Best Memory Care in Cary, NC

Why trust this guide? Our editorial team analyzed 15 memory care communities in Cary, NC using NC Dept. of Health & Human Services (NCDHHS) data, inspection records, complaints, amenities, and facility-level details. How we rank memory care in NC
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Last updated
We analyzed These are the facilities in Cary, NC our team has analyzed — not a count of every memory care provider in Cary, NC.
15 homes
Other senior care options in Cary:
Avg Walk Score: 38/ 100The average Walk Score across facilities in Cary, NC. A third-party neighborhood walkability score (0–100) measuring convenience and context, not healthcare quality. Individual facilities can vary widely from this average.
National Average: 50/ 100
Avg No. of Beds: 63The average licensed bed capacity across facilities in Cary, NC. Individual facilities can vary widely from this average.
National Average: 90

Compare Memory Care around Cary (Metro Area)

Info below is compiled from the NC Dept. of Health & Human Services (NCDHHS), senior community websites & trusted data sources such as Walk Score & BBB.

Communities are listed from highest to lowest based on our ranking methodology.

Care Types in This Table AL (Assisted Living): Housing with help for daily activities like bathing, dressing, and medication, without 24-hour skilled nursing. NH (Nursing Home): 24/7 skilled nursing care for residents with complex, ongoing medical needs. SNF (Skilled Nursing Facility): Round-the-clock nursing care, often for recovery after surgery, injury, or illness. MC (Memory Care): Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. RC (Respite Care): Short-term temporary care that gives family caregivers a break. IL (Independent Living): Community living with dining, activities, and transportation for active seniors who need little personal care. HC (Home Care): Professional care delivered in the person's own home, from companionship to skilled nursing. HOS (Hospice Care): Comfort-focused care for those with a terminal illness, prioritizing quality of life over treatment.
City and state of the facility. Used for mapping and state-average comparisons.
Licensed bed capacity (maximum allowed). Not the same as how many beds are currently filled.
Indicates whether residents are allowed to have pets in the facility.
Third-party neighborhood walkability score (0–100). Convenience/context metric, not a healthcare quality measure.
Reported or derived occupancy for the facility—typically how fully licensed capacity is utilized. Compare across peers in the same market.
Better Business Bureau grade for the operating company. Reflects complaint handling and business practices, not clinical care quality.
NC DHSR Star Rating (0–4 stars). Issued by North Carolina's Division of Health Service Regulation based on annual facility inspections. Stars reflect overall compliance with state health and safety rules - 4 stars requires scores of 100+ on two consecutive annual inspections. Ratings can change between inspections if new violations or licensure actions occur.
DHSR Quality Score (/200). Each annual inspection starts at a base of 100 points. Facilities earn demerit points for violations and citations, and merit points for correcting issues, maintaining resident/family councils, sprinkler systems, and other quality programs. The "/200" display reflects the two most recent annual inspections combined - giving a longer-term view of compliance trends rather than a single snapshot.
Count of regulatory inspections in the reporting window. Higher volume can reflect more oversight visits, complaint-driven surveys, or routine licensure cycles.
