A Q&A with Larissa Kostal of Legacy Village of Murrells Inlet

What makes Legacy Village of Murrells Inlet stand out among assisted living and memory care communities along the South Carolina Coast?
What sets Legacy Village of Murrells Inlet apart is that our residents truly are the heart of every decision. I’ve worked in places where the numbers came first, but here, it’s the people. Our owners, Barry Ray and Bryan Cook, started Legacy Senior Living as a ministry, inspired by the belief that caring for others is our highest calling. That’s not just a nice idea, it’s something you can feel as soon as you walk through our doors.

Every choice we make starts with a simple question: What will make life better for our residents? It might mean rearranging the day’s schedule so someone can keep a treasured routine, whipping up a favorite soup when someone’s feeling blue, or making sure a resident has what she needs to keep up her lifelong gardening hobby. No detail is too small if it brings comfort or joy. When a family is facing a difficult transition, we don’t just offer information. We sit down, listen, and walk the journey together.

We’re proud to have been voted #1 in Assisted Living and Memory Care in both Georgetown and Horry County in 2025, but the real reward is seeing residents smile, connect, and feel at home. That’s what drives us, every single day. I’m honored to lead a team that cares this deeply, and I believe families can sense that difference from their very first visit.

Can you share the mission and values that guide Legacy Village’s approach to caring for residents, especially women and families making deeply personal decisions?

Legacy Village of Murrells Inlet is guided by the same spirit of compassion and service that inspired our founders. Our mission is to serve seniors with honor, respect, faith, and integrity. These values are woven into every interaction, big or small.For our residents, this means care that is rooted in genuine respect for each person’s individuality, honoring the journey that brought them here. For families, it means having a partner and friend during important, often emotional decisions. Our team members find a rewarding place to grow and belong, and we’re committed to being a good neighbor in the wider community.Every day, we work to create a supportive, home-like environment where residents can age in place, build meaningful connections, and truly feel at home. Our premier assisted living and memory care is always attentive and tailored to each person’s needs, with compassion and understanding at the core. That’s the heart behind everything we do at Legacy Village.

What types of amenities and lifestyle offerings can residents expect, and how do these features enhance day-to-day life beyond basic care?

At Legacy Village of Murrells Inlet, our amenities and lifestyle offerings are designed to support residents’ independence, comfort, and happiness, while giving families real peace of mind.

We offer several apartment sizes so residents can choose the space that suits them best. Each apartment is unfurnished, so residents can bring their own treasured belongings and decorate however they’d like. It’s their home, and we want it to reflect who they are and what makes them comfortable.

Our dining program stands out because menus are planned with input from the residents themselves, and there are always alternatives available—so everyone can enjoy a meal that fits their tastes and needs.

Our team is always present, providing the watchful oversight that helps residents keep their independence. We’re here to encourage and support, always ready to lend a hand when someone needs it, but just as happy to cheer them on as they do things for themselves.

An important part of our approach is having an experienced nurse as our Resident Services Director. She regularly assesses each resident’s well-being, communicates any changes—whether improvement or decline—and develops a personalized plan of care that’s always up to date. This means families can trust that their loved one’s needs are always being monitored and met, with care that adapts as they do.

We’re also proud of our quality assurance program, which helps us continually review and improve our services so families can trust that we’re always striving for the best.

To help residents stay strong and active, we offer in-house therapy through Fox Therapy, bringing expert support right to our community. We also have an in-house beautician, so residents can enjoy haircuts and pampering without ever leaving home.

Life here is engaging and social, with a full calendar of activities seven days a week—lunch outings, shopping trips, local plays, crafts, games (Bingo is always a favorite), exercise classes, visiting speakers, performers, and much more. We also provide scheduled transportation in our community van, making it easy for residents to get to local medical appointments and other outings.

Once a month, we host Family Night, inviting families to join us for dinner and quality time together. And families are welcome at any time, day or night, just like they would be in their loved one’s own home. For safety, doors are locked after hours, but we’re always happy to open them for family.

We believe spiritual well-being is just as important as physical health, so we have a chaplain on our team, ready to support residents, families, and staff regardless of their beliefs. For veterans and their families, we’ve partnered with a company that specializes in helping with VA Pension with Aid and Attendance applications. Our community covers the cost, so there’s no charge to families for this support.

Everything we offer—from personalized apartments and in-house therapy to salon services, professional nursing oversight, robust activities, and spiritual care—is designed to make each day meaningful and full of connection, so every resident feels truly at home.

How does Legacy Village create a true sense of home and belonging, particularly for residents transitioning from independent living or caring family environments?

We understand that moving into a new community is a significant change for both the resident and their family. It’s completely natural to feel a mix of emotions and some uncertainty about what comes next. That’s why we do all we can to prepare you for what to expect and to make every step as comfortable as possible.

