Best Memory Care in North Carolina

Overview of Terrace Ridge Assisted Living

Terrace Ridge Assisted Living is a 74-bed memory care center at 1251 East Hudson Boulevard, Gastonia, Gaston County, North Carolina, 2.0 miles from downtown. the facility offers memory care with events, activities, and family resources. CMS Overall Rating is 2 out of 5 stars. The facility does not accept Medicaid or Medicare.

The regulatory record spans ten years with serious deficiencies in resident safety, medication management, therapeutic diet compliance, and facility maintenance. Over six years, Terrace Ridge logged 39 deficiencies, averaging 6.5 annually, 25 percent worse than North Carolina’s 5.2-deficiency benchmark. An October 14, 2015, construction survey cited eight deficiencies in water supply, HVAC, sprinkler maintenance, fire-resistant construction, corridor doors, exit signage, emergency lighting, and ventilation. An October 18, 2017, construction survey cited nine deficiencies in closet fire protection, ceiling gaps, escutcheon plates, pipe caulking, smoke walls, cable penetrations, smoke doors, and exhaust.

A November 14, 2019, construction survey cited ten deficiencies in fire-resistant construction, grab bars, fire rehearsals, emergency lighting, kitchen hood system, electrical outlets, gaps, smoke doors, sprinkler escutcheon plates, and blocked doors. A September 16, 2022, annual survey cited three deficiencies in therapeutic diet documentation, diet service, and medication observation. A March 13, 2024, annual survey and complaint investigation substantiated serious resident safety failures: failure to ensure exit doors had audible alarms for residents with wandering behaviors resulting in elopements, failure to properly supervise two residents with exit-seeking behaviors resulting in elopements and substantial risk of harm, failure to provide therapeutic diet menus for consistent carbohydrate diets, failure to serve ordered therapeutic diets, failure to administer medications as ordered with unapproved medication and improper preparation and borrowing. An October 15, 2025, annual survey cited two deficiencies in failure to implement physician discontinuation orders for two medications.

No fines or license suspensions are records.

The facility’s 2-star CMS rating and 25 percent worse-than-average deficiency rate reflect serious operational failures. The March 2024 substantiated elopement incidents involving residents with dementia and failure to provide audible alarms on exit doors represent critical patient safety breaches with documented substantial harm risk.

Before placement, families must ask directly about the March 2024 elopements and current exit door alarm systems, resident supervision protocols, and medication administration safeguards.

Memory Care of the Triad is a 42-bed memory care center at 413 North Main Street, Kernersville, Forsyth County, North Carolina, 0.9 miles from downtown. the facility offers memory care services for special care residents. CMS Overall Rating is 4 out of 5 stars. Current occupancy is 42 residents (100 percent).

The facility does not accept Medicaid or Medicare.

The regulatory record spans eight years with serious deficiencies in resident safety, medication management, therapeutic diet compliance, facility maintenance, and fire safety. Over six years, Memory Care logged 55 deficiencies, averaging 9.2 annually, 77 percent worse than North Carolina’s 5.2-deficiency benchmark. A July 15, 2015, annual survey cited one deficiency in missing quarterly assessments for all special care unit residents. A July 21, 2015, construction survey cited eleven deficiencies in fire-resistant walls, egress hazards, floor covers, fire protection equipment, emergency switches, magnetic locking, door closure, oxygen storage, electrical wiring, exhaust fans, and wall penetrations.

A July 13, 2017, construction survey cited eight deficiencies in special locking arrangements, inspection reports, hand grips, ventilation, oxygen storage, fire protection, floor drains, and toilet seats. An August 25, 2017, follow-up construction survey cited five deficiencies in locking arrangements, hand grips, ventilation, oxygen storage, and fire protection. A November 7, 2017, follow-up construction survey cited one deficiency in fire protection in electrical ceiling penetrations. A May 16, 2018, annual survey cited six deficiencies: unlocked hazardous materials storage accessible to residents, unclean facility, missing tuberculosis testing, failure to notify physicians of critical conditions including high blood sugar and suicidal ideation without medication, and medication administration failures with 26 missed antipsychotic doses and 66 other missed doses.