Share of inspections that resulted in deficiencies, expressed as a percentage of total inspections in the window.
Housing or bed configuration options (e.g. studio, shared), often from facility-reported amenities and licensing details.
Sunrise of Cary
MC
AL
HOS
Cary
85
Facility 85
NC AVG 72
Rank #132 / 387
Yes
34
Facility 34
NC AVG 36
Rank #272 / 536
40.0% A-
103.50/200
Facility 103.50/200
NC AVG 92.2
Rank #31 / 321
18
67%
Facility 67%
NC AVG 76.2%
Rank #65 / 333
Studio / Suite / 1 Bed
Heartfields at Cary
MC
AL
Cary
97
Facility 97
NC AVG 72
Rank #88 / 387
Yes
60
Facility 60
NC AVG 36
Rank #72 / 536
79.4% -
97.50/200
Facility 97.50/200
NC AVG 92.2
Rank #185 / 321
32
81%
Facility 81%
NC AVG 76.2%
Rank #189 / 333
Studio / 2 Bed
Swift Creek Health Center
MC
AL
NH
SNF
Cary (Ponderosa)
3
Facility 3
NC AVG 72
Rank #383 / 387
No
42
Facility 42
NC AVG 36
Rank #211 / 536
86.7% ------
Livewell at Midenhall Way
MC
AL
HC
Cary (Wessex)
6
Facility 6
NC AVG 72
Rank #335 / 387
No
41
Facility 41
NC AVG 36
Rank #220 / 536
100.0% -
93.00/200
Facility 93.00/200
NC AVG 92.2
Rank #243 / 321
7
57%
Facility 57%
NC AVG 76.2%
Rank #35 / 333
Private Rooms
The Arboretum at Woodland Terrace
MC
AL
IL
Cary
84
Facility 84
NC AVG 72
Rank #135 / 387
Yes
55
Facility 55
NC AVG 36
Rank #111 / 536
39.3% -
95.75/200
Facility 95.75/200
NC AVG 92.2
Rank #209 / 321
19
84%
Facility 84%
NC AVG 76.2%
Rank #234 / 333
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
Brookdale Cary
MC
Cary (Clare Bridge Of Cary)
50
Facility 50
NC AVG 72
Rank #292 / 387
Yes
50
Facility 50
NC AVG 36
Rank #150 / 536
80.0% -
95.50/200
Facility 95.50/200
NC AVG 92.2
Rank #211 / 321
18
89%
Facility 89%
NC AVG 76.2%
Rank #282 / 333
Private Rooms / Semi-Private Rooms
Spring Arbor of Cary
MC
AL
Cary
80
Facility 80
NC AVG 72
Rank #150 / 387
Yes
35
Facility 35
NC AVG 36
Rank #261 / 536
--
95.50/200
Facility 95.50/200
NC AVG 92.2
Rank #211 / 321
10
50%
Facility 50%
NC AVG 76.2%
Rank #21 / 333
Studio / Cottage/ Alcove
Phoenix Assisted Care
MC
AL
RC
Cary (Parkway Retirement Center)
120
Facility 120
NC AVG 72
Rank #35 / 387
No
24
Facility 24
NC AVG 36
Rank #349 / 536
52.5% A+-
0.00/200
Facility 0.00/200
NC AVG 92.2
Rank #305 / 321
42
86%
Facility 86%
NC AVG 76.2%
Rank #255 / 333
Private Rooms / Semi-Private Rooms
Brookdale MacArthur Park
MC
AL
Cary (Carolina House Of Cary)
80
Facility 80
NC AVG 72
Rank #150 / 387
Yes
12
Facility 12
NC AVG 36
Rank #440 / 536
--
101.50/200
Facility 101.50/200
NC AVG 92.2
Rank #103 / 321
24
79%
Facility 79%
NC AVG 76.2%
Rank #164 / 333
Studio / Suite / 1 Bed
Waltonwood – Cary
MC
AL
IL
Cary (Ridgepath)
57
Facility 57
NC AVG 72
Rank #277 / 387
Yes
22
Facility 22
NC AVG 36
Rank #360 / 536
--
101.50/200
Facility 101.50/200
NC AVG 92.2
Rank #103 / 321
16
81%
Facility 81%
NC AVG 76.2%
Rank #189 / 333
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed

Rank badges are statewide: each community is ranked against every NC community we track that reports that metric, not just the 15 analyzed for Cary.

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Overview of Sunrise of Cary

Sunrise of Cary, located in Cary, NC, is a senior living community by Sunrise Senior Living. They offer assisted living, memory care, short-term stay, and hospice care services to their residents. This senior living ensures that the residents in their assisted living program receive the specific support they need by creating individualized care programs which may include assistance with daily living activities, medication management, and concierge services.

