Assisted Living in North Carolina
A varied landscape of beaches, mountains and coastal plains combined with a rich state history make North Carolina an attractive destination for retirees. The “Old North State” is home to many historical landmarks including Civil War Battlefields and the USS North Carolina Battleship of World War II fame.
Seniors who choose assisted living in North Carolina will enjoy breathtaking scenery that includes the Appalachian Mountains, 175 miles of beaches in the Outer Banks and the vast plains of the Piedmont region.
Assisted Living in North Carolina Defined
Assisted living in North Carolina is defined as “any group housing and services program for two or more unrelated adults, that makes available, at minimum, one meal a day and housekeeping services and provides personal care services directly or through a formal written agreement with one or more licensed home care or hospice agencies.”
Assisted living in North Carolina can be broken down into three types of residences:
- Adult care homes are for seniors who require 24-hour supervision and assistance with personal care needs. Medical care is not routinely needed but it may be provided on occasion.
- Group homes for developmentally disabled adults cater to this specific population. These group homes are licensed to house up to nine residents.
- Multi-unit assisted housing communities are made up of apartments or other residential living arrangements where special services allow seniors to maintain independence while having special needs met.
Cost of Assisted Living in North Carolina
North Carolina operates the State-County Special Assistance Program to help low-income families pay for the cost of assisted living facilities. Medicaid can also be a source of monetary support for residents who meet income qualifications. For those who don’t meet the requirements of these programs, the cost of assisted living is left to residents and their families.
The cost of assisted living in North Carolina varies across the state. Most communities charge a monthly rental fee that covers the cost of food, lodging and activities. The median cost of a private, one-bedroom unit in a North Carolina assisted living community in 2011 was $2,800 per month or $33,600 per year. Assisted living costs in major metropolitan areas such as Raleigh, Wilmington and Charlotte were significantly more expensive.
Here is a list of the average monthly rates* broken down by city for a one-bedroom, single-occupancy apartment in a North Carolina assisted living facility:
| City | Minimum Cost | Maximum Cost |
| Charlotte/Gastonia | $2,525 | $4,830 |
| Greensboro/High Point | $1,500 | $5,198 |
| Jacksonville | $1,900 | $3,418 |
| Raleigh/Cary | $2,200 | $5,800 |
| Rest of State | $1,182 | $4,800 |
*Genworth Financial 2011 Cost of Care Survey.
Regulation of Assisted Living in North Carolina
Assisted living in North Carolina is regulated by the Department of Health and Human Services through the Division of Facility Services. Facilities in North Carolina are rated on a star system based on criteria made by the state legislature with input from residents and their families. Ratings are confirmed during two- or three-day inspections made on an annual basis.
Staff members at assisted living homes in North Carolina must complete 80 hours of training within six months of hire. Administrators follow a 120-hour certified training program.
Find Assisted Living in North Carolina
Full of beauty and history in each of its regions, North Carolina is an ideal place to spend your retirement years. Browse our comprehensive directory to find assisted living in Charlotte, Greensboro, Raleigh and other parts of North Carolina.
Written by senior housing writer Caitlin Lyons.
