Best Memory Care in Raleigh, NC

Why trust this guide? Our editorial team analyzed 23 memory care providers in Raleigh, 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 providers in Raleigh, NC our team has analyzed — not a count of every memory care provider in Raleigh, NC. Home health and home care providers may be included if they specialize in memory care services.
23 providers
Other senior care options in Raleigh:
Avg Walk Score: 42/ 100The average Walk Score across facilities in Raleigh, 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: 69The average licensed bed capacity across facilities in Raleigh, NC. Individual facilities can vary widely from this average.
National Average: 90

Compare Memory Care around Raleigh (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. 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.
Morningside of Raleigh
MC
AL
Raleigh (University Park)
110
Facility 110
NC AVG 72
Rank #60 / 387
Yes
44
Facility 44
NC AVG 36
Rank #200 / 536
33.6%
Facility 33.6%
NC AVG 70.6%
Rank #205 / 232
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 Wake Forest
MC
AL
Wake Forest
70
Facility 70
NC AVG 72
Rank #183 / 387
Yes
54
Facility 54
NC AVG 36
Rank #125 / 536
52.9%
Facility 52.9%
NC AVG 70.6%
Rank #178 / 232
A+
94.50/200
Facility 94.50/200
NC AVG 92.2
Rank #224 / 321
9
100%
Facility 100%
NC AVG 91.8%
Rank #138 / 333
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
Sunrise at North Hills
MC
AL
HOS
Raleigh (North Raleigh)
160
Facility 160
NC AVG 72
Rank #9 / 387
Yes
68
Facility 68
NC AVG 36
Rank #35 / 536
-A-
97.50/200
Facility 97.50/200
NC AVG 92.2
Rank #185 / 321
10
90%
Facility 90%
NC AVG 91.8%
Rank #84 / 333
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
Waltonwood Lake Boone
MC
AL
IL
Raleigh
68
Facility 68
NC AVG 72
Rank #194 / 387
Yes
61
Facility 61
NC AVG 36
Rank #66 / 536
60.3%
Facility 60.3%
NC AVG 70.6%
Rank #157 / 232
-
94.50/200
Facility 94.50/200
NC AVG 92.2
Rank #224 / 321
5
100%
Facility 100%
NC AVG 91.8%
Rank #138 / 333
-
Sunrise of Raleigh
MC
AL
Raleigh (Northwest Raleigh)
100
Facility 100
NC AVG 72
Rank #77 / 387
Yes
49
Facility 49
NC AVG 36
Rank #162 / 536
-A-
77.50/200
Facility 77.50/200
NC AVG 92.2
Rank #296 / 321
10
100%
Facility 100%
NC AVG 91.8%
Rank #138 / 333
Studio / 2 Bed
Brighton Gardens of Raleigh
MC
AL
HOS
Raleigh (Northwest Raleigh)
115
Facility 115
NC AVG 72
Rank #53 / 387
Yes
67
Facility 67
NC AVG 36
Rank #36 / 536
--
95.50/200
Facility 95.50/200
NC AVG 92.2
Rank #211 / 321
9
100%
Facility 100%
NC AVG 91.8%
Rank #138 / 333
Studio / 1 Bed
Cadence North Raleigh
MC
AL
Raleigh (North Raleigh)
96
Facility 96
NC AVG 72
Rank #89 / 387
Yes
45
Facility 45
NC AVG 36
Rank #191 / 536
--
93.50/200
Facility 93.50/200
NC AVG 92.2
Rank #233 / 321
19
79%
Facility 79%
NC AVG 91.8%
Rank #32 / 333
Studio / Suite / 1 Bed
Calyx Living of Wakefield
MC
AL
RC
Raleigh (North Raleigh)
88
Facility 88
NC AVG 72
Rank #123 / 387
No
27
Facility 27
NC AVG 36
Rank #336 / 536
--
104.50/200
Facility 104.50/200
NC AVG 92.2
Rank #20 / 321
1
0%
Facility 0%
NC AVG 91.8%
Rank #1 / 333
Studio / 1 Bed
The Reserve at Mills Farm
MC
AL
IL
Apex
35
Facility 35
NC AVG 72
Rank #321 / 387
No
37
Facility 37
NC AVG 36
Rank #245 / 536
--
103.50/200
Facility 103.50/200
NC AVG 92.2
Rank #31 / 321
4
100%
Facility 100%
NC AVG 91.8%
Rank #138 / 333
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
Falls River Village Assisted Living
MC
AL
Raleigh (North Raleigh)
60
Facility 60
NC AVG 72
Rank #230 / 387
No
63
Facility 63
NC AVG 36
Rank #50 / 536
--
102.50/200
Facility 102.50/200
NC AVG 92.2
Rank #73 / 321
6
83%
Facility 83%
NC AVG 91.8%
Rank #40 / 333
-

Rank badges are statewide: each community is ranked against every NC community we track that reports that metric, not just the 23 analyzed for Raleigh.

