The 10 Best Assisted Living Facilities in Morganton, NC for 2024

 

The culturally rich community of Morganton offers a welcoming environment for retirees seeking comfortable weather, affordability and access to health care. Of its estimated 18,000 residents, it has a large senior community that makes up a fifth of its population. To serve these residents, the Morganton region has a dedicated senior services agency and an active senior center.

Morganton also has several assisted living facilities, providing accommodations and care for older adults who need daily assistance. These residential communities offer services such as daily meals, housekeeping, medication reminders and transportation, and some have amenities such as public computers and hair salons. On average, seniors in Morganton pay $3,523 per month for this type of care, though rates vary depending on a facility’s size, location and amenities. By comparison, the statewide average monthly rate is $4,010, and nationally, care costs come in at $4,500. 

Through this guide, readers can get more information on assisted living costs in Morganton, as well as some options they may have for covering services. This guide also lists some resources that can help seniors make informed decisions regarding their long-term care options.

The NC Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Health Service Regulation, regulates assisted living facilities in Morganton and enforces a range of licensing requirements related to care planning, nutrition, medication services and staffing. It also publishes details on residents' rights and the recourse residents have if they receive unfair treatment. 

 

• Most types of retirement income are fully taxable in North Carolina with the exception of Social Security benefits, which the state doesn’t tax regardless of the individual’s income bracket. This may leave more money in the bank to cover assisted living expenses in Morganton, particularly for seniors whose Social Security benefits make up the bulk of their retirement income.
• Morganton is home to UNC Health Blue Ridge Hospital – Morganton, an independent, not-for-profit hospital with 184 beds and a wide range of services. While the city has a relatively low number of physicians per capita, with a rate of 176 doctors per 100,000 people versus the national norm of 210, many assisted living facilities have on-call physicians who provide prompt care.
• The city’s weather is cool relative to the rest of North Carolina, making it an appealing option for seniors who enjoy spending time outdoors. Winters are mild with daytime temperatures in the high 40s and low 50s, and summers are very warm with average temperatures in the upper-80s. The city gets about 48 inches of rain and just 4 inches of snow annually
• Compared to the United States as a whole, property crime occurs at a relatively high frequency in Morganton, but violent crime is somewhat rare. A 100-point crime index assigns the city 18.8 for violent crime, compared to 22.7 nationally. However, the property crime score is 48.4, about 13 points over the national rating. Fortunately, many assisted living facilities have surveillance systems to keep residents safe.
• Morganton’s overall cost of living is low, even compared to North Carolina as a whole. On a 100-point index based on average living costs in the nation, this city scores 84.8, several points below the state norm of 91. This may promote affordable residential care for seniors.

 

 

In Morganton, assisted living rates average $3,523 per month.

Assisted living facilities in Morganton charge competitive monthly rates of $3,523 for care, which is significantly below the state average of $4,010 and the national norm of $4,500. Nearby surveyed cities typically have higher rates, with seniors in Greensboro paying $3,800 for this level of care, and monthly fees in Charlotte exceed Morganton’s norm by about $900. In Asheville, rates are considerably higher than in Morganton at $4,998, but in Fayetteville, fees are approximately $500 below the local rate.

In Morganton, assisted living facilities charge $3,523 for residential care, which is low compared to most other senior care options in the city. Seniors pay higher monthly rates for private care, with in-home care agencies charging $4,099, and those that provide specialized home health care charging $4,385. Nursing home care is even costlier, with rates starting at $8,152 for semiprivate accommodations. Only adult day health care is more cost-effective at $1,300 per month.

While many families use their own funds or personal assets to pay for assisted living, there are plenty of additional options to cover these costs. Some additional ways to finance assisted living costs include:

• Veterans Benefits
• Life Insurance Policy
• Long-Term Care Insurance
• Reverse Mortgage

For more information about different ways to finance assisted living, visit our Assisted Living in North Carolina page.