There are 30,200 assisted living communities in the U.S. today. 300 of those communities are in our state, which contribute $500+ million in economic activity and 6,000+ jobs (not to mention help older residents live their lives as independently as possible).

We toured three different assisted living facilities to check out where we want to spend our later years – these places have some killer amenities.

🏠 The Cascades at Verdae | 10 Fountainview Terrace | 💰: $5,800 – 7,900 per month (all-inclusive)

👵🏽 400+ residents in independent living and health care (like memory care) | Staff to member ratio 6:1

🛵 Day trips/fun activities: apple picking in Hendersonville, attending Peace Center performances | Members can submit requests + are interviewed by activities director upon move in and can voice suggestions at the monthly member council meeting

🏓 Amenities: Private rooms + bathrooms, access to surrounding Verdae area, gym and heated saltwater pool, meals prepared by the former executive chef at the Nose Dive

🙋🏼‍ Programs for people to volunteer: Contact Kelly Harris or Ed Smith | Open to all volunteer groups or individuals

🏠Waterstone on Augusta | 1004 Augusta St | 💰: Assisted Living starts at $4,100 per month (all-inclusive); Memory Support starts at $3,850 per month (all-inclusive)

👵🏽 73 residents, 126 people expected by end of year (which is full)

🛵 Day trips/fun activities: Residents can have their cars and go anywhere

🏓 Amenities: Rooms have kitchenettes with full fridges, primary care doctors + pharmacy services on-site, library, theatre room, restaurant-style meals prepared by former sous chef at Hyatt Regency downtown | Bonus: physical, occupational, and speech therapy are offered on-site

🙋🏼‍ Programs for people to volunteer:

Contact the activities director Tiffany Mullinax (864) 6057236 or Tiffany.mullinax@waterstoneonaugusta.com

🏠Shepherd’s Care | 3156, 2100 N Pleasantburg Dr | 💰: $3,475 – $4,150 (all-inclusive)

👵🏽 50+ residents

🛵 Day trips/fun activities: They host the Miss Upstate Assisted Living Pageant every year, have a summer camp for kids, and recently made a movie about a day in the life of a resident.

🏓 Amenities: Nail + hair salon, shopping excursions, outdoor walking trail, local church-sponsored activities

🙋🏼‍ Programs for people to volunteer:

Looking for volunteers to build a picnic pavilion for residents or show off skills (example: costume rehearsal for upcoming performance)