Dementia, and specifically Alzheimer's, is a serious, growing problem. In fact, 1 out of every 10 adults over the age of 65 has Alzheimer’s dementia. As Charlotte’s senior population continues to grow (23.6% growth between 2013 and 2017), so does the concern about aging and the risk of cognitive impairment.
In Charlotte, the number of deaths for those 65 and older caused or partly caused by Alzheimer’s disease declined 5.65% between 2013 and 2017. To put that in perspective, the number of deaths from all causes for that same age group only increased by 13.1%, showing that Alzheimer’s is a growing concern in the region. Overall, the percentage of seniors’ deaths related to Alzheimer’s is lower than the rest of the nation (7.85% in Charlotte vs. 6.46% in the U.S.).
In order to help families and caregivers of those with Alzheimer's find the support and care that their loved ones need, we've compiled information below about the cost of Memory Care, how to get financial assistance to help make care more affordable, free resources, etc. Also included are reviews of the best memory care facilities in the area, which cover pricing, types of care provided, residents' reviews, and more.
Note: Memory care is typically provided in communities licensed as assisted living facilities, and in general, costs 20-30% more than standard assisted living services. No authoritative cost data is available for this type of care, so we estimated memory care rates by adding 25% to assisted living fees in the Genworth 2021 Cost of Care Survey.
The average monthly cost of memory care in Charlotte is $5,500, slightly higher than the state average of $5,013 yet lower than the $5,625 it costs nationally.
Compared to some other cities in North Carolina, Charlotte is a more affordable option for seniors. Residents in Asheville pay $6,248 and even more in Raleigh, where memory care costs $6,735. Hickory and Greensboro, at $4,404 and $4,750, respectively, are two of only a few cities that offer less expensive memory care.
In addition to memory care, seniors in Charlotte have a number of other options open to them. According to the Genworth Cost of Care Survey, in-home care costs $4,668 and home health care $4,767 per month. At $1,192, adult day health care offers respite to primary caregivers, while assisted living provides support with activities of daily living in a senior living community at the cost of $4,400 per month. Seniors also have a choice of nursing home facilities, where semiprivate rooms cost $7,756.
Since not everyone can afford to pay for memory care out-of-pocket, it's important to find alternative methods to help make memory care more affordable. Some of these options include:
For more information about your options for making assisted living more affordable, visit our guide to Memory Care in Charlotte.
Seniors in Charlotte have access to local and statewide resources related to long-term care, Alzheimer's and other memory-related diseases. These services provide guidance and assistance to those living with memory impairment, their families and caregivers.
resource | contact | description | location |
---|---|---|---|
Dementia Alliance of North Carolina | 919-832-3732 | Dementia Alliance of North Carolina is a statewide organization dedicated to supporting caregivers, providing funding for all forms of memory impairment and promoting Alzheimer's awareness through outreach events such as bike rides, fashion shows, annual galas and educational seminars. The foundation also organizes support groups and offers referrals to those caring for memory care patients. | Raleigh, NC |
Senior Centers | 800-662-7030 | These centers, which are operated in cities and counties throughout the state, provide educational and recreational activities. Residents can connect to local services and resources in their community such as Meals on Wheels and companionship visits. | Raleigh, NC |
North Carolina 2-1-1 | 888-892-1162 | NC 211 is an information and referral service provided by United Way of North Carolina. It connects residents with local resources, including supportive health services, money management and financial assistance, and individual and family support services. | Charlotte, NC |
Adult Day Services | 800-662-7030 | To encourage social interaction and optimal cognitive functioning, Adult Day Services provides activities and one-on-one assistance to help older adults, including those living with Alzheimer's. Adult Day Care is offered by local service providers. Residents looking to enroll in any program need to take a medical examination. | Raleigh, NC |
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, 83% of all caregivers are unpaid family members, relatives, or other friends, and nearly half of all care is for older adults with some form of dementia. Caregiving, especially when it involves Alzheimer’s or dementia, is extremely exhausting and time-consuming, leading many caregivers to feel isolated and overwhelmed.
As a loved one continues to progress through the stages of dementia and his or her cognitive abilities continue to decline, behavioral problems, safety, and general care often become more than one caregiver can handle. This is when it’s important to find extra help, and residential facilities that have specialized memory care programs are often the best solution.
In addition to providing a safe environment, memory care programs seek to delay or halt cognitive decline while providing the opportunity for a social, independent lifestyle.
To choose the best memory care facilities in Charlotte, our team of researchers started by using our unique methodology to develop a list of contenders. We further refined the list in the next phase of our process by completing hands-on research for each one of the companies that we developed. Finally, we compiled online reviews from residents and families and wrote summaries of each facility that made it through our selection process.
Overall, our team:
Cadence Senior Living at Mint Hill is the locally owned and operated company's 21st community for seniors in North Carolina. This assisted living and Alzheimer's care community is Cadence's seventh in the Charlotte metro area. The Mint Hill facility provides residents with the same uncompromising care the company has delivered since the first community opened in Asheboro in 1997. Cadence's highly regarded Alzheime's care program, The Garden Place, provides residents with a supportive, therapeutic and stimulating program that meets them where they are now. The Garden Place maximizes day-to-day functioning and life skills and helps residents maintain cognitive abilities. It also minimizes anxiety and enhances well-being. Security is ensured by an electronic keypad entry, and the entire community is designed to keep residents safe and prevent confusion. Circular walkways and garden paths encourage exercise and let residents enjoy time outdoors.
Family members are grateful that loved ones are never lonely in this homey environment and are treated like family by the staff. "I chose Cadence for my mom, and everything is going well. They have puzzles, memory games and motor skill exercises. They have an outdoor area, a garden and a lake. Her room is comfortable and clean," wrote one daughter.
