Best Memory Care in North Carolina

Why trust this guide? Our editorial team analyzed 322 memory care providers in 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
Reviewed by
Last updated
We analyzed These are the providers in North Carolina our team has analyzed — not a count of every memory care provider in North Carolina. Home health and home care providers may be included if they specialize in memory care services.
322 providers
Other senior care options in North Carolina:
Avg Walk Score: 35/ 100The average Walk Score across facilities in North Carolina. 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: 70The average licensed bed capacity across facilities in North Carolina. Individual facilities can vary widely from this average.
National Average: 90

Compare Memory Care around North Carolina

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-ranked to lowest-ranked based on our 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. 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. 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.
Walnut Ridge
MC
AL
NH
Walnut Cove
63
Facility 63
NC AVG 70
Rank #205 / 368
No
50
Facility 50
NC AVG 35
Rank #142 / 508
100.0%
Facility 100.0%
NC AVG 69.5%
Rank #1 / 213
A+
103.50/200
Facility 103.50/200
NC AVG 92.2
Rank #31 / 321
5
80%
Facility 80%
NC AVG 91.8%
Rank #33 / 333
Studio / Suite
Terrabella Lake Norman
MC
AL
IL
Mooresville
120
Facility 120
NC AVG 70
Rank #29 / 368
Yes
46
Facility 46
NC AVG 35
Rank #173 / 508
100.0%
Facility 100.0%
NC AVG 69.5%
Rank #1 / 213
C+
96.00/200
Facility 96.00/200
NC AVG 92.2
Rank #205 / 321
13
92%
Facility 92%
NC AVG 91.8%
Rank #97 / 333
Suite / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
Brookdale Meadowmont
MC
AL
Chapel Hill (Glen Lennox Appartments)
64
Facility 64
NC AVG 70
Rank #197 / 368
Yes
53
Facility 53
NC AVG 35
Rank #121 / 508
100.0%
Facility 100.0%
NC AVG 69.5%
Rank #1 / 213
-
103.50/200
Facility 103.50/200
NC AVG 92.2
Rank #31 / 321
6
83%
Facility 83%
NC AVG 91.8%
Rank #40 / 333
Studio / Suite
Brighton Gardens of Winston-Salem
MC
AL
HOS
RC
Winston-Salem
115
Facility 115
NC AVG 70
Rank #45 / 368
Yes
47
Facility 47
NC AVG 35
Rank #164 / 508
100.0%
Facility 100.0%
NC AVG 69.5%
Rank #1 / 213
A+
73.75/200
Facility 73.75/200
NC AVG 92.2
Rank #299 / 321
15
93%
Facility 93%
NC AVG 91.8%
Rank #117 / 333
Studio / 1 Bed
Morningside of Raleigh
MC
AL
Raleigh (University Park)
110
Facility 110
NC AVG 70
Rank #52 / 368
Yes
44
Facility 44
NC AVG 35
Rank #187 / 508
33.6%
Facility 33.6%
NC AVG 69.5%
Rank #186 / 213
A+
103.50/200
Facility 103.50/200
NC AVG 92.2
Rank #31 / 321
14
100%
Facility 100%
NC AVG 91.8%
Rank #138 / 333
Studio / Suite / 1 Bed
Brookdale South Charlotte
MC
AL
Charlotte (Wessex Square)
82
Facility 82
NC AVG 70
Rank #126 / 368
Yes
16
Facility 16
NC AVG 35
Rank #384 / 508
74.4%
Facility 74.4%
NC AVG 69.5%
Rank #109 / 213
A+
101.50/200
Facility 101.50/200
NC AVG 92.2
Rank #103 / 321
7
86%
Facility 86%
NC AVG 91.8%
Rank #53 / 333
Private Rooms / Semi-Private Rooms
Truewood by Merrill, New Bern
MC
AL
IL
New Bern
55
Facility 55
NC AVG 70
Rank #266 / 368
Yes
31
Facility 31
NC AVG 35
Rank #276 / 508
100.0%
Facility 100.0%
NC AVG 69.5%
Rank #1 / 213
A+
99.50/200
Facility 99.50/200
NC AVG 92.2
Rank #145 / 321
11
100%
Facility 100%
NC AVG 91.8%
Rank #138 / 333
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
Sunrise of Cary
MC
AL
HOS
Cary
85
Facility 85
NC AVG 70
Rank #116 / 368
Yes
34
Facility 34
NC AVG 35
Rank #255 / 508
40.0%
Facility 40.0%
NC AVG 69.5%
Rank #174 / 213
A-
103.50/200
Facility 103.50/200
NC AVG 92.2
Rank #31 / 321
6
100%
Facility 100%
NC AVG 91.8%
Rank #138 / 333
Studio / Suite / 1 Bed
Brookdale Reidsville
MC
AL
Reidsville
76
Facility 76
NC AVG 70
Rank #150 / 368
Yes
32
Facility 32
NC AVG 35
Rank #270 / 508
100.0%
Facility 100.0%
NC AVG 69.5%
Rank #1 / 213
-
104.50/200
Facility 104.50/200
NC AVG 92.2
Rank #20 / 321
5
100%
Facility 100%
NC AVG 91.8%
Rank #138 / 333
Studio / Suite
Durham Ridge Assisted Living
MC
AL
Durham
142
Facility 142
NC AVG 70
Rank #12 / 368
No
38
Facility 38
NC AVG 35
Rank #220 / 508
83.1%
Facility 83.1%
NC AVG 69.5%
Rank #79 / 213
A+
86.50/200
Facility 86.50/200
NC AVG 92.2
Rank #277 / 321
19
100%
Facility 100%
NC AVG 91.8%
Rank #138 / 333
Studio / Semi-Private Rooms

