Wildewood Downs Retirement Community in Columbia, SC
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731 Polo Rd., Columbia, SC 29223
For more information about senior living options: (844) 490-3973
Wildewood Downs Retirement Community offers competitive pricing in comparison to both Richland County and the broader South Carolina market. For a one-bedroom unit, residents can expect to pay $3,085 per month, which is notably lower than the county's average of $3,477 and the state average of $3,806. The two-bedroom option at Wildewood Downs is priced at $3,590, also favorable when compared to Richland County's average of $4,475 and South Carolina's average of $4,337. Interestingly, the studio apartments are positioned higher at $5,890; this figure stands out against Richland County's more affordable average of $3,263 and the state's $3,649. Overall, Wildewood Downs provides various living options tailored to different needs while maintaining a cost structure that is appealing within its local context.
| Floor plans | Wildewood Downs Retirement Community | Richland County | South Carolina |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom | $3,085 | $3,477 | $3,806 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $3,590 | $4,475 | $4,337 |
| Studio | $5,890 | $3,263 | $3,649 |
What level of care are you interested in?
Assisted Living
Memory Care
Independent Living
Skilled Nursing Facility
Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC)CCRC
Other
Wildewood Downs is described as a wonderful retirement and long-term care community with a dedicated, hardworking staff. Deja Williams is portrayed as exceptionally professional and genuinely caring, making residents feel welcomed and safe. Latoya Dreher is praised for her love, compassion, and positive energy toward residents and families. Rosalyn Johnson is highlighted as compassionate, professional, and instrumental in smooth admissions and transitions. Michelle Chaney is noted for kindness, warmth, and consistently helpful service. The rehabilitation unit staff are described as courteous, pleasant, and attentive to residents and families. The dining team, including Chef Amanda Moyer, is praised for great food and excellent customer service. Wildewood Downs' Wellness Director is described as fabulous, organized, and effective at keeping residents moving. The facility is repeatedly described as clean, beautiful, and well-maintained. The staff are consistently described as caring, attentive, and going above and beyond for residents and families. The community is praised for its welcoming, family-like atmosphere that makes visitors and vendors feel valued. Admissions and care staff are commended for professionalism, clear communication, and supportive transitions for loved ones.
The maintenance department sucks. Care dropped dramatically after a few months in the memory care unit. They lost all my dad's clothes (or stole them), and he had cuts or bruises but no calls or explanations beyond "he fell." They refused to answer the phone when family tried to call to talk to him. What a disgrace. The staff and management should be investigated. The dining menu is not desirable; food generally could improve. There are issues with things getting lost in the memory care unit. If a resident is mobile, they will drug them to make them immobile.Wildewood Downs Retirement Community in Columbia, SC, is best suited for families seeking a true continuum-of-care setting where independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing coexist under one campus, with a proven emphasis on rehab and long-term care. The community rewards residents and families who value strong, hands-on relationships with staff, plentiful social programming, and comprehensive support as needs evolve. It is especially well-matched for couples or multi-generational families who want close proximity to amenities, reliable admissions coordination, and a social calendar that blends events, fitness, and spontaneous visits from loved ones. For those who prioritize a leaner, purely independent-living option or a facility with minimal levels of care, Wildewood Downs will feel less targeted to their situation.
Alternatives merit consideration for several reasons. Families watching for budget-driven constraints may find other options with lower monthly cost structures or simpler level-of-care offerings more suitable. Those with highly specific memory-care needs or intense safety concerns should scrutinize other facilities with specialized dementia units and transparent, proven reporting of incidents. A handful of reviews flag maintenance and discharge-communication gaps, and a few critics question safety and care practices in memory care. In short, Wildewood Downs excels in care continuity and engagement but may be less appealing to families seeking a sharp focus on one-need living arrangements, or to those wanting consistently flawless operations across every unit.
