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Dubbed the Heart of the Lowcountry and the Last Coastal Village of the South, Bluffton, South Carolina has received recognition as one of the best places in the nation for seniors to retire. Established in 1852, the town is home to 25,557 residents, of which individuals age 65 and over make up 15.5% of the population. Mild winters and hot summers are typical for the area’s humid, subtropical climate, ensuring seniors can enjoy spending time outdoors in the many local parks, such as Palmetto Bluff, during a large portion of the year. Annual events and festivals are plentiful, making it easy for residents to experience community gatherings. The town’s rich historical roots have resulted in an enticing cultural district that contains 120 attractions, including engaging trails and museums.
Assisted living care is a type of residential care for seniors who need assistance with day-to-day activities. It focuses on providing service and support in a social setting so seniors can live independently. Seniors in Bluffton can expect to pay an average of $4,500 per month according to the Genworth 2021 Cost of Care Survey. This is identical to the national average yet slightly higher than the cost statewide.
In this guide, you’ll find more information on local care costs and a list of resources to help you choose the right care for your loved ones.
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.
Seniors residing in assisted living facilities in Bluffton pay an average of $4,500 monthly.
Bluffton’s assisted living costs align with the national average of $4,500. However, the monthly cost is almost $900 more than the state’s average.
Bluffton has one of the highest assisted living costs in the state. At $4,400 monthly, Charlotte, NC, is the only city offering similar rates. For comparison, Myrtle Beach has a slightly lower assisted living cost of $4,070. In addition to Charleston, where care costs $3,945, Greenville ($3,743) and Florence ($3,456) both charge less than Bluffton. Columbia prices are significantly lower, at $1,230 less than Bluffton. Seniors can find assisted living under $3,000 in the city of Sumter, where the average monthly cost is $2,663.
Note: Data for Bluffton was unavailable, so data for the nearest city, Hilton Head Island, 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.
| Contact | Description | |
| Lowcounty Area Agency on Aging | (843) 473-3991 | In addition to guiding individuals to available resources in the local area, the Lowcounty Agency on Aging offers multiple programs aimed at enhancing the lives of seniors. It maintains the Ombudsman list, and it provides services such as legal assistance, family caregiver support and insurance counseling. |
| Beaufort County Office of Veterans Affairs | (843) 255-6880 | Former members of the U.S. military can receive assistance completing pension applications and information regarding eligibility for additional aid programs from the Beaufort County Office of Veterans Affairs. The office also provides retired service members referrals to medical care and transportation to appointments at the Charleston VA Medical Center. |
| Bluffton Senior Center | (843) 255-6772 | The Bluffton Senior Center gives individuals aged 60 and over the opportunity to gather with their peers for social events and recreational activities. Staff members provide transportation to the center, and they serve hot meals. Seniors can participate in a variety of fitness clubs, and the center frequently holds educational classes on computer skills, health and nutrition, stress management and personal safety. |
| Palmetto Breeze Transit | (843) 757-5782 | Palmetto Breeze has public transportation services in five Lowcountry counties and the town of Bluffton. Its wheel-chair accessible buses and vans are air conditioned for rider comfort, and eligible individuals can request door-to-door paratransit services. |
| State Health Insurance Assistance Program | (800) 868-9095 | The South Carolina Department on Aging answers seniors’ questions on insurance and Medicare benefits through the State Health Insurance Program or SHIP. The one-on-one counseling sessions are offered free of charge, and recipients are also taught how to spot scams and avoid fraud. |
Assisted Living Facilities in the Bluffton 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.
