Raleigh, North Carolina, is home to 467,665 people, 10.8% of whom are seniors aged 65 and older. This age group is at high risk of developing Alzheimer’s and dementia, and the CDC has compiled data that shows the number of cases is increasing. The number of Alzheimer’s-related deaths has increased by 91.12% between 2014 and 2018 compared to only an 18.18% increase in deaths overall. This is a very concerning figure because the Alzheimer’s Association has also shown in a 2020 study that one in three seniors dies with Alzheimer’s or dementia. This makes it more deadly than breast and prostate cancer.
Fortunately, Raleigh has a range of memory care communities that provide a secure and comfortable environment for seniors. These communities have 24/7 staff and specially trained therapists who utilize the latest treatments to minimize cognitive decline. This guide goes through the pros and cons of living in Raleigh and the costs associated with memory care and the alternative long-term care options. There is also a list of resources that may be useful to seniors and their loved ones.
Memory Care Facilities in Raleigh, NC
3101 Duraleigh Road, Raleigh, NC, 27612
Brighton Gardens of Raleigh is an active assisted living and memory care facility in Raleigh, North Carolina near the UNC REX Hospital just off of Edwards Mill Road. Residents praise the community for
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Brighton Gardens of Raleigh is an active assisted living and memory care facility in Raleigh, North Carolina near the UNC REX Hospital just off of Edwards Mill Road. Residents praise the community for its focus on friendship and camaraderie. The open dining hall is well laid out so residents always have someone to sit with, while the coffee shop is a fun social space where residents can mingle. Visitors note that their loved ones enjoy taking organized trips into the neighborhood so they can shop and tour the local community.
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Brighton Gardens of Raleigh is an active assisted living and memory care facility in Raleigh, North Carolina near the UNC REX Hospital just off of Edwards Mill Road. Residents praise the community for
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Brighton Gardens of Raleigh is an active assisted living and memory care facility in Raleigh, North Carolina near the UNC REX Hospital just off of Edwards Mill Road. Residents praise the community for its focus on friendship and camaraderie. The open dining hall is well laid out so residents always have someone to sit with, while the coffee shop is a fun social space where residents can mingle. Visitors note that their loved ones enjoy taking organized trips into the neighborhood so they can shop and tour the local community.
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615 Spring Forest Road, Raleigh, NC, 27609
Sunrise at North Hills is a senior living community located in at North Hills in Raleigh, NC. The community specializes in assisted living, short-term stays and Alzheimer’s care services. Sunrise at N
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Sunrise at North Hills is a senior living community located in at North Hills in Raleigh, NC. The community specializes in assisted living, short-term stays and Alzheimer’s care services. Sunrise at North Hills is also a short drive away from Rex Hospital and Duke Raleigh Hospital, which are world-class medical facilities. A physical therapy room and other amenities help residents lead a fulfilled life. Residents also enjoy taking a walk on community’s well-landscaped lawns. Sunrise at North Hills staff is friendly which helps create a homey atmosphere for the residents.
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Sunrise at North Hills is a senior living community located in at North Hills in Raleigh, NC. The community specializes in assisted living, short-term stays and Alzheimer’s care services. Sunrise at N
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Sunrise at North Hills is a senior living community located in at North Hills in Raleigh, NC. The community specializes in assisted living, short-term stays and Alzheimer’s care services. Sunrise at North Hills is also a short drive away from Rex Hospital and Duke Raleigh Hospital, which are world-class medical facilities. A physical therapy room and other amenities help residents lead a fulfilled life. Residents also enjoy taking a walk on community’s well-landscaped lawns. Sunrise at North Hills staff is friendly which helps create a homey atmosphere for the residents.
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4801 Edwards Mill Road, Raleigh, NC, 27612
Sunrise of Raleigh is located conveniently in the Crabtree Valley area of Raleigh, North Carolina where access to state parks, shopping and dining are nearby and easily accessible. Visitors to the fac
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Sunrise of Raleigh is located conveniently in the Crabtree Valley area of Raleigh, North Carolina where access to state parks, shopping and dining are nearby and easily accessible. Visitors to the facility note that the staff is always friendly, caring and helpful no matter the need, and the facility gets high marks for customer satisfaction. Residents of Sunrise of Raleigh enjoy large studio-style rooms and with a private bathroom. In addition, the community hosts activities, such as holiday shows, craft and skills classes and bingo, for residents to enjoy.
