10 Best Nursing Homes in Raleigh, NC

How you decide to pay for senior care should be based on your personal financial situation. Most families use a combination of personal funds, such as retirement accounts or income, and public aid programs, such as veterans benefits, Medicaid, and Medicare.

Read on to learn some tried-and-true methods to keep your ideal senior care facility within reach.

Raleigh’s senior care facilities provide professional and compassionate care to local seniors. The North Carolina Division of Health Service Regulation (DHSR) regulates and licenses senior living facilities in North Carolina, including nursing homes. To maintain the high quality of Raleigh’s senior care facilities, the DHSR inspects all facilities annually. Inspections check how well the facilities follow federal and state guidelines for safety, ethics, and quality of life.

Find inspections and file a complaint

You can find all inspection results on the North Carolina Adult Care Licensure Section. You can also find a list of every facility that has been penalized by the DHSR using the Listings of Facilities with Penalties. If needed, you can file a complaint about your loved one’s senior care facility directly to the North Carolina DHSR or contact your local ombudsman office.

Regulations for skilled nursing facilities in North Carolina

All nursing homes in Raleigh follow North Carolina’s DHSR rules and regulations for nursing homes. Regulations are put in place to ensure that nursing homes offer ethical and safe care to its residents, and keep the quality of life in their facilities high. Some of the most important rules for nursing homes in Raleigh include the following:

• Nursing homes must allow residents their autonomy, permitting them to choose their own health care provider and informing them of any changes to care or fees.
• Residents and their families must be allowed to make complaints without fear of retaliation.
• Nursing homes can only accept residents who require skilled nursing care.
• All nursing homes must have a cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) policy.
• Physicians must meet with each resident at least every 60 days.
• Nursing homes must have accessible outdoor areas for residents.
• Bedrooms must have at least one window and a closet or wardrobe.
• Nursing homes should offer regular activities to support resident’s interests and needs.
• Meals must be planned two weeks in advance and meet resident’s individual dietary needs.

Regulations for assisted living and memory care facilities in Raleigh

Like nursing homes, assisted living and memory care facilities are regulated by the DHSR. You can find all regulations for assisted living and memory care facilities on the North Carolina Rules and Statutes for Adult Care Homes. Some of the most important regulations for these senior care facilities include the following:

• Senior living facilities should respect residents’ autonomy and dignity by allowing them to make their own health care decisions.
• Facilities should allow residents and families to make complaints without fear of retaliation.
• Each resident should be given a care plan upon moving into a facility, and the plan should be updated regularly.
• Residents and families must be updated about any changes to care or fees.
• Assisted living and memory care facilities can’t 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 nursing homes

The North Carolina state government doesn’t currently enforce any COVID-19 policies in senior living facilities. The North Carolina Department of Health offers COVID-19 mitigation guidance and training for long-term care facilities, including nursing homes, assisted living, and memory care facilities. Senior care facilities are expected to follow guidance from the CDC about handling the spread of COVID-19.

Common respiratory diseases, like COVID-19, the flu, and RSV, are tracked on the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Service’s Respiratory Virus Summary Dashboard. You can find how quickly these diseases are spreading in your area.

Masking. Senior care facilities may ask their staff members to mask to prevent the spread of disease.

Facility cleanliness. Senior care facilities maintain excellent hygiene standards in accordance with the rules and regulations from the North Carolina Department of Health.

Social distancing. Loved ones are allowed to visit senior care facilities at any time.

Quarantining. Senior care facilities often have quarantine wings for patients with respiratory diseases, but aren’t mandated to have them.

Raleigh, North Carolina, is one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States, and it remains popular among seniors. Since 2022, Raleigh’s population of nearly 480,000 has grown by 2.4%, and about 12% of the city’s population is over 65. Seniors value Raleigh’s temperate climate, exceptional health care facilities, and public parks and museums. Known as the City of Oaks with its 200+ city parks, Raleigh combines the best of mid-sized city living and the outdoors. Raleigh’s reputation for bringing in young professionals and families means many seniors moving to Raleigh for senior living already have family nearby.

Compared to the rest of the state, Raleigh’s senior care facilities are some of the best. Excellent staffing ratios, high safety standards, and updated facilities increase the quality of life for residents. Seniors in need of 24-hour supervision and skilled nursing care may need to find a local nursing facility. If you or your loved one simply need help with daily activities or dementia-specific care, consider Raleigh’s assisted living or memory care facilities instead.

Learn more about Raleigh’s nursing homes, assisted living, and memory care facilities below to make an informed decision for yourself or your loved one.

Nursing homes in Raleigh

Nursing homes provide skilled nursing care and round-the-clock supervision for seniors who need short-term rehabilitative care after a procedure or an illness, or long-term care for seniors who need skilled nursing for the rest of their lives. A Place for Mom doesn’t partner with any traditional, stand-alone nursing homes. However, around 35% of our partnering assisted living and memory care facilities in Raleigh offer some short-term skilled nursing care. These “skilled nursing wings” follow the same laws and regulations as traditional nursing homes.

