Memory care facilities provide specialized therapies and activity programs for seniors with cognitive impairments like Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. A Place for Mom partners with 16 memory care communities within a 10-mile radius of Charlotte Center City — its uptown area. These communities provide a secure environment, and some are designed specifically to accommodate memory care residents. Facilities are built with enclosed courtyards, indoor walking paths, and WanderGuard or similar systems to limit unwanted exits.
No matter what stage you’re at in your search for memory care, A Place for Mom is here to help. We’ve crafted this thorough guide to memory care in Charlotte, North Carolina, to assist families and caregivers alike. With proprietary data from our partner memory care facilities in Charlotte, we provide highly accurate information about local community costs, services, and amenities. We also cover laws for memory care facilities in North Carolina, different ways to pay for memory care, and memory care resources for seniors in Charlotte.
[name removed] and I have both been pleased with the services provided. From front desk staff to nursing assistance to nursing and administration we are pleased. Nutritional standards are superior. Our only...
I had the opportunity to come for an event here at Legacy Heights and I must say, it was top notch. Not only was the food fantastic, the music and hospitality were amazing. I am thrilled that my aunt is...
I spend every day there visiting my wife and enjoy the friendly atmosphere. These guys have their act together! Most importantly, my wife is happy at Summit Place and I’m confident she’s getting top quality...
Moving our parents in has been a very pleasant experience. We were able to visit anytime we wanted prior to moving in and once we chose an apartment they updated everything in that apartment. They are making...
It is not particularly well-suited for those with language deficits who do not have significant cognitive deficits. The staff was very nurturing.
Brookdale South Charlotte a very beautiful facility and the admin staff is very nice. Memory care unit is tucked away like a cottage where the residents are kept comfortable. The food is bland. Not good at...
I was very impressed with The Pines on Carmel. Everyone was very professional, welcoming and friendly and the facility is very nice. The Executive Director made sure to introduce herself and answer any...
My husband has dementia. The staff has allowed him to engage in activities with others, because he’s a people person. They play music and take walks outside. He seems happy there. The facility is very nice...
Our mother has advanced Alzheimers and our priorities have always been her safety and happiness. Preston House provides a safe and caring environment for her to thrive in. They handle the needs of later...
Cadence at Mint Hill is very clean and the people were helpful and kind ... food not very good most days. Nursing staff is very good... I think they were my mom's best friends. She moved to [facility name...
I was happy with the layout and upkeep of the facility and my mom had friends. We felt she was safe there. I wanted to see some improvements in the meal service, the quality of the food and the lack of...
Good programs and supporting staff focused on residents quality of life. They try to meet the residents where they are in their dementia journey. Some turnover in senior staff and administration makes...
Everyone is friendly and helpful. The CNA's do their best, and seem very caring and kind, but residents need to have a degree of independence, rather than need 1:1 care as per state requirements there is an...
Most of the staff were helpful and friendly. I often talked with residents and, for most part, they were happy. I did hear about a few housekeeping issues and what was on menu available for residents to pick...
Northlake House will give a tour if you just show up. The activity director, [name removed] , is terrific. She has manicure days, bingo, balloon play. She takes them apple picking, to farms with petting, a...
Awesome care for an older building.
The entire staff were easy to work with and always very nice. They have healthy good food. They offer daily activities. The community is clean and I would recommend it.
We developed a proprietary recommendation system that orders Charlotte community options based on factors we know are important to seniors and their families:
We collect proprietary data from our network of 14,000+ senior living communities in the U.S., with regular refreshes of data and information
We have 387,000+ reviews from senior living residents and family members that provide first-hand accounts about senior living communities
On average, the monthly cost of memory care at our in-network facilities in Charlotte is $5,200, according to our proprietary data from 2022.[01] This amount factors in the cost of monthly rent and any potential add-on services or fees, which can include the following:
Facilities that offer memory care generally cost more than other types of senior living in Charlotte because they offer more extensive services like round-the-clock care and supervision, specialized therapies and activities, and enhanced security measures. These costs are typically included in the baseline monthly rent, as well as other services like the following:
Some memory care facilities may offer “all-inclusive” living, where residents pay one monthly fee no matter their care needs. In other instances, a community may have a base rate and add advanced care and service costs to the total monthly price. Below, you can see what the base rates look like in the Charlotte area without any extra costs for care or services.
