Assisted Living in Greensboro, NC

Assisted Living Costs in Greensboro

According to Genworth’s 2018 Cost of Care survey, assisted living in Greensboro is pricier than in other areas of the state, with the average monthly cost coming in nearly $1,200 more than the state and $900 more than the national averages.

Of the major cities surveyed in North Carolina, Greensboro ($4,883) was the second most expensive city surpassed only by Raleigh, where assisted living costs nearly $5,800 per month. The most affordable care is found about 20 miles away in Burlington, where seniors pay an average of $2,800 per month and 130 miles away in Rocky Mount, where monthly care costs are approximately $2,750.

The Cost of Assisted Living in Surrounding Areas

Care Cost Comparison

The cost of care in Greensboro is heavily dependent on the level of care provided to an individual. The most costly types of care generally include the expense of room and board and personal care services, while seemingly more affordable care options don’t include living costs.

The cost of nursing home care is roughly $3,000 more per month than assisted living. In-home care, including homemaker and home health aide services, cost just over $3,400 per month, about $1,400 less than assisted living. With monthly costs that average roughly a third of the cost of assisted living, adult day health services are the most affordable type of care in Greensboro.

Senior Care Cost Comparison Chart

Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Greensboro

Medicaid in North Carolina

North Carolina’s Medicaid plan provides free or low-cost health insurance for Greensboro seniors who meet income and asset guidelines. Through the Personal Care Services Program (PCS), which is part of the regular state Medicaid program, qualifying seniors may receive services, such as bathing, dressing, eating, mobility and toileting help, provided in assisted living facilities covered. 

To be eligible for Medicaid in Greensboro, seniors must be legal U.S. citizens and permanent residents of North Carolina. Single applicants may have an income of up to $1,041 and up to $2,000 in countable assets. Married applicants who are both applying to the program may have a monthly income of up to $1,409 and up to $3,000 in countable assets. 

Those whose income or assets exceed these guidelines may still qualify for Medicaid through the Medically Needy Pathway. This program, which is also referred to as a spend-down program, allows those whose income is over the Medicaid limit to put their excess income toward medical expenses. Once their remaining income meets income limit, Medicaid covers the rest of their medical expenses.

Those who exceed both the income and asset limits but are unable to afford their medical expenses may receive services through Medicaid planning.  

In addition to meeting these eligibility guidelines, seniors who wish to have assisted living services covered through the PCS program must have a medical condition, disability or cognitive impairment and need:

• Limited hands-on assistance with at least three activities of daily living
• Assistance with two activities of daily living, including extensive assistance with at least one activity
• Assistance with two activities of daily living, including one for which they’re fully dependent on assistance

Eligibility for the PCS program is determined by an assessment conducted by or on behalf of the Division of Medical Assistance, and program participants receive only the services included in their individualized service plan.

North Carolina’s Medicaid program, including its PCS program, is an entitlement, meaning that all who qualify for services are guaranteed to receive them. To learn more about the state’s Medicaid program or to apply, seniors may apply online or call the NC Medicaid Contact Center at (888) 245-0179.

Other Financial Assistance Programs for Assisted Living

State-County Special Assistance

Low-income Greenboro seniors who reside in an assisted living facility may qualify for the State-County Special Assistance program. This program provides a cash benefit that may be used toward room-and-board expenses in a licensed facility. Seniors who participate in this program are automatically eligible for Medicaid. 

To qualify, applicants must be at least 65 years of age and live in a residential facility that is approved for special assistance. The facility must also agree to accept the state rate for residents with special assistance. 

Those who wish to learn more about this program should contact the local Division of Social Services at (336) 641-3447.

Optional State Supplement

Low-income seniors who receive Supplemental Security Income may be eligible for additional benefits through the Optional State Supplementation program. This cash benefit may be put toward the cost of room and board in an adult care home.

The maximum monthly benefit for a single applicant is $554. Seniors who reside in special care units may receive up to $887 per month. 

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

PACE of the Triad

PACE of the Triad provides community-based services for seniors who require nursing home level of care but prefer to remain in their home. Services covered by this program include prescription drug coverage, recreational therapy and nutritional counseling.

To qualify for this program, applicants must be 55 years of age or older and able to live safely in the community. They must reside in Guilford County, where Greensboro is located, and meet the state’s nursing home level-of-care criteria.

To learn more about this program or to apply for services, seniors can contact the PACE of the Triad office at (336) 550-4040. 

Assisted Living Resources in Greensboro

Community Wellness Centers

Greensboro supports the well-being of its senior population by providing a variety of enriching social opportunities, educational workshops and case assistance. 

Smith Senior Center
2401 Fairview Street, Greensboro, NC 27405
(336) 373-7564

Senior Resources of Guilford
1401 Benjamin Parkway, Greensboro, NC 27408
(336) 373-4816

Veterans Affairs

Greensboro veterans can connect with valuable services and informational resources through the offices listed below. Veterans can receive social and psychological services and assistance in applying for benefits and obtaining medical care. 

Guilford County Veterans Services Office
1203 Maple Street, Room 128, Greensboro, NC 27405
(336) 641-4684

Greensboro Vet Center
3515 West Market Street, Suite 120, Greensboro, NC 27406
(336) 323-2660

Local Agencies

Greensboro’s local agencies assist seniors in applying for financial assistance programs, including Social Security income, Supplemental Security Income benefits and other programs that may assist low-income seniors in paying for assisted living. The city’s local housing authority also provides affordable housing for low-income seniors. 

Social Security Administration
6005 Landmark Center Boulevard, Greensboro, NC 27407
(800) 772-1213

Guilford County Social Services
1203 Maple Street, Greensboro, NC 27405
(336) 641-3447

Greensboro Housing Authority
450 North Church Street, Greensboro, NC 27401
(336) 275-8501