10 Best Memory Care Facilities in Asheville, NC
Memory care facilities cater to seniors who require specialized care for Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, or other memory loss conditions. It’s important to note that memory care facilities differ from assisted living facilities in that they offer a high level of care, 24/7 supervision, and activities specifically designed for people with memory loss.
In Asheville, North Carolina, memory care facilities offer comprehensive and compassionate care with dedicated teams of highly-trained caregivers. Residents receive personalized care plans, from medication management to daily activities, in order to create a comfortable and safe living environment that promotes seniors’ well-being and dignity.
This guide focuses specifically on memory care facilities within a 10-mile radius of downtown Asheville. From different types of memory care facilities to fundamental aspects such as costs, payment options, and laws pertinent to memory care facilities in Asheville, this comprehensive overview will empower you to make an informed decision for your loved one.
Asheville Memory Care Facilities | 630 Reviews
I liked the place and would have kept her there but she said she didn't like it. There were always activities and she did a lot of walking to stay active. I only worried about her getting enough to drink...
The people are wonderful. They just need to replace the carpeting and stop losing clothes now and then. Other than that.....Great place!
I am truly impressed with the staff as they have all been very sweet and understanding with us and my Mother. They have went above and beyond when an issue has risen or if we simply have questions. Before we...
The people are kind and caring, the place is clean, the food looks very good. We're very happy with Spring Park. They listen and they care about the residents. That is not always the case! Also, people...
I chose The Residences at Greer because it is small and close to my home in case there is an emergency. The staff loves their residents. They take great care of them and very understanding. They go through...
The staff had been very helpful in our preparation for my wife to move into the facility. They were very attentive and helpful on the move in date. They have done everything possible to get her settled and...
My loved one is a resident at this facility and it has been great!
My loved one feels comfortable and safe. The staff is wonderful and caring. They are extremely helpful to my loved one. The activities and meals are well thought out. The facility is clean and welcoming.
[name removed] is a true professional and made our transition so easy. Based on the experience we have had so far with the Brookdale Asheville Walden Ridge community, we would recommend them to other...
We chose TerraBella Summit because of the staff friendliness and the overall cleanliness of the facility. It really is a fantastic place, staff is very attentive. Just need more staff
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The overall experience, the cleanliness, the friendliness of the staff, quality of care, meals and dining and activities have all been a great experience. We would recommend this community to other families...
This is a nice smaller community that works with memory care only, my brother has a nice private room with a shared bathroom and they were willing to work with my brother who has a catheter which a lot of...
I found the staff to be very helpful when needed. The one item that I had an issue with, was my Uncle was placed in the Memory Care Unit as he failed their test by one question. I spoke to the Administrator...
Kingsbridge provides excellent care for my dad. The food is pretty good and the activities help keep him engaged. The staff is very personable and friendly. Beautiful courtyard !
Kingsbridge provides excellent care for my dad. The food is pretty good and the activities help keep him engaged. The staff is very personable and friendly. Beautiful courtyard !
The facility couldn't be better for my Mom. It is clean and is run very well. The staff members are so concerned about my Mom's well-being. The staff has a schedule and Mom is still trying to make the rules....
The facility couldn't be better for my Mom. It is clean and is run very well. The staff members are so concerned about my Mom's well-being. The staff has a schedule and Mom is still trying to make the rules....
The corporate billing process for Brookdale Forest City caused me much heartache. I had to move my Mom to another facility due their billing process and how long term insurance paid out accordingly....
We chose Family Ministries because we saw an ad on the TV and thought we would try it and see what was offered and it turned out to be a very good experience. They were very informative and good with...
This seems to be the best place that I have found for my loved one. They have activities like bible study, bingo, puzzles, laundry folding, coin counting, music, concerts and more for the residents to do and...
I would definitely recommend Heritage Hills Pacifica. I believe they have good care. I wish there was more communication with the family rather than me having to ask. I wish I would have follow up on the...
They provided excellent care to my grandmother for over 5 years. Grateful to all the staff. They accommodated food requests and even care suggestions to bring her recliner out to the hallway so we could be...
After being very unhappy and even concerned about the care of my loved one at some fancy facility, I started a search for a safer home. One that cared for the residents more than their profit line. My...