The cost of memory care can leave many families and caregivers wondering how they’ll be able to afford it. While private sources of funding are the best place to start, others may want to access additional resources like long-term care insurance or Medicaid for long-term memory care.
In this section, we detail several forms of private payment methods that can be used to pay for memory care. We also go over several types of public funding options from federal and state health care programs to veterans benefits.
Many families and caregivers look into what personal assets they have available to pay for memory care. A savings account may be the first resource that comes to mind, but other forms of personal assets can include investment returns from stocks and bonds or retirement income.
When considering dipping into retirement income, you’ll want to be mindful of North Carolina’s tax rules for these benefits. While Social Security benefits are exempt from income taxes in the Tar Heel State, all other forms of retirement income are taxed at the state’s income tax rate — 4.99% in 2022.[02] This includes income from employer pensions and withdrawals from a traditional IRA or 401k.
For some, these private payment methods may be enough to cover the costs of memory care. Those who would like a bit more of a financial cushion can also look into the following resources:
Eligible senior veterans and their spouses could be eligible to receive benefits — like the Aid and Attendance benefit — from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Veterans who qualify can use these benefits to help pay for memory care and other long-term care costs. Local veterans can access assistance with these benefits through the North Carolina Department of Military and Veteran Affairs (DMVA).
Maneuvering the process of finding and applying for VA benefits can be lengthy and draining. However, the additional financial support from these benefits can be tremendous resources to cover memory care costs, so it’s important to know what resources are available and how to access them.
When it comes to accessing VA benefits, seeking out help from local sources can help simplify things. For the best chance at maximizing your benefits and ensuing your application is accepted, start by working with the experts: Veterans Services Organizations (VSOs). The DMVA can help veterans make the most of their benefits and make resources available to them with its team of qualified benefits specialists. However, other groups have stepped in to help veterans navigate this complicated process.
Your local Veterans of Foreign War (VFW) and Disabled American Veterans (DAV) are also excellent resources to help access VA benefits and to find legal advocacy for appealing denied claims. Other local nonprofits, like the Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte, can help connect Mecklenburg County veterans to case management services that can assist with the benefits process. NCServes is another resource that partners with many statewide private, public, and nonprofit organizations to connect veterans to the VA benefits they’re eligible for.
Reach out to the Mecklenburg County Community Support Services (CSS) office. The CSS Veterans Services Division can connect you to your nearest veterans service officer to find out what benefits may be available to you or a loved one.
Number of veterans living in Charlotte
Percentage of Charlotte veterans aged 75 and older
Resources for Charlotte veterans
Veterans Service Officers (VSO) contacts
Valerie C. Woodard Center
3205 Freedom Drive, Suite 2000
Entrance D
Phone: 704-336-2102
North Carolina Medicaid — or NC Medicaid — is the state’s health insurance program for low-income seniors or people with disabilities. North Carolina residents who collect Social Security Income (SSI) are automatically eligible for NC Medicaid.
Otherwise, Medicaid eligibility is partially based on income and asset limits, which differs for each of the state’s programs. The following criteria must also be met for seniors to qualify for NC Medicaid:
NC Medicaid doesn’t pay directly for a memory care facility, but one of the state’s Medicaid waiver programs may be able to help reduce some of the costs related to care. You can find out more about the waiver program and eligibility requirements below.
Personal Care Services (PCS) are part of NC Medicaid’s Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS) waiver program. The program is available for seniors who live in a licensed adult care home or residential facility, group home, or private dwelling.
PCS is designed to help people who need help with their activities of daily living like eating, getting dressed, and bathing themselves. Applicants need to meet the following criteria to qualify:
You’ll find there are several contacts listed on the North Carolina Medicaid Division of Health Benefits website. These resources can walk you through NC Medicaid policies and answer any questions about its waiver programs.
The NC Medicaid Ombudsman is a tremendous resource for those interested in learning more about NC Medicaid or finding referrals to services they need. For more on North Carolina’s long-term care services, contact your local Area Agency on Aging.
To apply for NC Medicaid and other benefits, you can visit the ePass website. Or, apply in person at the nearest Department of Social Services office.