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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 Wake Forest

Nestled in the charming college town of Wake Forest, North Carolina, Brookdale Wake Forest, offers a vibrant senior living community tailored to meet diverse care needs. Located conveniently in one community, Brookdale Wake Forest provides both assisted living and memory care. Residents here enjoy the freedom to live life to the fullest, supported by a caring team available around the clock.

Experience a rich calendar of events and personalized care assessments designed to meet individual needs and preferences. At Brookdale Wake Forest, dining is a delight with nutritionally balanced, home-cooked meals served in a restaurant-style setting. For those in memory care, there are dementia-friendly menus and intimate dining environments with personalized assistance. The community fosters a supportive environment where residents can thrive with the help of dedicated staff committed to their well-being and safety.

Contact Brookdale Wake Forest

Overview of Sunrise at North Hills

Sunrise at North Hills is a full-service senior living community located in a convenient Raleigh, North Carolina location, helping residents enjoy excursions to popular local destinations as well as a variety of amenities and curated programs. The community offers room rates starting at $3,891 per month and welcomes residents into a loving, compassionate environment, working closely with each individual to develop a tailored plan that helps sustain their independence and autonomy. Sunrise at North Hills measures success by residents’ happiness, health, and safety, providing access to a comprehensive schedule of on-site activities designed to keep their mind, body, and spirit engaged, while also organizing frequent outings to popular local destinations, including shopping centers, restaurants, and movie theaters.

The community boasts a variety of amenities, such as a TV lounge with a fireplace, a physical therapy room, and putting green, as well as a range of floor plans, including studios, one-bedroom, two-room, and companion suites, allowing residents to express their style. Sunrise at North Hills offers engaging activities that exercise the mind with Cranium Crunches, the body with weight lifting, and the spirit with meditation, while the team of experts is frequently consulted by journalists for insights on senior care, assisted living, and memory care. Located in Raleigh, NC, on Spring Forest Road between Falls of Neuse Road and Six Forks Road, the community provides easy access to Raleigh’s more than 40 historic attractions and museums, diverse performing arts and music scene, and medical support at nearby hospitals, including WakeMed Raleigh Hospital, Duke Raleigh Hospital, and Rex Hospital.

Contact Sunrise at North Hills

Waltonwood Lake Boone

3560 Horton Street Raleigh, Nc 27607, Raleigh, NC 27607
Overview of Waltonwood Lake Boone

Waltonwood Lake Boone sits on Horton Street in Raleigh, about 3.2 miles out from the city center. Three levels of care operate here: independent living, assisted living, and memory care. A resident whose needs grow can move up a level without packing up and starting over somewhere new. For a lot of families, that single fact does most of the work.

The neighborhood earns a Walk Score of 61. Moderately walkable. Some errands are doable on foot, and there is a reasonable mix of things nearby. Drivers coming in from elsewhere in the Triangle will find it straightforward to reach.

the community is 68 beds, and 41 of them are filled. Occupancy at 60 percent tells you two things worth knowing. There is room right now, which is not always true of Raleigh communities. And a lighter census often means staff are stretched less thin across the floor.

Pets are welcome. That is not a small thing when someone is being asked to leave a house behind. Tours run every day of the week, 9:00am to 5:00pm, weekends included, so no one has to burn a vacation day to see the place. North Carolina inspectors have looked at medication management and at staffing and staff credentials here.

What Waltonwood Lake Boone offers is three care levels in one building, current availability, and a Raleigh address that keeps family visits short.

Contact Waltonwood Lake Boone

Overview of Sunrise of Raleigh

Sunrise of Raleigh is a leader in promoting engaging senior living for residents who crave independence and variety, situated in a prime Raleigh, North Carolina location. The community offers a personalized experience where residents can enjoy a variety of programs and hobbies, as well as fresh cuisine tailored to their tastes, with room rates starting at $5,411 per month. Sunrise of Raleigh is led by designated care managers and nurturing team members who dedicate each day to championing residents’ quality of life, partnering with them to develop individualized plans that respond to their needs and preferences and can be adjusted to meet future needs.

The community’s activities program is exceptional, led by a team member who has been with Sunrise of Raleigh since 1997, and has earned a reputation strong enough that universities place students with the community to earn internship credits. Residents at Sunrise of Raleigh are engaged and fulfilled, enjoying a variety of activities such as puzzles, scenic cruises, live entertainment, reading, and more. The in-house chef uses only fresh, top-quality ingredients to craft signature dishes and resident favorites, while the community actively introduces new programs and facilitates intergenerational relationships. Conveniently located in Raleigh, NC, just 15 minutes from Raleigh-Durham International Airport, Sunrise of Raleigh is close to downtown Raleigh’s theaters, museums, shopping, dining, entertainment, and walking distance to Crabtree Valley Mall, with nearby NC State football and Carolina Hurricanes ice hockey games, and medical support within a 10-mile radius.

