Assisted Living in Wake County, NC

Assisted Living Costs in Wake County

According to the Genworth 2018 Cost of Care survey, seniors in Wake County pay the highest price in the state for assisted living care. At an average of $5,750 per month, the cost is about $400 more than in Wilmington, where the cost is the second highest in the state. Other major cities throughout North Carolina cost considerably less, particularly Goldsboro and Rocky Mount, where assisted living costs are the lowest in the state at $2,750 per month and in Burlington where they’re an average of $2,800. In the Charlotte area, the cost of assisted living is about midrange at $3,803 per month.

Note: Specific senior care cost information isn’t available for Wake County. Data for Raleigh, the largest city in the county, has been used instead.

The Cost of Assisted Living in Surrounding Areas

Care Cost Comparison

The type of care senior citizens receive greatly affects the price they pay. In Wake County, assisted living costs quite a bit less than nursing home care, which averages $7,125 per month. Home care services are less expensive than assisted living care by nearly $2,000; however, an array of other costs need to be taken into account when seniors choose to receive care in their own home, including rent, groceries and utility bills. When considering all of these costs, assisted living is usually less expensive. 

Senior Care Cost Comparison Chart

Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Wake County

Medicaid in North Carolina

North Carolina’s state Medicaid program assists low-income families and individuals with access to health care services, such as primary care and hospital services. It also helps its beneficiaries pay for expenses, such as prescription medications, necessary medical devices and nursing home care. 

To qualify for Medicaid in North Carolina, applicants income must not exceed $1,041 per month ($1,410 for married couples applying together), and their total countable assets are limited to $2,000 ($3,000 for married couples). Although Medicaid considers all income sources when determining eligibility, some assets are exempt, including the applicant’s home, household furnishings, personal belongings and one vehicle.

Those who have excessively high medical expenses but don’t meet the program’s financial requirements may be able to take advantage of the state’s Medicaid spend-down program. This program allows Medicaid recipients to pay for their medical expenses before counting their income toward eligibility requirements. Those who choose to apply via this program may wish to work with a professional Medicaid planner. 

To apply for Medicaid, seniors living in the Wake County area can complete an application online or call (888) 245-0179.

Personal Care Services Program

North Carolina’s Personal Care Services program operates under the state Medicaid plan and includes coverage for assistance with activities of daily living for individuals residing at home, a group home or an assisted living facility. 

To qualify for this program, applicants must be cognitively impaired or disabled and require assistance with personal activities, such as dressing, bathing or toileting. They must also be fully eligible for the state Medicaid plan.

Seniors can apply to this program online or call (888) 245-0179 for more information.

Other Financial Assistance Programs for Assisted Living

Special Assistance Program for Adult Care Home Residents

This non-Medicaid, state-funded program helps seniors to pay for room-and-board costs in assisted living facilities and other types of long-term care homes. Coverage amounts are determined by the recipient’s income and calculated based on a sliding scale. Participants may receive up to $1,228 per month in benefits.

To qualify for this program, seniors must be at least aged 65 and have a medically documented need for long-term care. Financially, eligibility requirements are the same as Medicaid.

To apply, seniors living in Wake County can contact the Wake County Human Services Department at (919) 857-3763.

Optional State Supplement 

Senior citizens in North Carolina may be able to receive a cash benefit of up to $887 per month from the state’s Optional State Supplement program. The benefit helps senior citizens to pay for additional expenses that aren’t covered by other state assistance programs, such as Medicaid. 

The OSS is only available to seniors aged 65 and older and disabled adults who are recipients of the federal Supplemental Security Income benefit.

For more information, seniors can call the Wake County Human Services Department at (919) 857-3763.

Assisted Living Resources in Wake County

Senior Centers in Wake County

There are four senior centers in Wake County that provide opportunities for senior citizens to enjoy enriching activities with others. While each center offers a different program schedule, seniors can expect programs such as fitness classes, health workshops, bingo, card games and crafting to take place at each one.

Cary Senior Center
120 Maury O’Dell Pl., Cary, NC 27412-8005
(919) 469-4081

Eastern Wake Senior Center
323 Lake Dr., Wendell, NC 27591-9492
(919) 365-4248

Garner Senior Center 
205 E. Garner Rd., Garner, NC 27529-3311
(919) 779-0122

Northern Wake Senior Center
235. E. Holding St., Wake Forest, NC 27587-2927
(919) 554-4111

Area Agency on Aging

The Division of Aging and Adult Services in Raleigh acts as Wake County’s Area Agency on Aging. The organization administers programs and services to improve the quality of life for senior citizens and their caregivers. These services include caregiver training, respite care, adult protective services and benefits assistance.

Division of Aging and Adult Services
2101 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-2101
(919) 855-3400

Veterans Affairs

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs provides programs and benefits to seniors and other U.S. citizens who’ve served in the military. Benefits include disability, pension and health care services, which can be accessed at VA clinics and hospitals. 

Wake County VA Clinic
3040 Hammond Business Pl., Ste. 105, Raleigh, NC 27603-3666
(919) 899-6259

Raleigh VA Clinic
3305 Sungate Blvd., Raleigh, NC 27510-2871
(919) 212-0129

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