This pet friendly community also welcomes the residents pets, valuing the comfort and support they provide their senior owners. The accommodation options are also purposely designed, from their emergency call systems, to the facilities that promote mobility, and spaces to either rest or socialize in. Furthermore, they offer menu options featuring seasonal ingredients and regional dishes prepared by talented chefs.

Contact Sunrise of Cary

Overview of Heartfields at Cary

Heartfields at Cary envisions memory care that goes beyond mere accommodation – it’s about fostering love, connection, and meaningful engagement. The community is situated in Cary, NC, and boasts elegant living and communal spaces with just the right touch of warmth. The vision is to create an environment where residents love their surroundings, the people they’re with, and the activities they engage in. Heartfields at Cary aims to be a place where families reconnect, fostering a sense of community and shared experiences.

In addition to its vibrant living spaces, Heartfields at Cary is committed to providing top-notch Memory Care through Five Star’s award-winning Bridge to Rediscovery Alzheimer’s and dementia care program. The community prioritizes familiarity, safety, and comfort, offering individualized attention with recreational and occupational therapy. Residents can enjoy restaurant-style dining, a spacious activity center, various social and recreational events, and even access a full-service barber and beauty salon. The Memory Care apartments at Heartfields at Cary are designed to be safe, secure, and comfortable, with a range of options, including studio and companion apartments.

Contact Heartfields at Cary

Overview of Swift Creek Health Center

Swift Creek Health Center, located in Cary, NC, is the healthcare arm of Templeton of Cary, providing assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing services to their residents. This healthcare facility offers skilled nursing services as well as rehabilitation services provided by their RNs, LPNs, and CNAs, under the supervision of a medical doctor who also serves as the medical director.
As part of Templeton of Cary, the residents of Swift Creek Health Center also receive the same services that provide both comfort and convenience. This included concierge, weekly housekeeping and linen service, peal preparation and delivery, and scheduled transportation among other things.

Contact Swift Creek Health Center

Overview of Livewell at Midenhall Way

Located near UNC REX Hospital in Cary, North Carolina, this assisted living and memory care community serves up to six residents in a single-story home. Its small size supports a highly personalized environment, and all available beds are currently occupied. Care ranges from assistance with daily living to end-of-life support, with staff trained in wander-management procedures for residents who may be at risk of leaving the home unsupervised.

Older adults receive help with medication administration, incontinence care, and transportation to medical appointments. Licensed nurses and certified nursing assistants are available around the clock, maintaining a staff-to-resident ratio of one caregiver for every three residents. The organization also provides in-home care services for individuals who wish to remain in a private residence.

Meals are prepared to accommodate individual dietary needs, including vegetarian, diabetic, and gluten-free preferences. Residents also have access to housekeeping, laundry, transportation, religious services, a chapel, a spa, and a live-in care program.

Inspection reports from North Carolina’s Division of Health Service Regulation have cited findings related to resident supervision practices and the timing of meal service during one review. No additional concerns involving food preparation or nutrition were identified.

Contact Livewell at Midenhall Way

Overview of The Arboretum at Woodland Terrace

The Arboretum at Woodland Terrace, Cary, North Carolina, is a nurturing and person-centered memory care community for individuals with Alzheimer’s or dementia. The mission is to provide a warm, caring environment prioritizing residents’ independence, dignity, and individuality. The community values a compassionate approach to care, ensuring the well-being of each resident. The dedicated professional staff enjoys spending quality time with residents, fostering an atmosphere of comfort and happiness, and providing residents and their families peace of mind for future planning.

The Arboretum at Woodland Terrace offers a range of memory care amenities designed to enhance the overall well-being of residents. Personal care services, three daily meals plus snacks, laundry services, and weekly housekeeping contribute to a comfortable lifestyle. The community provides medication management, standard cable, utilities, and telephone services. Scheduled transportation, the Art of Living Well® programs, and 24-hour nurse availability enrich residents’ experiences. Planned social and educational events, day trips, gardening programs, and the Music & Memory program create a vibrant and engaging living environment, fostering community and fulfillment. Aquatics programs are also available to support residents leading active and enjoyable lives.