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Sunrise of Raleigh is located conveniently in the Crabtree Valley area of Raleigh, North Carolina where access to state parks, shopping and dining are nearby and easily accessible. Visitors to the fac
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Sunrise of Raleigh is located conveniently in the Crabtree Valley area of Raleigh, North Carolina where access to state parks, shopping and dining are nearby and easily accessible. Visitors to the facility note that the staff is always friendly, caring and helpful no matter the need, and the facility gets high marks for customer satisfaction. Residents of Sunrise of Raleigh enjoy large studio-style rooms and with a private bathroom. In addition, the community hosts activities, such as holiday shows, craft and skills classes and bingo, for residents to enjoy.
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1110 Falls River Ave., Raleigh, NC, 27614
Falls River Village is an assisted living facility located in Raleigh, NC, close to a wide array of attractions, including the Falls Lake Recreational Park and world-class museums. The community featu
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Falls River Village is an assisted living facility located in Raleigh, NC, close to a wide array of attractions, including the Falls Lake Recreational Park and world-class museums. The community features a versatile range of amenities and services, which include personalized care plans, medication management services, scheduled transportation, a beauty parlor and barbershop, and indoor and outdoor common areas. The facility also has beautifully landscaped lawns where residents can relax or take a walk. Falls River Village staff has been praised for their compassionate approach towards caregiving, which affords the community a homey atmosphere.
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Falls River Village is an assisted living facility located in Raleigh, NC, close to a wide array of attractions, including the Falls Lake Recreational Park and world-class museums. The community featu
… (read more)
Falls River Village is an assisted living facility located in Raleigh, NC, close to a wide array of attractions, including the Falls Lake Recreational Park and world-class museums. The community features a versatile range of amenities and services, which include personalized care plans, medication management services, scheduled transportation, a beauty parlor and barbershop, and indoor and outdoor common areas. The facility also has beautifully landscaped lawns where residents can relax or take a walk. Falls River Village staff has been praised for their compassionate approach towards caregiving, which affords the community a homey atmosphere.
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5614 Apalachicula Dr, Raleigh, NC, 27616
My mother-in-law was a resident at Lynn’s Care Home at Riverside. We were very happy with the level of care she received while she made her home there. Ann Marie is very responsive and her staff are v
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My mother-in-law was a resident at Lynn’s Care Home at Riverside. We were very happy with the level of care she received while she made her home there. Ann Marie is very responsive and her staff are very caring and attentive to the residents. The care team to resident ratio is not something you will find at a big box and the familial atmosphere makes it feel warm and home-like. After this experience, this is the only type of residence I would consider and Lynn’s Care Home at Riverside is second-to-none. Thank you for the wonderful care you and your team provided!
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My mother-in-law was a resident at Lynn’s Care Home at Riverside. We were very happy with the level of care she received while she made her home there. Ann Marie is very responsive and her staff are v
… (read more)
My mother-in-law was a resident at Lynn’s Care Home at Riverside. We were very happy with the level of care she received while she made her home there. Ann Marie is very responsive and her staff are very caring and attentive to the residents. The care team to resident ratio is not something you will find at a big box and the familial atmosphere makes it feel warm and home-like. After this experience, this is the only type of residence I would consider and Lynn’s Care Home at Riverside is second-to-none. Thank you for the wonderful care you and your team provided!
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1008 Flower Round Court, Raleigh, NC, 27604
2445 Deanwood Drive, Raleigh, NC, 27615
600 Newton Rd, Raleigh, NC, 27615
Terrabella of North Ridge is right in the heart of North Raleigh, North Carolina. It is located just a few miles away from the center of the city with access to museums, shopping, parks and fine dinin
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Terrabella of North Ridge is right in the heart of North Raleigh, North Carolina. It is located just a few miles away from the center of the city with access to museums, shopping, parks and fine dining establishments. Family and residents give Terrabella of North Ridge high marks for a packed activities list, and weekly outings to movies or other entertainment. Live music and bingo are some of the on-site activities, and the staff often encourage residents to try new things and socialize. Residents remark that the staff is attentive, caring and friendly.
