Memory Care Communities in Raleigh, NC

The cost of memory care varies across North Carolina. The most affordable city is Fayetteville where seniors pay around $3,750 per month. In both Charlotte and Durham, the cost of care is lower than Raleigh at $5,500 and $6,000 per month.

When trying to decide how to pay for memory care, one of the first questions that comes up is "How much does it cost?" With the impact of inflation, it's more important than ever to have up-to-date information when making a financial plan for senior living. To help shed light on real senior living prices, Caring.com has compiled proprietary cost data from its network of more than 75,000 senior living providers to provide insight into the average cost of memory care in Raleigh and 35 other cities in North Carolina.

Seniors and families in Raleigh have several options for covering memory care expenses, including state-funded benefits, veterans benefits and private payments. By understanding eligibility criteria for financial assistance programs and assessing private pay solutions, seniors can ensure the long-term viability of memory care.

• Medicaid: North Carolina’s Medicaid program provides for memory care services through the Personal Care Services program. This entitlement program pays for many services memory care residents receive, including personal care services, meals and nonemergency medical transportation.  
• Medicare: Memory care residents use their Medicare coverage to pay for medically necessary services such as skilled nursing, durable medical equipment and physical and occupational therapies. However, this program doesn’t cover standard memory care services.
• VA Benefits: The Geriatrics and Extended Care program covers memory care services such as personal care, meals and transportation for qualified veterans. Additionally, the VA’s Aid and Attendance program increases beneficiaries’ pension benefits, helping them pay for long-term care.
• Private Payments: Memory care communities accept private payments toward all care costs, including room and board, personal care and recreation. Seniors may have several options for this funding source, including Social Security benefits, pension benefits, retirement savings, proceeds from home sales and long-term care insurance.

Senior living prices in Raleigh reflect the type and level of care provided. Memory care is most expensive at $5,259 because it includes more guidance and assistance with personal care. Assisted living is somewhat less expensive at $3,860, as seniors who choose this option do not need as much help. Seniors who can live safely on their own might select independent living at $3,425. Budget and care needs both factor into decision-making.

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Health Service Regulation regulates and licenses memory care communities in North Carolina. It’s responsible for inspecting memory care communities and other adult care homes to ensure that they’re in compliance with the regulations. Inspections occur annually or biennially.

Benefits

• Over the course of the year, daytime temperatures in Raleigh range from 52 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter to 89 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer,
• With over two dozen hospitals in the city and nearby, Raleigh offers a robust health care system with specialists who treat memory disorders. It houses Duke University Hospital, which ranks among the best hospitals in the nation and is the top hospital in the state. This hospital specializes in geriatric medicine and memory disorders.
• North Carolina has a flat income tax rate of 4.75%, but it provides a full exemption for Social Security benefits. This helps some seniors afford memory care fees in Raleigh.

Drawbacks

• Living expenses in Raleigh run about 8% higher than the national baseline, impacting the cost of memory care. Food expenses exceed the U.S. average by roughly 15%, but residents see comparatively affordable housing and health care costs. To promote financial viability for seniors, many memory care communities accept Medicaid.
• Raleigh experiences around five violent crimes and 24 property-related offenses per 1,000 people every year. While this exceeds norms in about 88% of U.S. cities, it’s lower than rates in other cities with similar population sizes. The city’s central neighborhoods, such as Five Points West and Glenwood Village, have less criminal activity, appealing to those researching local memory care options.