The strongest pro-to-con offset comes from the rehab-and-long-term-care engine: the rehab therapy teams, nurses, CNAs, and admissions staff are repeatedly praised for competence, patience, and personal attention. The rehab unit is described as courteous, thorough, and capable of driving meaningful mobility gains, often led by attentive supervisors and a social work team that coordinates complex transitions smoothly. The breadth of care levels on campus means a family can move a loved one from independent living into rehab, then back to assisted living or skilled nursing without disruptive transitions. When the care teams truly connect - evidenced by names like Deja Williams, Latoya Dreher, Cortney Christy, and Rosalyn Johnson - families repeatedly report trust, transparency, and a sense of being supported through difficult decisions.
Beyond clinical care, Wildewood Downs shines in atmosphere and daily life. The dining program operates with skilled leadership and a culinary team that earns frequent praise for taste and presentation; wellness programming is structured and consistently engaging, and the wellness director is specifically commended for keeping residents moving while respecting individual capabilities. The social calendar - concerts, Easter egg hunts, crafts, and resident-led events - creates a genuine sense of community. This social fabric coupled with tidy, well-maintained grounds and responsive maintenance support helps residents feel safe, valued, and connected, which in turn reduces the emotional strain families carry during transitions.
However, a cautious evaluator will note the negative threads that appear in the feedback: a few reviews describe maintenance failures, and a persistent concern about discharge procedures and communication in long-term care transitions. There are a small number of strongly negative accounts alleging care gaps and even unsafe practices in memory care, including alleged mismanagement and poor responsiveness. Though these views are not the majority, they underscore the importance of direct, up-front conversations about staffing ratios, oversight, and the specific safeguards in the memory-care wing. Prospective families should verify how any admitted resident will be monitored, how emergencies are escalated, and how family updates are delivered during complex discharges or level changes.
The practical conclusion is clear: Wildewood Downs is a compelling choice for families who want a campus with multiple care levels, robust rehab, attentive staff, and a lively, welcoming environment. To make a well-informed decision, request candid meetings with leadership - especially admissions and nursing directors - to review a personalized care plan, staffing schedules, and a sample discharge process. Ask for recent examples of successful level transitions and how the wellness team tailors workouts to diverse abilities. If memory care safety, transparent incident reporting, and consistent communication are non-negotiable, bring those questions to the table and compare Wildewood Downs to other Columbia communities that emphasize specialized dementia care with documented safety records. For many families, Wildewood Downs offers peace of mind, but a prudent choice comes from validating the care-proven outcomes against the specific needs and budget of the loved one.
Assisted LivingAssisted living facilities provide crucial support and care for seniors who may need help with daily tasks such as medication management, bathing, and meal preparation. These communities offer a safe and comfortable environment where seniors can maintain their independence while receiving the assistance they need to thrive in their golden years.
Independent LivingIndependent living communities are important for seniors because they offer a safe and supportive environment where older adults can live independently while still having access to amenities and services that enhance their quality of life. These communities provide social opportunities, recreational activities, and assistance with daily tasks, promoting overall well-being and allowing seniors to maintain their independence for as long as possible.
Memory CareMemory care is crucial for seniors as it provides specialized support and services for individuals with dementia or Alzheimer's disease. These programs offer a safe and secure environment where residents receive personalized care, cognitive stimulation, and help with daily activities. Memory care helps seniors maintain their independence, quality of life, and dignity while also providing peace of mind for their families.
Activities on-siteActivities on-site are important for seniors because they provide opportunities for socialization, mental stimulation, physical activity, and overall well-being. Engaging in activities can help seniors stay active, maintain their independence, and improve their quality of life.
Devotional services off-siteDevotional services off-site are important for seniors as they provide spiritual nourishment, social engagement, and a sense of community outside of the senior living facility. This can enhance overall well-being and help combat feelings of isolation and loneliness often experienced by older adults.
Indoor common areasIndoor common areas are crucial for seniors as they provide a space for socialization, recreation, and community engagement, promoting overall well-being and reducing feelings of isolation and loneliness.
Columbia Metropolitan (17 miles away)
Ambulatory care"Ambulatory care services provide essential medical support and treatment to seniors without requiring hospitalization, allowing them to maintain their independence and quality of life while managing chronic conditions or receiving routine medical care."