Assisted living and memory care in Raleigh

For seniors who require nonmedical care, assisted living or memory care facilities can fulfill that need. In Raleigh, assisted living and memory care facilities are almost always offered on the same campus or in the same building. Facilities tend to be mid-sized, with between 25 and 70 residents. Most of these facilities are in quiet suburban areas less than 15 minutes from the nearest hospital. Updated interiors and well-kept outdoor areas are common as well. Many facilities have extensive amenities, such as indoor pools, exercise rooms, arts and crafts centers, and walking trails.

About 39% of Raleigh’s assisted living and memory care facilities are residential care homes. These facilities offer the same type of care as larger assisted living and memory care communities, but are similar to residential homes and house between three and seven residents. While these facilities follow the same rules and regulations, they tend to be more affordable.

Health care for seniors in Raleigh

As part of the Research Triangle, Raleigh has exceptional health care facilities that are within a twenty-minute drive from most partnering senior care facilities. These hospitals all offer geriatric care, inpatient care, and most specialties.

Transportation for seniors in Raleigh

Seniors living in Raleigh’s nursing homes typically don’t need to worry about transportation around the city, as their needs are often met by the community. Assisted living and memory care residents in Raleigh may or may not want to travel independently depending on their health needs. Most senior care facilities in Raleigh offer complimentary transportation services or transportation for a fee. These services allow residents to attend appointments and events without having to find public transportation or drive their own vehicle.

Families and friends are able to take their loved one out for day trips and vacations. Traffic in Raleigh and throughout the Research Triangle — which encompasses Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill — can be challenging, especially during rush hour.

Activities for seniors in Raleigh

Seniors residing in Raleigh’s nursing homes will find plenty of activities and entertainment in their community. Approximately 61% of Raleigh’s assisted living and memory care facilities employ an activities director, and 100% of Raleigh’s senior care facilities are required by the DHSR to provide regular activities for residents.

Card game nights, movie showings, visiting performers, social hours, exercise classes, and financial literacy courses are common in assisted living facilities. Memory care facilities tailor their activities to the abilities of their residents, often choosing musical games or soothing projects. Many assisted living and memory care facilities also take their residents on outings to local parks and museums.

Parks in Raleigh

Raleigh is known as The City of Oaks, and it certainly lives up to the name. The parks listed below are some of the most senior-friendly, offering groomed trails, wheelchair accessibility, and tranquility.

• Pullen Park. Pulled Park is the centerpiece of Raleigh’s family activities. It’s on 66 acres and has pedal boats, a carousel, and theater performances. Most performances are free, and the park is open all year from dawn to dusk. This dynamic park is filled with a variety of activities for grandchildren, grandparents, and great-grandparents.
• Dorothea Dix Park. As the largest park in Raleigh, Dorothea Dix Park encompasses a sprawling 308 acres in the heart of Raleigh. It offers grass 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. Perfect for history lovers, Mordecai Historic Park is actually a neighborhood near downtown Raleigh. Famous for its stately architecture and historical significance, Mordecai Historic Park includes Andrew Johnson’s childhood home and the Mordecai House. You can visit the area on your own, but guided tours are available through the Visitor’s Center. Tours begin most days at 10 a.m. and take place on the hour until 3 p.m. Senior tickets cost $4. Call 919-996-4364 to reserve a tour spot.
• JC Raulston Arboretum at NC State University. The arboretum is part of the North Carolina State University horticulture program and is located near the North Carolina State Fairgrounds. Doubling as a botanical garden, visitors can stroll through the Japanese garden, seasonal flower displays, and education center. Admission is free, and the park is wheelchair accessible.

Cultural activities in Raleigh

The capital of North Carolina offers seniors and their families plenty of opportunities to learn and explore. Whether you choose to spend an afternoon browsing an art collection, learning a new language, or enjoying gourmet cuisine, Raleigh has everything you need.

• North Carolina Museum of Art. The North Carolina Museum of Art boasts an extensive art collection ranging from ancient history to contemporary American art. Set on 164 acres of outdoor areas, both the museum and park are free to the public. Special exhibitions may cost an extra fee, and wheelchairs are available for free to visitors. The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday.
• Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts. Known until recently as the Duke Energy Center, the Martin Marietta for the Performing Arts is home to the North Carolina Symphony and visiting performances. You can find upcoming events on the website and tickets through Ticketmaster. Seniors may receive a discount for individual performances, but there is no senior discount overall. Seniors can find accessible parking and wheelchair access throughout the center.
• Osher Lifelong Learning Institute. Seniors who consider themselves lifelong learners may consider a membership at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute. Seniors over 50 can become members by paying a $40 annual membership fee. Classes span subjects from economics to cellular biology and Shakespearean drama. The institute also offers field trips and overnight options for active seniors.
• Triangle Restaurant Week. This annual event celebrates the culinary excellence of the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill area. Typically held in the middle of June, Triangle Restaurant Week allows locals to try meals from a wide range of restaurants for a flat rate. While seniors don’t receive a specific discount, participating restaurants offer reasonable rates ranging from $15 to $50.