A July 6, 2018, complaint investigation substantiated critical failures: inadequate supervision of three disoriented residents resulting in repeated falls with broken elbow, subdural hematoma, and broken wrist; medication administration errors including crushing non-crushable medications and improper dosing; inaccurate eMAR; and medication aide administering without required exam. An October 4, 2018, follow-up survey cited one deficiency in facility cleanliness. A January 25, 2019, complaint investigation substantiated roach infestation with dead and live roaches in kitchen and pantry, and cited special locking arrangement non-compliance. A July 31, 2019, construction survey cited seven deficiencies in emergency release switches, hand grips, ceiling panels, door latching, door hardware, gas lines, and exhaust fans.

A September 17, 2019, follow-up construction survey cited two deficiencies in hand grips and door latching. An October 7, 2021, annual survey cited five deficiencies in therapeutic diet menus for 11 residents, diet listing accuracy, insulin administration timing, staff training hours, and COVID-19 visitor screening. A July 6, 2023, annual survey cited two deficiencies in therapeutic diet service and eMAR documentation. No fines or license suspensions are records.

The facility’s 4-star CMS rating contradicts a 77 percent worse-than-average deficiency rate. The July 2018 substantiated complaint documenting three residents with repeated falls resulting in broken elbow, subdural hematoma, and broken wrist due to inadequate supervision represents critical patient safety failure. The May 2018 unlocked hazardous materials storage and failure to notify of suicidal threat without available medication constitute critical neglect.

Before placement, families must ask about the July 2018 falls and supervision protocols, medication management, and therapeutic diet menu compliance.

Overview of Brookstone Terrace of Thomasville

Brookstone Terrace of Thomasville is a 62-bed assisted living and memory care facility at 915 West Cooksey Drive, Thomasville, Davidson County, North Carolina. It provides 24-hour staffing, dietitian-approved meals, activities, and dining services with a 3-star state rating. The facility is highly walkable (Walk Score 71).

Fire safety system maintenance failures and medication administration errors characterize Brookstone’s regulatory history. Over eight years, the facility averaged 8.8 deficiencies annually, 69 percent above North Carolina’s 5.2-deficiency benchmark. October 2024 follow-up survey found two deficiencies: the facility made unapproved modifications to safety systems on five exit doors without submitting required construction documents to DHSR, and fire-resistant ceiling gaps around sprinkler heads remained uncorrected where caps were removed. June 2024 construction survey identified six deficiencies reflecting systemic physical plant maintenance gaps: no quarterly fire rehearsal documentation on each shift, electrical receptacles lacking ground fault protection behind washing machines, kitchen door closer removed, fire safety equipment gaps and covered exit signs, ice machine drain without required 2-inch air gap, non-functional emergency lighting in multiple locations, and missing fire extinguisher monthly inspection records.

Clinical care deficiencies span medication administration and physician communication. December 2023 found one resident without required tuberculosis screening, one resident experiencing nine days of abnormal heart rate (outside ordered parameters) without physician notification, and one resident never receiving ordered Ozempic despite four documented administrations. June 2022 documented failure to notify physician of medication refusals, lorazepam administered more than once daily contrary to orders, warfarin doses missed, and medication aides failing to observe residents taking medications before documenting administration. No fines or license suspensions appear in the record.

Families should ask about corrections for the October 2024 exit door modifications and fire safety gaps, medication aide supervision, and physician notification procedures.

The Shaire Center is an 82-bed memory care and rehabilitation facility at 1450 Shaire Center Drive, Lenoir, Caldwell County, North Carolina. It accepts Medicaid and provides memory care unit, rehabilitation services, hospice services, discharge planning, and care planning. Voted Best Nursing Home 2025. 3-star state rating.

A substantiated complaint investigation in July 2025 revealed failure to report physical abuse. Staff A slapped Resident #2 after the resident pinched staff. The facility investigated and deemed the incident unsubstantiated but failed to complete required 24-hour initial allegation report and 5-day investigation report to the Health Care Personnel Registry. Medication order clarification also failed for two of five residents involving multivitamin starts, inhaler changes, incomplete insulin orders, and antifungal cream.

