Alzheimer’s serves as the seventh leading cause of death in North Carolina, and according to the Alzheimer’s Association, the number of North Carolinians with this diagnosis will increase by 17% in the coming years. In Chapel Hill, a college town in which seniors only make up 11% of the population, this disease has had a comparatively small impact on public health. Countywide data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that in 2020, Alzheimer’s caused 5.8% of deaths, compared to 6.2% in 2016. During this period, the number of Alzheimer’s-related deaths increased by just 5%, while the total number of deaths increased by 12%.
Despite the city's small senior community, it offers several memory care facilities for those seeking comprehensive dementia care solutions. These facilities incorporate predictable routines, sensory experiences and dementia-informed recreational therapies to foster a nurturing, engaging environment for those with memory loss. They also provide daily meals, medical care coordination and personal care, depending on residents' needs.
This guide features more details on memory care in Chapel Hill and highlights resources that serve residents.