Resources for Charlotte residents
North Carolina Medicaid Division of Health Benefits
NC Medicaid contacts
Phone: 888-245-0179
NC Medicaid Ombudsman Program
NC Medicaid ombudsman website
Phone: 877-201-3750
Mecklenburg Department of Social Services (DSS) – DSS main office
Adult Medicaid questions
301 Billingsley Road
Charlotte, NC 28211
Phone: 704-336-3000
Centralina Area Agency on Aging
Long-term senior services and support
10735 David Taylor Dr., Suite 250
Charlotte, NC 28262
Phone: 704-372-2416
PACE of the Southern Piedmont
Areas served
6133 The Plaza
Charlotte, NC 28215
Phone: 704-887-3840
NC PACE Association
How to enroll in PACE
Phone: 919-428-7118
Medicare can’t be used to pay for all of the costs of memory care, such as room and board or personal care services. Some short-term health care services may be covered for seniors who are age 65+ and have Alzheimer’s or other types of dementia. These short-term health care services include the following:
Medicare may also cover cognitive assessments, which can identify signs of dementia and confirm or establish a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or other dementia. These assessments let your doctor fully review your cognitive abilities as well as assess and update the following:
As part of the North Carolina Department of Insurance, the Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) provides free, unbiased Medicare counseling to seniors who need help navigating Medicare. SHIIP’s fully trained counselors can help you learn about Medicare plans and coverages, as well as point out Medicare Savings Programs you may be eligible for.
SHIIP volunteers also teach seniors the ins and outs of Medicare through the North Carolina Senior Medicare Patrol Program (NCSMP). This educational program is aimed at helping seniors understand their Medicare statements and benefits, while also being able to identify and prevent Medicare fraud.
The Medicare website has ample resources available about eligibility, enrollment, and covered services. You can also contact the Social Security Administration for more information or to enroll in Medicare.
Charlotte Medicare resources
Medicare basics
Albemarle Building
325 N. Salisbury St.
Raleigh, NC 27603-5926
Phone: 855-408-1201
About 43% of our partnered memory care facilities exclusively accommodate residents with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. The rest are assisted living communities with specialized care units to accommodate residents with dementia.
Both types of communities are classified as adult care homes in North Carolina, and they are licensed to provide personal care and memory care service. They are regulated by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Division of Health Service Regulation (DSHR). All adult care homes that provide assisted living or memory care services must implement the following:
You can find all of these rules and regulations for DSHR agencies on the DHHS website, as well as reports on licensed facilities in North Carolina.
Special care units for memory care residents have their own set of policies in addition to those for adult care homes. These policies should be created and executed by the individual facility, and they should address topics such as the following:
All adult care homes in North Carolina have admission requirements for residents to make sure their care needs don’t exceed a facility’s capacity, including memory care units.
People seeking admission to a memory care unit must undergo a pre-admission screening for cognitive impairment and have a confirmed medical diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or another type of dementia. A care plan must be developed within 30 days of admission. These plans are reviewed and updated quarterly to reflect a resident’s specific needs. Care plans should examine the resident’s:
Memory care units must have staff available at all times. To make sure these facilities have the necessary staffing to accommodate the needs of residents, North Carolina law requires the following:
Staff in memory care facilities undergo memory care training and orientation throughout their employment. Any staff who works in a memory care unit is required to complete a 6-hour orientation within their first week of employment.
Additionally, all staff members who are responsible for providing personal care and supervising residents in memory care must complete the following:
Memory care units in an assisted living facility are required to follow all North Carolina State Building Codes and local zoning laws for adult care homes. Additionally, memory care units have special building specifications that include the following:
Any confirmed or suspected incidents of abuse, neglect, or exploitation of a resident are required to be reported by a facility. Facilities are also required to report any injuries or illnesses of a resident as soon as possible, no later than 24 hours after an incident.[09] Anyone, however, can report abuse or neglect by filing a complaint to the NC DHSR. You can also contact your local ombudsman office and Area Agency on Aging to investigate any complaints.
809 Ruggles Drive
Raleigh, NC 27603
Phone: 919-855-3750
525 N. Tryon St.
Charlotte, NC 28202
Phone: 704-372-2416
COVID-19 mandates for memory care facilities are generally set at the state level in North Carolina. There aren’t any mandates in place for memory care facilities in Charlotte, as of March 2023.
