Assisted Living in Oconee County, SC

Assisted Living Costs in Oconee County

According to Genworth’s 2018 Cost of Care study, the average monthly cost for assisted living in Oconee County is slightly less than the national average at $3,843 and 10% higher than the state average of $3,500. Assisted living in Oconee County is among the more expensive areas in the state, especially when compared to other major cities. In fact, only three cities, including Myrtle Beach ($4,526) and Charleston ($3,925), have a higher cost of care, while smaller cities such as Spartanburg ($2,310) and Florence ($2,275) are much less expensive. 

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

Cost of Assisted Living Comparison Chart

• Oconee County/Greenville area: $3,843
• National average: $4,000
• State average: $3,500
• Spartanburg: $2,310
• Florence: $2,275
• Myrtle Beach: $4,526
• Charleston: $3,925
• Columbia: $3,808

Care Cost Comparison

The cost of senior care is dependent on several factors, including the number of direct service hours and level of care needed. Assisted living and home care are similarly priced, whereas a semiprivate room in a nursing facility costs more than all other forms of care. When deciding on care, remember to take into account all costs associated with living at home. Unlike assisted living or nursing home care where meals, maintenance and rent are factored in, these expenditures are part of your total monthly budget for home care.

Cost of Homemaker/Home Health Aide Comparison Chart

• Assisted living: $3,843
• Homemaker services: $3,776
• Home health aide: $3,776
• Adult day health: $1,343
• Nursing home care (semiprivate room): $6,935

Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Oconee County

Medicaid in South Carolina

Medicaid, the national health coverage available to low-income seniors in the Oconee County area, is administered by South Carolina’s Medicaid Program, Healthy Connections. Medicaid covers some or all of the costs associated with medical care, including inpatient and outpatient hospital services, nursing facilities, home health care and physician services. However, to receive coverage for long-term care, such as assisted living or a nursing home, applicants likely need to apply for the Home and Community-Based Services waiver discussed below.

Seniors who have been receiving social security for a minimum of 24 months are automatically eligible for Medicaid. In South Carolina, to qualify for Medicaid under the Aged, Blind and Disabled category, applicants must have a monthly income of less than $1,041 for individuals or $1,410 for couples and assets of no more than $7,730 for individuals or $11,600 for couples. Additionally, they must be South Carolina residents and U.S. citizens. Those who want to apply for Medicaid in Oconee County can do so by applying online or calling Healthy Connections at (888) 549-0820.

Home and Community-Based Services Waiver

Seniors who are either 65 and older, blind or disabled and need a nursing home level of care may qualify for the Home and Community-Based Services waiver. The HCBC waiver allows the elderly to continue receiving the services they need while remaining within their homes and communities. In addition to residency and citizenship requirements, the following eligibility criteria must be met:

• Need nursing home level of care, either at home or in a facility
• Have an income equal to or less than 300 percent of the SSI Federal Benefit Rate
• Currently reside in a medical institution or receiving an HCBS waiver for 30 days or longer
• Possess a valid social security number

Those who wish to apply may do so online or by completing forms available through Healthy Connections and submitting them to the local Oconee County office.  

Other Financial Assistance Programs for Assisted Living

Optional State Supplementation

Seniors who need help paying for their assisted living may be eligible for the Optional State Supplementation program. In Oconee County, assisted living is provided by Community Residential Care Facilities, and they must be licensed and approved to qualify. To be considered eligible for aid, applicants must have assets less than $2,000 and income less than $1,181 monthly. OSS contributes payment for residents of CRCF up to a maximum of $1,100, which the CRCF must consider as payment in full. The OSS also provides a personal needs allowance of up to $79 per month. To learn more about the South Carolina OSS program, call Healthy Connections at (888) 549-0820 or apply online.

Assisted Living Bridge Loans

Elderlife Financial Services offer bridge loans to help finance a move into an assisted living facility. Seniors who are in the process of selling their home or applying for benefits can use a bridge loan to cover costs until benefits kick in. Elderlife can send funds, which are usually available within 24 hours, directly to many facilities. A 15-minute application process can be done over the phone or online. Funds can be taken in a lump sum or through a line of credit. To learn more about assisted living bridge loans or to apply, contact Elderlife Financial at (888) 228-4500. 

Assisted Living Resources in Oconee County

Senior Centers in Oconee County

The Oconee Senior Center creates ongoing opportunities for seniors to learn, grow and thrive within their community. Its monthly newsletter details the diverse offerings, which include exercise classes and various educational and music programs to help keep seniors active and engaged. The Oconee Senior Center also provides participants other health-related services such as Meals on Wheels, luncheons and health screenings.

Oconee Senior Center
3500 Hog Mountain Road, Watkinsville, GA 30677
(706) 769-3979

Area Agency on Aging

In Oconee County, the Area Agency on Aging is administered by the Appalachian Council of Governments and offers information, advocacy and support for older adults or those living with a disability. In addition to operating the Regional Long-Term Care Ombudsman program and Family Caregiver program, ACOG runs a nutrition program offering congregant and home-delivered meals for those who qualify.

Appalachian Council of Governments (ACOG)
30 Century Circle, Greenville, SC 29607
(864) 242-9733

Resources for Veterans

Elderly veterans can visit Oconee’s Veterans Affairs Office to get information regarding VA benefits and services. There are also two VA outpatient clinics in Oconee County for those seeking medical care.

Veterans Affairs Oconee Office
223 Kenneth Street, Walhalla, SC 29691
(864) 638-4231

Anderson VA Outpatient Clinic
3030 SC-81, Anderson, SC 29621
(864) 224-5450

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