Mill Creek Manor in Columbia, SC
Save651 Polo Road, Columbia, SC 29223
For more information about senior living options: (844) 490-3973
Mill Creek Manor offers a competitive and appealing option for potential residents, with pricing that significantly undercuts both the county and state averages. For those interested in studio living, Mill Creek Manor's monthly fee of $1,700 stands in stark contrast to Richland County's average of $3,263 and South Carolina's state average of $3,649. Similarly, the two-bedroom units at Mill Creek Manor are priced at $2,350, while comparable accommodations in Richland County can reach as high as $4,475 and statewide averages hover around $4,337. Even for semi-private rooms, residents will find cost advantages; Mill Creek Manor charges $2,900 compared to the county's average of $3,443 and the state's figure of $3,243. This strategic pricing not only enhances accessibility but also reflects Mill Creek Manor's commitment to providing quality housing at a reasonable value.
| Floor plans | Mill Creek Manor | Richland County | South Carolina |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,700 | $3,263 | $3,649 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,350 | $4,475 | $4,337 |
| Semi-Private | $2,900 | $3,443 | $3,243 |
Mill Creek Manor is best suited for families and seniors who prioritize affordability, a straightforward campus layout, and the option to balance independent living with on-site care as needs evolve. It serves those willing to tolerate a period of transition in management and staffing in exchange for lower costs and a convenient Columbia location. The community is not ideal for someone who requires flawless, consistently high-touch care from day one, or for a resident with severe needs that demand constant, error-free operations, pristine housekeeping, and pest-free environments. In short: Mill Creek Manor can be a solid fit when price and practicality trump perfection; it is less suitable for families seeking unwavering reliability from the outset.
On the positive side, the facility offers first-floor living options, a sense of home with private apartments, and a menu of on-site amenities that matter to families evaluating budget-friendly seniors housing. Residents can access on-site dining, housekeeping, and maintenance in a shared, community-oriented setting, plus transportation to medical appointments and a variety of activities. The staff has repeatedly shown warmth and genuine concern, with several caregivers singled out for their compassion and engagement. When management lines up and communicates, tours and transitions have gone smoothly, and new leadership has been credited with infusing the campus with a more welcoming, resident-focused energy.
Yet the downsides are numerous and frequently recurring in the reviews. A striking thread is the inconsistency in care linked to staffing instability and a recent management shift. Families report medicine errors, missed housekeeping, and gaps in routine maintenance; in some cases, long-tenured aides departed and were not replaced with adequately trained staff, leaving residents underserved and families anxious. Cleanliness and safety concerns recur - damp or dirty dining surfaces, pest issues like roaches and mold in units, and complaints about neglected apartments. The dining experience is uneven, with reports of variable food quality and service; at times, families feel promises about meals or services were not kept. Communication, responsiveness, and follow-through from administration have also been inconsistent in several observations, heightening uncertainty for families during critical transition moments.
These pros and cons do not exist in isolation. The best-offsetting factor is the visible, ongoing shift in leadership and the emergence of a care-focused culture in parts of the staff, paired with a competitive price point within the Columbia market. The "new energy" praised by some reviewers translates into improved customer service, clearer communication, and more deliberate attention to resident wellbeing. When the administration exercises accountability and keeps promises - such as timely medication administration, reliable housekeeping, and prompt repairs - the experience can align with what families expect in a value-driven option. The presence of independent living alongside on-site care, plus amenities like a beauty salon, library, and accessible transportation, creates practical, day-to-day value that can be meaningful for households watching every penny.
That said, a decision-maker should actively probe before committing. If memory care is anticipated, scrutinize current memory-care staffing, turnover, and specific incident histories; tour the unit with a critical eye, and demand to meet frontline staff and supervisors to assess reliability. If cleanliness and pest control are non-negotiables, request recent pest-control reports and a transparent maintenance plan with timelines and accountability. Ask for a detailed, written list of what is included in the base rent versus add-ons, and verify how changes in services or pricing are communicated. Finally, assess whether the community's ongoing improvements feel substantive or incremental; a facility undergoing a true and sustained culture shift should be able to show measurable progress across staffing, maintenance, and resident satisfaction within a few months of a leadership change.
