Summit Hills Retirement Community in South Carolina

What Summit Hills Offers

Summit Hills is a continuing care retirement community located in Aiken, South Carolina, about 20 miles east of Augusta, Georgia. The community sits on 120 acres and serves older adults who want to remain in one place as their care needs change over time. Residents can move between independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing without leaving the community.

The independent living section includes apartments and cottages where residents manage their own daily routines. Assisted living provides support with activities like bathing, dressing, and medication management for those who need help but want to stay out of a nursing facility. The on-site skilled nursing center offers medical care for residents with more complex health needs, including rehabilitation after hospitalization.

Key Takeaways

• Summit Hills operates as a continuing care community, meaning residents can age in place and transition between living levels without moving to a different facility.
• The community includes independent living apartments and cottages, assisted living, and a skilled nursing center all on the same 120-acre campus in Aiken.
• Residents typically pay an entrance fee plus monthly fees, with costs varying by unit type and care level; you should contact the community directly for current pricing.
• The community is located near Augusta and offers access to Aiken's cultural venues, dining, and medical facilities including Aiken Regional Medical Centers.

Independent Living at Summit Hills

Independent living residents at Summit Hills live in private apartments or cottages and handle their own meals, housekeeping, and daily schedules. The community provides common areas, dining options, and organized activities, but residents maintain full control over how they spend their time. This level works best for older adults who are still active and want community without needing hands-on care.

Amenities typically include a fitness center, library, arts and crafts studios, and organized outings to local attractions. Residents can participate in clubs, classes, and social events, or keep to themselves—the choice is theirs. Many independent living residents use this time to travel, pursue hobbies, or spend time with family before moving to assisted living if their needs change.

Assisted Living and Skilled Nursing Care

When residents need help with personal care, they can move to Summit Hills' assisted living section without leaving the community. Staff assist with bathing, dressing, toileting, and medication management while residents maintain as much independence as possible. This level bridges the gap between living alone and full-time nursing care.

The skilled nursing center serves residents who require 24-hour medical supervision, wound care, physical therapy, or recovery from surgery or hospitalization. Nurses and certified nursing assistants staff the facility around the clock. Residents in this level receive three meals daily, housekeeping, laundry, and activities tailored to their abilities.

Location and Access to Aiken

Summit Hills sits in Aiken, a town known for its equestrian culture, historic downtown, and arts community. Residents have access to Aiken's restaurants, shops, and cultural events without living in a busy urban center. The community is close to Aiken Regional Medical Centers, which matters if residents need emergency care or specialist appointments.

Aiken is about 20 miles from Augusta, Georgia, making it convenient for residents with family in the Augusta area. The town itself offers a quieter pace than larger cities while still providing the services and entertainment that active retirees want. Many residents appreciate being able to stay in Aiken as their care needs shift rather than having to relocate.

Costs and Financial Structure

Summit Hills operates on a continuing care retirement community model, which typically requires an entrance fee and monthly service fees. The entrance fee is a one-time payment that reserves your place and covers some of the community's operating costs; it may be partially refundable depending on the contract you sign. Monthly fees cover housing, utilities, meals, activities, and basic services.

Costs vary based on the type of unit (apartment or cottage), size, and location within the community. Moving to assisted living or skilled nursing usually increases your monthly fee, though you do not pay a second entrance fee. You should contact Summit Hills directly to learn current pricing, as costs change and may depend on factors like lease length and payment method.

Visiting and Learning More

The best way to understand whether Summit Hills fits your needs is to visit in person. You can tour the independent living apartments and cottages, see the assisted living and nursing areas, and talk with current residents about their experience. Staff can walk you through the financial structure, explain the contract terms, and answer questions about daily life at the community.

When you visit, ask about the contract—specifically what happens to your entrance fee if you move out, what services are included in the monthly fee, and what costs extra. Ask current residents what they like and what they wish were different. Spend time in the common areas and dining room to get a feel for the community's culture and whether it matches what you are looking for.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to move to assisted living or nursing care eventually?

No. Many residents live in independent housing for years and never need to move. The continuing care model simply means the option is there if your health changes. You can stay in independent living as long as you are able to manage on your own, and you decide when or if you want to move to a higher level of care.

What happens to my entrance fee if I move out?

That depends on your contract. Some communities refund a portion of the entrance fee if you leave; others keep it. Ask Summit Hills to explain the refund policy in writing before you sign. This is one of the most important questions to understand, so do not skip it.

Can I bring my spouse if only one of us needs care?

Yes, many continuing care communities allow couples to live together even if only one person needs assisted living or nursing care. One spouse might stay in independent living while the other moves to assisted living. Ask Summit Hills how they handle this situation and whether there are any restrictions or additional costs.

Is there a waiting list to move in?

Some continuing care communities do have waiting lists, especially for popular unit types or locations. Contact Summit Hills to ask about current availability and how long the wait typically is. Some people put their name on a list years before they plan to move, so asking early is worth doing.

What if I run out of money to pay the monthly fees?

This is a serious concern worth discussing with the community before you move in. Ask Summit Hills what happens if a resident can no longer afford monthly fees, and whether they have financial assistance programs or Medicaid arrangements. Some communities work with residents to find solutions; others may require you to leave. Get the answer in writing.