The Best Memory Care Facilities in Charleston, SC
Dementia, and specifically Alzheimer’s, is a serious, growing problem. In fact, 1 out of every 10 adults over the age of 65 has Alzheimer’s dementia. As Charleston’s senior population continues to grow (23.8% growth between 2013 and 2018), so does the concern about aging and the risk of cognitive impairment.
In Charleston, the number of deaths for those 65 and older caused or partly caused by Alzheimer’s disease increased by 63.9% between 2013 and 2018. To put that in perspective, the number of deaths from all causes for that same age group only increased by 15.7%, showing that Alzheimer’s is a growing concern in the region. Overall, the percentage of seniors’ deaths related to Alzheimer’s is higher than the rest of the nation (10% in Charleston vs. 6.46% in the U.S.).
To help families and caregivers of those with Alzheimer’s or other forms of cognitive impairment find the support and care their loved ones need, we applied our unique methodology and spent nearly a dozen hours researching senior living communities in Charleston. In addition to an overview of the communities’ best features, this guide highlights the best memory care facilities in the city, and gives information about pricing, types of care provided, residents’ reviews, and more.
The Best Memory Care Facilities in Charleston, SC
Table of Contents
How Memory Care Facilities Can Help
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, 83% of all caregivers are unpaid family members, relatives, or other friends, and nearly half of all care is for older adults with some form of dementia. Caregiving, especially when it involves Alzheimer’s or dementia, is extremely exhausting and time-consuming, leading many caregivers to feel isolated and overwhelmed.
As a loved one continues to progress through the stages of dementia and his or her cognitive abilities continue to decline, behavioral problems, safety, and general care often become more than one caregiver can handle. This is when it’s important to find extra help, and residential facilities that have specialized memory care programs are often the best solution.
In addition to providing a safe environment, memory care programs seek to delay or halt cognitive decline while providing the opportunity for a social, independent lifestyle.
Our Selection Process
To choose the best memory care facilities in Charleston, our team of researchers started by using our unique methodology to develop a list of contenders. We further refined the list in the next phase of our process by completing hands-on research for each one of the companies that we developed. Finally, we compiled online reviews from residents and families and wrote summaries of each facility that made it through our selection process.
Overall, our team:
- Spent over 11 hours researching memory care facilities in Charleston
- Read more than 40 reviews written by residents and their loved ones
- Interviewed 3 representatives from local communities
Reviews of the 5 Best Memory Care Facilities in Charleston, SC
Ashley Gardens
- Resident Capacity:66
- Room Types:Studios, Companion Suites, Private Rooms, Shared Rooms
- Care Provided: Assisted Living, Memory Care, Hospice, Respite
- Base Pricing:$4,600 per month
Ashley Gardens is a senior community that takes a holistic approach to meeting the needs of residents. Its person-centered care enables seniors to have fulfilling day-to-day-experiences at various stages of life. The facility features 24/7 dining options, fitness classes, gardening, and spiritual services. The attractive grounds are ideal for taking a quiet stroll on a warm afternoon. Ashley Gardens has a highly specialized memory care life enrichment program that operates on the six pillars of wellness: physical engagement, social connections, spiritual support, intellectual discovery, sensory stimulation, and emotional expression. With suggestions from residents, staff plan and host a wide range of events to keep seniors engaged with friends, family and the community.
Reviews for Ashley Gardens frequently mention how beautiful and clean the facility is inside and out. They also love the friendly demeanor and helpfulness of the staff. One reviewer said, "The staff are so friendly and more than accommodating! Overall it's an absolutely lovely place and they treat our family like their own!"
- Reviews:4.5 out of 5 stars; 18 reviews
- Phone:(843) 326-4406
- Address:2290 Henry Tecklenburg Dr., Charleston, SC 29414
- Web:www.sunshineretirementliving.com
Ashley River Plantation
- Resident Capacity:123
- Room Types:Studios, 1-Bedroom Apartments, 2-Bedroom Apartments
- Care Provided: Assisted Living, Memory Care, Respite
- Base Pricing:$3,290 for assisted living, $3,740 for memory care
Ashley River Plantation sits in a peaceful wooded neighborhood South Carolina Highway 61 in the West Ashley district of Charleston, and its conveniently located near an Interstate 526 interchange and Ben Secours St. Francis Hospital. This Five Star Senior Living community supports the holistic wellness of its residents through the Lifestyle360 program. It offers a wide range of in-house services such as physical therapy and rehabilitation, doctors' visits, salon treatments and religious services. Regular activities include exercise classes, speaker series, happy hours, the mens group, pet therapy and outings. Refined, nutritious dining is offered in cooperation with Chef Brad Miller, while snacks and beverages are available all day. The award-winning Bridge to Rediscovery program uses a Montessori-based approach to memory care, focusing on the residents individual interests, strengths and needs to promote positive engagement and enhance their quality of life.
