DEV | TEST h1 template (view-level fallback) Assisted Living

Most seniors and family members pay for assisted living with a combination of private income and public assistance. Due to the increasing costs of assisted living, there can be many options to help pay for senior living expenses with public assistance programs, such as veterans benefits, Medicaid, and Medicare.

Read on to find practical information about how to pay for assisted living costs using private funds and public means.

Assisted living facilities in Raleigh provide a safe environment and high-quality care. All assisted living facilities in North Carolina are licensed as Assisted Living Residences through the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Health Service Regulation. Residential care homes and larger, traditional assisted living facilities receive the same license. Assisted living facilities aren’t licensed by the federal government.

Inspection reports

The North Carolina state government outlines requirements for assisted living facilities. Facilities that don’t meet these standards during annual inspections are listed on the North Carolina Listings of Facilities with Penalties website, and can lose their license. You can find all inspection results by visiting the North Carolina Adult Care Licensure Section. It’s a good idea to read the most recent inspection reports for any assisted living facility you’re considering.

Requirements for North Carolina assisted living facilities

You can find all assisted living requirements for North Carolina’s assisted living facilities through the Rules and Statutes for Adult Care Homes and the North Carolina Compendium of Residential Care and Assisted Living Regulations and Policy. All assisted living facilities in North Carolina are required to meet the following criteria:

• Meet all safety and building codes
• Respect the residents’ dignity and autonomy
• Allow residents to make their own health care decisions
• Allow residents and family members to make complaints without retaliation
• Provide at least 80 hours of personal care training to caregiving staff
• Provide care plans for each residents, including an initial assessment with annual updates
• Update residents and family members of any changes to fees or care
• Not accept residents who need skilled nursing care

North Carolina Department of Health contact information

North Carolina Department of Health
101 Blair Dr.
Raleigh, NC 27603
Phone: 919-855-4800

COVID-19 regulations for Raleigh assisted living facilities

Raleigh doesn’t enforce any COVID-19 regulations for assisted living facilities, and neither does North Carolina. However, the North Carolina Department of Health does offer some guidance and training resources for long-term care facilities about how to stop the spread of COVID-19. All assisted living facilities in North Carolina follow CDC guidance.

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services track all respiratory diseases on the Respiratory Virus Summary Dashboard. This can help you find where flu, RSV, and other respiratory diseases are spreading.

Raleigh, North Carolina, is one of the best places to retire in the United States. While most seniors looking for assisted living in Raleigh are either from the area or moving to be near their families, some choose to move to Raleigh to enjoy the temperate climate, low cost of living, and exceptional health care facilities.

Assisted living facilities in Raleigh offer compassionate and personalized care to seniors who need extra, nonmedical help with their daily activities. Seniors with dementia or indefinite skilled nursing care needs may be better suited for Raleigh’s memory care facilities or nursing homes.

Types of assisted living facilities in Raleigh

A Place for Mom partners with 25 assisted living facilities in North Carolina. While all of these facilities receive the same license, there is some variety in the types of communities seniors can choose from.

Residential care homes

In Raleigh, about 44% of assisted living facilities are residential care homes. These smaller communities have less than seven residents and are set within residential homes. In general, these tend to be less expensive than other assisted living facilities, and offer fewer amenities as a result. However, they are a good fit for seniors who prefer a homelike environment instead of a larger, more institutional setting.

In a residential care home, seniors typically share a room with another resident, spend their time in the home’s common areas, and eat meals in the family dining room. Caregivers often live in the facility with the residents. Many seniors enjoy the camaraderie that develops in these residential care facilities. There is no difference between residential care homes and traditional assisted living facilities regarding the types of care they provide or the quality of care. In fact, both residential care homes and traditional assisted living facilities are licensed in the same way through the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services.

Traditional assisted living facilities

The majority of assisted living facilities in Raleigh have between 15 and 50 residents. These facilities are set in larger buildings, and may be large enough to accommodate multiple buildings on a campus. In these communities, residents can choose between private and shared rooms. There are different common areas to enjoy, such as libraries, pools, gyms, spas, bars, game rooms, theaters, and outdoor areas, like gardens and walking trails.

Traditional assisted living facilities in Raleigh often employ an activity’s coordinator who arranges daily classes, events, and outings for the residents. Among the larger assisted living facilities, approximately half provide at least one additional type of care. Typically, these establishments feature dedicated memory care wings for residents with dementia. These larger facilities tend to be more expensive than residential care homes.

Living in Raleigh as a senior

Raleigh is growing quickly — a result of the booming technology industry and the Research Triangle. Seniors in Raleigh’s assisted living facilities benefit from Raleigh’s growth. The overall wealth and safety in the city means seniors have no trouble finding parks, events, and educational opportunities. Plus, family members may be eager to move to Raleigh if their loved one is a local resident.

Health care for seniors in Raleigh

Due to the proximity of Duke and North Carolina University hospitals, seniors have access to the best cutting-edge geriatric care in the nation.