Rank badges are statewide: each community is ranked against every NC community we track that reports that metric, not just the 322 on this page. See how we rank facilities

Rows per page:
View all Nearby Homes
12...33
Overview of Walnut Ridge

Located in Multnomah County, Walnut Cove, NC, Walnut Ridge is a blissful senior living community that offers assisted living and memory care services. Overlooking the scenic views of Walnut Cove’s rolling hills and picturesque cliffs, the community provides a relaxing retirement environment with access to excellent care and compassionate team. Residents here are able to maintain their independence and autonomy while benefiting from personalized care services, including assistance with daily living activities and medication management.

At Walnut Ridge, residents are free from the tiring hassles of chores with housekeeping, laundry, and in-house maintenance services offered. With more free time on their hands, residents are available to enjoy the community’s varied daily social activities planned by a full-time social director, including wellness programs, fun games, and excursions. Three restaurant-style meals are served daily in the elegant dining room with seasonal menus curated by dietitians. Here, residents are able to live worry-free with an extensive array of services, amenities, and activities that fosters a comfortable and meaningful lifestyle.

Contact Walnut Ridge

Terrabella Lake Norman

140 Carriage Club Dr, Mooresville, NC 28117
Overview of Terrabella Lake Norman

Terrabella Lake Norman is a senior living community in Mooresville, North Carolina, offering independent living, assisted living, and memory care on a single campus. That continuum matters for families planning ahead, because a resident whose needs change over time can often move between levels of care without leaving the community or the staff they know. The community is led by Executive Director Dee Medlin.

The two-story building holds 120 beds and includes a dedicated Special Care Unit for memory care residents. Housing options range from suites to one and two bedroom apartments, so couples and residents who want more room have real choices. The community currently runs at full occupancy, which speaks to steady local demand and is worth factoring into timing if you are beginning a search.

Daily life here centers on lifestyle programming built around residents’ interests, chef-prepared meals, and fitness and recreation options. Transportation services help residents get to appointments and errands, and pets are welcome, which is often a deciding factor for someone moving from a long-time home. An emergency alert system supports residents around the clock, and the apartment community and grounds are actively maintained.

State inspections by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Health Service Regulation, have tended to focus on two areas: clinical documentation practices such as care plan completion, medication records, and admission health screening, along with building systems upkeep including fire safety components and ventilation. Follow-up surveys have confirmed corrections after cited items. Families touring the community may want to ask how care plans are reviewed and updated.