Therapeutic diet and medication management failures characterize The Shaire Center’s regulatory record. Over four years, the facility averaged 8.5 deficiencies annually, 63 percent above North Carolina’s 5.2-deficiency baseline. February 2024 annual survey documented failure to provide matching therapeutic diet menus for physician-ordered pureed diets and failure to ensure proper consistency; pureed foods contained small pieces and were not smooth, with staff using mechanical soft menu as guidance. March 2018 documented inaccurate medication administration records for controlled substances (Xanax, Ativan, Oxycodone, Tramadol, Guaifenesin cough syrup with codeine) showing significant discrepancies between controlled drug logs and MAR, and missing physician order for assist bed rails used as restraints for a resident with fall history.

Fire safety infrastructure failures recur across construction surveys. July 2018 construction survey identified 19 deficiencies spanning special magnetic locking exits failing to unlock on emergency release activation, missing bathroom hand grips, corridor obstructions, improperly stored oxygen cylinders, missing fire suppression and extinguisher inspection documentation, non-functional emergency lights and exit signs, compromised fire-rated walls and ceilings, non-latching corridor doors, exposed sharp edges on hold-open devices, and non-functioning exhaust ventilation. August 2016 construction survey documented missing current sanitation and fire safety inspection reports, unsecured oxygen cylinders, algae growth in ice machine drain, missing fire rehearsal records, special locking doors not unlocking on fire alarm, and compromised fire-resistant construction. February 2024 follow-up construction survey confirmed all prior corrections completed with no further action required.

No fines or license suspensions appear in the record.

Families should ask about corrections for the July 2025 failure to report physical abuse, medication order and physician communication protocols, therapeutic diets, and fire safety.

Overview of Hickory Village

Hickory Village is a 56-bed assisted living and memory care facility at 427 3rd Avenue S.E., Hickory, Catawba County, North Carolina. It provides 24-hour staffing, accepts Medicaid, and holds a 3-star state rating with housekeeping, transportation, restaurant-style dining, library, entertainment, and outdoor common areas.

A substantiated complaint investigation in September 2022 revealed critical resident protection failures. The facility failed to notify primary care provider and obtain mental health referrals for two of seven residents following allegations of resident-to-resident sexual assault involving Residents #6 and #7. The facility failed to immediately notify local social services and law enforcement, creating gaps in required protective response and oversight.

Healthcare coordination and fire safety infrastructure deficiencies characterize Hickory Village’s regulatory history. Over five years, the facility averaged 3.8 deficiencies annually, 27 percent better than North Carolina’s 5.2-deficiency benchmark. March 2024 annual survey documented failure to ensure referral and follow-up for speech therapy evaluation despite physician orders and multiple communications for one resident with difficulty swallowing. May 2025 follow-up construction survey found sprinkler system down due to leak and awaiting repair, creating ongoing fire safety risk.

Fire safety infrastructure failures recur across inspection cycles. September 2018 construction survey identified water gong non-functional in annual sprinkler system inspection, unsecured portable oxygen cylinder creating projectile hazard, gaps around conduit not firestopped, incomplete sprinkler escutcheon plate, non-functioning electrical lighting and exhaust ventilation in multiple areas, and missing individual towel bars for residents. October 2016 construction survey documented fire-resistance-rated wall patched with FRP board at several spots, commercial kitchen hood fire suppression system lacking required inspections and documentation since May 2016, corridor door wedged open, and inadequate exhaust ventilation in laundry. November 2016 follow-up confirmed fire-resistance-rated wall behind washer remained improperly patched.

No fines or license suspensions appear in the record.

Families should ask about corrections following the September 2022 resident-to-resident assault, mental health and physician communication protocols, fire system repairs, and oxygen cylinder storage.

Overview of Hayesville House

Hayesville House is a 60-bed assisted living facility at 480 Old 64 West, Hayesville, Clay County, North Carolina. Current occupancy is 60 percent (36 of 60 beds), reflecting declining demand.

Staffing shortages and a substantiated abuse allegation define Hayesville House’s regulatory challenges. Over five years, the facility averaged 9.2 deficiencies annually, 77 percent above North Carolina’s 5.2-deficiency benchmark. October 2023 annual survey documented critical staffing deficiency with required staffing hours not met on all three shifts for census of 35-36 residents, with shortage hours ranging from 2 to 13 hours across sampled shifts, particularly on weekends, impacting timely personal care delivery. Staffing shortages have persisted across years; March 2016 follow-up documented Special Care Unit staffing gaps that resulted in shortened or missed showers and delayed assistance.

