Assisted Living in Charlotte, NC

Assisted Living Costs in Charlotte

The Charlotte area has an average monthly assisted living cost of $3,803, which is a bit below the national average of $4,000 and slightly above the state average of $3,693, according to Genworth’s 2018 Cost of Care study. Charlotte compares favorably to Raleigh, which has the highest cost in the state at $5,750, as well as Wilmington ($5,355), Winston ($4,215) and Greenville ($4,700). Rocky Mount and Goldsboro have the lowest assisted living costs at $2,750 per month, which is more than $1,000 cheaper than the Charlotte area.

Cost of Assisted Living Comparison Chart

• Charlotte: $3,803
• National average: $4,000
• State average: $3,693
• Raleigh: $5,750
• Wilmington: $5,355
• Winston-Salem area: $4,215
• Greenville: $4,700
• Goldsboro: $2,750
• Rocky Mount: $2,750

Care Cost Comparison

When comparing senior care options, the type of care needed is typically the most significant factor affecting cost, and this is particularly true in Charlotte. The cost of nursing home care is nearly double that of assisted living and home care. Compared to home care, assisted living is about the same price as homemaker services and $200 less than hiring a home health aide. For home care services, it’s important to consider the cost of rent or mortgage payments, utilities and home maintenance to get a true comparison. These costs are already included in the monthly fees for assisted living and nursing homes.

Cost of Homemaker/Home Health Aide Comparison Chart

• Assisted living: $3,803
• Homemaker services: $3,813
• Home health aide: $4,004
• Adult day health: $1,343
• Nursing home care (semiprivate room): $6,935

Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Charlotte

Medicaid in North Carolina

North Carolina provides long-term care assistance to seniors through the Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Medical Assistance. These programs provide alternatives to those who would otherwise require a nursing home level of care. Some Medicaid options allow seniors to stay at home or in a community-based setting while receiving care. Other Medicaid waivers can be used for assisted living.

For example, the North Carolina Personal Care Services program helps seniors who need assistance with activities of daily living, including feeding, using the bathroom and dressing. The PCS program helps participants with individual programs of care at home or in a care setting such as adult foster care or assisted living residences. Services may include light housecleaning, and eligible applicants can choose their own PCS agency. This is an entitlement program, so all eligible seniors can receive the services.

Those eligible for Medicaid include seniors 65 and over, infants and kids under 21, blind or disabled citizens, low-income families and seniors who need long-term care. Applicants must be U.S. citizens and able to show North Carolina residency.

Medicaid financial eligibility requirements list income and asset limits. To be eligible, individuals can earn up to $1,012 per month and own assets worth up to $2,000, while couples can earn up to $1,372 and own $3,000 in assets. For those who exceed the eligible income, the state allows a deductible for medical expenses, also known as a spend-down provision. Call 800-662-7030 for more information on Medicaid coverage.

Other Financial Assistance Programs for Assisted Living

PACE

The PACE program offers care to frail Charlotte seniors, who must be 55 or older, need the same level of care as nursing facility services and meet other conditions listed in the PACE organization’s agreement. PACE isn’t a direct funding source to pay for senior care. Instead, it covers senior’s medical needs and some assistance with the activities of daily living, which can help seniors save on assisted living costs since many of these services aren’t included in the basic monthly fees.

The program is available for both Medicare and Medicaid recipients and provides comprehensive medical and social services at home, adult day care centers and inpatient settings, such as assisted living facilities. For more information on the PACE program, call (919) 234-1707.

Elderlife Bridge Loans

Elderlife helps Charlotte seniors transitioning to senior living, including assisted living. Bridge loans help cover the cost of long-term care until another funding source comes through. Loan approval is subject to creditworthiness, but seniors can have up to six cosigners to increase the likelihood of approval. Application approval is generally quick, but typically the lender will require a plan for permanent funding. To learn more about Elderlife bridge loans, call (888) 228-4500.

Long-Term Care Insurance

Seniors living at home and in good health may be eligible for a new long-term care insurance policy. These policies generally involve a deductibe and must be in place before the need for long-term care arises. Fidelity is one company offering this product, and its online calculator is a useful tool for determining costs. For more information on long-term care insurance, call (866) 489-0963.

Assisted Living Resources in Charlotte

Senior Centers in Charlotte

Charlotte senior centers offer programs and services to help local seniors live as independently as possible. They offer educational, recreational and social opportunities for seniors to interact and also provide benefit referrals for seniors and their families.

Tyvola Senior Center
2225 Tyvola Rd, Charlotte, Charlotte, NC 28210
(980) 314-1320

Levine Senior Center
1050 Devore Ln, Matthews, NC 28105
(704) 846-4654

Shepherd’s Center of Charlotte
3115 Providence Rd, Charlotte, NC 28211
(704) 365-1995

The Veterans Administration of Charlotte

Eligible veterans in Charlotte can receive medical treatment and other support through the county’s Department of Veterans Affairs. Contact the local Veterans Affairs office for more information or to apply for medical or other benefits.

G. (Bill) Hefner VA Medical Center
8601 University East Dr, Charlotte, NC 28213
(704) 597-3500

Charlotte Department of Veterans Affairs
700 North Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC 28202
(704) 336-2102

Area Agency on Aging

The Centralina Area Agency on Aging provides information on resources available for seniors in the Charlotte area, including:

• Nutrition counseling and meal delivery
• Caregiver support via respite care and training
• Information about and referrals to various assistance programs
• Long-term care ombudsmen
• Insurance counseling to help seniors maximize their benefits, especially Medicare
• Coordination of shared, nonmedical transportation services

Centralina Area Agency on Aging
9815 David Taylor Dr, Charlotte, NC 28262
(704) 372-2416