The address on Carriage Club Drive places the community about 3 miles from downtown Mooresville, with Duke Health Lake Norman Hospital roughly the same distance away, a practical consideration for medical appointments and hospital stays. The surrounding neighborhood carries a walk score of 46, meaning a few errands are reachable on foot while most trips call for a car. The setting keeps the small-town character of Mooresville while staying close to the Lake Norman area and its access toward Charlotte.

Contact Terrabella Lake Norman

Overview of Brookdale Meadowmont

Live your best life at Brookdale Meadowmont, a peaceful senior living community in Chapel Hill, NC, offering assisted living and memory care. The community provides the ideal blend of support and independence, where residents can enjoy various activities such as board games, live music, fitness classes, and social outings. Memory care residents benefit from specialized programs, including chair exercises, trivia games, and arts and crafts, all designed to enhance their quality of life.

Brookdale Meadowmont empowers seniors to live purposefully and age gracefully. The community offers a continuum of care, allowing residents to transition seamlessly as their needs change. With private apartments, cozy common areas, and 24/7 on-site assistance, Brookdale Meadowmont ensures a secure and comfortable living experience. Personalized care assessments on arrival ensure residents receive the support they need, making this community a place where seniors can truly thrive.

Contact Brookdale Meadowmont

Overview of Brighton Gardens of Winston-Salem

Brighton Gardens of Winston-Salem is a senior living community situated in a prime Winston-Salem, North Carolina location, offering a personalized lifestyle where residents can enjoy time with friends and neighbors doing what brings them joy. The community provides room rates starting at $3,040 per month and is committed to championing residents’ quality of life, providing empathy, support, education, and comfort. With around-the-clock, relationship-based care, Brighton Gardens of Winston-Salem delivers a tailored experience to meet each individual’s unique needs and preferences, infusing their days with a healthy dose of fun.

The community features a beautifully decorated environment that welcomes pets with open arms and lots of love, offering a wide range of engaging activities such as balloon volleyball, water pong, music and manicures, and brain games on the porch. Residents can participate in passion-driven, resident-inspired clubs, including walking, card playing, baking, and crafting, while enjoying a diverse menu with options like high fiber, high calcium, low sodium, low fat, or vegetarian meals. Conveniently located in Winston-Salem, NC, on the corner of Reynolda and Polo roads, Brighton Gardens of Winston-Salem is near Reynolda Gardens, movie theaters, shopping, and dining, with residents frequently enjoying community outings to nearby shopping, dining, museums, Salem Lake, and Quarry Park. The community is also close to medical support at Forsyth Hospital and Wake Forest Baptist Hospital, ensuring comprehensive care for its residents.

Contact Brighton Gardens of Winston-Salem

Overview of Morningside of Raleigh

A 35-year-old assisted living and memory care community at 801 Dixie Trail in the University Park neighborhood of Raleigh, North Carolina, is Morningside of Raleigh. The single-story facility offers an array of housing options: studios, suites, and one-bedroom units, designed to serve occupants across different care needs and preferences. The 110-bed home currently operates at 34 percent occupancy.

The University Park location has a residential feel with a Walk Score of 44. In turn, residents and visiting families will find that some nearby services are walkable, but most trips require transportation. This quiet neighborhood setting fits those preferring a slower pace over a busy commercial area. Morningside of Raleigh’s dual-service model, supplying assisted living and memory care, allows it to cater to occupants at different stages of need. The one-story design excludes barriers like stairs and elevators, making daily movement here accessible for older adults with mobility worries.

For over three decades, the facility has operated in this community, establishing itself as a longstanding option for families seeking senior living in Raleigh. The current census of 37 residents mirrors available capacity for those exploring the community or transitioning into assisted living or memory care.

