthly income below $2,313 and $2,000 or less in assets. For married couples, the limits are $4,626 in income and $4,000 in assets. Certain assets are excluded, such as a primary residence valued at less than $585,000, one vehicle, household furnishings and jewelry.

Seniors in South Carolina who require a nursing home level of care also may be eligible for the Community Long-Term Care (CLTC) waiver. This program is designed for those who need the services normally received in a nursing home but would prefer to remain living in their home or community.

Services offered to eligible seniors can include:

• Companion services
• Case management
• Assistance with daily living activities
• Skilled nursing care
• Disposable medical supplies
• Nutritional supplements
• Personal emergency response system
• Adult day care
• Community residential care/assisted living

More information about the South Carolina Medicaid program and CLTC waiver can be obtained by calling the South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services at (888) 847-0908.

Other Financial Assistance Programs for Assisted Living

Optional State Supplementation

The Optional State Supplementation program is available to eligible, low-income South Carolina residents who are at least 65 years old and unable to care for themselves independently due to a disability or age-related health condition. Seniors must live in a facility that participates in the OSS program through SCDHHS and be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident. To qualify as low-income, seniors must have a monthly income below $1,456 and assets of $2,000 or less.

The OSS program provides state-funded payments directly to an assisted living facility, nursing home or in-home care organization to help cover the cost of care. Eligible applicants also receive full benefits from Medicaid.

For more information on the South Carolina OSS program, call the Healthy Connections Contact Center at (888) 549-0820.

Assisted Living Bridge Loans

Eldercare bridge loans are available to seniors who need financial assistance to cover the cost of moving into an assisted living facility, but can’t yet access funds from new benefits or the sale of a home. These loans offer terms of up to 12 months, and once approved, funds may be accessed through a lump sum payment or line of credit.  Applications can be completed online or over the phone. To learn more, call Elderlife Financial at (888) 228-4500.

Veterans Aid and Attendance Pension Program

Senior veterans and their spouses may be eligible for the Veterans Administration Aid and Attendance Pension program to help with assisted living care costs. Maximum benefit amounts are $1,881 per month for eligible veterans, $1,210 for surviving spouses and $2,230 for married couples. To be eligible, veteran seniors must be at least 65 years old, have served a minimum of 90 days with at least one day during wartime and demonstrate a need for help with activities of daily living. Applicants also must also meet income and asset requirements. For more information, contact the Greenville Vet Center at (864) 271-2711.

Assisted Living Resources in Easley

Senior Activity Centers Near Easley

There are several senior centers and activity opportunities available in Easley and the surrounding areas. These facilities offer seniors the chance to socialize, participate in physical activities, attend hosted events and learn new skills.

Easley Senior Center
401 Blair St, Easley, SC 29640
(864) 859-1588

Ray Hopkins Senior Center
203 Corn Rd, Greenville, SC 39607
(864) 234-3488

Pickens Senior Center
129 Schoolhouse St, Pickens, SC 29671
(864) 878-6000

Veterans Resources

Easley senior veterans can get information about VA benefits and services at the Pickens County VA office, seek medical care at a nearby VA outpatient clinic or visit one of the area’s VFW posts.

Pickens County VA
222 McDaniel Ave, Ste B13, Pickens, SC 29671
(864) 898-5926

Greenville VA Outpatient Clinic
41 Park Creek Dr, Greenville, SC 29605
(864) 299-1600

Veterans of Foreign Wars
885 Old Easley Hwy, Greenville, SC 29611
(864) 220-0300

Senior Aid Agencies

Seniors in Easley can be connected with appropriate aging service agencies through the Appalachian Council of Governments, which acts as the local Area Agency on Aging. South Carolina’s Department on Aging offers a variety of senior-focused resources, and Senior Solutions provides services to upstate residents, such as meal delivery, transportation and medical services.

Appalachian Council of Governments
30 Century Cir, Greenville, SC 29607
(800) 434-4036

South Carolina Department on Aging
1301 Gervais St, Suite 350, Columbia, SC 29201
(800) 868-9095

Senior Solutions
101 Perry Ave, Seneca, SC 29678
(864) 885-1000