Contact The Arboretum at Woodland Terrace

Overview of Brookdale Cary

Make your golden years even brighter at Brookdale Cary specializes, an inviting senior living community in the serene neighborhood of Cary, North Carolina, providing exceptional memory care for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia. The community offers a secure environment designed to support residents with dementia while preserving their sense of identity and purpose. With 24/7 access to trained staff, residents benefit from a comfortable, homelike environment where their needs are met with understanding and compassion. At Brookdale Cary, they prioritize engaging activities that enhance quality of life.

Residents participate in a variety of enriching experiences such as exercise classes, art projects, puzzles, and live music performances. The community also offers on-site devotional services and recreational activities like bowling and karaoke. Brookdale Cary’s dining program is tailored to support residents with dementia, featuring dementia-friendly menus that are easy to manage yet diverse and flavorful, ensuring a pleasant dining experience that promotes socialization and independence.

Contact Brookdale Cary

Overview of Spring Arbor of Cary

Discover a high-quality living experience with the Spring Arbor Senior Living located in Cary, NC providing assisted living, memory care, and respite care services. Residents can choose from a variety of spacious and inviting accommodations including a studio, cottage-large studio, one-bedroom, and alcove suites designed to ensure each resident’s comfort and well-being. Beautifully appointed indoor and outdoor spaces are also provided for residents to relax. With an expert and compassionate team, many services are created to meet the needs of the residents, including personalized care, medication management, fitness and wellness programs, and much more.

The community boasts a host of exceptional amenities that residents can enjoy such as appetizing and nourishing meals, a full-service beauty and barber salon, laundry facilities, and convenient transportation services. At Spring Arbor, seniors are guaranteed a welcoming environment where they can thrive and enjoy a blissful life.

Contact Spring Arbor of Cary

Overview of Phoenix Assisted Care

Phoenix Assisted Care, located in Cary, NC, is a senior living community offering assisted living, memory care, and independent living services and amenities. Their memory care program is specifically designed for caring for their residents living with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Designed to provide a home away from home, this senior living community offers medical support, from assistance with daily living activities, medication management and coordination with other healthcare providers as needed.

Additionally, residents are provided meals that are prepared to cater to their preferences and dietary needs. They also offer transportation services for outside appointments, as well as housekeeping and salon services.

Contact Phoenix Assisted Care

Overview of Brookdale MacArthur Park

Situated in Cary, NC, Brookdale MacArthur Park is a thriving senior living community, offering a warm and welcoming senior living community with both assisted living and memory care options. Residents can enjoy personalized care tailored to their needs, whether it’s assistance with daily tasks or engaging in purposeful memory care programs. The community features a selection of pet-friendly apartments with ample natural lighting and includes basic utilities and maintenance. Seniors will appreciate the vibrant social calendar and delicious meals in the elegant dining room, all while knowing that help is available 24/7 for any emergencies.

Brookdale MacArthur Park’s mission is to provide a nurturing environment where seniors can thrive. The community offers a range of amenities to enhance residents’ quality of life, including an emergency alert system, transportation, and a concierge service. Residents can relax in the fireside living room, enjoy the courtyard and garden, or socialize in the game room. The café/bistro and private dining room ensure every meal is a delightful experience, supporting both nutrition and social connections.

Contact Brookdale MacArthur Park

Overview of Waltonwood – Cary

Experience redefined retirement living at Waltonwood’s Luxurious Senior Living. This community’s mission goes beyond being just another Senior Community. They strive to treat each resident and family member with dignity, respect, and personalized care that exceeds expectations. Committed to upholding a “Tradition of Excellence,” Waltonwood is dedicated to going above and beyond for residents and their families.

