Page 20 of Best Memory Care in North Carolina

Overview of The Gardens of Trent

The Gardens of Trent is a 60-bed assisted living facility at 2915 Brunswick Avenue, New Bern, Craven County, North Carolina. It provides 24-hour staffing, accepts Medicaid, and holds a 3-star state rating with Walk Score 76 indicating high walkability.

Medication administration failures and serious resident supervision breaches define The Gardens’ regulatory record, with substantiated Type A1 violations indicating systemic care failures. Over eight years, the facility averaged 8.4 deficiencies annually, 62 percent above North Carolina’s 5.2-deficiency benchmark. April 2025 complaint investigation substantiated critical findings. The facility failed to administer seizure medication (Depakote) as ordered for Resident #1, resulting in multiple hospitalizations and seizures.

The facility failed to notify Craven County Department of Social Services of incidents resulting in emergency medical evaluation or hospitalization within the required 48 hours.

Resident elopement incidents with supervision failures appear repeatedly across the record. June 2023 complaint investigation substantiated Type A1 violation when a resident with dementia eloped from the facility, with staff failing to respond to audible sounding device for the mag lock switch. The facility failed to provide supervision with dignity and respect to a resident and failed to report abuse allegations within 48 hours for two residents (census 52 of 60 beds). January 2023 complaint investigation documented October 25, 2022 elopement when Resident #1 with dementia reached a restaurant 704 yards away within 10-15 minutes, with doors unlocked for 13-15 hours due to malfunctioning mag locks and failure to hear and respond to audible sounding device (Type B violation).

Physical plant deficiencies spanning multiple inspection cycles reflect deferred maintenance and safety system failures. November 2024 follow-up construction survey found three uncorrected deficiencies: exterior egress paths improperly lit, electrical outlets in East Laundry room lacking ground fault circuit interrupters, and exhaust fans in rooms 45 and 49 non-operational. March 2019 construction survey identified 10 deficiencies including bathroom renovations non-compliant with North Carolina Building Code (shower heads over toilets, non-waterproof walls, missing floor drains), corridor obstructions, seven unsecured portable oxygen cylinders, incomplete fire safety rehearsal records, non-functional emergency lighting and exit signage, portable electric heater, hot water temperatures of 94-96 degrees (below 100-degree minimum), and missing exhaust ventilation.

Clinical care deficiencies span medication administration and nutrition. May 2019 annual survey found detachable shower head fixtures with looped hoses dangling over toilets in Special Care Unit, expired and unlabeled foods, therapeutic diets not served as ordered, incomplete medication administration records, and lack of physician contact for medication clarification. March 2017 annual survey documented medication administration errors with insulin, antipsychotic, pain reliever, laxative, antibiotic, and heart medications; two of three medication aides lacked annual infection control training; two of five staff lacked required 80-hour personal care training; resident neglect resulted in second-degree burns from bed placement near heater. May 2024 annual survey identified one deficiency when four deceased residents’ Estate Administrators failed to receive refunds within 30 days due to corporate accounting staff turnover and lost refund requests.

May 2017 and February 2017 construction surveys documented delayed egress exit door failures with missing signage and non-functional alarms, magnetic locks failing to unlock within 15 seconds or upon fire alarm activation, heat detectors improperly mounted or missing, and fire alarm pull station detached. April 2025 follow-up survey confirmed all previous deficiencies had been corrected. No fines or license suspensions appear in the record.

Families should ask about corrections following the April 2025 seizure medication administration failure, resident supervision, mag lock and alarm systems, and medication administration procedures.

Settling in the enchanting city of Harrisburg, NC, Terra Bella Harrisburg is an idyllic senior living community offering assisted living and memory care. The community ensures comfort and safety with a wide range of floor plans including suites and one-bedroom apartments. With picturesque sceneries of local attractions and breathtaking nature, residents experience a relaxing retirement.

Terra Bella Harrisburg commits to empowering seniors with top-notch care and assistance, providing them opportunities to keep learning and engaging with their surroundings. With a Silver Spoon Award under its belt, the culinary team serves exquisite meals catering to its residents’ needs and desires. The community provides charming amenities including a jacuzzi spa, an arts and crafts studio, a multifunction game room, a library, a covered sunroom, a private courtyard and community garden, and tranquil walking paths for its residents’ leisure and wellness.