In the end, Mill Creek Manor functions as a practical, budget-conscious option for seniors who value location, ground-floor apartments, and on-site care but who are prepared to monitor progress and advocate for consistent, high-quality service. It is not the default choice for families needing an unassailable track record of pristine maintenance, flawless care delivery, and airtight operations from move-in forward. For those who can navigate an active management transition with clear expectations and a willingness to engage, Mill Creek Manor remains worth a serious look. For others, especially those with higher or more complex care requirements or a strong preference for spotless, uninterrupted service, stronger-performing peers will likely be the better long-term bet.
Mill Creek Manor in Columbia, SC is a vibrant assisted living community offering a range of care options including Assisted Living, Independent Living, and Memory Care. Our studio apartments provide comfortable living spaces with amenities such as air conditioning, fully furnished units, private bathrooms, and kitchenettes.
Residents can enjoy various on-site activities and facilities including a fitness room, gaming room, small library, and beautifully landscaped garden areas. Our community operated transportation allows for easy access to nearby amenities and services.
At Mill Creek Manor, we prioritize the well-being of our residents by providing 24-hour call systems and supervision. Assistance with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, transfers, and diabetic care are readily available. Specialized memory care programming is offered to support individuals with cognitive impairments.
Meals are prepared by our professional chef in a restaurant-style dining setting. We cater to specific dietary needs including low/no sodium options, diabetes diets, and special dietary restrictions.
To foster an active and engaging lifestyle, we offer a variety of activities such as community-sponsored events, educational speakers/life-long learning programs, fitness programs, religious services for various denominations (Catholicism, Judaism, Protestantism), planned day trips, resident-run activities, and more.
Conveniently located near cafes, pharmacies, physicians' offices, restaurants worship centers theaters within close proximity to make accessing essential services hassle-free.
This part of Columbia, South Carolina offers a variety of amenities and services that may be appealing to seniors looking for a convenient and comfortable living environment. With several places of worship nearby, including Spring Valley Baptist Church and Tree of Life Congregation, residents have access to spiritual support and community. The area also boasts numerous healthcare options, such as Lexington Family Practice Northeast and Northeast Dermatology, ensuring that residents can easily access medical care when needed. Additionally, there are several popular restaurant chains like Chick-Fil-A and Olive Garden within close proximity for dining options. For entertainment, seniors can enjoy movies at Spotlight Cinemas Capital 8 or take a peaceful stroll at Lake Carolina Properties Harborside Village Green. Overall, this part of Columbia provides a well-rounded and convenient living experience for seniors seeking a vibrant community with easy access to essential services.
Mill Creek Manor offers a competitive and appealing option for potential residents, with pricing that significantly undercuts both the county and state averages. For those interested in studio living, Mill Creek Manor's monthly fee of $1,700 stands in stark contrast to Richland County's average of $3,263 and South Carolina's state average of $3,649. Similarly, the two-bedroom units at Mill Creek Manor are priced at $2,350, while comparable accommodations in Richland County can reach as high as $4,475 and statewide averages hover around $4,337. Even for semi-private rooms, residents will find cost advantages; Mill Creek Manor charges $2,900 compared to the county's average of $3,443 and the state's figure of $3,243. This strategic pricing not only enhances accessibility but also reflects Mill Creek Manor's commitment to providing quality housing at a reasonable value.
Mill Creek Manor offers 2-bedroom apartments and Studio apartments.
Mill Creek Manor is located at 651 Polo Road, Columbia, SC 29223 in Richland County, South Carolina
Mill Creek Manor's comprehensive features are designed to address the unique needs of residents with dementia or Alzheimer's disease, ensuring their safety, comfort, and overall well-being. The 24-hour supervision provides constant oversight, reducing the risk of wandering and enhancing security. Assistance with activities of daily living--such as bathing, dressing, and transfers--ensures that residents can maintain dignity while receiving necessary support tailored to their abilities. Incontinence care is discreetly managed to promote hygiene and confidence. Meal preparation and service cater to nutritional needs while fostering a sense of routine, which is crucial for cognitive stability. Medication management helps prevent confusion regarding prescriptions, while the mental wellness program and specialized memory care programming encourage engagement through structured activities that stimulate cognitive function. Collectively, these services create a nurturing environment conducive to maintaining quality of life for individuals at varying stages of cognitive decline.
Yes, Mill Creek Manor allows both dogs and cats.
Mill Creek Manor on seniors.fyi includes 20 photos including images showing interior, dining, decor, artwork, bedroom, living room, hardwood floor, brick exterior, and more.
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