Seniors who need more help and supervision than what's available in the home — but don't require full-time nursing care — may find assisted living to be a suitable option. As of 2023, this level of care costs an average of $3,860 per month in Raleigh. The average for North Carolina overall is almost $1,000 higher, at $4,828, and the nationwide average is $600 higher, at $4,459 per month.
AssistedLiving.org spent dozens of hours researching the top assisted living communities in the Raleigh area to allow seniors and their families to find the community that’s right for them. Click through the facilities listed below to read in-depth reviews, what residents are saying, and details such as base pricing, room types, and more.
Lawndale Manor is an assisted living community that offers compassionate care to seniors through attentive staff members…
4.24
Average of 16 reviews
Reviews gathered from around the web
The Covington
4510 Duraleigh Road, Raleigh, NC 54114
Assisted Living
Memory Care
The Covington is a senior living community in Raleigh, NC, offering assisted living and memory care in…
3.55
Average of 28 reviews
Reviews gathered from around the web
Magnolia Glen
5301 Creedmoor Road, Raleigh, NC 54114
Assisted Living
Independent Living
Respite
Set on 12 wooded acres adjacent to Brookhaven Nature Park, Magnolia Glen is a nature-lover's paradise for…
4.27
Average of 40 reviews
Reviews gathered from around the web
HeartFields at Cary
1050 Crescent Green Dr.,
Cary, NC 27518
Assisted Living
Memory Care
Respite
Located close to downtown Cary just down the street from major supermarkets, HeartFields at Cary is an…
3.93
Average of 72 reviews
Reviews gathered from around the web
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In order to find the top assisted living communities in the Raleigh area, our team of researchers:
Sorted through 46 communities using our unique methodology
Spent over 27 hours researching assisted living communities in Raleigh
Read more than 365 reviews left by residents and their family members
After filtering out facilities that didn’t meet our high standards, we were left with 18 assisted living communities that earned our seal of approval. Through this process we discovered that the average cost of assisted living in the city of Raleigh is $5,388, which is considerably higher than the state average of $4,010 and also higher than the national average of $4,500.
Jonathan Frank
Licensed Social Worker and Certified Dementia Practitioner
Jonathan Frank
Licensed Social Worker and Certified Dementia Practitioner
Jonathan Frank is a Licensed Social Worker with over 10 years experience working with the geriatric population in a variety of different settings. He received his Masters degree from Rutgers University with a certificate in Aging and Gerontological Services. Additionally, he is a Certified Dementia Practitioner accredited by the National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners. Jonathan also has Bachelors degree in psychology and worked as an Emergency Medical Technician for 14 years. His passion lies with the elderly and ensuring they age with dignity.
Read on for in-depth information about the top assisted living facilities in Raleigh, a brief dive into our methodology for determining the best assisted living communities, and a searchable directory of 46 communities in the Raleigh area.
How to Pay for Assisted Living in Raleigh, NC
Determining how to finance assisted living often starts with the question, “What’s the cost?” In today’s economy, where inflation plays a significant role, having current data is crucial for senior living financial planning. AssistedLiving.org has gathered cost information from its expansive network of over 75,000 senior living providers. This data offers a glimpse into the average expenses for assisted living in Raleigh and 48 additional cities within North Carolina.
How Inflation Has Impacted the Cost of Assisted Living in Raleigh, NC
The cost of assisted living has risen in most cities and states in recent years. In Raleigh, seniors pay an average of $3,860 per month for assisted living in 2023, which is $337 more than they did in 2022. North Carolina, overall, experienced a significant increase of 18.1%, equal to $740 per month, while the U.S. average jumped by almost $400.
It’s essential to consider current assisted living costs and projected 2024 increases. Raleigh’s average is estimated to increase by around $300, while costs in nearby cities of Durham and Fayetteville are expected to rise by $422 and $325, respectively.
Location
2022 Cost (Historical)
2023 Cost (Current)
2024 Cost (Estimated)
Raleigh
$3,523
$3,860
$4,157
U.S. Average
$4,070
$4,459
$4,802
North Carolina
$4,088
$4,828
$4,803
Durham
$5,011
$5,490
$5,912
Fayetteville
$3,858
$4,227
$4,552
Greensboro
$4,127
$4,521
$4,869
Assisted Living vs. Other Types of Care in Raleigh, NC
Seniors in Raleigh pay an average of $3,860 per month for assisted living, which is approximately 12.7% higher than the average for independent living, at $3,425. This increase reflects the type of staff on duty, their training and qualifications, as well as the availability of health services and wellness programs. At $5,259 per month, Raleigh’s memory care communities provide a secure environment and increased access to therapeutic care for people with Alzheimer’s.