The Pines on Carmel Senior Living is a Capital Senior Living community located less than 30 minutes from downtown Charlotte. Residents have easy access to plentiful shopping, entertainment, dining and health care options. Both the assisted living and memory care residents undergo regular assessments by home health agencies to determine the needed level of care that's provided by a 24-hour staff. Spacious studio apartments in several floor plans are clean and bright, with windows overlooking the beautifully landscaped exteriors. White rocking chairs line the wraparound porch outside the main lobby, providing a resort-like ambiance. The memory care community is also full of light, with wide hallways. It provides support for those with early-stage or mild dementia. Care plans are tailored to individual needs and may include balance and exercise classes, recreation and entertainment programming.
The large, elegant dining room where from-scratch meals made from locally sourced ingredients are served is a hit with residents and their families. They also appreciate the full-time activity and recreation program. So very happy we found The Pines on Carmel Senior Living! Cheerful, homey and clean, with a friendly, helpful staff. Mom has a sunny little private room � a place my brother and I can feel good about,� wrote one daughter.The large, elegant dining room where from-scratch meals made from locally sourced ingredients are served is a hit with residents and their families. They also appreciate the full-time activity and recreation program. So very happy we found The Pines on Carmel Senior Living! Cheerful, homey and clean, with a friendly, helpful staff. Mom has a sunny little private room � a place my brother and I can feel good about,� wrote one daughter.
Located in a quiet neighborhood in south Charlotte, TerraBella Little Avenue provides assisted living and memory care to North Carolina seniors. The secure memory care community utilizes a specialized program called Chronicles that includes the Best Friends approach. Residents receive individualized support that integrates each persons cultural heritage, life history and current interests and abilities. The specially trained caregivers forge deep connections with the residents and safely guide them through activities when needed while promoting as much independence as possible. Memory care staff also undergoes training to facilitate best practices in communicating and supporting those with Alzheimers and dementia, including handling common symptoms such as aggressive outbursts and confusion. A high staff-to-resident ratio ensures those with memory loss receive the personalized care they need, whenever they need it.Located in a quiet neighborhood in south Charlotte, TerraBella Little Avenue provides assisted living and memory care to North Carolina seniors. The secure memory care community utilizes a specialized program called Chronicles that includes the Best Friends approach. Residents receive individualized support that integrates each persons cultural heritage, life history and current interests and abilities. The specially trained caregivers forge deep connections with the residents and safely guide them through activities when needed while promoting as much independence as possible. Memory care staff also undergoes training to facilitate best practices in communicating and supporting those with Alzheimers and dementia, including handling common symptoms such as aggressive outbursts and confusion. A high staff-to-resident ratio ensures those with memory loss receive the personalized care they need, whenever they need it.
TerraBella Little Avenue small, intimate community is an attractive setting for many family members who place loved ones here. One wrote, My mother has been here since May of 2007. She has gone from not quite needing to be in a memory care unit to being in a wheelchair and mostly unable to feed herself. The staff has been loving and compassionate throughout.�TerraBella Little Avenues small, intimate community is an attractive setting for many family members who place loved ones here. One wrote, My mother has been here since May of 2007. She has gone from not quite needing to be in a memory care unit to being in a wheelchair and mostly unable to feed herself. The staff has been loving and compassionate throughout.�
Preston House is a boutique senior living community specializing in Alzheimer's and dementia care. Two self-contained, tastefully designed memory care neighborhoods house up to 20 residents each in intimate, homelike settings that give residents a sense of safety and comfort. The community values residents' needs for personal space, and each resident is provided a private studio with half-bath that they're encouraged to decorate as they see fit. Along with snacks offered in between meals or upon request, each neighborhood serves three meals per day in its restaurant-style dining hall. Menus are curated by a registered dietitian, and meals are designed to be healthy, nutritious and appealing to residents' personal tastes and preferences.
Loved ones praise Heritage Pointe for its warm and competent staff. One reviewer comments, From the minute we stepped into Heritage Pointe, we had a sense of caring and peace. We made the choice for [mom] to come here and couldnt be happier. Over and over they have proven she is in the best place with the best care.�
Sunrise on Providence is a pet-friendly assisted living and memory care facility set in an elegant, Victorian-style mansion with a wraparound porch and rocking chairs. Through the Reminiscence memory care neighborhood's Validation therapy program, staff members engage residents in compassionate communication through eye contact, rephrasing and thoughtful questions. The robust activities program includes events designed to accommodate residents' unique skills and interests such as floral arranging, walking clubs and live sessions with visiting musicians. The signature dining program provides pureed diet options and well-balanced, made-from-scratch meals using fresh, nutritional ingredients.Sunrise on Providence is a pet-friendly assisted living and memory care facility set in an elegant, Victorian-style mansion with a wraparound porch and rocking chairs. Through the Reminiscence memory care neighborhood's Validation therapy program, staff members engage residents in compassionate communication through eye contact, rephrasing and thoughtful questions. The robust activities program includes events designed to accommodate residents' unique skills and interests such as floral arranging, walking clubs and live sessions with visiting musicians. The signature dining program provides pureed diet options and well-balanced, made-from-scratch meals using fresh, nutritional ingredients.
Loved ones notice the facilitys well-maintained building, convenient location and social, active residents. One reviewer states, I thought this facility was a wonderful place for seniors to live. Everything is very clean and neat, and decorated nicely. The staff is extremely friendly, and they treat their residents extremely well My boyfriend's grandmother lives in this facility, and she has never been happier.�Loved ones notice the facilitys well-maintained building, convenient location and social, active residents. One reviewer states, I thought this facility was a wonderful place for seniors to live. Everything is very clean and neat, and decorated nicely. The staff is extremely friendly, and they treat their residents extremely well My boyfriend's grandmother lives in this facility, and she has never been happier.