Contact Morningside of Raleigh

Overview of Brookdale South Charlotte

Located in the vibrant city of Charlotte, North Carolina, Brookdale South Charlotte offers a senior living community designed to enhance your independence. Catering to both assisted living and memory care, this community provides a variety of care options to suit your needs. Residents can enjoy a wide range of activities, from bingo and music programs to fitness classes and wine and cheese socials. With pet-friendly apartments that boast plenty of natural light, seniors can experience a comfortable and engaging lifestyle.

Brookdale South Charlotte features an impressive array of amenities that make it a top choice for seniors. The community offers a full calendar of events, ensuring residents always have something to look forward to. Dining is a pleasure with restaurant-style meals served in an elegant dining room, fostering social interaction and enjoyment. With 24/7 availability for emergencies, seniors can have peace of mind while focusing on the things they love. Brookdale South Charlotte is the perfect place to embrace a fulfilling and worry-free lifestyle.

Contact Brookdale South Charlotte

Overview of Truewood by Merrill, New Bern

Truewood by Merrill, New Bern offers a variety of living options and many comforts of home, quality care, and engaging activities, providing residents with numerous opportunities to connect with others. The community offers a range of floor plans, with scheduled transportation, 24-hour staffing, and weekly housekeeping services.

Truewood by Merrill, New Bern’s Truewood Dining Program keeps up with residents’ schedules, providing fresh and healthy meals prepared by the culinary team. The community strives to help residents live a full and happy life built around their delights and hobbies, with a multitude of activity options, including fitness classes, learning opportunities, and numerous outings. The community also features a full-length outdoor shuffleboard court, a qualifying horseshoe court, and a putting green, allowing residents to stay active and engaged. Truewood by Merrill, New Bern goes beyond senior housing, providing a distinctive lifestyle filled with friendships, endless activities, and exceptional attention to detail, including restaurant-style dining, a clubhouse with various amenities, and a wealth of thoughtfully designed services and amenities.

Contact Truewood by Merrill, New Bern

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

Brookdale Reidsville

2931 Vance Street Extension, Reidsville, NC 27320
Overview of Brookdale Reidsville

Maintain social relationships and friendships at Brookdale Reidsville, an inviting senior living community in Reidsville, NC, offering assisted living and memory care. Here, residents enjoy spacious common areas or settle down in their cozy, pet-friendly apartments, equipped with plenty of natural light and modern conveniences. Residents can forgo tiresome chores with a dedicated team that provides assistance with daily living activities and housekeeping, and a culinary team that serves nutritious meals.

Life at Brookdale Reidsville means a brimming calendar of activities for both assisted living and memory care residents, including exercise programs, resident-led clubs, live music, frequent off-site excursions, brain games, and crafts. Residents also enjoy full-access to various amenities, including a barbershop, a library, a community kitchen, and a porch, where they can bask in the sun and fresh air. With compassionate and comprehensive care and a dedicated team available 24/7, residents are guaranteed a secure and comfortable living environment.

Contact Brookdale Reidsville

Overview of Durham Ridge Assisted Living

Spend your golden years amidst the safe and relaxing setting of Durham Ridge Assisted Living, a peaceful community in Durham, NC, offering memory care. As the largest memory care community in North Carolina, they guarantee nothing but excellence when it comes to the delivery of care. Accommodations here are bright, safe, and easy to navigate, helping residents move around without worrying about their safety and security.

Access to physical, speech, and occupational therapy services is available through their Elevation Rehab LLC program, ensuring residents maintain their overall functioning. They also boast a unique clinical model with the help of their trusted healthcare provider, giving residents access to primary care and mental health services. Here, residents can fully enjoy their golden years surrounded by comfort and relaxing spaces.

Contact Durham Ridge Assisted Living

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
Submit a correction
Who we are

Your Senior Care Partner, Every Step of the Way

We help families find affordable senior communities and unlock same day discounts, Medicaid, and Medicare options tailored to your needs.

Contact us Today

Frequently Asked Questions about Memory Care in North Carolina

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 322 memory care communities in North Carolina. Use the filters and comparison tools above to compare ratings, amenities, and pricing.

How do I choose the right memory care community in North Carolina?

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 North Carolina, 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 North Carolina?

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.