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Nearly 4,000 adults aged 65 and older reside in the city of West Columbia, which is more than 22% of the total population. The average density of seniors in the United States is 16.5%, which means West Columbia is more attractive to older adults than most places in the country. That may be due to the city’s low cost of living, warm weather and numerous amenities. Several hospitals are within the city limits of West Columbia, including Lexington Medical Center.
Assisted living communities in West Columbia serve seniors who don’t need acute hospital care or constant medical supervision in nursing homes but do need some help with daily activities. These facilities are not for seniors who are fully independent. The average cost of assisted living in West Columbia is $3,270 per month, which is relatively inexpensive compared to both the state and the nation.
This guide compares the cost of assisted living in West Columbia with other cities in South Carolina. It also offers information about resources in the area that are helpful to older adults in and out of long-term care.
Hundreds of thousands of American seniors utilize assisted living, a figure that is only growing. For these seniors, assisted living combines residential housing,assistance in daily activities, and some healthcare. These communities also strive to provide an atmosphere that is comfortable and engaging for their residents… Read More >
COVID-19 restrictions and rules for Assisted Living Facilities are typically set by the state – to see the rules in your state, you can read our guide to Assisted Living in South Carolina. Keep in mind that there may be other policies that communities put in place to protect their residents, so you should contact your local community for more information. Additionally, you can contact your local Area Agency on Aging to learn more – find contact information here.
The median price for assisted living cities in West Columbia is $3,270 per month according to the 2021 Genworth Cost of Care Survey.
The price of assisted living in West Columbia is about $440 less than the overall average for South Carolina. It’s $1,230 less than the national average, making it one of the least expensive places in the United States for assisted living.
The average cost for assisted living in Sumter is $2,663, making it the only city in the state where this type of care is less expensive than in West Columbia. Hilton Head Island has the most expensive rates at $4,500. Spartanburg and Greenville, which cost $3,600 and $3,743 respectively, are close to the South Carolina average. Charleston and Myrtle Beach have similar assisted living averages: $3,945 and $4,070 per month, respectively. In Florence, the median price is $3,456, which is about $200 more than in West Columbia.
Note: Data for West Columbia was unavailable, so data for the nearest city, Columbia, was used instead.
Since not everyone can afford to pay for assisted living out-of-pocket, it’s important to find alternative methods to help make assisted living more affordable. Some of these options include:
For more information about your options for making assisted living more affordable, visit our guide to Assisted Living in South Carolina.
| Resource | Contact | Service |
| Tri-City Center | (803) 939-9311 | Tri-City Center is a large community center in the heart of West Columbia that’s home to many senior programs and activities. Physical recreation is the main focus of the center, but there are plenty of indoor games and social gatherings to stimulate older adults. Tri-City Center is operated by the Lexington County Recreation & Aging Commission. The center has a walking track that is open to the public for free during all operational hours. |
| Central Midlands Transit | (803) 255-7100 | Central Midlands Transit, known as the COMET, provides trips to adults aged 65 and older with valid identification. All fares and passes for fixed routes throughout the Columbia area are half-priced. Seniors who can’t access regularly scheduled buses can take advantage of the Volunteer Transportation Reimbursement Program or the Pick Up Program, which provide funds for private transportation services. |
| Long-Term Care Ombudsman | (800) 868-9095 | Ombudsman volunteers are responsible for addressing problems affecting seniors in assisted living facilities throughout West Columbia. These issues include the violation of resident rights, improper discharges, government payment of benefits, exploitation, abuse and the dignity and respect of residents. This program is operated by the Central Midlands Council of Governments. |
| Columbia VA Regional Benefit Office | (800) 827-1000 | This VA location helps veterans and their qualifying dependents apply for benefits, file disability claims and update their personal information. Service officers also provide counseling to help older veterans transition to long-term care. In some cases, veterans may be eligible for Aid & Attendance benefits, which can help pay for some services within assisted living facilities. |
| Central Midlands Area Agency on Aging | (803) 376-5390 | The Area Agency on Aging that serves seniors in West Columbia offers legal assistance, transportation, insurance counseling, nutrition education and a wealth of other support services. Home-delivered meals, family caregiver support and respite programs are available to seniors who are considering a transition to long-term care but still live at home. Experts can also provide information and guidance about assisted living in the city. |
Assisted Living Facilities in the West Columbia area are required to follow a set of rules and regulations that are determined at the state level. For an overview of those rules and regulations, see the information below. For more specific information, talk with your local community or Area Agency on Aging.