From the very beginning, our approach centers on building relationships. When a new resident arrives, every department and team member connects with both the resident and their family within the first 72 hours to help everyone feel at home. We also pair new residents with a fellow community member who’s been in their shoes. This friendly neighbor will accompany them to meals and activities, show them around, and help them get acclimated to daily life at Legacy Village.

Throughout the first month, we schedule regular check-ins to address questions and ensure communication remains open. We recognize that everyone adjusts at their own pace, so we’re always attentive to each person’s unique needs and comfort level. Our goal is to make the transition as smooth and reassuring as possible, so every resident feels truly welcome and that they belong.

Memory care is often an emotional journey for families. How does Legacy Village support residents with cognitive challenges?

Caring for someone with memory loss is never easy. At Legacy Village of Murrells Inlet, we want families to know they’re not alone on this journey. That’s why we created The Harbor, a secure, thoughtfully designed wing of our community just for residents living with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia.

We call it The Harbor because, just like a harbor shelters ships from the storm, we want this to be a safe place for our residents and their families as they navigate the challenges that can come with dementia.

The Harbor is truly something special. We designed it to feel like stepping back into the 1950s, with mid-century colors, black and white nostalgic photos, and historical prints from the Murrells Inlet area. Meals are enjoyed in the “Town Diner,” and activities take place in the “Town Theater,” all to create an environment that feels comforting, familiar, and safe.

What truly sets The Harbor apart is our focus on each resident’s sense of purpose and individuality. Our Purposeful Day program offers engaging activities throughout the day, using approaches such as reminiscence and music therapy. We’ve also partnered exclusively with Simple-C, a memory-stimulation technology developed in collaboration with top research universities. For us, it’s about helping residents connect with the routines and roles that have always given their days meaning. For some, that might mean helping set the table or joining in familiar daily tasks—not as chores, but as opportunities to feel useful and at home.All our caregivers are dementia certified annually, and our entire team works closely with families to keep everyone informed and included. We know how overwhelming this journey can feel, so we also offer complimentary Alzheimer’s Support Services, led by Dr. Ron Harvard, a counselor and pastor who cared for his own wife during her Alzheimer’s experience. He offers free, supportive conversations to share hope, wisdom, and encouragement with families whenever they need it.

Can you share a resident or family testimonial that captures the heart of what life is like at Legacy Village of Murrells Inlet?

In December, Patricia and Kevin posted: “Our mom has been at Legacy now since July. We are so happy with the care and kindness she experiences every day. The staff, caregivers, and all involved in her daily routines go above and beyond to make her feel safe, happy and very loved. As mom likes to say, ‘Legacy is the place to be!’ We are most grateful to all those making us feel that we have chosen the best care for mom, who will be 95 next week.”

Two weeks ago, a resident’s friend, K. Matthews, posted: “A beautiful community with a warm and kind staff, you felt the love. During my visit, my friend and her tablemates were all happy and relaxed. The meal was delicious. The halls were filled with festive decorations, a wonderful experience. I told my daughter, ‘I choose Legacy Village when the time comes for assisted living.’” 

For families beginning the search, what does the process of “getting in” look like, and how does your team help ease that transition?

Starting the search for assisted living or memory care can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. I always encourage families to visit several communities and trust their instincts. Find the place that feels warm, inviting, and like somewhere your loved one could truly feel at home. If Legacy Village feels right, we’ll walk you through every step from there.

Once you decide this is the place, we’ll help with the paperwork and work with you to schedule a move-in date that fits your needs. Our team is here to answer questions, explain what to expect, and handle any details that might feel daunting. We believe in open communication and making sure both residents and families feel supported and confident throughout the process. Our goal is to make the transition as smooth and stress-free as possible, so you can focus on settling in and feeling at home.

If you could speak directly to women who are considering assisted living or memory care for themselves or a loved one, what reassurance would you offer about choosing Legacy Village of Murrells Inlet?

If you’re considering assisted living or memory care for yourself or someone you love, I want you to know you’re not alone in this. I understand how much thought and heart go into this decision, especially for women, who so often carry the responsibility of caring for others. At Legacy Village, you’ll find a team that genuinely cares and stands beside you every step of the way. I make it a priority to be available—whether that’s by phone, email, or text—so you always have someone to reach out to with questions or concerns. You can trust that we’ll be here to guide, support, and walk alongside you and your family, not just at the beginning, but for as long as you need us.

Is there anything else you’d like our readers to know about your community?

Legacy Village is not only a beautiful community in its surroundings but also in its people. It’s a place where caring individuals quickly become like family. We do everything we can to help your loved one feel at home, valued, and surrounded by kindness. And for you, we hope you’ll find real peace of mind knowing they are safe, supported, and genuinely cherished here.