Transportation for seniors in Raleigh

Most seniors in Raleigh assisted living facilities don’t need to worry about finding transportation, as 56% of our partnering assisted living facilities offer it as a complimentary service. Seniors can count on their facilities to help them arrange transportation to and from appointments. However, seniors may need help finding their own transportation to attend social gatherings or events outside of their community. Family and friends are usually able to take their loved one out for day trips or vacations.

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services offers their Transportation Services to seniors across the state. This program funds free transportation for seniors over 60 years of age. The department does this through funding local public transportation, which provides their services for free. Seniors can use these services to go to the grocery store, social events, and appointments. Seniors living in Raleigh can call 919-872-7933 to schedule a ride.

Traffic in the Raleigh-Durham area is increasingly congested, especially during rush hour. Visiting family and friends should keep this in mind as they plan visits and day trips around the area.

Senior activities in Raleigh

Raleigh is a budget-friendly city for seniors who want to experience world-class museums, relaxing outdoor activities, and quaint farmers markets. Seniors living in Raleigh’s assisted living facilities may find they’re kept busy with a variety of activities within their community. Around 92% of Raleigh’s assisted living facilities offer on-site activities, such as tai chi, happy hours, bingo games, and visiting performers. In Raleigh’s assisted living facilities, 48% also offer educational opportunities where residents can polish up their financial literacy and even learn a different language.

Raleigh’s growing economy and engaged community means visitors are common, including university volunteers who want to chat with the residents or teach them a new skill.

Outdoor activities around Raleigh

With over 150 parks, Raleigh is a great place for seniors of all mobility levels to enjoy the great outdoors. Local family and visitors find no shortage of things to do year-round in Raleigh.

• Pullen Park. Set on 66 acres, Pullen Park is one of the oldest amusement parks in the nation. This is an especially popular place to bring grandchildren, as it has a carousel, pedal boats, and regular theater performances. It’s open all year and most activities and performances are free. The park outdoor spaces are open from dawn to dusk every day.
• William B. Umstead State Park. This state park is located about 10 miles northwest of Raleigh and offers hiking trails and three lakes where you can fish. There are two different entrances, but the visitor center is near the Crabtree Creek entrance. This is where you can find information about trail closures, camping, fishing licenses, and more. The park is accessible from 8 a.m. to 6 or 9 p.m., depending on the season.
• Dorothea Dix Park. The largest park in Raleigh, Dorothea Dix Park has a sprawling 308 acres in the heart of Raleigh. It offers groomed lawns, shaded tree areas with picnic spots, and a beautiful view of the downtown Raleigh skyline. It’s open all year and is free to the public.
• Mordecai Historic Park. Mordecai Historic Park is set in downtown Raleigh, and encompasses a range of historic buildings in Raleigh’s downtown neighborhoods. Included in these buildings are Andrew Johnson’s birthplace, the Plantation Office, and the famous Mordecai House. To fully enjoy this experience, you can purchase tickets for a guided tour at the Visitor’s Center. The tours begin at 10 a.m. and take place every hour until 3 p.m. Seniors have discounted tour fees at $4. Call 919-996-4364 to see if there are spots available for your preferred time.
• JC Raulston Arboretum at NC State University. This beautiful oasis is part of the North Carolina State University horticulture program. Located near the North Carolina State Fairgrounds, it includes a Japanese garden, perennial and annual flower displays, and an educational center. Admission is free but donations are accepted. Most paths are not paved, but are wheelchair-accessible.

Cultural activities around Raleigh

Raleigh’s status as the capital of North Carolina and as part of the Research Triangle means there’s no shortage of cultural activities appropriate for seniors.

• North Carolina Museum of Art. Set on a 164-acre park, the North Carolina Museum of Art has a collection that ranges from ancient history to contemporary pieces. Both the museum and the park are free to visitors, but special exhibitions often cost about $15. There is an accessible drop-off area and parking, and wheelchairs are available at no cost for visitors. The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday.
• Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts. Previously known as the Duke Energy Center, this performing arts center showcases the North Carolina Symphony, and dance and theater performances. All upcoming events can be found on the website. Tickets are sold through Ticketmaster, and seniors may receive a discount for individual performances. The center has accessible parking and wheelchair-accessible seating.
• Osher Lifelong Learning Institute. The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute offers academic courses for seniors over 50. Courses are not credited, but include a wide range of subjects. Seniors can learn about microbiology, ancient history, or Shakespearean drama. The institute occasionally offers field trips to local museums and historic sites. It costs $40 to participate during a semester. Most classrooms are wheelchair-accessible.
• Triangle Restaurant Week. Triangle Restaurant Week is an annual event celebrating the culinary treasures of the Raleigh-Durham area. While the dates change each year, they’re typically in the middle of June. Participating restaurants offer special menus and fixed pricing so you can try as much of the local fine dining as possible. Lunch costs about $15 and dinner costs between $25 and $50.