Our methodology
How we rank order the Asheville community options above
We developed a proprietary recommendation system that orders Asheville community options based on factors we know are important to seniors and their families:
- Proximity to your search location
- Availability of recent, high-quality reviews
- The amount of detailed community information available
Where we source our information
14,000+ communities
We collect proprietary data from our network of 14,000+ senior living communities in the U.S., with regular refreshes of data and information
350,000+ reviews
We have 387,000+ reviews from senior living residents and family members that provide first-hand accounts about senior living communities
- Costs of memory care in the Asheville area
- What families are saying about memory care in Asheville
- How people pay for memory care in Asheville
- Understand North Carolina laws and regulations for memory care facilities
- Get to know memory care in Asheville
- What to expect from memory care living in Asheville
- Asheville memory care services and amenities
- Explore senior care with confidence
- Unfamiliar with Asheville? Highlights for seniors
Costs of memory care in the Asheville area
A Place for Mom’s proprietary data shows that residents in Asheville pay an average of $6,383 monthly for memory care.[01] This cost represents actual expenses paid across various floor plans and amenities, including all associated fees and services like specialized therapies, medication management, meals, and more. Below outlines the standard costs, before any add-on fees, to provide a baseline understanding of what can be expected. This can be a good starting point when planning to pay for memory care for your loved one.
Average monthly cost of Memory Care in Asheville, NC vs. nearby cities
Average monthly cost of Memory Care in Asheville, NC vs. the state and national average
Average monthly cost of Memory Care in Asheville vs. other types of senior living
Median monthly costs of Memory Care in Asheville, NC by room type
Average cost of Memory Care in Asheville over time
What families are saying about memory care in Asheville
Recent reviews for memory care in Asheville
Pacifica Senior Living Heritage Hills in Hendersonville, NC
Ashlan Village in Lyman, SC
Governors Bend in Erwin, TN
Asheville review score based on 125 family reviews
This proprietary review score is based on 125 reviews of 30 Asheville memory care communities. All reviews were submitted in the past two years by verified community residents and family members.Asheville review score compared against nearby cities
Review subcategories for Asheville memory care
When memory care residents and family members submit a review on our site, they rate each community on categories such as cleanliness, activities, meals, and more. The chart below is based on 125 reviews of 30 Asheville memory care communities. This chart helps you compare Asheville resident and family memory care satisfaction rates against national averages. Use it to assess your needs and develop criteria for your own search. If you know that one of these categories is important to you or your loved one, our senior living advisors can help you find communities to match your needs.How people pay for memory care in Asheville
Several options are available to pay for memory care in the Asheville area, ranging from savings accounts and private insurance to federal and state programs. Combining these options can help ease the financial burden and ensure your loved one receives the care they need.
The following sections cover detailed information on private payment methods, VA benefits, Medicaid, and Medicare.
Families can finance memory care for their loved ones through private pay options. This may include using personal funds from various sources such as savings, pensions, investment returns, and Social Security benefits.
In addition to traditional methods, there are other resources that can provide support for memory care costs, such as health savings accounts and insurance policies. The following resources cover various private pay options to finance memory care in Asheville:
Number of veterans who live in Asheville
About 24% of Asheville veterans are 75+
Asheville’s veteran community has several resources to help get the benefits they deserve. These resources range from VA benefits to financial grants, and there are state, federal, and local organizations that provide veterans and their families with everything they need to navigate the application process and receive any eligible benefits.
For veterans or surviving family members who need specialized care for memory-related conditions, such as Alzheimer’s or dementia, financial assistance may be available through the VA Pension and Aid and Attendance (A&A) benefit. Pension payments can be applied toward anything that enhances the person’s quality of life, which includes memory care costs, and A&A is added to the monthly Pension payment.
Eligibility for A&A is determined by several factors, such as age and ability. As such, the A&A application and enrollment process can be overwhelming. However, VA-vetted representatives and local resources such as the Buncombe County Veterans Services Office, Disabled American Veterans (DAV) organization, North Carolina Department of Military & Veterans Affairs, and American Legion Posts are available to provide vital support when applying for VA benefits.
Resources for Asheville veterans
Buncombe County Veterans Services Office
40 Coxe Ave.
Asheville, NC 28801
Phone: 828-250-5726
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
North Carolina Department of Military & Veterans Affairs
413 N. Salisbury St.
Raleigh, NC 27603
Phone: 844-624-8387
American Legion Posts
103 Reddick Road
Asheville, NC 288805
Phone: 828-299-8463
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
851 Haywood Road
Asheville, NC 28806
Phone: 828-505-4729
1329 Tunnel Road
Asheville, NC 28805
Phone: 828-298-7952
Winston-Salem DAV Office
251 N. Main St., Room 151
Winston-Salem, NC 27101
Phone: 336-631-5481
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Seniors with limited income in Asheville can access funding for memory care costs through North Carolina’s Medicaid program, known as NC Medicaid. Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers offer long-term coverage to eligible seniors with a certain age, income, and care level requirements in place.