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Terrabella of North Ridge is right in the heart of North Raleigh, North Carolina. It is located just a few miles away from the center of the city with access to museums, shopping, parks and fine dinin
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Terrabella of North Ridge is right in the heart of North Raleigh, North Carolina. It is located just a few miles away from the center of the city with access to museums, shopping, parks and fine dining establishments. Family and residents give Terrabella of North Ridge high marks for a packed activities list, and weekly outings to movies or other entertainment. Live music and bingo are some of the on-site activities, and the staff often encourage residents to try new things and socialize. Residents remark that the staff is attentive, caring and friendly.
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1130 Falls River Ave., Raleigh, NC, 27614
Falls River Court has a very welcoming atmosphere. They are very in tune with the needs of a person with Parkinson’s and dementia. So, they are more equipped to understand my mother’s needs and we are
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Falls River Court has a very welcoming atmosphere. They are very in tune with the needs of a person with Parkinson’s and dementia. So, they are more equipped to understand my mother’s needs and we are hoping that will be a better fit for her. It’s a smaller community with fewer residents in that area, but more nurses to help.
The staff was outstanding and very skilled in what we needed. They were asking us questions about her that we were going to ask them. So, that was very comforting. They told us that they would check on her every 15 minutes, which is very helpful because she is a fall risk. Their activities focused on the memory care residents and the good thing about it is they were asking me, what were some of her interests because they want to be able to cater some of the activities to what she’s interested in.
They also have a salon, a patio, a sunroom, an outdoor area to sit in, and a lavender-scented room where they could sit and kind of relax. They do art classes, cooking classes, and my mother loves to plant herbs and so they have an herb garden. I like the fact that they said that the cafeteria was painted with a color that entices the appetite of residents who have dementia.
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Falls River Court has a very welcoming atmosphere. They are very in tune with the needs of a person with Parkinson’s and dementia. So, they are more equipped to understand my mother’s needs and we are
… (read more)
Falls River Court has a very welcoming atmosphere. They are very in tune with the needs of a person with Parkinson’s and dementia. So, they are more equipped to understand my mother’s needs and we are hoping that will be a better fit for her. It’s a smaller community with fewer residents in that area, but more nurses to help.
The staff was outstanding and very skilled in what we needed. They were asking us questions about her that we were going to ask them. So, that was very comforting. They told us that they would check on her every 15 minutes, which is very helpful because she is a fall risk. Their activities focused on the memory care residents and the good thing about it is they were asking me, what were some of her interests because they want to be able to cater some of the activities to what she’s interested in.
They also have a salon, a patio, a sunroom, an outdoor area to sit in, and a lavender-scented room where they could sit and kind of relax. They do art classes, cooking classes, and my mother loves to plant herbs and so they have an herb garden. I like the fact that they said that the cafeteria was painted with a color that entices the appetite of residents who have dementia.
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2268 Lazy River Drive, Raleigh, NC, 27610
2100 Brassfield Rd. , Raleigh, NC, 27614
7029 San Juan Hill Court, Raleigh, NC, 27610
3604 Neuse Estates Drive, Raleigh, NC, 27604
801 Dixie Trail, Raleigh, NC, 27607
My husband is in the memory care side of Morningside of Raleigh. It is in a beautiful wooded setting, and yet it was in this city. It was very bright and very orderly. The staff has been cooperative.
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My husband is in the memory care side of Morningside of Raleigh. It is in a beautiful wooded setting, and yet it was in this city. It was very bright and very orderly. The staff has been cooperative. They offer activities. They have a physical therapy room, a dayroom where activities can be done, and two dining areas, and this is all in the memory care. However, my husband has a specific rare condition that I don’t believe is being addressed correctly with their program. The food is good. He has a spacious, single room with its own bathroom. For his situation, cleanliness has not been adequate. They have housekeeping only on the weekdays.
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My husband is in the memory care side of Morningside of Raleigh. It is in a beautiful wooded setting, and yet it was in this city. It was very bright and very orderly. The staff has been cooperative.
