age is a risk factor and one-third of seniors die while experiencing dementia. This data is concerning for locations such as Morehead City, which has an above-average senior population making up 22% of all residents. In fact, the city experienced a 44.4% increase in Alzheimer's-related deaths from 2016 to 2020, outpacing the rise in all-cause mortality by 37.1 points, according to CDC data.Â
Fortunately, quality dementia care can significantly improve outcomes for seniors experiencing Alzheimer's. These specialized communities create a secure, nurturing atmosphere with cognitive therapies, group activities and other supervised wellness programs to promote cognitive functioning. Memory care can also reduce the anxiety and confusion associated with dementia, helping seniors feel safe in daily life.
This guide analyzes memory care services in Morehead City, including a comparison of local care prices. It also details the pros and cons of living in the city and explains financial assistance programs that may help cover dementia care costs.
Memory Care Facilities in Morehead City, North Carolina
"I was very impressed with Carteret Landing. They had lots of activities. I would gladly move my mother there if we were in different circumstances right now and if my family agreed. The facility was good. I was pleased with it...."
"What I liked the best about Brookdale Morehead City was the size. It was just what I was looking for. I toured the memory care area, and it was very cozy and very homey. I didn't get the feeling that I was going into an assisted living or nursing hom..."
What to Consider About Memory Care in Morehead City
Memory care communities throughout North Carolina, including those in Morehead City, are monitored and regulated by the Division of Health Service Regulation. This government agency enforces standards of care, staff training requirements and other rules to maintain high-quality dementia care statewide.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Memory Care in Morehead City
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Morehead City is home to a variety of medical centers, including the highly-rated Carteret Health Care general hospital. As a member of the Mayo Clinic Care Network, it's been recognized as a leader in stroke and diabetes care. Additionally, Morehead City has about 5.7% more physicians per capita than is typical across North Carolina, which may reduce wait times for health care.
In Morehead City, violent crime rates are 23.3% higher than the national norm while property crime rates are 87% higher. However, these numbers have been trending downward in recent years, and memory care communities often have advanced security systems to protect residents. These may include cameras, motion sensors, alarms and secure windows and doors.
Air quality can have a big impact on seniors' health. Fortunately, the American Lung Association says Morehead City tied for first place as the cleanest metropolitan region in the country for ozone. The city also rates highly for water quality with a nearly perfect score of 99 on a 100-point index. This is much higher than the national average of 55, indicating that Morehead City is generally a clean, healthy place for older adults to breathe in the air.
The cost of living in Morehead City is about 8.3% higher than North Carolina's statewide norm, but the city can still be affordable for many seniors thanks to tax perks. Residents don't pay taxes on Social Security benefits, and the state's standard deduction is relatively large at $12,750 for those who file as single and $25,500 for those filing jointly. Seniors pay a flat tax rate of 4.9% on remaining income, but this may be partially offset by tax exemptions for prescription drugs and relatively low sales taxes statewide.
The Weather in Morehead City is mostly comfortable, with January low temperatures staying above freezing and July highs remaining lower than 90 degrees Fahrenheit. The city offers frequent sunny days, and many local memory care communities have monitored outdoor spaces allowing residents to safely enjoy nature.
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Paying for Memory Care in Morehead City
Note: Residential memory care is usually offered in assisted living facilities, and in general, memory care rates tend to be 20-30% higher than assisted living rates. No national database currently tracks memory care costs in the United States, so we've estimated the monthly memory care costs listed below by adding 25% to the rates listed in Genworth's 2021 Cost of Care Survey.
Memory care in Morehead City costs an average of $4,556 per month.
The Cost of Memory Care in Nearby Cities
Memory care in Morehead City is about 19% cheaper than the national norm. It's also around $457 less than North Carolina's statewide average, and the city is cheaper than many neighboring areas. For example, dementia care in Morehead City costs about 20% less than in Greenville and 30.6% less than in Wilmington. In-line with the trend, Charlotte is significantly more expensive at $5,500, making Morehead City an affordable destination for memory care.
Morehead City
$4,556
North Carolina
$5,013
United States
$5,625
Charlotte
$5,500
Wilmington
$6,568
Greenville
$5,766
The Cost of Other Types of Senior Care
Memory care typically provides 24/7 monitoring and daily cognitive therapies to support seniors with dementia. This high level of care means it ranks among the most expensive senior living options, averaging $4,556 monthly in Morehead City. Seniors who don't have dementia but need help with daily tasks might consider an assisted living community, which would cost about 19.9% less. In-home care and home health care provide services in seniors' homes, and are more affordable options than memory care, both priced at $3,813. Alternatively, older adults who require ongoing medical support can consider nursing homes. These facilities charge about $7,574 monthly for semi private rooms, 66.2% more expensive than dementia care.
Memory Care
$4,556
In-Home Care
$3,813
Home Health Care
$3,813
Assisted Living Facility
$3,645
Nursing Home Facility (semiprivate room)
$7,574
Note:Â Data for Morehead City was unavailable, so data for the nearest city, New Bern, was used instead.
Financial Assistance for Memory Care in Morehead City
While many families use their own funds or personal assets to pay for
memory care, there are plenty of additional options to cover these costs.
Some additional ways to finance memory care costs include:
Morehead City and the surrounding area are home to numerous government agencies
and non-profit organizations offering help for seniors searching for or
currently residing in a memory care
community. These organizations can also provide assistance in a number of other eldercare services such as
geriatric care management, elder law advice, estate planning, finding
home care and health and wellness programs.
Morehead City Memory Care Communities must adhere to the comprehensive set of state laws and regulations that all Memory Care Facilities in North Carolina are required to follow. Visit our Memory Care in North Carolina page for more information about these laws.
Reviews of Communities Nearby
Memory Care
Ann
5.0
I visited this facility
Review of Brookdale Morehead City
What I liked the best about Brookdale Morehead City was the size. It was just what I was looking for. I toured the memory care area, and it was very cozy and very homey. I didn't get the feeling...
I am a friend or relative of a current/past resident
Review of Brookdale Morehead City
Understaffed and they only care about money. Management isn’t there to help. The only manager who helps is the kitchen manager and memory card manager
Provider response
We appreciate you taking the time to share your feedback and are sorry to hear you feel this way. Our staff is committed to providing the highest-quality service and care for each resident and we...
I was very impressed with Carteret Landing. They had lots of activities. I would gladly move my mother there if we were in different circumstances right now and if my family agreed. The facility...