Page 2 of 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. IL (Independent Living): Community living with dining, activities, and transportation for active seniors who need little personal care.
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.
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.
Woodland Terrace
MC
AL
IL
Cary
84
Facility 84
NC AVG 72
Rank #135 / 387
No
55
Facility 55
NC AVG 36
Rank #111 / 536
-
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
-
Avendelle on Kildaire Farm
MC
AL
Cary (The Bluffs Of Kildaire)
6
Facility 6
NC AVG 72
Rank #335 / 387
Yes
22
Facility 22
NC AVG 36
Rank #360 / 536
-
103.50/200
Facility 103.50/200
NC AVG 92.2
Rank #31 / 321
4
50%
Facility 50%
NC AVG 76.2%
Rank #21 / 333
-
Searstone Retirement Community
MC
AL
IL
NH
SNF
Cary
-Yes
49
Facility 49
NC AVG 36
Rank #162 / 536
A+-----
The Templeton of Cary
MC
AL
IL
NH
SNF
Cary (Ponderosa)
-Yes
46
Facility 46
NC AVG 36
Rank #186 / 536
-----1 Bed / 2 Bed
Atria Cary
MC
AL
IL
Cary
-Yes
30
Facility 30
NC AVG 36
Rank #309 / 536
-----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 Woodland Terrace

The 84-bed Arboretum at Woodland Terrace, located in Cary at 300 Kildaire Woods Dr, Wake County, North Carolina, provides specialized memory care for residents with Alzheimer’s and dementia. Executive Director Amanda Klobuchar oversees the specialized memory care community, which has maintained an active license throughout 27 years of continuous operation.

All 19 inspections since 2015 documented 43 deficiencies with no fines; deficiency rates of 3.9 per year are 7% better than North Carolina’s average. Most significantly, a March 2024 complaint investigation substantiated resident abuse; a staff member was terminated and criminally charged, though witnesses failed to intervene or report. January 2024 inspections cited food safety, resident screening, and tuberculosis testing deficiencies. The June 2025 follow-up confirmed all prior deficiencies had been corrected, with registered nurses providing 1 hour of care per resident daily, 71% above the state average.

Signature programming at the Arboretum includes the Art of Living Well®, Music & Memory (a specialized dementia-focused therapeutic approach), aquatics, and gardening activities designed to promote engagement and well-being. Residents benefit from comprehensive medication management, personal care assistance, three daily meals plus snacks, laundry and housekeeping services, scheduled transportation, recreational day trips, and planned social and educational events.

Pets are welcomed, and the facility’s 3-story building includes studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom floor plans ranging from 492 to 1,650 square feet.

The facility’s Woodland Terrace location carries a walk score of 55, indicating moderate walkability with some nearby amenities accessible on foot.

Memory care in a smaller, intimate setting with strong nursing presence characterizes The Arboretum at Woodland Terrace; its 39% occupancy reflects demand below the North Carolina state average of 76.4%.

Contact Woodland Terrace

Overview of Avendelle on Kildaire Farm

Avendelle on Kildaire Farm, located in Cary, NC, is a senior living community by Avendelle that offers assisted living services and amenities to its residents. As part of their assisted living services, they provide their residents with 24 hour personalized care and supervision, medication administration and management, as well as regular physician visits for health checks and assessments.

Additionally, the residents are also provided nutritional meals and snacks throughout the day where special diets are also accommodated. This senior living community also offers housekeeping and laundry services, as well as grooming services, providing convenience and comfort during the residents’ stay in the community

Contact Avendelle on Kildaire Farm

Overview of Searstone Retirement Community

Searstone Retirement Community, located in Cary, NC, is a senior living community offering a range of services from assisted living, memory support and skilled nursing services. Their professional caring staff works closely with the residents as well as their families, in creating individualized care plans, in order to determine and meet the residents’ specific care needs.

Their First class skilled nursing services provides residents with 24/7 staff availability for supervision and assistance, round the clock personalized care, medication administration and management, and access to medical care on site as well as other professional services. Additionally their amenities like concierge and transportation services, meal provision and housekeeping and linen service, as well as 24/hr security and emergency call response, enhances the residents experiences during their stay at Searstone.

Contact Searstone Retirement Community

Overview of The Templeton of Cary

The Templeton of Cary is a top-rated retirement community in Cary, NC, offering independent living, assisted living, memory care, rehabilitation, and skilled nursing. The community’s nurturing and home-like setting ensures older adults’ comfort and safety. Exceptional services, including weekly housekeeping, concierge, and well-balanced meals, are also provided to enrich residents’ living experiences. Focusing on residents’ holistic well-being, the community provides care plans tailored to their ever-changing needs and habits.

Arts and crafts, games, and seminars are among the many recreational programs that aim to help residents explore new hobbies and have fun. Residents can also focus on relaxation and wellness, with first-class amenities including a saltwater pool, a library, and an outdoor grassy area. WakeMed Cary Hospital, restaurants, shops, and bus stops are also available in the area, providing convenient access to healthcare and other necessities. This retirement community is a great choice for senior living in North Carolina, especially with its wide range of care dedicated to helping older adults age gracefully.

Contact The Templeton of Cary

Overview of Atria Cary

Bask in the sunlight in Atria Cary, a blissful senior living community located in the peaceful neighborhood of Regency Parkway, Cary, NC providing independent living. Together with trusted partners, the community offers physical, occupational, and speech therapies. Cozy and elegant floor plans including one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments fully equipped with kitchens and other basic necessities are available for seniors’ choices and desires. The community ensures a relaxing and safe stay with a team of kind and compassionate professionals delivering top-tier care and assistance around the clock.

Atria Cary promotes an active and connected environment, providing all-around amenities and services. With its signature Engage Life program, residents experience a wide range of learning opportunities and programs to enhance their quality of life. Enjoy wonderful conversations with friends over healthy and delicious chef-prepared meals three times daily in different dining venues. The pet-friendly community provides an indoor swimming pool, a library, a movie theater, a fitness center, a physical therapy center, a salon, a game room, a putting green, and serene walking paths for seniors’ leisure and wellness.

Contact Atria 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.
How we're paid: If we help you find a community and you move in, that community may pay us a referral fee. This never affects where they rank or what you pay. Learn more
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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.