Relatives appreciate the engaging environment that their loved ones enjoy at Ashley River Plantation. A resident couples granddaughter says, "Both of my grandparents LOVE it. They are able to participate in daily activities, they LOVE the food (probably too much), and they have the opportunity to socialize with people that share the same interests as them.
- Reviews:3.9 out of 5 stars; 48 reviews
- Phone:(843) 766-9898
- Address:2333 Ashley River Rd., Charleston, SC 29414
- Web:www.fivestarseniorliving.com
Brookdale West Ashley
- Resident Capacity:84
- Room Types:Studios, 1-Bedroom Apartments, Companion Suites
- Care Provided: Assisted Living, Memory Care
- Base Pricing:$3,595 for assisted living, $5,295 for memory care
Brookdale West Ashley's person-centered care approach helps seniors with dementia thrive. Daily activities are provided that stimulate the senses and challenge residents to use their current abilities, all within an environment designed to facilitate socialization. Accommodations are pet-friendly and include kitchenettes, emergency response systems and private bathrooms with safety rails. A library, game room and movie theater are just a few of the available community amenities. Staff members at the beauty and barbershop help residents look their best, while the culinary team uses fresh ingredients to craft entrees that are as tasty as they are healthy. With keypad entry and 24-hour monitoring, Brookdale West Ashley's comprehensive security allows residents to roam freely throughout the landscaped grounds, without the risk of wandering off premise.
The quality dining program and helpful staff are what residents and visitors rave about the most. One resident's family member said, "The food is extremely good and well planned out, and they have a very good chef. The dining area is very clean and looks like a restaurant."
- Reviews:4 out of 5 stars; 121 reviews
- Phone:(843) 284-3766
- Address:2030 Charlie Hall Blvd., Charleston, SC 29414
- Web:www.brookdale.com
Franke at Seaside
- Resident Capacity:375
- Room Types:Studios, 1-Bedroom Apartments, 2-Bedroom Apartments, Companion Suites, Detached Homes
- Care Provided: Assisted Living, Independent Living, Memory Care, Hospice, Skilled Nursing
- Base Pricing:Independent living starts at $2,135; Assisted living starts at $4,494; Memory care starts at $5,762
Franke at Seaside is a nonprofit continuing care retirement community (CCRC) that houses nearly 400 South Carolina seniors. Those with Alzheimers disease and other forms of dementia reside in the Reunion memory care neighborhood. A designated director of memory care oversees the homelike, secure environment where residents receive personalized life enrichment programs focusing on individual strengths and abilities, promoting independence and self-confidence. The monthly calendar of engaging recreational and educational opportunities, specifically for memory care residents, often includes balloon volleyball, music, pet therapy, aromatherapy, hand massage and walking club. Special social events include movie-and-dinner nights, scenic bus rides and monthly birthday parties. Residents live in 211-square foot private studio apartments or share 357-square foot companion suites. A dedicated dining area serves a special menu of chef-prepared meals designed to evoke memories of pleasurable past experiences.
Residents appreciate the stimulating intellectual programs and large variety of recreational and fitness opportunities. One woman shares, "I moved here 12 years ago from Charlotte and have never for one day regretted it. I absolutely love being here. The people that work here are so dear to all of us, and I have made wonderful friends.
- Reviews:4.4 out of 5 stars; 53 reviews
- Phone:(843) 216-2222
- Address:1885 Rifle Range Rd., Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464
- Web:www.frankeatseaside.org
Wellmore of Daniel Island
- Resident Capacity:174
- Room Types:Studios, 1-Bedroom Apartments, 2-Bedroom Apartments, Private Rooms, Shared Rooms
- Care Provided: Assisted Living, Memory Care, Skilled Nursing
- Base Pricing:Not Available
Wellmore of Daniel Island is in a tranquil, lush setting off Interstate 526 in Daniel Island, surrounded by parks, fairways and nature, yet only minutes away from downtown Charleston, South Carolina. This luxury assisted living and long-term care community caters to indulgent lifestyles with its elegant amenities. The wellness center has an indoor heated therapy pool, gym equipment, and a spacious area for fitness classes. Grand clubhouse features include a salon and spa, fine dining room, cafe/bar, library and activity rooms, as well as on-site rehabilitation facilities. Reflections at Wellmore, the facilitys secured memory care unit, is staffed by a licensed nurse and caregivers certified through the National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners. The Reflections memory care program offers daily stimulating activities, including WAVES aquatic exercises for physical wellness.
Satisfied loved ones find that Wellmore of Daniel Island has lived up to their high expectations. A resident couples son-in-law shares, "Weve found the service and the staff to be outstanding Wellmore provides a level of comfort for my family members thats caring, clean and competent Im there visiting once a day and sometimes twice. Everything, and I mean everything, is the absolute best.
- Reviews:3.9 out of 5 stars; 40 reviews
- Phone:(843) 765-2801
- Address:580 Robert Daniel Dr., Charleston, SC 29492
- Web:well-more.com
