What assisted living is called in North Carolina, what it costs, how Medicaid can help, how to check a community’s license and inspections, and who to call if something goes wrong. Every fact links to the official source.
Only adult care homes whose dementia units meet the state's special care unit rules may advertise special care for Alzheimer's or related conditions. They must also disclose information about the unit, as state law requires.5
Questions to ask memory care about nights.
The median cost of assisted living in North Carolina is $6,496 a month, above the national median of $6,200 (CareScout Cost of Care Survey 2025, collected July to November 2025). Prices vary with the apartment, the level of care and the community, so ask each one for its current rate sheet, including care-level fees.
Plan with our free tools: how long will the money last? and home care or assisted living?
Medicare does not pay for assisted living. Families pay from savings and income, long-term care insurance, or benefits such as VA Aid and Attendance (estimate it). Who actually pays for long-term care.
Medicaid. Yes. NC Medicaid's Personal Care Services benefit covers hands-on personal care for eligible residents of licensed adult care homes. Program: NC Medicaid Personal Care Services (PCS).2 Medicaid does not pay rent or meals in assisted living in any state, and not every community accepts it, so ask each one.
State-County Special Assistance. A state and county program that helps people with low incomes pay for care in adult care homes. Contact your county Department of Social Services for more information.6
Look up a license. Search adult care homes and family care homes by county, city or name. Available information includes inspection reports, the star rating, county corrective action reports, and any penalties from the past 36 months. Search North Carolina’s records.7
Inspection reports. Yes. Inspection reports that found problems, star ratings and penalties for adult care homes and family care homes are posted in the DHSR facility search.7
Always visit in person, at a mealtime or in the evening if you can. Bring the tour scorecard and the 8 tour questions.
Complaints about care or conditions. DHSR's Complaint Intake Unit takes complaints by phone, fax, mail or email. For adult care homes, it sends the complaint to the county Department of Social Services to investigate. Call 1-800-624-3004 or file online.3
Abuse, neglect or exploitation. How to report.8 If someone is in danger, call 911.
The long-term care ombudsman is a free advocate for residents of assisted living and nursing homes: they help resolve problems with a community, including move-out notices. find your local ombudsman.9
Assisted living by city
Memory care by city
Every community and county in North Carolina · 12 with verified resident reviews
Yes. NC Medicaid's Personal Care Services benefit covers hands-on personal care for eligible residents of licensed adult care homes. Medicaid does not pay rent or meals in assisted living.
The median is $6,496 a month (CareScout Cost of Care Survey 2025), compared with $6,200 nationally.
North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Health Service Regulation (DHSR), Adult Care Licensure Section.
DHSR's Complaint Intake Unit takes complaints by phone, fax, mail or email. For adult care homes, it sends the complaint to the county Department of Social Services to investigate. Phone: 1-800-624-3004.
Search adult care homes and family care homes by county, city or name. Available information includes inspection reports, the star rating, county corrective action reports, and any penalties from the past 36 months.
Facts checked against these official sources on September 28, 2026. Rules and programs change; confirm with the agency before making a decision. General information, not legal or financial advice.
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