Family Caregiver Resources for South Carolina

En español | Caregiving may be one of the most important, and challenging, roles you’ll ever take on. No matter where you are in your caregiving journey — starting to plan; taking care of a family member in your home, in a facility, or from a distance; or managing end-of-life caregiving responsibilities — having resources at your fingertips will make the process easier.

AARP developed this family caregiver guide with you, the caregiver, in mind and as a starting point to help you find the services and support you might need throughout your journey.

To order a print copy of this online guide, call the toll-free AARP Family Caregiving Resource Line at 877-333-5885 and indicate which state(s) you would like to receive. A copy will be mailed to you.

Department of Aging Family Caregiver Support (803-734-9900; 800-868-9095)
Provides information about and help obtaining resources and services for family caregivers, including referrals for counseling, support groups, caregiver training, respite care and supplemental services to complement provided care.

South Carolina Respite Coalition (866-345-6786)
Offers family caregivers information about support programs/services, training, breakroom locations, vouchers for respite care, respite resources and referrals.

Emergency Food Assistance Program (404-562-1801)
Provides free emergency food assistance to low-income residents through food banks.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (800-616-1309)
Eligible households receive food assistance through an Electronic Benefits Transfer card to cover a portion of their food budget, as well as nutritional education.

Disability Rights South Carolina (866-275-7273)
Protects and advocates for the rights of all people with disabilities.

Legal Assistance for Seniors
Provides information on legal assistance available for adults 60 and older with particular attention to low-income minority residents, those with limited English proficiency and older adults in rural areas.

South Carolina Appleseed Legal Justice Center (803-779-1113)
Provides general legal information on issues such as public benefits, family law, health care, housing, education, hunger, disaster resources and consumer issues.

South Carolina Legal Services (888-346-5592)
Offers eligible low-income residents free legal assistance for civil (noncriminal) legal matters.

South Carolina Bar Senior Citizen’s Handbook (888-346-5592)
Offers a downloadable guide to laws and programs affecting senior citizens. The Ask-A-Lawyer program coordinates volunteer lawyers for phone banks and web chats to assist the public with legal questions.

Department of Health and Human Services — Healthy Connections (888-549-0820)
Provides health coverage for eligible low-income, older and disabled residents.

State Health Insurance Assistance Program (800-868-9095)
Provides counseling and assistance to Medicare-eligible people, families and caregivers. Helps residents understand health care options, file claims and obtain benefits.

GetCareSC — Assisted Living and Nursing Homes
Provides information about assisted living facilities and nursing homes; includes a tool to locate facilities with available space.

Long-Term Care Ombudsman (855-582-6769)
Provides consumer protection advocacy services to residents of long-term care facilities such as nursing homes, assisted living facilities, specialty care facilities and boarding homes. Anyone can use an ombudsman to report a concern and get help resolving problems, including residents, residents’ family members and friends, and long-term care facility employees.

GetCareSC (800-868-9095)
Provides older adults, caregivers and adults with disabilities with information about assisted living, in- home care, caregiving support, food and nutrition, Medicaid/Medicare counseling, financial assistance and transportation. Includes a Find a Provider tool.

Senior Resources (803-252-7734)
Senior Resources is a nonprofit organization in South Carolina that provides need-based services and programs for older adults including Meals on Wheels, Group Dining, Home Care, Senior Care pantry and AmeriCorps Senior volunteer programs.

SCIWAY Senior Citizen Transportation
Provides information about public and private transportation services available for older adults. Types of services, fees and eligibility vary by provider.

Senior Express Transportation (803-926-7933)
Provides door-to-door transportation for medical appointments, shopping, social events and more.

Hospice & Palliative Care Association (855-219-1648)
Provides hospice patients and their families resources to help make better choices regarding serious illness and end of life care.

Medical University of South Carolina Palliative Care Program (843-792-6062)
Provides information on palliative care and advance planning, including a national registry and Find a Provider tool.