However, while many memory care facilities will likely follow state and local guidance for COVID-19, some may have stricter policies in place to protect residents and staff. It’s always a good idea to contact a prospective memory care facility directly for their most current guidelines. You can also reach out to the local Area Agency on Aging for more information.
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has guidance for long-term care facilities and a handy dashboard on its website. You can also find local COVID-19 data and resources on the Mecklenburg County website. Below, you can find a summary of COVID-19 guidance currently in place for Mecklenburg County.
Facility cleanliness. Facilities are advised to maintain good ventilation practices.
Masking. Some facilities may require masks for in-person visits or when in indoor common spaces.
Vaccinations. Staff and residents are encouraged to stay up to date on COVID-19 vaccines and boosters. You can find a COVID-19 vaccine near you on the county website.
Quarantining. Those with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 exposure should follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) isolation recommendations. The Mecklenburg County website provides information on testing options.
While many may not associate a memory care facility with a home-like setting, Charlotte has some memory care communities that are downright darling. Take a look at what to expect from memory care in Charlotte and the types of amenities, activities, and services offered.
Many memory care facilities in Charlotte exude charm with Victorian-inspired elements like welcoming walkways, enclosed covered porches with rocking chairs, and charming brick exteriors. Impeccably maintained landscaping surrounds the communities and often features lovely courtyards, raised garden beds, and swimming pools. Many communities immediately welcome residents and guests with bright, immaculate lobbies. Communities will also host activities in tastefully appointed common areas.
You can expect to find a range of floor plans for studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom units, with private and semi-private options available at most. These living spaces are designed to feel safe and familiar for memory care residents, with some units featuring kitchenettes, walk-in showers with seats, and ample natural lighting.
Charlotte memory care facilities provide an array of on-site amenities for residents. About 68% of memory care facilities have a professional chef on-site to prepare delicacies ranging from specialized dining programs to international cuisine.[01] Most memory care facilities offer restaurant-style dining, with some communities also providing room service and anytime dining. Most of our partner communities are designed to accommodate residents with memory loss with enclosed courtyard spaces, wandering prevention systems, and visits from specialized therapists.
You can also expect to find five-star services at Charlotte memory care facilities, such as housekeeping, transportation, and personal laundry. Additionally, many communities boast convenient access to on-site conveniences, including fitness centers, beauty salons, and movie theaters. A selection of communities even have exclusive amenities, like putting greens, butterfly gardens, and a massage therapist.
Residents in memory care facilities have access to specialized activities and programs. About half of our partner communities offer reminiscence therapy programs to encourage residents to explore and recall positive memories, as well as sensory-based therapies.[01] Some in-network communities also provide dedicated memory care programming that centers around reducing aggressiveness, boredom, and loneliness.
Other activities help promote socialization among residents in memory care facilities. Residents enjoy ample opportunities to pursue the hobbies they enjoy the most — from art classes to gardening clubs, and live performances to trivia games. Our partner memory care facilities in Charlotte also make it easy for residents to stay physically active with stretching classes, tai chi, and yoga classes. The majority of our in-network communities also host get-togethers for residents that include holiday parties, happy hours, and birthday parties.
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Number of seniors over the age of 75 currently living in Charlotte, per the U.S. Census Bureau
Average annual income for Charlotte seniors age 65+, according to the U.S. Census Bureau
Percentage of seniors age 75 and older within the Charlotte population, as reported by the U.S. Census Bureau
Several highly ranked hospitals are located in Charlotte, which provide access to a range of extensive care services for seniors and those living with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. We highlight some of these first-rate medical facilities below.
Atrium Health Senior Care provides two service options for seniors age 65 and older. Its memory care clinic specializes in diagnosing and treating conditions ranging from mild cognitive impairment and Parkinson’s disease to Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia. Atrium Health also provides primary care services to Mecklenburg County seniors living in long-term care facilities, with on-call services and weekly visits to partner communities available.
