Memory Care in Durham, North Carolina: Search Near You, How to Pay, Licensing, Local Resources, and Questions to Ask
Memory care in Durham, North Carolina, offers specialized support for seniors experiencing Alzheimer’s and other memory-related conditions, providing a safe and compassionate environment tailored to their needs. North Carolina ranks among the top 20 states for senior living quality, reflecting Durham’s commitment to high standards in memory care. With structured programs, dedicated staff, and a secure setting, Durham’s memory care facilities focus on enhancing quality of life and maintaining dignity for those facing memory challenges.
Some are available for private pay, and others for Medicaid-paid residents. Memory Care provides protective oversight, personal services, social care needed because of impaired capacity to live independently, and regular supervision on a 24-hour basis.
Memory Care Communities near Durham, North Carolina
Woodland Terrace
Cary, North Carolina 27511
Waltonwood Cary Parkway
Cary, North Carolina 27511
Waltonwood Lake Boone
Raleigh, North Carolina 27607
Wake Assisted Living
Raleigh, North Carolina 27610
The Stratford
Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27516
The Covington
Raleigh, North Carolina 27612
The Addison Of Durham
Durham, North Carolina 27707
Sunrise Of Cary
Cary, North Carolina 27513
Sunrise Of Raleigh
Raleigh, North Carolina 27612
Sunrise At North Hills
Raleigh, North Carolina 27609
About Memory Care in Durham, NC
In Durham, North Carolina, memory care is defined as a specialized type of senior care designed to support individuals with Alzheimer’s, dementia, and other memory-related conditions. Memory care facilities in Durham provide a secure and structured environment, featuring 24-hour supervision and specially trained staff who deliver personalized care tailored to each resident’s cognitive needs. Services include assistance with daily activities, medication management, and therapeutic activities aimed at cognitive stimulation and emotional well-being. Safety features, such as secure entries and monitored areas, are also in place to prevent wandering, ensuring peace of mind for residents and their families. These facilities focus on enhancing residents’ quality of life, promoting engagement, and preserving dignity in a compassionate and supportive setting.
Considerations when looking for Senior housing in Durham, NC
There are 5 memory care communities in Durham, North Carolina. The estimated population of Durham is 296,186 with 12.7% of that number being those ages 65 and older. In Durham, the summers are hot and muggy, the winters are very cold, and it is wet and partly cloudy year round. Over the course of the year, the temperature typically varies from 32°F to 89°F and is rarely below 19°F or above 95°F.
Cities near Durham, NC
- Chapel Hill – 11 miles southwest
- Cary – 17 miles south
- Raleigh – 23 miles southeast
- Hillsborough – 12 miles northwest
- Morrisville – 14 miles southeast
Pricing and How to Pay for Memory Care
Paying for senior care depends on several factors. On average, residents can expect to pay $6,000 per month for memory care services. These fees encompass personalized care, engaging activities, and comfortable accommodations, ensuring a fulfilling retirement experience. Keep in mind these costs may fluctuate depending on factors such as location and facility amenities.
You want to consider your payment options for assisted living, memory care, and care homes. For these services, Medicare is NOT an option for payment.
The most common payment for these services would be out of pocket Private Pay and assessing a combination of retirement funds, personal savings, and pension payments.
Medicaid can also be an option, be sure to see if you or a loved one qualifies.
Long-Term Care insurance is also a possible option in cases of chronic conditions, be sure to see if you or a loved one qualifies.
For our Veterans and spouses of veterans, be sure to assess Veteran Aid and your eligibility for these benefits.
Medicare – NO:
- Medicare does NOT pay for Assisted Living.
- People 65 years and older and individuals with end stage renal disease are eligible for Medicare benefits, no matter their income.
- Coverage is meant for people in need of short-term care.
Private pay – YES:
- Many families pay for assisted living with private funds.
- Private pay can be a combination of retirement funds, personal savings, and pension payments.
- Family members may contribute funds to pay for assisted living or other senior housing and care.
Medicaid – MAYBE:
- Medicaid provides health coverage to millions of Americans. Eligible participants include: low-income adults, elderly adults and people with disabilities.
- Medicaid is administered by state, according to federal requirements. The program is funded jointly by each state and the federal government.
- Every state has their own individual Medicaid assistance program.
- National guidelines are in place do decipher how states must spend Medicaid money, but with allowances toward the guidelines.
- The state determines what levels of care will be covered by Medicaid, who is eligible, and how much the state will reimburse the care community.
- If you are unsure whether you qualify for Medicaid, you should apply. You may be eligible depending on your household income, family size, age, disability and other factors.