NC Medicaid’s HCBS waiver programs include the Community Alternatives Program for Disabled Adults (CAP/DA) Waiver, NC Innovations Waiver, and NC Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Waiver. These programs offer essential services for eligible seniors, including residential support, day support, personal care (bathing, dressing, etc.), medication administration, home modifications, assistive technology, and more. To learn more about eligibility requirements and the full range of services, you can review the state’s waiver list.
Additionally, the Personal Care Services (PCS) program through NC Medicaid can help cover costs of personal care expenses — such as help with bathing, dressing, mobility, and meals — for those living in residential care facilities or group homes, including memory care facilities.
You can go to the NC Medicaid page to start the application process or the specific application site, ePass. There are several local resources for determining eligibility and streamlining the Medicaid and HCBS waiver application process. Through each step, the NC Medicaid Ombudsman, the Council on Aging of Buncombe County, and Buncombe County Health & Human Services are available to assist people in finding the right program and answering questions.
Asheville resident Medicaid resources
Buncombe County Health & Human Services
40 Coxe Ave.
Asheville, NC 28801
Phone: 828-250-5500
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Council on Aging of Buncombe County
46 Sheffield Circle
Asheville, NC 28803
Phone: 828-277-8288
Email: info@COAbc.org
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
NC Medicaid Ombudsman
Email: info@ncmedicaidombudsman.org
Phone: 877-201-3750
It’s important to understand what Medicare covers when it comes to memory care expenses. While Medicare does not cover custodial costs for memory care, such as room and board, it can assist with certain medically necessary in-home care needs. Asheville provides several programs designed to help seniors cover qualifying medical expenses:
- The Medicare Savings Program (MSP) provides assistance with Medicare premium payments for Medicare enrollees. To learn more about this program, check out this guide.
- The NC Medication Assistance Program (MAP) provides low-cost medication for those in need.
- The NC Medicare and Seniors’ Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) provides free counseling and assistance in understanding, applying for, and managing Medicare plans.
- The CarePartners Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) provides comprehensive medical care for eligible seniors in Buncombe and Henderson County. Seniors in PACE may receive primary care, hospital care, prescription drugs, and home care services to support their unique needs.
Seniors and their families can access several resources in Asheville, North Carolina, to understand the system and apply for coverage. The Social Security Administration office can assist in navigating the enrollment process in Medicare. Applying online is also a convenient option.
The local Office of Aging and Adult Services and Ombudsman Program can offer personalized support related to Medicare coverage options. These resources play an essential role in ensuring seniors and their families understand the system’s intricacies and have access to all necessary care.
Asheville resident Medicare resources
Social Security Administration Office
800 Centrepark Drive
Asheville, NC 28805
Phone: 800-772-1213
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Aging and Adult Services
Contact: Joyce Massey-Smith
Phone: 919-855-3400
Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program
Contact: Victor Orija, state long-term care ombudsman
Email: victor.orija@dhhs.nc.gov
Phone: 919-855-3426
Contact: Renee Kea, ombudsman/elder rights specialist
Email: renee.kea@dhhs.nc.gov
Phone: 919-855-3431
Contact: Kendra Dixon, ombudsman program specialist
Email: lakendra.dixon@dhhs.nc.gov
Phone: 919-855-3433
Understand North Carolina laws and regulations for memory care facilities
In North Carolina, memory care is classified as a specialized type of assisted living. Memory care facilities are often not licensed or certified as separate entities but are typically part of assisted living facilities or other long-term care communities that have specific memory care units. As such, they must comply with the same comprehensive laws and regulations in place for assisted living facilities, in addition to some set standards for memory care.
North Carolina refers to assisted living facilities as Adult Care Homes, which are licensed and monitored by the Division of Health Service Regulation (DHSR) to ensure that residents are cared for in a safe, nurturing environment. More details on all North Carolina assisted living facilities’ rules and regulations can be found online.
Inspection laws
The North Carolina DHSR Adult Care Licensure Section oversees all inspections of the state’s licensed assisted living and memory care facilities. To ensure safety and quality of care, inspections are completed annually and when prompted by complaints or changes in facility ownership. The assessments are comprehensive, evaluating staffing, resident care, medication management, and safety to ensure the well-being of those under their care. Inspection reports can be accessed on the DHSR website through a searchable online database.
Resident care plans
Assisted living facilities create personalized care plans for each resident with insights from family and health care professionals. These plans are designed with the utmost consideration, ensuring residents receive the best care they need.