Overview of Brookdale Smithfield

Enjoy a life of independence while still receiving the care you need at Brookdale Smithfield, an excellent senior living community based in Smithfield, NC, offering assisted living and memory care. The community offers pet-friendly apartments featuring large windows with plenty of natural light, along with a compassionate team available 24/7 to provide assistance in emergencies. To ensure residents dealing with cognitive challenges receive the proper care and support they need, the community provides a gentle daily structure of six planned programs, complemented with consistent care assignments.

Residents at Brookdale Smithfield find fun and entertainment with a jam-packed calendar of activities, such as joining a walking club, fun exercise classes, or stimulating brain games, aroma therapy, and daily music programs for memory care residents. A culinary team ensures residents get the nourishment they need with tasty and nutritious meals, tailored to residents’ dietary needs and preferences. Amenities include a library, a game room, community kitchen, and beautiful walking paths and courtyard, where they can enjoy nature alone or with friends.

Morningside of Wilmington, located in Wilmington, NC, is a senior living community offering assisted living and memory care services. The community provides accommodation options including studio-type and one-bedroom residences, all equipped with a living area, bathroom, and some featuring a kitchenette. The commitment to resident well-being extends to their healthcare services, with Five Star communities staffed 24/7 by trained caregivers. These caregivers offer comprehensive assistance ranging from personal care, to transportation, and medication management.

Residents at Morningside of Wilmington enjoy a variety of amenities designed to enhance their daily living experience. The community offers restaurant-style dining, a spacious activity center, and hosts numerous social and recreational events. Additionally, residents have access to a full-service barber and beauty salon, contributing to a holistic and enjoyable lifestyle. Morningside of Wilmington takes a unique approach to activities through Lifestyle360, which goes beyond a traditional activities program. It is a holistic experience built around Maslow’s hierarchy of needs and the five dimensions of wellness: physical, social, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual. This ensures that every aspect of the community’s offerings helps residents continue to develop and become their best selves.

Set in the idyllic neighborhood of Mebane, NC, the Mebane Ridge is an esteemed senior living community that offers assisted living and memory care services. Here, residents can select from a wide array of cozy and spacious accommodations ranging from private studios and shared suites. With its expert and compassionate team, this community thoughtfully designed the Pathways to Discover program intended for those with cognitive conditions like Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Moreover, residents can access an emergency response team and round-the-clock personalized care services.

Committed to delivering above-and-beyond amenities and other services, residents can avail of weekly housekeeping and laundry services, in-house maintenance services, and free transportation to all professional services. Satisfy your cravings with chef-prepared delectable meals and snacks daily. Participate in a full-packed schedule of life-enrichment activities and community events. At the Mebane Ridge, seniors are assured of a retirement worth-remembering.

Overview of Pennybyrn

Serving the senior community for over 76 years, Pennybyrn is a paradisal senior living community in Guilford County, High Point, NC, offering retirement living, assisted living, memory care, and rehabilitation. The community provides a team of licensed nurses, certified nursing assistants, and medical technicians available 24/7 to assist residents with various things. Residents can live comfortably with assistance with daily living activities, dining assistance, and access to physical, occupational, and speech therapy.

Wellness classes are designed to meet varying fitness levels and needs of residents, ensuring everyone is able to improve or maintain their well-being. A team of hardworking activity coordinators is available to carefully curate an array of social and educational events both on-site and off-site. Registered dietitians and chefs work together to prepare three nutritious and delicious meals and dietary planning to accommodate specific medical and health needs.

Springmoor Life Care Retirement Community invites residents to experience a truly exceptional lifestyle in a setting that embraces the beauty of nature. With a refreshing atmosphere and thoughtful design, Springmoor offers a unique and engaging living experience for retirees. Nestled in a mild climate, Springmoor provides the perfect backdrop for a slower, more relaxed pace of life. Whether a villa, home, or apartment, one can find a variety of floor plans to suit particular preferences and needs.

Seniors can enjoy chef-prepared meals and personalized diets, as well as access to hair, nail, and massage services for added indulgence. Spiritual services are available to nourish one’s soul, and a plethora of amenities, including a library, movie theater, private chapel, greenhouse, and indoor pool, provide endless opportunities for recreation and relaxation. With around-the-clock security measures, families can have peace of mind knowing their loved ones are safe and secure.