Novant Health delivers exceptional support for patients with Alzheimer’s and other dementias at its memory care clinic. The clinic is thoughtfully designed to accommodate memory care patients by featuring comfortable seating, captivating North Carolina-based artwork, and navigable floors for patients with walkers. Novant Health’s memory care clinic works with both patients and their caregivers to create a tailor-made care plan and help connect them to the resources they need.
Complimentary transportation is provided at roughly 70% of our partnered memory care facilities in Charlotte, while around 30% of partner communities have at-cost transportation available.[01] These services help residents safely get to and from appointments and errands. Visiting friends and families can utilize the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS). CATS operates several bus and rail lines throughout Charlotte, and it offers paratransit services for people with disabilities.
Seniors age 60 and older can access transportation services via the Mecklenburg Transportation System (MTS). The services provide nonemergency transportation to help eligible seniors get to and from appointments and various errands or outings. You can find descriptions, eligibility requirements, and how to apply for the programs on the Mecklenburg County website.
Residents and tourists alike will find Charlotte is the crown jewel of Southern cities. It’s hard not to get caught up in the city’s almost contagious culture, from the sounds of fans cheering from local sports bars to the gorgeous foliage that turns blazing red in autumn. Frequently called the Queen City, this darling city is rich in activities and attractions for people of all ages and abilities, with several offering accessibility options for people with physical and mental disabilities like those listed below.
The Bechtler Museum of Modern Art’s Creative Access program offers creative classes for adults with disabilities, as well as specialized programming for adults with dementia. Charlotte has several other museums throughout the city with accommodations for varying accessibility needs and abilities. A few of those museums include:
Several of Charlotte’s elegant theaters offer sensory-friendly shows with adaptations like modified lighting and sound, American Sign Language interpretations, and accommodations for guests with service dogs. The Charlotte Ballet has several accessible performances throughout the year, which often provide the following:
These Charlotte gems are designed to promote inclusivity for all guests with dedicated passes like the Carowinds Boarding Pass program, which helps visitors with limited mobility or cognitive impairments enjoy complete access to the park’s attractions. Or, catch a Hornets game at Spectrum Center where you’ll find these amenities:
Cadence at Mooresville by Cogir, Morningside of Concord and Concord Place are the top-rated Memory Care facilities near Charlotte, NC. These Memory Care facilities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews. See full list of communities.
The average cost of Memory Care in Charlotte is $5,201 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
A Place for Mom. (2022). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
SmartAsset. (2021). North Carolina retirement tax friendliness.
United States Census Bureau. (2022). Veteran status (S2101) [Data set]. American Community Survey.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. (2022, October 12). Eligibility for veterans pension.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. (2022, October 12). VA aid and attendance benefits and housebound allowance.
North Carolina Medicaid Division of Health Benefits. Eligibility.
North Carolina Medicaid Division of Health Benefits. (2023, March 03). Personal care services (PCS).
Medicare. What medicare covers. Medicare.gov.
Licensing of Adult Care Homes of Seven or More Beds, N.C. Administrative Code § 10A NCAC 13F (1977 & rev. 2022).
United States Census Bureau. (2022). Age and sex (S0101) [Data set]. American community survey.
United States Census Bureau. (2022). Population 65 years and over in the United States (S0103) [Data set]. American community survey.
Mecklenburg County Government. Mecklenburg transportation system (MTS).
Ask an A Place for Mom local advisor at no cost.
A Place for Mom. (2022). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
SmartAsset. (2021). North Carolina retirement tax friendliness.
United States Census Bureau. (2022). Veteran status (S2101) [Data set]. American Community Survey.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. (2022, October 12). Eligibility for veterans pension.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. (2022, October 12). VA aid and attendance benefits and housebound allowance.
North Carolina Medicaid Division of Health Benefits. Eligibility.
North Carolina Medicaid Division of Health Benefits. (2023, March 03). Personal care services (PCS).
Medicare. What medicare covers. Medicare.gov.
Licensing of Adult Care Homes of Seven or More Beds, N.C. Administrative Code § 10A NCAC 13F (1977 & rev. 2022).
United States Census Bureau. (2022). Age and sex (S0101) [Data set]. American community survey.
United States Census Bureau. (2022). Population 65 years and over in the United States (S0103) [Data set]. American community survey.
Mecklenburg County Government. Mecklenburg transportation system (MTS).