Charleston Senior AdvisorBy Charleston Senior Advisor Care Team · October 28, 2026
DPH's data lists 3 senior-serving assisted living facilities in the Johns Island, Kiawah and Hollywood area, plus one nursing home and one adult day center. Island families often weigh staying close against West Ashley's wider choice. Ask every island building how early it evacuates.
A rural and resort edge
Johns Island, Wadmalaw, Kiawah, Seabrook and the Hollywood and Ravenel area west of the Stono make up the rural and resort edge of Charleston County. Long-time residents, farm families and retirees in gated island communities all live here, and many want a parent to stay close to church, friends and family land.
Licensed senior care is limited. Distances are longer, roads are fewer, and a trip to the hospitals on the peninsula can take most of an hour at the wrong time of day.
What is licensed here
| Facility | City | Licensed beds | Alzheimer's flag |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seafields by Bishop Gadsden | Kiawah Island | 28 | No |
| Dayspring of Johns Island | Johns Island | 24 | Care only |
| Dayspring Assisted Living | Hollywood | 16 | Care only |
Source: S.C. DPH licensing data as of November 6, 2026.
The island also has a licensed nursing home, Johns Island Post Acute, and a licensed adult day center. None of the island's assisted living buildings carries a secured Alzheimer's special care unit flag, so families of someone who wanders usually look to West Ashley or James Island.
Staying close versus more choice
West Ashley, across the Stono, has the city's largest cluster of assisted living, most of it with memory care. James Island has a continuing care campus with assisted living, memory care and nursing. Both are often 20 to 30 minutes away. For many island families the decision comes down to whether daily visits matter more than a wider choice of buildings.
A practical approach is to tour one island option and two in West Ashley or James Island, then compare not only the buildings but the drive at the hours you would actually visit.
Storm timing
Barrier and sea islands are among the first places ordered to evacuate, and bridges and causeways can become congested quickly. Every island building is in Charleston County, so its evacuation plan must name at least one sheltering facility outside the coastal counties. Ask how early the building moves residents, how long the move takes and how families are told.
For a parent still living at home on an island, plan transport and a destination before June, and keep a go-bag of medications, records and phone numbers ready.
Getting care to the islands
Many island families want a parent to stay at home as long as possible. Licensed in-home care agencies serve the islands, but some limit very short shifts because of travel time, so ask about minimum hours and how missed shifts are covered. Home health agencies serve the islands under physician orders, and hospice programs visit patients wherever they live.
Adult day care on Johns Island offers structure and company on weekdays and gives family caregivers a break. Ask about transportation, which can be the deciding factor on rural roads.
Medical care and distance
Most specialists and hospitals are on the peninsula or in West Ashley, so a parent with frequent appointments will spend real time on Maybank Highway and the Stono bridges. Ask any island building whether it arranges transportation to appointments and how far it will go.
For a parent with several chronic conditions, BoldAge PACE may be worth considering, since it coordinates medical care and provides transportation to its North Charleston center.
Paying for care on the islands
Island residents pay for care the same ways other South Carolinians do: privately, through long-term care insurance or VA pension, or through public programs for those who qualify. The Community Choices waiver can pay for personal care at home for eligible Medicaid members, and Optional State Supplementation helps very-low-income residents of participating assisted living buildings.
No published figure describes island prices. Compare written quotes from each building, including care charges and annual increases, against the 2025 South Carolina median of about $5,350 a month for assisted living.
Help that reaches the islands
Licensed in-home care agencies and home health agencies based in Charleston and North Charleston serve the islands, though some limit coverage for short shifts. BoldAge PACE serves all of Charleston County, and the Trident Area Agency on Aging (843-554-2275) can connect families to meal programs and caregiver support.
See the Johns Island, Kiawah and Hollywood page for every licensed option and the nearest alternatives.
Frequently asked questions
Is there assisted living on Johns Island?
Yes. DPH's data lists 3 senior-serving assisted living facilities in the Johns Island, Kiawah and Hollywood area, mostly small to mid-size buildings.
Is there memory care on the sea islands?
None of the island assisted living buildings carries DPH's secured Alzheimer's special care unit flag. Families usually look to West Ashley or James Island for secured memory care.
Is there a nursing home on Johns Island?
Yes. Johns Island Post Acute is a licensed, CMS-certified nursing home. Its ratings and inspection record are on its directory page.
Do island facilities evacuate early?
Island buildings are in Charleston County and must name a sheltering facility outside the coastal counties. Ask each building how early it moves residents and how long the move takes.