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My husband is in the memory care side of Morningside of Raleigh. It is in a beautiful wooded setting, and yet it was in this city. It was very bright and very orderly. The staff has been cooperative. They offer activities. They have a physical therapy room, a dayroom where activities can be done, and two dining areas, and this is all in the memory care. However, my husband has a specific rare condition that I don’t believe is being addressed correctly with their program. The food is good. He has a spacious, single room with its own bathroom. For his situation, cleanliness has not been adequate. They have housekeeping only on the weekdays.
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5219 Old Wake Forest Rd., Raleigh, NC, 27609
Cadence North Raleigh has assisted living and memory care. Mom moved into memory care. A lot of it is very similar to assisted living. The main difference with memory care is they keep the door locked
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Cadence North Raleigh has assisted living and memory care. Mom moved into memory care. A lot of it is very similar to assisted living. The main difference with memory care is they keep the door locked because residents will go out. The staff is warm and caring. They have scheduled activities every day to keep everybody moving and motivated; that is what I loved most.
The place is extremely clean and updated. I haven’t tried the food, but I’ve seen them serve the food to others. It’s nice. It’s all on one floor, so nobody has to go upstairs or downstairs. They have somebody that goes in, like an activities director. He’ll do all different types of history games and puzzles. He also has them watch places in Europe. It’s like going to a couple cities in Europe for the day. Then they have a 15 or 20 minute workout. I thought it was less expensive than some other places. I thought they were the best from what I have seen. It didn’t feel like a nursing home type situation whatsoever.
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Cadence North Raleigh has assisted living and memory care. Mom moved into memory care. A lot of it is very similar to assisted living. The main difference with memory care is they keep the door locked
… (read more)
Cadence North Raleigh has assisted living and memory care. Mom moved into memory care. A lot of it is very similar to assisted living. The main difference with memory care is they keep the door locked because residents will go out. The staff is warm and caring. They have scheduled activities every day to keep everybody moving and motivated; that is what I loved most.
The place is extremely clean and updated. I haven’t tried the food, but I’ve seen them serve the food to others. It’s nice. It’s all on one floor, so nobody has to go upstairs or downstairs. They have somebody that goes in, like an activities director. He’ll do all different types of history games and puzzles. He also has them watch places in Europe. It’s like going to a couple cities in Europe for the day. Then they have a 15 or 20 minute workout. I thought it was less expensive than some other places. I thought they were the best from what I have seen. It didn’t feel like a nursing home type situation whatsoever.
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1810 New Hope Road, Raleigh, NC, 27604
6320 Saybrooke Drive, Raleigh, NC, 27604
3550 Horton Street, Raleigh, NC, 27607
We just moved my relative into Waltonwood Lake Boone. I really liked the staff at this facility. The facility itself is new, light, and bright. There’s a lot of natural light, and even in the memory c
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We just moved my relative into Waltonwood Lake Boone. I really liked the staff at this facility. The facility itself is new, light, and bright. There’s a lot of natural light, and even in the memory care the residents have the option of an apartment style room, which was important to my relative. We liked their space; it feels like home. The activities that are available looked good for him.
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We just moved my relative into Waltonwood Lake Boone. I really liked the staff at this facility. The facility itself is new, light, and bright. There’s a lot of natural light, and even in the memory c
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We just moved my relative into Waltonwood Lake Boone. I really liked the staff at this facility. The facility itself is new, light, and bright. There’s a lot of natural light, and even in the memory care the residents have the option of an apartment style room, which was important to my relative. We liked their space; it feels like home. The activities that are available looked good for him.
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2800 Kidd Rd, Raleigh, NC, 27610
4510 Duraleigh Road, Raleigh, NC, 27612
My mother-in-law has lived in the Covington for three years. She loves it. The people who work there are kind, patient, and work hard. Every time we have visited it has been a good experience. She is
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My mother-in-law has lived in the Covington for three years. She loves it. The people who work there are kind, patient, and work hard. Every time we have visited it has been a good experience. She is living in the memory care now and is happy.
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My mother-in-law has lived in the Covington for three years. She loves it. The people who work there are kind, patient, and work hard. Every time we have visited it has been a good experience. She is
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My mother-in-law has lived in the Covington for three years. She loves it. The people who work there are kind, patient, and work hard. Every time we have visited it has been a good experience. She is living in the memory care now and is happy.
