Retirement
With its mild climate and natural beauty, the Trident area is an attractive retirement destination. The mature market represents over 30 percent of the adult population here, and that number is growing every year. There are numerous residential communities, geared to different levels of independence, and a growing array of services in the business sector that are tailored to the needs of those enjoying their golden years. Many stores such as Rite-Aid, Kerr Drug, Harris Teeter, Publix, Lowe’s, Belk, SteinMart, Ross, and Waccamaw Home Superstore even run regular discounts for shoppers 60 or older. A 1 percent sales tax discount is given to seniors age 85 and over.
The Charleston County Public Library system maintains a community information database that provides detailed listings of organizations and resources, many geared toward senior citizens. It is updated on a continual basis and can be accessed by contacting any of the 15 county libraries. A listing of the county libraries can be found in the blue pages of the phone book or within the Education chapter. For more information about this useful resource, contact the Main Library at 68 Calhoun St., (843) 805-6930.
City: Charleston, SC
Category: Retirement
2. Center for Creative Retirement
City: Charleston, SC
Category: Retirement
Telephone: (843) 953-5488
Description: There is ample opportunity for seniors to join umbrella service organizations such as the Center for Creative Retirement at the College of Charleston, which is an affiliate of the Elder-hostel Institute Network. Classes are held at the St. Joseph’s Family Center, 1695 Wallenberg Blvd. in the West Ashley area, during fall, winter, and spring. Noncredit courses comprise educational seminars, tours, lectures, and discussion groups. Some past topics have included “Revolutionary Changes in Publishing,” “India/Pakistan Relations,” “Latest Trends in Medication,” “History of Huguenots in Charleston,” and “Legal Concerns of the Elder Population.” The annual membership fee is $50.
3. Charleston Area Senior Citizens Services Inc.
City: Charleston, SC
Category: Retirement
Telephone: (843) 722-4127
Address: 259 Meeting St.
Description: This nonprofit agency serves older adults in the Tri-County area. Its information and assistance line operates from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mon through Fri. The senior center offers a noon meal, programs, activities, and health education. For the homebound, home-delivered meals and transportation on the Peninsula are provided. The agency’s major focuses, which are making a difference in our community, are sponsorship of the Foster Grandparent Program and a job-training program with subsidized employment for people 55 and older. The agency also operates a 77-unit housing complex for seniors.
City: Charleston, SC
Category: Retirement
City: Charleston, SC
Category: Retirement
Address: 171 Moultrie St.
City: Charleston, SC
Category: Retirement
Address: 865 Riverland Dr.
7. Shepherd’s Center of East Cooper
City: Charleston, SC
Category: Retirement
Telephone: (803) 318-8654
Description: The Shepherd’s Center of East Cooper holds weekly meetings on Tuesday from 9 a.m. to noon for a diverse program of lectures, workshops, and fellowship. Diverse topics covered have included “Noted S.C. Statesman, Ben Tillman,” “A Visit to China,” “The Myth of Aging . . . Care for Life,” and “Memoirs Done Write.” Bridge, movies, and garden and plantation tours are offered as afternoon activities. The registration fees are $20 per session, plus a $10 annual membership. Shepherd’s Center is an interfaith senior center with older adults organizing the programs for their peers.
City: Charleston, SC
Category: Retirement
Address: 175 and 165 Market Street
9. Bishop Gadsden Episcopal Retirement Community
City: Charleston, SC
Category: Retirement
Telephone: (843) 762-3300, (800) 373-2384
Address: 1 Bishop Gadsden Way
Description: Affiliated with the Episcopal Church, Bishop Gadsden is on a 70-acre site on James Island. Members enjoy the benefits of group living in a lovely setting and are often entertained and enlightened with lectures or presentations by volunteers from Episcopal churches and others in the community. An assisted-living option is also available. A 1999 expansion added 215 apartments and individual homes to the existing facility, and further expansion plans are in the works. A full range of amenities includes a wellness center, pool, casual and formal dining, beauty parlor, banks, a chapel, and convenience stores on the premises. Services such as skilled nursing and dementia care make Bishop Gadsden the only nonprofit, church-sponsored life-care community in the state.
10. The Elms of Charleston
City: Charleston, SC
Category: Retirement
Telephone: (843) 572-8170
Address: 9102 Woodcreek Court
Description: The Elms is a beautifully landscaped, controlled-access, 55+ community of custom-built patio homes, duplexes, town houses, and condominiums. Next to Charleston Southern University and Trident Regional Medical Center, the amenities at the Elms are extensive and include tennis and croquet courts and an 8,000-square-foot clubhouse with a fitness center, swimming pool, exercise area, spa, and library. The Wannamaker County Park with walking trails borders the property. Shopping, dining, golf, and other cultural opportunities are minutes away. Management maintains the yard and home exteriors. Assisted living and long-term care are in nearby facilities.
City: Charleston, SC
Category: Retirement
Address: 1885 Rifle Range Rd.
City: Charleston, SC
Category: Retirement
Address: 937 Bowman Rd.
13. Presbyterian Community in Summerville
City: Charleston, SC
Category: Retirement
Telephone: (843) 873-2550, (866) 315-4725
Address: 201 West 9th North St.
Description: The independent living options at this Presbyterian Community called The Village at Summerville include 59 outside cottages, 20 efficiency apartments, and 17 two-bedroom apartments. There are also 120 residential rooms with private baths, and residents are served 3 meals a day. Assisted living is an option here. On-site are a beauty shop, barber services, and entertainment such as field trips to the Spoleto Festival, Monday night movies, ceramics, painting, and exercise classes. Bible classes and chapel are conducted, and transportation to the doctor or shopping facilities is furnished. Licensed nurses run a 90-bed infirmary. Opened in 1958, this community gives priority to South Carolina resident Presbyterians.
14. Sandpiper Village
City: Charleston, SC
Category: Retirement
Telephone: (843) 884-5735, (888) 830-5105
Address: 1224 Village Creek Lane
Description: Sandpiper Village is an 11-acre campus-like community with independent living in 1- and 2-bedroom cottage-style homes. These attractive residences have front and rear entrances with convenient access to the Community Center. The Sandpiper Courtyard apartments offer assisted living. Meals, housekeeping, transportation to doctor appointments, and emergency call buttons are included. Home health care, rehab, and skilled nursing facilities are available as well. Daily activities and social events, bingo, bridge, arts and crafts, church services, a beauty and barbershop, swimming pool, and a library are available. Small pets are allowed.
15. Sweetgrass Village Senior Living Community
City: Charleston, SC
Category: Retirement
Telephone: (843) 881-9809
Address: 601 Mathis Ferry Rd.
Description: Opened in 2000, this center offers 4 floor plans in room or suite choices. Varying levels of care are available from short-term and traditional assisted living. The 69-unit facility offers licensed nursing care on-site 24 hours a day. Independent living is available here as well. Amenities include activity/exercise rooms, lounges, a library, outdoor patios, a housekeeping/linen service, and a beauty and barbershop. A full-time social director is on staff. Small pets are welcome. A nearby facility for Alzheimer’s and memory care patients called Sweetgrass Court is affliliated with Sweetgrass Village Senior Living.