Assisted Living in Raleigh, NC

Assisted Living Costs in Raleigh

According to Genworth’s 2018 Cost of Care Study, the average monthly cost for assisted living in Raleigh is $5,750, which is much more than the national average of $4,000. It’s also significantly more expensive than the North Carolina average of $3,693. While Raleigh offers the most costly assisted living care in the state, Wilmington isn’t far behind at $5,355. Raleigh’s assisted living care is especially expensive compared to smaller cities in North Carolina, such as Burlington ($2,800) and Goldsboro ($2,750).

Cost of Assisted Living Comparison Chart

• Raleigh: $5,750
• National average: $4,000
• State average: $3,693
• Burlington: $2,800
• Charlotte Area: $3,803
• Durham Area: $3,150
• Goldsboro: $2,750
• Wilmington: $5,355
• Winston Area: $4,215

Care Cost Comparison

In Raleigh, as in the rest of the United States, the cost of senior care can vary widely depending on the type of care that’s required. The monthly cost of nursing home care is nearly 25 percent more expensive than assisted living care. However, in-home care, such as homemaker services and home health aides, are significantly less expensive than assisted living care. At $1,192 per month, adult day health care costs about one-fifth the price of assisted living care. It’s important to consider expenses such as mortgage payments, utilities, maintenance and groceries when considering in-home care or adult day health services. These costs are typically included in the price of assisted living facilities and nursing homes. 

Cost of Homemaker/Home Health Aide Comparison Chart

• Assisted living: $5,750
• Homemaker services: $3,766
• Home health aide: $3,909
• Adult day health: $1,192
• Nursing home care (semiprivate room): $7,125

Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Raleigh

Medicaid in North Carolina

Medicaid is a state and federal program that provides health coverage to low-income adults, elderly adults, pregnant women, children and other eligible Americans. The states administer this program, and in North Carolina, the program is called NC Medicaid. North Carolina’s Medicaid program covers a variety of health care services, including doctor visits, hospital services, outpatient therapy, home health care and nursing home care.

North Carolina seniors who receive federal Supplemental Security Income benefits are automatically qualified for Medicaid and don’t need to apply. The state’s Medicaid services are available to single seniors with a monthly income below $1,012. The monthly income limit for couples is $1,372. To be eligible, seniors must have resources that fall beneath the state’s threshold. For single seniors, the resource threshold is $2,000, while for a couple, it’s $3,000. Resources include cash, retirement accounts, investments and other liquid assets.

Seniors who exceed NC Medicaid income and resource limits may qualify for assistance through the state’s Medicaid Deductible program. This program is designed for people with high medical bills. Seniors pay for their own medical bills until they meet a deductible limit, which is determined based on their family income. Once the deductible is met, Medicaid kicks in.

To apply for NC Medicaid, seniors can apply through the state’s online portal. They can also submit a paper application to their local County Department of Social Services. For help applying for Medicaid, seniors can call 1 (800) 662-7030 to speak with a North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services representative.

Personal Care Services, a Medicaid State Plan, may help eligible seniors pay for the personal care services they receive in assisted living facilities. This entitlement program is for seniors who need help with three or more activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, eating, mobility or toileting. Seniors who need help with two ADLs may qualify if they require extensive assistance for one ADL. An independent medical assessment determines eligibility.

Other Financial Assistance Programs for Assisted Living

PACE

The Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly may assist seniors who are eligible for nursing home care but who would prefer to live in an assisted living facility. This program does not pay for room-and-board costs, though it may pay for nursing home care services. In addition to nursing home care, the PACE program may pay for transportation to medical appointments, which may be helpful for seniors living in assisted living communities.

Seniors must be 55 years or older to qualify for the PACE program. To apply, seniors can contact the PACE program that serves their area. The Senior Community Care of North Carolina Pace Center, located in Durham, serves Raleigh and the surrounding area. Seniors can call (919) 425-3000 to speak to a representative at this center.

State and County Special Assistance

State and County Special Assistance is a program that helps eligible seniors in North Carolina pay for room and board in assisted living facilities and other residential facilities. This assistance is offered in the form of a cash supplement.

To receive assistance from this program, seniors must be 65 years or older. They must also live in an approved residential facility that has agreed to accept the state rate for special assistance recipients. To apply, or to learn more about the program, Raleigh seniors can contact the Wake County Department of Social Services at (919) 212-7000.

Assisted Living Resources in Raleigh

Active Adult Centers

Raleigh’s Active Adult Centers offer programs and events for adults who are 50 years or older. Each of the city’s three active adult centers provide slightly different programming. Options for seniors may include computer classes, art classes, educational workshops and recreational trips.

Five Points Center for Active Adults 
2000 Noble R, Raleigh, NC 27608
(919) 996-4730

Anne Gordon Center for Active Adults
1901 Spring Forest Rd, Raleigh, NC 27615
(919) 996-4720

Walnut Terrace Neighborhood Center
1256 McCauley St, Ste 126, Raleigh, NC 27601
(919) 996-6160

Veterans Affairs

Raleigh offers several veterans’ resources for local seniors, providing a wide range of services to eligible veterans and family members, including counseling and referral services. Veterans who require medical attention can visit one of the VA’s three community-based outpatient clinics in Raleigh.

Raleigh Vet Center 
8851 Ellstree Ln, Ste 122, Raleigh, NC 27617
(919) 361-6419

Raleigh I, CBOC 
3305 Sungate Blvd, Raleigh, NC 27610
(919) 212-0129

Raleigh II, CBOC 
3040 Hammond Business Place, Ste 105, Raleigh, NC 27603
(919) 899-6259

Raleigh III, CBOC 
2600 Atlantic Ave, Ste 200, Raleigh, NC 27604
(919) 286-6825

Area Agency on Aging

AAAs are organizations that provide a variety of services to seniors in their regions. They offer assistance and information to seniors, and they also deliver assistance to family caregivers. Seniors in Raleigh are served by an AAA located in nearby Durham.

Triangle J Area Agency on Aging 
4307 Emperor Blvd, Ste 110, Durham, NC 27703
(919) 549-0551