Assisted Living in Seneca, SC

Assisted Living Costs in Seneca

According to Genworth’s 2018 Cost of Care study, the monthly cost of assisted living in Seneca ($3,843) sits between the state ($3,500) and national ($4,000) averages. Costs here are comparable to the larger urban areas of Charleston ($3,925) and Columbia ($3,808) and about $700 less expensive than coastal Myrtle Beach ($4,526). The nearby upstate city of Spartanburg is much more affordable at $2,310 per month.

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

The Cost of Assisted Living in Surrounding Areas

Care Cost Comparison

To accurately compare costs for senior care, it’s vital to consider the various factors, such as the type of care, included services and total service hours. Due to the skilled services and level of care provided, nursing home rates in Seneca are about double those of assisted living. Adult day health care is about one-third the cost of assisted living, but it only covers limited daytime care in a group setting. The monthly rates for homemaker and home health aide services appear to be on par with assisted living costs; however, in-home care becomes considerably more expensive when food, utilities, upkeep and other household operating costs are factored in.

Senior Care Cost Comparison Chart

Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Seneca

Medicaid in South Carolina

Medicaid is the nationwide program that provides essential health care coverage to Americans with limited income. The South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services administers the state Medicaid program called Healthy Connections. Using state and federal funds, this program covers health care costs for one-fifth of the state’s population.

U.S. citizens and legal residents of South Carolina who meet the Medicaid income guidelines can receive a complete range of health care services, including doctor and specialist visits, inpatient and emergency hospital care, X-ray and laboratory services and prescriptions.

Individuals age 65 and older qualify if they have a maximum monthly income of $1,041, $1,410 for couples. Those receiving Supplemental Security Income qualify for Medicaid coverage automatically.

Medicaid-qualified seniors assessed as needing the level of care provided in a nursing home are eligible for long-term care coverage if they:

• Have no more than $2,313 in monthly income
• Have $2,000 or less in assets per individual or $4,000 per couple

Income from all sources counts. Some assets are excluded, such as a primary home valued at less than $585,000, household furnishings, personal effects, one vehicle and an irrevocable burial trust. If just one spouse of a married couple applies, up to $3,260.50 in income is exempt as a monthly living allowance for the nonapplicant spouse. Up to $66,480 in joint assets is disregarded as well.

To learn more about Healthy Connections coverage or to apply, seniors can visit the Oconee County DHHS office at 223 B Kenneth St., Walhalla, or call (888) 549-0820.

Community Choices Waiver for Long-Term Care

South Carolina Medicaid offers a Community Choices long-term care waiver that aims to delay or prevent nursing home admission by providing services and support in a senior’s home or an assisted living setting.

Although assisted living facility room and board costs aren’t covered, the waiver pays for other care services, such as help with activities of daily living, case management, companions or attendants, wellness checks, intermittent skilled nursing care and transportation. Certain types of medical equipment, nutritional supplements and incontinence supplies are also covered.

To take advantage of this waiver, applicants must be age 65 or older or disabled and meet the residency, income and asset requirements for Medicaid coverage. Additionally, they must be assessed as needing the care level offered in a licensed nursing home but be able to live safely at home or in an assisted living facility with the provided waiver services.

The Community Choices waiver is not an entitlement program, so enrollment is limited and qualified seniors may be placed on a waiting list depending on availability.

Interested seniors can apply online, in person at the Walhalla DHHS office or by calling (888) 549-0820.

Other Financial Assistance Programs for Assisted Living

Veterans Aid and Attendance Benefits

Seneca veterans age 65 or older who receive a regular VA pension may be eligible for additional benefits through the Aid and Attendance pension program. Those receiving a VA disability pension aren’t eligible, but other veterans and their surviving spouses may qualify if they meet one of these prerequisites:

• Have a permanent, debilitating visual impairment
• Need help with daily living activities
• Reside in a nursing home or are bedridden due to a disability

Senior veterans can contact the Oconee County Veterans Affairs office at (864) 638-4231 for more information or assistance with filing an application.

Optional State Supplementation

Those receiving or eligible for Supplemental Security Income may qualify for an optional state supplement payment to bolster their monthly benefit and help pay for assisted living room and board. The exact benefit amount depends on an individual’s income, but the statewide maximum is $483. To qualify, an applicant must:

• Be a U.S. citizen or legal resident age 65 or older
• Live in a licensed community residential care facility
• Have $1,456 or less in monthly income and $2,000 or less in assets

To learn more about the OSS program or to apply, seniors can visit the Oconee County DHHS office or call (864) 638-4420.

Assisted Living Resources in Seneca

Senior Activity Center

The Oconee Senior Center brings together Seneca residents 55 and older for an array of enjoyable and rewarding activities. There are lunch and learn seminars, planned day trips, varied fitness programs and educational classes. Annual memberships are just $45 for singles and $80 for couples.

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

Senior Aid Agencies 

The Area Agency on Aging and Senior Solutions are invaluable sources of information and advocacy for seniors. They can assist elder Seneca residents with finding local and state resources to meet their specific needs, including applying for benefit programs, accessing legal services, insurance and health care guidance or arranging local transportation.

Senior Solutions
3420 Clemson Blvd Unit 17, Anderson, SC 29621
(864) 225-3370

ACOG – Area Agency on Aging
30 Century Cir, Greenville, SC 29607
(800) 434-4036

Veterans Resources

The service officers at the Oconee County Veterans Affairs office are available to assist senior veterans with filing applications for VA benefits. Veterans can receive primary and mental health care and lab services at the VA Outpatient Clinic in Anderson. Comprehensive medical care, including surgery, cardiology and oncology, is available at the Dorn VA Medical Center in Columbia.

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

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

Wm. Jennings Bryan Dorn VA Medical Center
6439 Garners Ferry Rd, Columbia, SC 29209
(803) 776-4000