Best Nursing Homes in South Carolina

100 of 374 nursing homes (27%) meet our strict criteria. The national average is 31%.

#29 of 50 states

100 recommended · 174 avoid · 88 cities · data

Recommended Statewide

100

Facilities graded B or better with zero fines

100 recommended 18 caution 174 avoid

National Rank

#29

Average

Total Facilities

374

across 88 cities

Facilities to Avoid

174

142 Grade F

$7,655,730 in combined fines

Best City

Darlington

100% recommended

State Average

2.8

CMS star rating

South Carolina vs National Average

Comparison of nursing home metrics between South Carolina and national averages
Metric South Carolina National Verdict
% Recommended 27% 31% ✗ Worse
Average CMS Stars 2.8 3.0 ✗ Worse
Staff Turnover 50% 44% ✗ Worse
RN Hours/Day 0.65 0.75 ✗ Worse
Avg Deficiencies 8.5 7.5 ✗ Worse

Data from CMS Care Compare as of . National averages based on all 15,000 U.S. nursing homes.

The South Carolina Reality

Nursing home care in South Carolina presents a mixed landscape for families seeking quality care for their loved ones. With a national rank of #29 out of 50 states, the state falls slightly below the national average, where only 27% of facilities are recommended compared to the national average of 31%. This indicates that while there are commendable options available, many facilities may not meet the standards families desire, prompting a careful evaluation of available choices.

Families should note that while there are standout locations, such as Darlington, which boasts a remarkable 100% recommendation rate, the overall picture also reveals significant concerns. Out of 374 nursing homes, a staggering 174 are marked as facilities to avoid, with 142 receiving F grades. Additionally, the total fines levied against these facilities amount to over $7.6 million, highlighting systemic issues that may affect care quality. However, facilities like PruittHealth-Barnwell, which has a Trust Score of 95, serve as examples of excellence amid the challenges, providing families with some hope and reassurance in their search.

When searching for nursing home care in South Carolina, families should prioritize several key factors to ensure their loved ones receive the best possible care. It is crucial to look at Trust Scores and CMS star ratings, which provide insights into the quality of care offered. Additionally, families should be vigilant in checking for any fines or penalties associated with a facility, as these can be indicators of underlying issues. By focusing on these aspects and exploring highly recommended facilities, families can make informed decisions that align with their expectations for compassionate and competent care.

Quality Trend

Is South Carolina improving or declining?

2024
30%
2025
28%
2026
27%

South Carolina quality has remained stable.

Cities Ranked by Quality

Click any city to see detailed facility recommendations

Statewide Warning Patterns

Common issues found across South Carolina nursing homes

High Number of Facilities with F Grades

In South Carolina, 142 out of 374 nursing homes have received F grades, indicating significant quality and safety issues.

Facilities to Avoid

There are 174 facilities in South Carolina recommended to avoid, indicating a significant portion of homes may not meet quality care standards.

Substantial Total Fines

With total fines amounting to $7,655,730, South Carolina nursing homes face notable financial penalties, reflecting ongoing regulatory challenges.

Top 10 Nursing Homes in South Carolina

Highest-scoring facilities statewide

  1. 1
    95 A+
  2. 2
    95 A+
  3. 3
    95 A+
  4. 4
    95 A+
  5. 5
    95 A+
  6. 6
    Fraser Health Center

    Hilton Head Island

    95 A+
  7. 7
    90 A
  8. 8
    90 A
  9. 9
    90 A
  10. 10
    90 A

Care Type Availability

Where to find specific care in South Carolina

Memory Care

30 facilities

Best options in Darlington

Short-Term Rehab

80 facilities

Highest success in Darlington

Medicaid Beds

150 facilities

Avg waitlist: 2-4 months

Ventilator / Complex Care

5 facilities

Limited availability

Cost Overview

Private Room

$7,500/mo

Near national average

Semi-Private

$6,500/mo

Medicaid Rate

$165/day

75% of recommended facilities accept Medicaid

Frequently Asked Questions

How does South Carolina compare to neighboring states?

When comparing South Carolina to its neighboring states, it ranks 29th nationally in terms of nursing home care quality. States like North Carolina and Georgia generally perform better, with higher rankings and a greater percentage of nursing homes meeting quality standards.

What percentage of nursing homes in South Carolina meet quality criteria?

In South Carolina, approximately 27% of nursing homes meet the recommended quality criteria, which is slightly below the national average of 31%. This indicates that while there are quality facilities, there is still room for improvement in the overall standard of care.

Which city in South Carolina offers the best nursing home care?

Darlington is recognized as the city in South Carolina that offers the best nursing home care. It has been noted for its higher quality facilities and better overall ratings compared to other cities in the state.

What is the cost of a private room in a South Carolina nursing home?

The average cost of a private room in a nursing home in South Carolina is around $8,000 per month. This figure can vary based on location and the specific amenities offered by the facility.