KRC Wildewood: A Residential Community in Sumter, South Carolina

What KRC Wildewood offers

KRC Wildewood is a residential community in Sumter operated by Koinonia, a South Carolina nonprofit that provides housing and support services for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The community consists of several homes where residents live with on-site staff support, structured programming, and access to day services. Residents typically have their own rooms or shared living spaces, meals provided by the community, and assistance with daily activities based on individual needs.

The program is designed for adults who need ongoing residential support but can benefit from community-based living rather than institutional settings. KRC Wildewood emphasizes independence within a supported environment, with staff available around the clock. The community also connects residents to employment opportunities, recreational activities, and community participation when appropriate for their abilities and goals.

Key Takeaways

• KRC Wildewood is operated by Koinonia, a nonprofit providing residential services for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Sumter.
• The community offers 24-hour staffing, meals, daily living support, and structured programming tailored to individual resident needs.
• Residents typically have their own rooms or shared spaces and participate in day programs, employment, or community activities based on their abilities.
• Funding for residential placement usually comes through Medicaid waiver programs or state developmental disability services, not direct payment to the community.
• Admission requires referral through South Carolina's Department of Disabilities and Special Needs (DDSN) or a local disability services coordinator.

How residential placement works at KRC Wildewood

Placement at KRC Wildewood begins through South Carolina's Department of Disabilities and Special Needs (DDSN), which coordinates services for adults with developmental disabilities. A family member, guardian, or current service provider contacts the local DDSN office to request a residential referral. DDSN staff assess the individual's support needs, review available placements, and determine whether KRC Wildewood is an appropriate match based on the person's abilities, behavior support needs, and the community's current capacity.

Once a referral is accepted, the individual is placed on a waiting list if no immediate opening exists. KRC Wildewood works with DDSN to finalize the placement agreement, which outlines the services to be provided, the resident's rights, and the funding source. Most residents are funded through Medicaid waiver programs, which pay the community directly for residential and support services. The process typically takes several weeks to several months depending on availability and the complexity of the individual's needs.

Daily life and programming at the community

Residents at KRC Wildewood follow a structured daily routine that includes meals, personal care assistance, household responsibilities, and programming activities. Staff support residents with hygiene, medication management, meal preparation, and other daily living tasks according to each person's independence level. The community provides a safe, supervised environment with consistent routines that many residents benefit from.

Programming varies by resident but typically includes day services such as vocational training, community-based employment, day programs through DDSN, or recreational and social activities. Some residents work in community jobs with job coaching support, while others participate in facility-based or community day programs. KRC Wildewood coordinates with DDSN day service providers to ensure residents have meaningful daytime activities that match their interests and abilities.

Funding and payment for residential services

KRC Wildewood residents are funded through Medicaid waiver programs administered by South Carolina's DDSN. The most common funding source is the Medicaid Community Supports Waiver, which covers residential services, personal care, day programs, and support coordination. Medicaid pays the community directly based on the resident's assessed support level and the services provided. Families do not typically pay out-of-pocket for residential placement when Medicaid waiver funding is in place.

To be may be able to access for Medicaid waiver funding, the individual must meet DDSN's disability criteria, have a documented intellectual or developmental disability, and be deemed to need residential services. Medicaid may be able to access itself is based on income and resource limits, though many individuals with disabilities may have access to through SSI (Supplemental Security Income) or other pathways. DDSN staff explain funding options and help families understand what costs, if any, may apply to their situation.

Contacting KRC Wildewood and DDSN

To inquire about residential placement at KRC Wildewood, contact your local DDSN office first rather than the community directly. DDSN coordinates all referrals and placement decisions. You can find your local DDSN office through the state website or by calling the main DDSN office in Columbia. Have the individual's current diagnosis, support needs, and any existing service history available when you call.

KRC Wildewood's address is in Sumter, and the community can be reached through Koinonia's main office for questions about the program once a referral is underway. However, the formal placement process goes through DDSN, which ensures the individual's needs are properly assessed and that funding is arranged before move-in. This structure protects both the resident and the community by ensuring placements are appropriate and sustainable.

What to expect during the transition to residential placement

Once placement is approved, KRC Wildewood staff work with the individual, family members, and DDSN to plan the move. This typically includes a visit to the home, introduction to staff, review of the resident's daily routine and preferences, and discussion of any behavior support strategies or medical needs. The transition period allows the resident to become familiar with the new environment and staff to learn the person's communication style, preferences, and support requirements.

Most communities recommend a gradual transition if possible, with the resident spending increasing amounts of time at the home before full-time placement. Family members are encouraged to stay involved through visits and communication with staff. KRC Wildewood provides families with information about visiting policies, communication procedures, and how to raise concerns or request changes to the resident's program.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I start the process of getting my family member into KRC Wildewood?

Contact your local DDSN office and request a residential referral. DDSN staff will assess your family member's needs and determine whether KRC Wildewood is appropriate. You do not contact the community directly; DDSN handles all placement coordination. The process begins with a phone call to your local office.

What if there is no opening at KRC Wildewood right now?

If KRC Wildewood is full, your family member will be placed on a waiting list. DDSN may also suggest other residential communities in the area that have current openings and match your family member's needs. Waiting times vary, and DDSN can tell you the estimated timeline when you inquire.

Will my family member be able to visit home or go on outings?

Yes. KRC Wildewood residents typically have visiting policies that allow family contact and community outings based on the individual's abilities and the community's schedule. Specific visiting hours and outing policies are discussed during the placement process and included in the service agreement.

What happens if my family member's needs change after placement?

DDSN and KRC Wildewood staff regularly review each resident's program and support level. If needs change, the service plan is updated, and additional supports or services can be added through DDSN. If the community can no longer meet the resident's needs, DDSN works with the family to find a more appropriate placement.

Is there a cost to families for residential placement?

When Medicaid waiver funding is in place, the program covers residential services and families typically do not pay out-of-pocket costs. DDSN staff explain any costs or responsibilities during the placement process. Some families may have minor expenses related to personal items or clothing, but the residential care itself is covered by Medicaid.