With nearly 40,000 residents, including 5,985 seniors, Sumter is South Carolina’s 10th most populous city. The area is a smart choice for retirees and assisted living residents due to the very low cost of living, which is approximately 25% lower than the national average. Although the community is about 40 miles from other major cities, such as Columbia and Florence, it’s home to a top-rated hospital operated by Prism Health, and the city has several unique attractions, including the Sumter County Museum and 150-acre Swan Lake Iris Gardens.
Seniors who are considering assisted living in Sumter can choose from 25 communities in the local area, including 18 that are located within the city. According to the Genworth 2020 Cost of Care Survey, the average cost of these services is $2,200 per month, which is $2,100 lower than the national average and $1,788 lower than the state as a whole.
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 >
Sumter is a very affordable location for assisted living. Average prices of $2,200 are 45% lower than the state median of $3,988 and 49% lower than the national average of $4,300. Across the region, assisted living prices range from $3,500 in Georgia to $4,039 in Tennessee. North Carolina and Florida are moderately affordable, but rates in these areas are still $1,500-$1,600 higher.
Sumter is the state’s most affordable metropolitan area for assisted living. Rates in Upstate South Carolina start at $2,800 per month in Greenville and rise to $4,095 in Spartanburg. On the coast, Charleston is relatively affordable at $3,600. However, prices are considerably higher in Myrtle Beach and Hilton Head at $4,620 and $5,475, respectively. Closer to home, seniors in Florence and Columbia pay approximately $2,000 more for assisted living.
Sumter residents who require a nursing home level of care and meet income and asset limits may qualify for financial assistance through the state’s Community Choices Waiver. This Medicaid program pays for personal care, emergency alert systems and other services. Financial benefits that can help with room and board may be available through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or the Social Security Administration’s Supplemental Security Income program.
Learn more about these programs on our Assisted Living in South Carolina page.
Contact | Description | |
Santee-Lynches Regional Council of Governments/AAA | (803) 774-1980 | The Santee-Lynches Regional Council of Governments in Sumter is one of 10 Area Agencies on Aging that connect seniors in South Carolina to resources in their community. It provides information about Medicare, long-term care, community-based services and legal questions. Seniors can contact the AAA’s ombudsman for confidential help with questions and concerns about assisted living and long-term care facilities. |
Sumter Senior Services | (803) 773-5508 | Since 1968, this nonprofit organization has worked hand in hand with government partners to sponsor programs that benefit older adults and encourage their health, well-being and independence. It operates several senior centers, offers accessible transit services and provides nutritional support, including farmers market vouchers. Sumter Senior Services manages the Retired Senior Volunteer Program in partnership with AmeriCorps and provides information and referrals to seniors who want to learn more about resources that are available in the local area. |
Sumter County Veterans Affairs | (803) 436-2302 | The Sumter County Department of Veterans Affairs is a comprehensive resource for current and former service members and their families. It provides information about government benefits and help with applications and appeals. Service officers can direct veterans to medical transportation, vet centers, VA clinics and local resources in Sumter and the surrounding areas. |
South Carolina Legal Services | (803) 799-9668 | South Carolina Legal Services is a statewide nonprofit with offices in Columbia and other major cities. It’s dedicated to ensuring that all residents have equal access to legal services, regardless of their ability to pay. Seniors can contact this organization for help with all types of civil matters, including health care, family law, housing, deceptive sales practices, debt collection and consumer rights. |
The Shepherd’s Center of Sumter | (803) 773-1944 | Part of a nationwide network that includes more than 55 locations, The Shepherd’s Center of Sumter offers life-enriching educational opportunities, social events and healthy aging courses designed for older adults. The center also offers rewarding volunteer positions to members of the community who want to help others by providing rides, friendly phone calls and other supportive services. |
Spectrum Community Center | (803) 436-2256 | The Spectrum Community Center is one of 10 county-operated recreation sites, and the only facility dedicated to serving seniors aged 50 and older. It offers a varied calendar of events, including fitness classes, craft circles, genealogy workshops, Bible study groups and games. The center also offers travel opportunities and clubs that unite residents who have common interests. |
Long-term care providers that offer assisted living in Sumter are officially classified as Community Residential Care Facilities. CRFCs are regulated by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, Bureau of Health Facilities Licensing. For more information about these requirements, see our guide to Assisted Living in South Carolina.