Diabetic careDiabetic care is crucial for seniors as they are more susceptible to developing diabetes due to aging and other health conditions. Proper management of diabetes can help prevent complications such as heart disease, vision loss, and nerve damage, improving the overall quality of life for seniors in senior living communities.
Meals provided"Meals provided" are crucial for seniors in assisted living communities as it ensures they have access to nutritious, balanced meals without the stress of meal planning and preparation. This can help promote overall health and well-being for seniors who may have limited mobility or cognitive abilities. Activities on-siteActivities on-site are important for seniors because they provide opportunities for socialization, mental stimulation, physical activity, and overall well-being. Engaging in activities can help seniors stay active, maintain their independence, and improve their quality of life. Devotional activities offsiteDevotional activities offsite are important for seniors because they provide social engagement, spiritual growth, and a sense of community outside of their living environment. This can improve overall well-being, mental health, and combat feelings of isolation or loneliness.Wildewood Downs Retirement Community is an exceptional assisted living community located in Columbia, SC. With a focus on providing top-quality care and a comfortable environment for residents, this community offers both Independent Living and Memory Care options.
At Wildewood Downs, residents have access to a range of excellent amenities designed to enhance their daily lives. Devotional services off-site are available for those seeking spiritual guidance and support. Indoor common areas provide the perfect setting for socializing and engaging in activities with fellow residents.
For individuals requiring specialized care, Wildewood Downs offers diabetic care services. This ensures that residents with diabetes receive the necessary attention and assistance they need to manage their condition effectively.
Engaging activities are an integral part of life at Wildewood Downs. Residents can participate in devotional activities off-site, allowing them to find solace and connection within their faith communities.
The surrounding area provides convenience and ease for residents of Wildewood Downs. There are four cafes, seven pharmacies, 33 physicians, 30 restaurants, one transportation option, six places of worship, and even a theater nearby. This ensures that residents have easy access to essential services as well as opportunities for entertainment and cultural enrichment.
Overall, Wildewood Downs Retirement Community offers a warm and inviting atmosphere where seniors can enjoy comfortable living with the added support they may need. With its comprehensive amenities and care services, this community truly stands out as a premier option for those seeking assisted living in Columbia, SC.
This part of Columbia, South Carolina offers a diverse range of amenities that cater to the needs of seniors looking to settle down in a peaceful and convenient neighborhood. With multiple places of worship nearby such as Spring Valley Baptist Church and Sandhills Community Church, individuals can find spiritual fulfillment within the community. Additionally, there are various healthcare options including Lexington Family Practice Northeast and Northeast Dermatology for medical needs. Residents can also enjoy dining at popular restaurants like Applebee's and Chick-Fil-A, as well as grab a cup of coffee at one of the many Starbucks locations in the area. For entertainment, Spotlight Cinemas Capital 8 is just a short drive away. Overall, this neighborhood provides a welcoming environment for seniors to enjoy a comfortable and fulfilling lifestyle.
Wildewood Downs Retirement Community offers competitive pricing in comparison to both Richland County and the broader South Carolina market. For a one-bedroom unit, residents can expect to pay $3,085 per month, which is notably lower than the county's average of $3,477 and the state average of $3,806. The two-bedroom option at Wildewood Downs is priced at $3,590, also favorable when compared to Richland County's average of $4,475 and South Carolina's average of $4,337. Interestingly, the studio apartments are positioned higher at $5,890; this figure stands out against Richland County's more affordable average of $3,263 and the state's $3,649. Overall, Wildewood Downs provides various living options tailored to different needs while maintaining a cost structure that is appealing within its local context.
Wildewood Downs Retirement Community is located at 731 Polo Rd., Columbia, SC 29223 in Richland County, South Carolina
Yes, Wildewood Downs Retirement Community provides memory care services for residents with mild or advanced stages of dementia or Alzheimer's disease.
Wildewood Downs Retirement Community on seniors.fyi includes 3 photos including images showing bedroom, interior, decor, building, entrance, landscaping, trees, clouds, and more.
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