This care facility offers a lifestyle of utmost independence and choice, surrounded by warm and inviting environments, comfortable amenities, and a compassionate staff. Waltonwood places a strong emphasis on providing personalized services that cater to individual needs, ensuring residents have the freedom to live life on their own terms. The community’s commitment to excellence and attention to detail create an environment where residents can thrive and enjoy a fulfilling retirement experience. With a range of living options available, residents can select from luxurious Independent Living cottages and apartments with optional services, Assisted Living apartments providing customized support, and specialized care for individuals with Dementia/Alzheimer’s. 

Contact Waltonwood – Cary

Weighting overview

  • 35%
    Resident Experience
  • 25%
    Regulatory
  • 15%
    Visual Media
  • 10%
    Website
  • 10%
    Stability
  • 5%
    Environment
01

Resident & Family Experience 35%

The single largest share of every ranking. Aggregated review sentiment and volume from major platforms — the closest signal to real resident experience.

  • Includes
  • Review Sentiment
  • Review Volume
02

Regulatory & Safety Record 25%

State inspection records, citations, and complaint visits. We weight per-inspection rates more heavily than raw counts.

  • Includes
  • State Inspections
  • Citations/Inspection
  • % Inspections w/ Citations
  • Complaint Visits
  • Accreditations
  • BBB Rating
03

Visual Media & Transparency 15%

Communities that publish high-quality visuals give families a real preview. No photos or tours = a negative transparency signal.

  • Includes
  • Video Tours
  • Virtual Walkthroughs
  • Photo Quantity
  • Photo Quality
04

Website & Operator Transparency 10%

Site quality and whether the operator publishes basic accountability information — staff names, contact details, ownership.

  • Includes
  • Website Content
  • Mobile Usability
  • Staff Info Available
  • Owner Info Available
05

Community Stability 10%

Operational signals indicating whether a community is well-run and meeting demand.

  • Includes
  • Occupancy Rate
  • Bed Options
06

Environment & Pricing 5%

Walkability and pricing transparency. Walk Score is weighted higher for Independent Living than for Memory Care, where most residents do not leave unaccompanied.

  • Includes
  • Walk Score
  • Pricing Transparency
No paid rankings Communities cannot pay to influence placement.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Memory Care in Cary, NC

What's the difference between assisted living and memory care in North Carolina?

Assisted living in North Carolina supports residents with daily activities (bathing, dressing, medication management) while preserving independence. Memory care is a specialized form of assisted living for residents living with Alzheimer's or dementia, and adds 24/7 secured environments, dementia-trained staff, and structured routines designed to reduce confusion and wandering.

Does North Carolina Medicaid cover memory care?

North Carolina Medicaid does not directly pay room-and-board for memory care, but most states (including North Carolina) offer Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers that can offset the cost of care services delivered inside a licensed community. Eligibility, waitlists, and covered services vary — check directly with the state Medicaid agency.

What is memory care?

Memory care is a specialized form of assisted living for residents living with Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia, with secured environments, dementia-trained staff, and routines built to reduce confusion and wandering.

How many memory care communities are listed on this page?

This page features 15 memory care communities in Cary, NC. Use the filters and comparison tools above to compare ratings, amenities, and pricing.

How do I choose the right memory care community in Cary, NC?

Start by matching the level of care offered to the resident's current and anticipated needs, then compare licensing status, staff-to-resident ratios, recent inspection results, and pricing. Tour at least two or three communities in Cary, NC, talk to current residents and families, and confirm what is included in the base rate versus billed as add-on services.

What should I look for when visiting memory care communities in Cary, NC?

Pay attention to staff interactions with residents, cleanliness and odor, food quality at meal times, the activity calendar, and how questions about pricing and care plans are answered. Ask to see the most recent state inspection report, the move-out / level-of-care-change policy, and a sample monthly bill that lists every fee.