Care Type
Cost
Assisted Living
$3,860
Memory Care
$5,259
Independent Living
$3,425
Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Raleigh, NC
Other Ways to Pay for Assisted Living in Raleigh, NC
Since not everyone can afford to pay for assisted living out-of-pocket, it’s important to find alternative methods to help make assisted living more affordable. Some of these options include:
Veterans Benefits
Life Insurance Policy
Long-Term Care Insurance
Reverse Mortgage
For more information about your options for making assisted living more affordable, visit our guide to Assisted Living in North Carolina.
Free Assisted Living Resources for Seniors in Raleigh, NC
Numerous resources are available in Raleigh, NC to support seniors during their retirement. AssistedLiving.org has gathered data on local groups, initiatives, and agencies, and organized them according to care categories for convenient access.
For details about resources across the state and in neighboring cities, please visit the North Carolina state page on assistedliving.org.
Financial Assistance for Senior Care
Financial aid is available for seniors in Raleigh who prefer to age in place. Various local entities provide support for expenses like home care, home adjustments, and utility bills.
The CAP/DA program in North Carolina offers Medicaid home- and community-based services to eligible individuals, allowing them to stay in their homes or communities instead of institutional care. Services include assistive technology, medical equipment, accessibility modifications, personal alarm systems, in-home aides, adult day health care, home-delivered meals, personal care assistance, financial management support, and community integration assistance.
Financial Assistance for Senior Care and Senior Living
Seniors in Raleigh, whether residing independently or in a senior living facility, have access to various local financial aid options. These entities assist in offsetting certain in-home or long-term care expenses and link them to beneficial community resources.
The Money Follows the Person program is often used alongside North Carolina’s Medicaid waivers. It allows individuals in institutional facilities to transition back home or into a community setting, receiving support through waiver programs. Participants gain priority access to home- and community-based services, along with additional funding, to ensure a smooth transition.
Food Assistance Programs
In Raleigh, various local initiatives are dedicated to promoting senior health through balanced nutrition. They offer services like meal delivery, communal dining, and food banks, ensuring elderly residents have access to affordable, nutritious food.
Meals on Wheels provides meal delivery services to seniors throughout North Carolina, promoting better nutrition and reducing feelings of social isolation. They offer specialized meal options for individuals with specific dietary needs, such as diabetics or those requiring low-sodium diets. Local offices determine the number of meals to be delivered each week and establish delivery schedules based on their respective areas.
North Carolina hosts various food pantries that offer free or affordable food to those in need. Each pantry sets its own eligibility requirements and operating hours.
North Carolina hosts various food pantries that offer free or affordable food to those in need. Each pantry sets its own eligibility requirements and operating hours.
The North Carolina Seniors Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) is available to older adults in 45 active counties who meet the current year’s income requirements. Eligible participants receive coupons to purchase fruits and vegetables at local farmer’s markets. Please note that the coupons cannot be used for other items like jams, honey, or baked goods.
Free Used Medical Equipment
In Raleigh, numerous groups are addressing the steep expense of new medical equipment. They gather gently used items like wheelchairs, ramps, and walkers, providing them to local seniors and individuals in need.
The North Carolina Assistive Technology Program operates across the state, with centers in Raleigh, Charlotte, Greensboro, Greenville, Sanford, Wilmington, Sylva, Morganton, and Winston-Salem. Individuals have the opportunity to borrow a wide range of equipment for testing purposes, with loan durations typically lasting a few months.
Home Repair and Modifications
In Raleigh, numerous programs are available to aid seniors and individuals with disabilities in financing home modifications and repairs. These programs, offering grants or loans, have diverse eligibility requirements specifically designed for retirees.
