Assisted Living in Alamance County, NC

Assisted Living Costs in Alamance County

According to data gathered from the Genworth 2018 Cost of Care report, Alamance County is among the most affordable regions for assisted living in the state. In fact, among the major regions surveyed, the county has the lowest monthly assisted living costs, coming in roughly $900 below the state average of $3,693. Additionally, the cost of assisted living in this county is about $1,200 below the national average of $4,000.

The second most affordable region for assisted living is about 90 miles south in Fayetteville, where this type of care costs about $3,100 per month. The most expensive city for assisted living surveyed is the capital city of Raleigh, where seniors pay an average of $5,750 per month for care.

Note: Cost data for assisted living in Alamance County was not available, so data for Burlington, the largest city within the county, was used.

The Cost of Assisted Living in Surrounding Areas

Care Cost Comparison

The cost of senior care varies widely from one type of care to another depending on the level of care, whether care is provided for set hours each week or around the clock and which amenities and services are included.

In Alamance County, assisted living costs more than $1,000 less than in-home care services even though, unlike in-home care, assisted living costs include room and board, food and activities in addition to care services. The most affordable senior option is adult day health services, which cost an average of $1,387 per month. Nursing home care is the most expensive type of senior care at $7,452 per month. 

Senior Care Cost Comparison Chart

Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Alamance County

Medicaid in North Carolina

Low-income seniors in Alamance County may receive health coverage through NC Medicaid. North Carolina has a robust Medicaid program that provides coverage for a wide variety of senior care services, including those provided in an assisted living facility. The state’s Personal Care Services program, which is part of traditional Medicaid, offers coverage for services including bathing, eating and mobility assistance in a private residence or a licensed assisted living facility.  

NC Medicaid, including its PCS program, is an entitlement, meaning seniors who qualify for services are guaranteed to receive them.  

To be eligible for NC Medicaid, applicants must be at least 65 years old (or disabled), U.S. citizens or legal residents and permanent residents of North Carolina. They must also meet income and asset guidelines. Single applicants may have a monthly income of up to $1,041 and up to $2,000 in countable assets. Married applicants may have a combined monthly income of up to $1,409 and up to $3,000 in countable assets.  

In addition to this, seniors applying for the PCS program must have a physical disability, mental impairment or medical condition and require: 

• Some assistance with three or more daily living activities  
• Help with two daily living activities, including extensive assistance with at least one activity 
• Help with two daily living activities, including one in which they rely entirely on assistance 

Seniors applying to the PCS program must have their capabilities and care needs assessed by or on behalf of the Division of Medical Assistance.  NC Medicaid only covers the services outlined in a program participant’s individualized service plan.  

Seniors who do not meet NC Medicaid’s income guidelines may have the option of spending down their excess income via the Medically Needy Pathway program. Those whose income and assets exceed NC Medicaid’s guidelines may still receive services through Medicaid planning.   

Alamance County seniors may apply for NC Medicaid online or by calling the NC Medicaid Contact Center at (888) 245-0179. 

Other Financial Assistance Programs for Assisted Living

Piedmont Health SeniorCare

Piedmont Health SeniorCare is a Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly. PACE is a safe alternative to nursing home care that provides long-term health, medical and social programs for seniors who require nursing home-level care but want to age in place. Participants receive individualized care plans managed by a team of providers that includes doctors, nurses, social workers, therapists, nutritionists and additional providers as needed. 

To be eligible for PACE, applicants must be at least 55 years of age and reside within the service area. They must be nursing home-eligible but able to remain in their current residence with the help of PACE services.

To apply for PACE, seniors should call (877) 714-2100 to schedule a visit to the facility. 

State-County Special Assistance

The State-County Special Assistance program is a state-funded non-Medicaid program that provides a cash benefit for low-income seniors who reside in adult care homes, family care homes and group homes. 

To be eligible for special assistance, seniors must be at least 65 years of age. They must reside in a residential facility that has been approved for special assistance and agreed to accept the state rate for residents who participate in this program. Seniors who are eligible for this program are automatically eligible for North Carolina Medicaid. 

To apply, seniors may contact their local Department of Social Services at (336) 570-6532.

Optional State Supplement

Alamance County seniors who receive Supplemental Security Income may be eligible for the optional state supplement. This is a cash benefit that is added to the federal SSI benefit and may be used toward room-and-board expenses in an assisted living facility. With the exception of seniors who reside in a memory care facility, the maximum monthly benefit for single applicants is $554. 

To receive the OSS benefit, seniors must qualify for SSI. Qualifying seniors are at least 65 years old, U.S. citizens or legal residents and have very limited income and financial resources. 

To learn more about the OSS program, seniors should contact their local Social Security Administration office at (800) 772-1213.

Assisted Living Resources in Alamance County

Veterans Services

Alamance County veterans may find and apply for services for which they are eligible at the local veteran services office or connect with other veterans at one of the local American Legion posts.

Alamance County Veteran Services
201 W. Elm Street, Graham, NC 27253
(336) 570-6763

American Legion Post 63
2488 Moran Street, Burlington, NC 27215
(336) 226-9237

American Legion Post 549
513 Wildwood Lane, Graham, NC 27253
(919) 475-9830

Senior Centers

The senior center in Alamance County offers a variety of activities for county residents age 55 and over. The center features a large exercise facility and several meeting rooms. Seniors can participate in games, outdoor programs and day trips.

Kernodle Senior Center
1535 S Mebane Street, Burlington, NC 27215
(336) 222-5135

Local Agencies

Alamance County seniors have access to local agencies that can help them connect with financial resources and nutritious meals. Seniors can apply for services such as special assistance and Medicaid at the Department of Social Services. Alamance County Community Services Agency provides congregate meals to seniors age 60 and over.

Department of Social Services 
319 N. Graham-Hopedale Road, Burlington, NC  27217
(336) 570-6532

Alamance County Community Services Agency, Inc.
236 N Mebane Street Suite 103, Burlington, NC 27217
(336) 229-7031