City: Charleston, SC

Category: Retirement

Telephone: (843) 884-6949, (877) 203-6207

Address: 937 Bowman Rd.

Description: Several options are available at The Palms, including apartments, lakefront villas, and assisted-living quarters. A 2008 $3.5 million facelift of the former Cooper Hall upgraded the full range of choices available here. Assisted-living options include studio and 1- or 2-bedroom apartments with kitchens and private bathrooms. Housekeeping services, respite care, medication management, 3 meals a day plus snacks, and a full slate of recreational activities are offered with transportation into town. Those in retirement living may choose from standard or deluxe 1- or 2-bedroom apartments with amenities such as an indoor swimming pool, piano cocktail lounge, hair salon, laundry facility, fitness center, and billiard rooms. There is a licensed nurse on call at all hours, and residents can order from the dining room menu.