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COVID-19 Rules for Memory Care in Raleigh
Since most COVID-19 rules for Memory Care Communities and other Senior Living Facilities are set at the state level, you can view the specific rules for your state on our Guide to Memory Care in North Carolina. Keep in mind that every community has specific policies that they put in place to protect their residents, so you should contact your local community for more information. Additionally, you can contact your local Area Agency on Aging to learn more – find contact information here.
What to Consider About Memory Care in Raleigh
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 and Drawbacks of Memory Care in Raleigh
- Raleigh has hot and muggy summers with highs around 90 degrees and short and cold winters with lows around 30 degrees. On average, there’s 46 inches of rain per year, which is slightly higher than the U.S. average of 38 inches. For outdoor activities, seniors may find May to October to be the most pleasant months.
- Raleigh has 25 hospitals, including some nationally ranked ones. Duke University Hospital is nationally ranked in 11 adult specialities, including cancer, diabetes and heart surgery. It’s also rated as highly performing for geriatrics.
- The overall cost of living in Raleigh is around the same as the national average but higher than the state average. Scored on a 100-point scale, the overall cost of living in Raleigh is 102.3. The average cost of health care is lower than average at 93.2, and the median cost of transportation is 88.6.
- North Carolina is moderately tax-friendly towards retirees. It exempts all Social Security retirement benefits from state income tax. Other types of retirement income are taxed at the standard state rate of 5.25%. The state’s sales and property taxes are moderate.
- The crime rates in Raleigh are similar to the national average. There are 4.15 violent crimes per 1,000 residents compared to the national average of 4 and the state average of 4.26. The property crime rates are 21.34 per 1,000 residents compared to the national average of 19 and the state average of 22.61.
- GoRaleigh operates buses around Raleigh. For seniors who present a GoRaleigh ID card, all rides are free of charge. For seniors with Alzheimer’s or dementia, private senior transportation may be a more comfortable option. Seniors can access public and private transportation to go to medical appointments, visit family members, get to the salon and go shopping.
Paying for Memory Care in Raleigh
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.
Seniors in Raleigh pay on average $6,735 for memory care, which is significantly above the state average of $5,013 and the national average of $5,625.
The Cost of Memory Care in Nearby Cities
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.
The Cost of Other Types of Senior Care
There are other types of senior care available in Raleigh. By far the most affordable type of care is adult day health care, which costs $1,300 per month. For seniors who prefer to age in place, the average cost of both home care and home health care is $4,957 per month. Assisted living facilities are slightly more expensive with seniors paying on average $5,388 per month. The least affordable type of facility is a nursing home, which includes 24/7 skilled nursing and typically costs around $6,996 per month.
Nursing Home Facility (semiprivate room)
Financial Assistance for Memory Care in Raleigh
In Raleigh, there are options for seniors who need financial assistance paying for Memory Care. For more information about other options, who qualifies, and how to apply, Memory Care in North Carolina page.
More Ways to Pay for Memory Care
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:
- Veterans Benefits
- Life Insurance Policy
- Long-Term Care Insurance
- Reverse Mortgage
For more information about different ways to finance memory care, visit our Memory Care in North Carolina page.
Free Memory Care Resources in Raleigh
Older adults in Raleigh have many free services and programs to support them. The following list may be useful to seniors already in memory care and to families who would like to learn more about Alzheimer’s care.
The Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program provides a variety of services to seniors in long-term care facilities, such as memory care units and assisted living communities. They offer information and guidance on different long-term care options and advocate for residents’ rights. Ombudsmen regularly visit these communities to address any concerns or issues that seniors may have.
The Eastern North Carolina Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association serves 51 counties in North Carolina. It provides education and support services to seniors facing Alzheimer’s along with help for their caregivers and loved ones. There are support groups available and a variety of educational programs. It also runs fundraising events to raise money for Alzheimer’s research.
The Raleigh Vet Center offers support services to veterans and their families. Veterans can access a range of counseling services, including grief and bereavement counseling, family counseling and mental health counseling for PTSD, depression and military sexual trauma. For needs that cannot be directly addressed in the center, such as addiction and suicide prevention, there are referral services available.
The Dementia Alliance of North Carolina aims to improve the lives of memory-impaired seniors across the state through support, education and research. Some of the programs that are offered include educational workshops and conferences, support groups and a music program.
Memory Care Laws and Regulations in Raleigh
Raleigh 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.