The care plan for residents must be comprehensive and personalized to meet their unique needs. It should include an assessment, detailed goals, tailored services, regular review, communication among the staff and family involved, and proper documentation to ensure it is being implemented effectively.
Personalized care plans guarantee that residents with memory impairments receive the tailored care they need to enhance their quality of life. When considering a facility that provides memory care, ask about the facility’s care planning process and how they involve residents and families.
Staffing and training regulations
With strict staffing and training regulations in North Carolina set by the DHSR, facilities ensure that residents receive personalized support from devoted and expert staff.
North Carolina’s assisted living and memory care facilities prioritize the well-being of their residents by mandating training related to activities of daily living, resident rights, basic medical care, and more, as well as ongoing professional development. They constantly innovate and leverage technology to improve techniques and services, delivering compassionate and supportive care. In addition, assisted living staff in North Carolina are required to complete yearly training on emergency preparedness and fire safety.
Beyond training and education, the DHSR provides regulations on the number of staff in assisted living facilities. There must be enough staff to provide for residents’ needs. At a minimum, there must be at least one staff member awake and on duty 24/7.
Memory-care-specific guidelines
Assisted living facilities that provide memory care or standalone memory care facilities go above and beyond to offer specialized care for residents affected by memory loss. Staff are supervised by either a licensed nurse or other health care professional. All staff must undergo specialized training in dementia care, equipping them with communication techniques and behavior management skills that stimulate cognitive function. As a result, memory care providers offer a safe living space where residents are well-cared for and their quality of life is improved.
Memory care facilities are required to have a secure environment that prevents residents from getting lost and wandering. This includes secured outdoor areas, door and window alarms, clear signs, color-coded hallways, and more. These facilities must also offer social activities that are appropriate for memory-impaired residents and provide personal care to residents, such as assistance with daily living activities like bathing and dressing.
In-depth information on resident rights, care plans, and staffing requirements for North Carolina assisted living and memory care facilities can be found online.
North Carolina Department of Health contact information
NC Department of Health and Human Services
2001 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699
Phone: 800-662-7030
COVID-19 regulations for Asheville memory care facilities
Asheville’s memory care facilities stay up-to-date with CDC guidelines and work closely with state officials to safeguard seniors and staff. Although there are no regulations specific to Asheville’s care facilities, North Carolina authorities remain committed to supporting and informing residents throughout the pandemic. The Buncombe County website also has information on nearby testing sites and vaccination clinics.
Vaccinations.
It’s highly recommended that North Carolina residents get fully vaccinated to protect themselves and others from COVID-19. Those who haven’t received their shot should continue to wear masks and keep a distance of six feet from others as a precaution.
Get to know memory care in Asheville
What to expect from memory care living in Asheville
Although memory care facilities in Asheville vary in appearance, they share one common trait: exceptional care. These facilities offer seniors a fulfilling and engaging experience, with amenities and activities tailored to their needs. By providing high-level care, seniors can live a life filled with purpose and meaning.
Secured communities
Memory care facilities in Asheville are intentionally designed to be safe havens for residents with memory loss. The enclosed courtyard structures of many facilities provide safe and serene outdoor spaces that residents can enjoy. Some facilities have dedicated indoor walking paths to ensure residents can move around securely, while outdoor paths and gardens offer picturesque environments for calming walks with loved ones.
These facilities aim to foster a sense of belonging and community for residents while ensuring everyone receives the utmost care from their dedicated team. Many facilities also have security systems and keypad entries to provide an even more secure experience for residents.
Unmatched amenities
Asheville’s memory care facilities have exceptional amenities that meet individual needs and make life easier and more enjoyable. Residents have various options when it comes to floor plans, created with dementia-friendly designs in mind. No matter the style, memory care facilities provide ample space to create a living environment that meets the resident’s needs. Most rooms and apartments also come with emergency call systems to ensure resident safety.
Memory care facilities provide various services and amenities tailored to the unique needs of seniors with memory loss. These can include support groups, educational activities, recreational programs, social events, physical therapy sessions, cognitive stimulation activities, music classes, and more.
At most facilities, cozy TV lounges are available for residents to kick back and enjoy their favorite shows and movies, while some have libraries for those who prefer to read. A number of facilities also have on-site salons and barbershops with experienced professionals providing exceptional services to help seniors feel and look their best. With attentive staff and comforting amenities, seniors can enjoy all the benefits of living in a supportive, safe community while.