A substantiated July 2016 complaint investigation revealed serious resident protection failure. Staff member J engaged in inappropriate touching during incontinence care of Resident #7. The facility failed to report the allegations of sexual abuse to the Health Care Personnel Registry as required, compounding the breach of resident protection.

Physical plant and fire safety deficiencies appear across construction surveys. August 2019 construction survey cited multiple deficiencies spanning unsafe premises, poor housekeeping, unsecured compressed gas cylinders, malfunctioning emergency and fire safety equipment, electrical hazards, blocked corridor doors, prohibited portable electric heaters, and non-functional exhaust ventilation. June 2017 construction survey documented lack of current fire safety inspection reports, chronic odors, housekeeping hazards, irregular fire safety rehearsals, and malfunctioning exit signs. May 2015 construction survey identified 14 deficiencies including sprinkler system maintenance issues, shower hose defects, sagging exit gate, malfunctioning smoke barrier doors, compromised fire-rated walls and ceilings, non-functional emergency lighting, and lack of fire extinguisher inspections; August 2015 follow-up confirmed defects persisted.

November 2016 annual survey documented mold in 10 of 28 resident rooms on heat pump air output vents with no set schedule for cleaning units. October 2015 documented unclean resident rooms and failure to ensure CPR-certified staff on third shift for 4 of 13 days. No fines or license suspensions appear in the record.

Families should ask about staffing levels and ratios, fire safety inspection reports and maintenance, medication and supervision protocols, and incident reporting procedures for resident protection.

Overview of Caswell House

Caswell House is a 100-bed assisted living and special care unit facility at 535 US Highway 158 West, Yanceyville, Caswell County, North Carolina. Current occupancy is 46 percent (46 of 100 licensed beds), indicating declining demand.

Serious resident care failures, medication administration errors, and critical fire safety infrastructure failures define Caswell House’s regulatory record. Over nine years, the facility averaged 20 deficiencies annually, 285 percent above North Carolina’s 5.2-deficiency benchmark. October 2025 annual survey documented 15 deficiencies spanning physical plant deterioration, fire safety system malfunctions, and systemic clinical care failures. Building conditions showed buckled and torn flooring, walls with black marks and missing paint, poor furnishings, and hazardous fixtures.

Sprinkler and fire alarm systems were malfunctioning with failure to conduct fire watch. HVAC system broken since June 2025 created excessive heat in dining and activity rooms. Medication administration errors involved dementia, iron, pain, gout, and blood pressure medications; unsecured medications with unknown cream on sink edge; and expired controlled substance not destroyed timely. Healthcare referrals were not completed, therapeutic diets not served as ordered, and county DSS not notified of emergency hospitalizations.

Special care unit staff lacked required orientation and training.

A substantiated March 2023 complaint investigation identified serious resident safety failures. The facility failed to maintain a clean hazard-free environment, provide adequate supervision resulting in a resident fall with head injury requiring sutures, ensure immediate response to accidents, provide appropriate health care follow-up, maintain residents free of physical and mental abuse, administer medications as ordered, report injuries to the Health Care Personnel Registry within 24 hours, and notify county DSS of emergency medical evaluations.

Fire safety infrastructure failures persist across inspection cycles. April 2025 complaint follow-up documented fire sprinkler system intermittently out of service since August 2023 with fire watch in place, fire alarm system troubles, and electrical equipment non-functional. August 2025 construction survey found emergency override switch non-functional, no approved current fire and building safety inspection report, exit doors lacking sounding devices, persistent unpleasant odors, obstructed means of egress, and inadequate exhaust ventilation. Hot water supply measured at 90 degrees, below the required 100-116 degree range.

June 2024 annual survey documented staffing shortages across assisted living and special care units.

Families should ask about fire safety system repairs, infection controls, medication administration, special care unit staff training, county DSS emergency notification protocols, and staffing ratios.

Overview of Edenton House

Edenton House is a 60-bed assisted living facility at 323 Medical Arts Drive, Edenton, Chowan County, North Carolina.