Long-term Care Insurance – MAYBE:
Long term care insurance is a great way to pay for assisted living, and planning ahead is important when considering how to pay for senior housing and care. Nearly 75% of people over the age of 65 will require long-term care and services at some point. Buying into long-term care insurance when a person is in their 50s and 60s is the most common time to do so.
- Long-term care insurance helps cover the costs of chronic medical conditions.
- Individuals and couples with the ability to pay into long-term care insurance have the advantage of a head start in allocating funds for senior care.
Veteran Aid and Assistance – MAYBE:
This benefit is available to some military veterans and surviving spouses who live in an assisted living community and those who have in-home care.
- There are specific guidelines, but a veteran may qualify for as much as $2,050 each month.
- A veteran with a sick spouse may be eligible for $1,600 per month.
- If a veteran has passed, their surviving spouse can qualify for $1,300 per month.
Questions to Ask
Finding an assisted living community can be overwhelming. Here are some tips on things to be observant of:
- Make sure the facility is clean and well maintained. You can tell a lot about the operation by noting what is clean and maintained. Are doorknobs loose or damaged? Do you see any frayed carpet or trip hazards?
- Visit during lunch hour to observe what the residents are eating. Ask questions about the nutrition program. Is there diversity in meals, healthy fruits and vegetables served at all meals, drink options?
- Speak to residents and/or family members to learn their perspective.
- Ask about staff and resident engagement. Get a feel for how staff interact with residents.
- Ask about the life enrichment programs. Activities are crucial when it comes to quality of life and play a key role in care for older adults.
- And finally (along with a plethora of more things to consider), get to know the leadership in the building. If you feel good around the Executive Director, Head Nurse, Lead Activities Director and even the Chef or Janitor, it is a good sign you can trust them with the care of your loved one.
Local Hospitals and Healthcare Providers in Durham, NC
Duke University Hospital
- Address: 2301 Erwin Rd, Durham, NC 27710
- Phone: (919) 684-8111
Duke Regional Hospital
- Address: 3643 N Roxboro St, Durham, NC 27704
- Phone: (919) 470-4000
Durham VA Medical Center
- Address: 508 Fulton St, Durham, NC 27705
- Phone: (919) 286-0411
North Carolina Specialty Hospital
- Address: 3916 Ben Franklin Blvd, Durham, NC 27704
- Phone: (919) 956-9300
Duke Cancer Center
- Address: 20 Duke Medicine Cir, Durham, NC 27710
- Phone: (919) 613-1909
Local Resources and Links
Centralina Area Agency on Aging Centralina AAA serves as the lead funder for aging services in the nine county region surrounding Charlotte, NC. Direct services also include evidence-based health programs and training and education.
North Carolina Division on Aging and Adult Services The Division of Aging and Adult Services (DAAS) works to promote independence and enhance the dignity of North Carolina’s older adults, persons with disabilities, and their families through a community-based system of opportunities, services, benefits, and protections- to ready younger generations to enjoy their later years- and to help society and government plan and prepare for the changing demographics.
The NC Seniors’ Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) The Seniors’ Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) answers questions and counsels Medicare beneficiaries and caregivers about Medicare, Medicare supplements, Medicare Advantage, Medicare prescription drug plans, long-term care insurance and other health insurance concerns. The counselors on our toll free line offers free and unbiased counseling on Medicare health care products. The North Carolina SMP Program provides assistance with Medicare/Medicaid billing errors, fraud and abuse.
Senior Legal Helpline Legal Aid of North Carolina’s Senior Law Project provides free civil legal help to North Carolinians who are 60 years of age or older. Priority is given to those with the greatest need. The Senior Law Project helps with wills, powers of attorney, public benefits (Medicaid, food stamps, Supplemental Security Income Program, Social Security Disability Insurance, etc.), abuse and neglect, unemployment compensation, housing (foreclosure, eviction, subsidized housing, repairs, utilities, etc.), consumer issues and wrongful repossession.
Eldercare Locator This is a great resource to search for specific care in specific counties and cities. This database is a nationwide resource that connects older Americans and their caregivers with trustworthy local support resources. Connect with services such as meals, home care or transportation, or a caregiver education or respite from caregiving responsibilities. The Eldercare Locator is a public service of the Administration on Aging (AoA), an agency of the U.S. Administration for Community Living.
Medicare provides a search feature to find & compare providers near you, most senior housing and care providers are included on CareAvailability.com. Find & compare plans in your area. Determine if you qualify for premium savings
Medicaid offers information on how to apply for Medicaid, eligibility criteria, links to local state offices, and additional resources
The Alzheimer’s Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support, and research. Whether you are living with Alzheimer’s or caring for someone with the disease, information and resources are available.
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