Dedicated support
When finding a secure community for loved ones, specialized care is key. Staff at Asheville memory care facilities are equipped to provide 24-hour awake care to residents. In addition, they are trained to manage exit-seeking behaviors, redirection, cueing, disorientation, restlessness, pacing, and wandering care, ensuring residents feel safe and secure in their community.
Asheville memory care facilities cater to residents with different mobility levels, offering personalized therapeutic programs that help improve sleep, reduce stress, and improve well-being.
At many facilities, hospice care is available on-site to ensure that residents’ emotional, spiritual, and physical needs are cared for. A number of memory care facilities are also combined with assisted living and/or independent living. These are progressive classifications, as residents who choose these options can age in place.
Asheville memory care services and amenities
Availability of select care services in Asheville memory care
Availability of select dementia care services in Asheville memory care
Availability of select dietary accommodations in Asheville memory care
Availability of select dining options in Asheville memory care
Availability of select programs and activities in Asheville memory care
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Unfamiliar with Asheville? Highlights for seniors
Number of seniors over the age of 65 currently living in Asheville
Median annual income for Asheville seniors 65 and older
Health care for seniors in Asheville
Mission Hospital
Mission Hospital is a Level II Trauma Center, dedicated to providing exceptional orthopedic trauma care.
UNC Health-Pardee
This is a Level I Trauma Center known for its exceptional treatments for COPD, GI conditions, and substance abuse.
Charles George Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center
The Charles George VA Hospital provides comprehensive health care and surgical services to veterans.
Transportation for seniors in Asheville
Utilizing transportation options with caregiver escort or assistance is highly recommended for memory care residents. Considering the safety of seniors with dementia, it’s best to avoid public transit without appropriate supervision or aid. Of A Place for Mom’s partner communities in Asheville, 100% offer complimentary transportation services, and 50% offer at-cost transportation services to residents.[01]
Buncombe County Call A Ride through the Council on Aging is an excellent option for seniors who need caregiver escort or assistance when traveling. This volunteer-based transportation service provides rides to seniors who can no longer drive themselves and cannot access public transportation. It allows them to get to medical appointments, grocery stores, and other destinations easily and safely. To benefit from this program, seniors need to be referred by a service coordinator who will help ensure they can cater to their needs.
Mountain Mobility provides door-to-door transportation services for seniors with disabilities in Buncombe County. It’s an excellent option for visiting loved ones. Although drivers are trained to help seniors with mobility challenges, it’s not an in-transit supervision service explicitly designed for people with dementia, so residents should be accompanied by a caregiver or loved one.
Senior activities in Asheville
Asheville, North Carolina, offers a wide range of activities for seniors with memory impairments. These activities are highly recommended for seniors with dementia to enjoy with their loved ones, as activities done with family and friends not only provide an opportunity for social engagement but can also increase seniors’ sense of belonging and improve their overall emotional and mental health.
Asheville is home to multiple parks and natural attractions that offer a serene and calming environment for seniors with memory impairments. The North Carolina Arboretum is a fantastic choice for those who enjoy walking and experiencing nature, and it offers frequent benches to rest on. The main garden areas are wheelchair accessible, and caregivers can request a complimentary Caregiver’s Pass, allowing them to assist a person with a disability who has a ticket for a special event or class at the Arboretum.
Baseball lovers and their families can plan a visit to McCormick Field, a minor league baseball stadium that is home to the Asheville Tourists. It is wheelchair accessible.
For those seeking indoor activities, Asheville has plenty to offer as well. The Asheville Connections Art Museum is a dementia-friendly museum that offers classes for seniors with varying levels of cognitive ability. The Memory Cafe located at First Baptist Church of Asheville is a dementia-friendly cafe and tea shop that offers a great social environment for seniors and their caregivers. It is open on the third Thursday of every month.
Beyond those specific attractions, many of the local senior and community centers offer various activities ideal for seniors with dementia. The Burton Street Community Center and the Tempie Avery Montford Community Center both offer art classes, while the Harvest House Community Center offers a pottery studio and weaving studio.
Overall, Asheville is a beautiful city for seniors with memory impairments to explore with their loved ones. With a wide range of indoor and outdoor activities available, there is truly something for everyone to enjoy.
Frequently Asked Questions
LaurelHurst and LaurelWoods, Wellington Manor Assisted Living and Pacifica Senior Living Heritage Hills are the top-rated Memory Care facilities near Asheville, 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 Asheville is $4,594 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
References
A Place for Mom. (2023). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Veteran Status (S2101) [Data set]. American Community Survey.
U.S. News and World Report. (2023). Mission Hospital-Asheville.
Healthgrades (2023). Pardee Hospital.
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