What To Consider About Memory Care in Charlotte

Home to nearly 860,000 people, over 9 percent of which are over the age of 65, the large city of Charlotte is a major hub with numerous outstanding medical facilities. Among the top hospitals is the Carolina Neurological Clinic, which uses the latest in medical science to treat and support seniors with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia.

To further support this population, Charlotte has 17 memory care facilities, and there are 3 more nearby. The staff at these facilities are trained to meet the needs of residents with Alzheimer's disease, dementia and other cognitive conditions. In Charlotte, as in all of the state, memory care facilities are licensed by the North Carolina Division of Health Service Regulation. 

• The overall cost of living in Charlotte is over 10 percent higher than the state average about 7 percent higher than the national average, which may be a consideration for families who have tight budgets for memory care. Healthcare and transportation expenses are among the biggest factors affecting for families and seniors in memory care, as they are about 14 percent higher than the national average.   
• North Carolina seniors do not pay income tax on their Social Security income, and all other retirement income is taxed at a modest flat rate. This may permit families to put more money toward memory care services.
• According to the American Lung Association, ozone pollution in Charlotte is high, which can impact the health of seniors. Short-term particle pollution, however, was given an A from the organization, suggesting that environmental pollutants are minimal.   
• On a scale of 1 to 100, with 1 being the safest, violent crime in Charlotte is rated 54.2 and property crime is rated 52.8. This is compared to the respective national averages of 31.1 and 38.1. To protect residents, many memory care facilities are equipped with surveillance cameras, alarm systems and other security equipment.