Thousands of people decide on Myrtle Beach and Horry County as a retirement destination every year, and with the growing elderly population, the City of Myrtle Beach Planning Department says there is a shortage of assisted living communities.
Planning Director, Carol Coleman says even if there were 10 assisted living communities built overnight, there would still be a need for them throughout the county.
“That’s what we’re in short supply of, we’ve created so many housing opportunities here but everyone can’t stay at home forever,” said Director of Planning, Carol Coleman.
Coleman says it’s not just baby boomers that live in this community, the boomers also bring their aging parents to be closer to them.
“There’s a level of comfort knowing that once they reach a certain age, that they can stay basically where they are for the rest of their lives,” Coleman said.
The only continuum of care facility in Myrtle Beach is in Carolina Forest. Brightwater provides independent and assisted living with behavioral and emotional resources.
“Most people live within a 15-mile radius so this isn’t their move to Myrtle Beach, typically they already live here, they are already established. Most people don’t want to leave their church or their community,” said Josh Thompson, Vice President of Marketing for Brightwater.
He says their residents range in age and their facility stays pretty full year round.
“I just met with a couple here that was 70 and 72 which is obviously on the younger end of the spectrum. But they are wanting to plan and start asking, ‘What is the right move?'” Thompson said.
There’s currently an assisted living facility being built near the Grand Dunes, and Coleman says developers also have their eyes on various lots along Highway 544 as well as in the Market Common.
