11 Assisted Living Communities in Asheville, North Carolina

The average cost of assisted living in the city is $4,491 a month. This guide is a starting point covering the cost of assisted living care in the city, as well as financing options to pay for it. You’ll find in-depth information on 11 Assisted Living Communities in Asheville and several in surrounding areas. The Cost of Senior Care in Asheville, NC

• Assisted Living: $4,491
• Nursing Home Care: $7,680
• In-home Care: $3,909
• Adult Day Health Services: $1,083

According to Genworth’s 2018 Cost of Care study, the monthly average assisted living cost for Asheville is moderately higher than the national average and significantly higher than the state average of $3,693. In fact, only two cities in North Carolina have higher monthly costs: Wilmington ($5,355) and Raleigh ($5,750). While these cities have larger populations than Asheville, other similar-sized cities, such as Charlotte ($3,803) and Durham ($3,150), have significantly lower assisted living costs than Asheville. 

Costs for senior care depend on location and type of care offered as well as the number of direct service hours. In Asheville, although assisted living is $300-$600 more per month than homemaker services or home health aides, the cost includes rent, upkeep, food and the necessities that typically are not part of in-home care. While nursing home costs are nearly 75% more than assisted living, they also provide the most specialized and complete spectrum of senior care. 

 

A federal and state-funded health care program, Medicaid provides a broad spectrum of coverage, including doctor and hospital visits, home care and nursing home care, to low-income Americans of all ages. Medicaid also covers the costs associated with long-term care. North Carolina Medicaid is administered by the North Carolina Division of Health Benefits.

To be eligible for Medicaid benefits, applicants must be 65 or older, U.S. citizens and North Carolina residents. They must also have a monthly income of $1,041 or less and assets of $2,000 or less. Couples must receive no more than $1,410 in monthly income and possess $3,000 or less in assets. Income from all sources is considered, including but not limited to wages, pension payments, IRA withdrawals, alimony, SSI and SSDI payments.

Countable assets include all bank accounts, vacation homes or properties, investments, cash, cash value of life insurance, and stocks and bonds. However, some assets are considered noncountable; these include a principal residence valued at $585,000 or less (the applicant or applicant’s spouse must live in the home), personal effects and home furnishings, one automobile and burial trusts.

Seniors receiving SSI are automatically eligible for Medicaid and do not need to apply. Those who wish to learn more about North Carolina Medicaid or want to apply may do so online or by calling the North Carolina Medicaid Division of Health Benefits at (919) 885-4100.

In North Carolina, seniors who qualify for Medicaid may have long-term care needs covered through one of the two Home-Based and Community Services for the elderly: Home Health Services and Personal Care Services. Both are available to residents of assisted living facilities, and while neither covers the cost of room and board, they do offer other necessary services.

The Home Health Services can provide the following to those who qualify:

• Skilled nursing services
• Home health aides
• Therapies: occupational, physical, speech-language pathology
• Medical equipment   

To learn more or apply, contact the NC Medicaid Clinical Section at (919) 855-4380.

Personal Care Services can help those needing assistance with the following activities of daily living: bathing, dressing, eating, mobility and toileting. Applicants must meet specific ADL care conditions, and eligibility is determined in part by an independent assessment conducted by the Division of Medical Assistance. To learn more or apply, contact the NC Medicaid Clinical Section at (919) 855-4360.

Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly
In Asheville, the NC PACE Association provides the health care and services necessary to help those 55 and older who require a nursing level of care remain within their homes and communities. Other eligibility requirements include the ability to reside within the community safely. PACE provides an interdisciplinary team to each recipient that consists of a dietician, nurse, PCP, driver, personal care attendant, home care coordinator and specialty therapists. With twice-yearly plan reevaluations and a close working relationship with the beneficiary and their family, PACE offers seniors a comprehensive suite. These include:

• Social services

• Dentistry

• Meals

• Hospital care

• Prescriptions

• Transportation to all PACE activities and medical services

• Preventive care

• Occupational and physical therapies

PACE is available to all seniors regardless of income. Those who do not qualify for Medicaid or Medicare can pay the set monthly rate for care privately. Learn more or apply by contacting CarePartners PACE at (828) 213-8442.

Elderlife Bridge Loans
Seniors who need financial assistance to facilitate a move into assisted living can apply for a bridge loan. These funds can be used to cover the costs of assisted living before benefits begin paying or can help give homeowners the extra time needed to sell a home. Payments, which can be repaid in up to 12-month terms, can be spread out in a line of credit or taken as a single lump sum. In some cases, Elderlife may be able to send payments directly to the chosen facility. Those interested in bridge loans can apply online or over the phone. Learn more by contacting Elderlife Financial at (888) 245-4500.  

Land of Sky Regional Council is the local branch of the AAA. Responsible for helping seniors live with dignity and independence, the LSRC is a central resource for providing information, services and support to seniors and their families in the Asheville area. In addition to monitoring services to ensure quality care, LSRC provides counseling for housing options, long-term care planning and caregiver support. Its federally funded Senior Companionship Program provides transportation, light housekeeping and recreational activities for those 55 and older needing extra assistance to remain at home. Health, wellness and lifestyle classes are available, as is a listing of congregate nutrition meal sites. LSRC also provides a listing of the senior centers in the area.     Land of Sky Regional Council 
339 New Leicester Hwy Ste 140, Asheville, NC 28806
(828) 251-6622 The Council on Aging of Buncombe County provides support and assistance to Asheville senior residents. COABC also runs a number of special events and ongoing programs. Created to help all seniors age well, the COABC offers dining and wellness options as well as information on home-delivered meals and transportation. A benefits center is ready to assist those planning for Medicaid or Medicare health insurance. Council on Aging of Buncombe County
46 Sheffield Cir, Asheville, NC 28803
(828) 277-8288

Senior Homes has an extensive directory of senior living options, with care and living providers across the United States.