The Best Memory Care Communities in Wake County, NC

In North Carolina, approximately 170,000 people have Alzheimer's, according to figures from the Alzheimer's Association. This figure is expected to grow to 210,000 by 2025, which is an increase of 23.5 percent.

Wake County, NC, is located in the central part of the state and is North Carolina's second-most populous county. Its estimated population as of July 2017 is 1,072,203 residents, 11.2 percent of whom are 65 or over. To accommodate seniors in Wake County with Alzheimer's or dementia, there are 25 memory care facilities in Wake County.

Memory care facilities are officially known state-wide as Special Care Units (SCUs) within Adult Care Homes (ACHs). North Carolina classifies ACHs as a type of assisted living residence (ALR).  

• The residents of Wake County enjoy a comfortable year-round climate. On Sperling's Comfort Index, which is based on how many days each year reach between 70-80 degrees, Wake County scores a 62 out of 100. Wake County doesn't get much snow in the winter; the average is only 4 inches. In summer, the average July high is around 89 degrees.
• The cost of living in Wake County is relatively affordable. It's a bit more expensive than the North Carolina average, but not by much. On a cost of living index where the national average is 100, North Carolina is 96 and Wake County is 116.
• North Carolina is somewhat tax-friendly for retirees. The state does not tax Social Security retirement benefits, has low property taxes and has sales tax rates near the national average. Seniors who have retirement income from other sources, including 401ks and IRAs are likely to see a higher tax bill in North Carolina, since the state taxes this income at 5.499 percent.
• Wake County is home to world-class medical facilities, including those specializing in brain health and dementia care such as Duke Raleigh Hospital in Raleigh, in the event of medical emergencies or illness.

Memory Care costs in Wake County start around $6,859 per month on average, while the nationwide average cost of memory care is $5,694 per month.

It’s important to note that memory care rates in Wake County and the surrounding suburbs can vary widely based on factors such as location, the level of care needed, apartment size and the types of amenities offered at each community.

Learn more about these programs, plus who’s eligible, on our Memory Care in North Carolina page.

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.

Wake County-area memory care communities must adhere to the comprehensive set of state laws and regulations that all memory care communities in North Carolina are required to follow. Visit our Memory Care in North Carolina page for more information about these laws.