Contact Sunrise of Raleigh

Overview of Brighton Gardens of Raleigh

Brighton Gardens of Raleigh is a senior living community conveniently located near downtown Raleigh, North Carolina, helping residents connect with what inspires them, from fitness classes to giving back with local service projects. The community offers room rates starting at $3,466 per month and provides spacious grounds and open floor plans that inspire residents to spend their days socializing with friends and enjoying a variety of activities. Brighton Gardens of Raleigh offers frequent outings to nearby shopping and dining at Crabtree Valley Mall and the Museum of Art, ensuring residents make the most of each day.

The devoted and tenured team at Brighton Gardens of Raleigh delivers personalized care tailored to each resident’s unique needs and preferences. The pet-friendly community encourages an active lifestyle, with offerings such as soulful stretching, corn hole, and tabletop games. The chefs regularly consult with residents to incorporate their preferred menu items, while the Seniors with a Purpose Club carries out service projects for those living in the local community. Brighton Gardens of Raleigh is an award-winning community, with a four-star rating from the state and a Silver Spoon award for its dining program. The community is located in Raleigh, NC, near major highways, situated at the intersection of Duraleigh Road and Edwards Mill Road, close to downtown Raleigh, Crabtree Valley Mall, Museum of Art, the fairgrounds, restaurants, shopping, and one block from medical support at Rex Healthcare.

Contact Brighton Gardens of Raleigh

Overview of Cadence North Raleigh

Led by Executive Director and Administrator Brandon Johnson, Cadence North Raleigh is an assisted living and memory care community on Old Wake Forest Road in Raleigh, North Carolina, offering both levels of care under one roof. It’s home to 96 residents who choose from studio, suite, and one-bedroom floor plans suited to different needs and preferences.

The community sits in a moderately walkable neighborhood where some errands can be finished on foot, with most trips needing a car. That location fits occupants and visiting families wanting a calmer residential setting over a busier commercial area. Residents live in an environment built around practical comfort and engagement. The facility offers housekeeping and laundry services, an emergency call system for added safety, and maintains an outdoor patio and porches where residents can enjoy fresh air and scenic views. Common spaces span a well-stocked library for quiet time and a salon and barbershop for personal care. The community welcomes pets, which many families value when selecting a place for their dearest one. Staff organize regular outings and live entertainment to engage residents in community life. Daily life here balances support with the independence and choice relevant to older adults. Occupants benefit from assisted living and memory care programming, so families can find appropriate care levels for the duration they need.

Contact Cadence North Raleigh

Overview of Calyx Living of Wakefield

Calyx Living of Wakefield is a thriving community in Raleigh, NC, offering comprehensive assisted living and memory care services. Here, residents enjoy the comfort and convenience of having 24/7 access to a dedicated care team and their services, including daily living assistance, personal care support, and more. Their campus guarantees safety and peace of mind with 24-hour security and a personal pendant alert system available to everyone for faster response during emergencies.

Vibrant life enrichment activities and amenities like game rooms, wellness studios, and relaxing outdoor spaces are available to make residents’ living experience as vibrant and enjoyable as possible. The dining experience here is always delectable with chef-prepared meals cooked using fresh local ingredients. Here, you can receive compassionate care while staying close to everything you love.

Contact Calyx Living of Wakefield

Overview of The Reserve at Mills Farm

The Reserve at Mills Farm continues to excel in creating a lifestyle that suits the needs of its residents. The luxurious community offers many opportunities for blossoming friendships between staff and residents. Cultivating personal growth and holistic wellness is what they are known for; residents learn to live vibrant social lives during their golden years.

The Reserve offers many activities and amenities that cater to the interests of every senior– it features a recreational room, transportation services, in-house maintenance service, seasonal menus served occasionally, social activities, and wellness programs ensuring that residents stay entertained and engaged throughout the day.

Contact The Reserve at Mills Farm

Overview of Falls River Village Assisted Living

Located in Raleigh, North Carolina, Falls River Village Assisted Living offers a helping hand for seniors seeking a safe and supportive environment. With 24/7 on-site team, residents can expect a personalized approach to their well-being. Care plans are meticulously crafted to address each individual’s needs, ensuring they receive the right amount of assistance with daily tasks like dressing, bathing, and medication management. This personalized approach fosters a sense of independence while offering a helping hand when needed.

Falls River recognizes that well-being extends beyond just physical care. They offer a vibrant social atmosphere through engaging activities and social events. This not only promotes mental stimulation but also fosters a sense of community and belonging. Residents can enjoy participating in these events or simply relax in the secure knowledge that a caring team is always available. Falls River Village Assisted Living goes the extra mile to create a fulfilling and enriching experience for seniors.

Contact Falls River Village 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.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Memory Care in Raleigh, 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 23 memory care communities in Raleigh, NC. Use the filters and comparison tools above to compare ratings, amenities, and pricing.

How do I choose the right memory care community in Raleigh, 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 Raleigh, 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 Raleigh, 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.