Edenton House maintains a regulatory record better than North Carolina average with modest compliance challenges. Over five years, the facility averaged 5.4 deficiencies annually, 4 percent above North Carolina’s 5.2-deficiency baseline. May 2025 biennial follow-up construction survey cited five deficiencies spanning furniture in poor repair with cracked veneer, buckled flooring creating trip hazards, missing fire rehearsal documentation for multiple quarters and shifts in 2024, kitchen door failing to automatically close, and mechanical equipment not maintained with ice buildup on kitchen floor. April 2025 annual survey and complaint investigation documented one deficiency when the facility failed to notify the correct hospice provider in a timely manner after Resident #3 sustained a visible head injury on March 7, 2025.

The correct provider was contacted approximately five hours late, creating acute care follow-up failure.

Medication administration and resident rights deficiencies appear in earlier surveys. August 2022 annual survey documented medication administration errors for diabetes and glaucoma medications in two of three residents observed, incomplete antibiotic administration, and missing laundry items. April 2019 construction survey identified outside premises hazards, HVAC maintenance gaps, fire door wedging, and kitchen equipment defects. May 2017 found door and handrail maintenance issues, unsecured oxygen storage, and missing sprinkler components.

January 2015 documented exit lock failures, dust accumulation, electrical and fire safety equipment deficiencies spanning emergency lighting, corridor doors, fire-resistant construction, and dryer duct damage. No fines or license suspensions appear in the record. No substantiated abuse allegations documented.

Families should verify fire rehearsal completion and documentation, medication administration procedures, hospice provider communications, and kitchen equipment safety.

Overview of Brockford Inn

Brockford Inn is a 67-bed memory care facility at 56 N. Highland Avenue, Granite Falls, Caldwell County, North Carolina. Current occupancy is 97 percent (65 of 67 beds), significantly above North Carolina’s 76.4 percent average. Services include on-site physician, psychology, nursing, housekeeping, laundry, restaurant-style meals, salon, activities averaging four daily, on-site chaplain three days weekly, on-site church services, certified activity professional, and resident advisory board.

3-star state rating.

A substantiated February 2020 complaint investigation revealed fatal care failure. The facility missed dialysis treatments for three residents during facility quarantine, resulting in hospitalization for two residents and death for one (Resident #6). Critical lab values including potassium of 7.1 and blood urea nitrogen of 191 documented the medical severity of care failure.

Serious resident safety and protection failures persist across the record. August 2024 complaint investigation documented Staff B twisting Resident #2’s finger during incontinence care, resulting in bruising. The facility failed to report the abuse allegation to the Health Care Personnel Registry as required. That same survey found roach infestation in assisted living resident rooms despite multiple pest control treatments spanning May through July 2024, two staff lacking required Health Care Personnel Registry checks upon hire, missing therapeutic diet menus, and medication administration errors involving anxiety, coronary artery disease, cholesterol, COPD, and dementia medications.

Medication administration and dietary failures recur across nine years. April 2021 documented insulin unavailable for several days for one resident. January 2019 documented borrowed medication without proper documentation and medication refill issues. August 2017 documented improper insulin administration and missed Vitamin B12 doses, inadequate non-disposable dining place settings, and undocumented menu substitutions.

October 2021 documented seven residents’ clothing not returned after laundering and inaccurate oxygen administration records. July 2020 COVID-19 investigation found inadequate visitor and staff screening, improper PPE use, poor infection control, and ineffective isolation of positive residents (32 residents and 15 staff tested positive). August 2025 documented failure to provide pureed bread or substitute for two residents on therapeutic diet.

Fire safety and physical plant deficiencies appear across construction surveys. May 2025 follow-up found lack of emergency release switches for electromagnetic locks and missing sprinkler head escutcheon. February 2019 documented missing current sanitation and fire safety inspection reports, unsafe exterior exit paths, improper oxygen cylinder storage, inadequate fire rehearsal documentation, compromised fire-rated walls and ceilings. March 2017 documented unsafe exterior stairs and handrails, non-functional emergency lighting, and inaccessible emergency release switches.

No fines or license suspensions appear in the record.

Families should ask about corrections for the February 2020 missed dialysis deaths, medication administration, dietary substitutions, infection controls, pest controls, and fire safety system functionality.