Known for its scenic beaches and boardwalks, the port city of Wilmington, NC, is home to over 117,000 people. Seniors aged 65 and older make up 17.5% of the city's population. This demographic may be at a higher risk of developing cognitive conditions such as Alzheimer's, which affects more than 10% of American seniors.
In recent years, Wilmington has seen a dramatic increase in the number of seniors impacted by dementia. As reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the number of Alzheimer's-related deaths rose by more than 55% between 2016 and 2020. For comparison, the number of deaths from all causes rose by just 18.8% during the same time span. However, Wilmington has a variety of dementia care programs and services in place, including those offered by memory care facilities. These communities provide personalized daily assistance and memory-focused programming in a secure environment.
This guide outlines the average cost of care at these facilities, some pros and cons of living in Wilmington and a list of local organizations committing to supporting the needs of local seniors.