The Weatherization Assistance Program in North Carolina offers free services to low-income households, prioritizing seniors and vulnerable individuals. Services include educating on energy efficiency and home safety, evaluating homes, performing tests, repairing/replacing heating and air systems, insulating properties, and fitting smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
Rebuilding Together of the Triangle Inc. provides vital home improvement services to low-income homeowners in Wake, Chatham, Durham, and Orange counties. Our dedicated team assesses immediate needs and completes essential repairs, including roof patching, foundation sealing, and upgrading electrical, HVAC, and plumbing systems. We also install home modifications like wheelchair ramps to enhance safety and accessibility. Our mission is to create safe and healthy homes for vulnerable residents, including seniors and veterans.
Legal Resources
In Raleigh, numerous agencies provide affordable or complimentary legal assistance to the elderly. They offer counsel on matters like estate management, living wills, and power of attorney. Some even serve as advocates for seniors’ rights in long-term care facilities.
The Senior Law Project offers complimentary legal aid to individuals aged 60 and above. Our toll-free helpline is available for seniors seeking assistance with wills, powers of attorney, public benefits, consumer concerns, housing issues, and matters related to elder abuse or neglect.
Senior Centers
In Raleigh, senior centers serve as a hub for older adults, providing recreational activities, events, and valuable resources. These centers also offer wellness programs, nutritional guidance, and assistance with senior-related concerns.
The Five Points Center for Active Adults in Raleigh, NC is a spacious 20,000-square-foot facility catering to local seniors aged 50 and above. Meals on Wheels provides nutritious lunches Monday-Friday for those aged 60 and over. The center offers free information on housing, transportation, legal aid, and other elder-specific topics, with referrals available for community resources. Active programming includes cardio sculpting, yoga, stretching, flexibility, balance classes, as well as informational seminars and creative programs.
The Anne Gordon Center for Active Adults in Raleigh, NC, caters to individuals aged 50 and above. It offers a variety of activities focused on fitness, social interaction, and lifelong learning. Operating from Monday to Thursday, the center provides daily classes in arts, crafts, technology, and health and wellness programs. It also arranges day and overnight trips, enhancing the community life of older or retired adults through educational, social, and recreational engagements.
The Division of Aging and Adult Services offers a range of community-based programs and benefits for seniors in the state. Get information on health insurance, housing, senior rights protections, the ombudsman program, and other support services.
Social Security Offices
In Raleigh, Social Security offices provide essential services to seniors and individuals with disabilities. They offer guidance on retirement benefits, disability allowances, and Supplemental Security Income.
Social Security provides income to retirees and individuals unable to work due to disability. Funding is derived from payroll taxes paid by employers, employees, and self-employed individuals. Upon retirement, monthly payments are determined by previous earnings.
Tax Assistance
Numerous tax aid resources are available in Raleigh for senior citizens and individuals with disabilities. These include potential exemptions on medical costs, property tax reductions, and other tax relief initiatives.
The North Carolina Homestead Exclusion Program offers property tax exemptions to eligible seniors aged 65 and older. Income eligibility includes Social Security benefits, retirement income, interests, dividends, and insurance proceeds. Honorably discharged disabled veterans and their unmarried surviving spouses also qualify. Interested applicants can complete the required form and submit it to their local tax office.
Utility & Energy Bill Assistance
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The Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) is a government-funded initiative that offers financial assistance to eligible households for their heating services. Qualified applicants can receive one-time payments to help cover their heating expenses.
Veteran’s Services
Veteran services in Raleigh offer invaluable assistance to retired military personnel. These local entities guide veterans in utilizing their rightful benefits and provide counsel on diverse matters.
The Veterans Services Office assists veterans and eligible family members in applying for state and federal veterans’ benefits. Their knowledgeable staff can help with obtaining necessary documents, military records, discharge upgrades, and completing applications for disability compensation, Aid and Attendance, and pensions. The office’s website provides contact information for outpatient clinics, vet centers, medical centers, and the VA toll-free helpline.
The Raleigh Vet Center provides confidential mental health services for senior veterans and their families in Raleigh, NC. Our highly trained counselors offer support for anxiety, depression, grief, and post-traumatic stress disorder through in-person or telehealth visits. We help seniors manage life during and after the military, while also connecting them with local resources and building a close-knit support system.
Assisted Living Laws and Regulations in Raleigh, NC
Assisted Living Communities in Raleigh are required to follow a set of rules and regulations that are determined by the state. For an overview of those rules and regulations, see the information below. For more specific information, talk with your local community or Area Agency on Aging.
