Best Senior Communities in North Carolina

Scotland House is a 60-bed assisted living and memory care center at 27669 Highway 125, Scotland Neck, Halifax County, North Carolina. the facility offers assisted living, memory care, respite care, and secured living with 24-hour staffing. Amenities include housekeeping, transportation services, restaurant-style dining, library, entertainment room, and outdoor common area. CMS Overall Rating is 2 out of 5 stars.

Current occupancy is 54 residents from a 60-bed capacity (90 percent). The facility accepts Medicaid but not Medicare.

The regulatory record spans two years with deficiency patterns in medication administration, dietary management, supervision, cleanliness, and controlled substance recordkeeping. Over two years, Scotland House logged eight deficiencies, averaging 4 annually, 23 percent better than North Carolina’s 5.2-deficiency benchmark. An April 13, 2022, annual survey cited three deficiencies: failure to maintain accurate listing of residents with physician-ordered therapeutic diets, failure to serve therapeutic diets as ordered for one resident with mechanical soft diet order, and medication administration errors for two residents including blood pressure medication administered more frequently than prescribed and dementia medication not administered for 27 days. A November 15, 2024, annual and follow-up survey cited five deficiencies: failure to maintain cleanliness in special care unit resident room and shared bathroom with cigarette burn holes, stains, dirt, and smoke odor, failure to provide supervision for a resident with smoking behaviors resulting in burn holes in clothing and bathroom floor creating fire risk, failure to ensure health care coordination and follow-up for a resident including failure to coordinate orthopedic referral for broken arm and obtain x-ray for rib injury, failure to administer medications as ordered for two residents including missed Lorazepam doses for one resident and incorrect insulin dosing for another, and failure to maintain accurate controlled substance records with 30 unaccounted Tramadol doses.

Occupancy has remained high at 90 percent as of November 2024. No fines or license suspensions are recorded. Verify dietary menu accuracy and implementation, resident supervision procedures especially for residents with behavioral risks like smoking, controlled substance security and reconciliation protocols, facility cleanliness and maintenance standards, and fire safety procedures.

The facility’s 2-star CMS rating combined with recurring deficiencies across medication administration, dietary compliance, resident supervision, and controlled substance management indicate systemic operational challenges. The 2.5-year gap between the April 2022 and November 2024 inspections shows unresolved issues persisting. The November 2024 deficiencies spanning unsafe unsupervised smoking creating fire risk, missed and incorrect medication doses, unaccounted controlled substances, and failure to coordinate orthopedic care represent serious patient safety concerns.

Families should ask about corrective actions and current systems for medication administration and fire safety implemented following the November 2024 inspection.

The Landings of Lake Gaston is a 60-bed assisted living and memory care center at 206 North Mosby Avenue, Littleton, Halifax County, North Carolina, located in downtown Littleton. the facility offers assisted living, memory care, respite care, and secured living with 24-hour staffing. Amenities include housekeeping, transportation services, restaurant-style dining, library, entertainment room, and outdoor common area. CMS Overall Rating is 4 out of 5 stars.

The facility accepts Medicaid but not Medicare.

The regulatory record includes one recent inspection with substantiated deficiencies in medication administration and financial management. An October 12, 2023, annual survey and complaint investigation initiated by the Halifax County Department of Social Services cited four deficiencies: failure to ensure implementation of physician orders for notifying the primary care provider of fingerstick blood sugars outside of parameters for one resident, failure to administer Lantus insulin as ordered including administering when fingerstick blood sugar was below 130 and holding when it should have been given, failure to administer clobetasol ointment as ordered administering it twice daily every day instead of the prescribed twice daily 2 days on and 2 days off, and failure to issue a refund of 3774.19 dollars within 14 days to one discharged resident. The deficiency rate of 4 annually is 23 percent better than North Carolina’s 5.2-deficiency benchmark. No fines or license suspensions are recorded.

The facility’s 4-star CMS rating contrasts with substantiated medication administration errors identified in the October 2023 inspection. Insulin dosing errors involving administration below safety thresholds and improper topical medication application represent patient safety concerns. The failure to timely return resident funds signals financial management oversight. Verify procedures for insulin administration and blood sugar monitoring, medication administration safeguards and staff training, and financial management and refund procedures.

With limited recent inspection history available, families should ask directly about corrective actions and current systems implemented following the October 2023 inspection.

Trinity Elms is a 104-bed nonprofit assisted living, memory care, and rehabilitation center at 3750 Harper Road, Clemmons, Forsyth County, North Carolina, in downtown Clemmons. the facility offers memory care, rehabilitation, and respite care with lifestyle and activities programs. CMS Overall Rating is 3 out of 5 stars. Current occupancy is 85 residents (82 percent).

Nursing hours average 4 hours 6 minutes per resident per day, 17 percent below state average. Nonprofit. Does not accept Medicaid or Medicare.

The regulatory record spans nine years with critical deficiencies in resident safety, medication management, supervision, and facility maintenance. Over six years, Trinity Elms logged 56 deficiencies, averaging 9.3 annually, 79 percent worse than North Carolina’s 5.2-deficiency benchmark. January 2016 construction survey cited thirteen deficiencies in fire systems, oxygen storage, emergency equipment, and fire-rated doors. March 2016 follow-up survey cited five deficiencies in unsecured oxygen cylinders, non-functional emergency lights and exit signs, and compromised fire-rated walls.

December 2017 construction survey cited ten deficiencies in smoke barrier doors, fire alarm wiring, corridor obstructions, oxygen storage, shower hoses, electrical protection, fire-rated doors and walls, and prohibited heater. March 2022 annual survey cited two deficiencies in catheter bags on floor and unsealed foods. January 2023 annual survey cited five deficiencies in staff competency validation, physician notification, missed medications, medication observation, and pharmacist review follow-up. August 2023 construction survey cited five deficiencies in mechanical systems, emergency equipment, fire-rated doors, electrical systems, and exhaust ventilation.

August 2023 complaint investigations substantiated failure to timely report resident abuse to Adult Protective Services and medication error rate of 7.69 percent. January 2024 follow-up survey cited one deficiency in exhaust ventilation. May 2024 follow-up survey found all deficiencies corrected. August 2024 complaint investigation substantiated critical incident: nonverbal severely cognitively impaired resident left unattended in shower resulting in deep partial thickness thermal burns to bilateral thighs and perineum requiring hospitalization; facility failed to notify medical provider timely.

August 2024 annual survey cited five deficiencies in inadequate supervision resulting in six unwitnessed falls with fractured arm and laceration, missing referral and follow-up, missing therapeutic diet menus, medication errors, and failure to observe medication. January 2025 annual survey cited four deficiencies in advance directive documentation, missing oxygen signage, unsecured medications, and inaccurate payroll data. April 2025 complaint investigation substantiated medication error: medication aide administered another resident’s medications to resident; resident hospitalized for precautionary evaluation with no adverse effects. No fines or license suspensions are records.

The facility’s 3-star CMS rating and 79 percent worse-than-average deficiency rate reflect serious operational failures. The August 2024 substantiated thermal burn incident with a nonverbal resident left unattended in shower causing deep partial thickness burns requiring hospitalization represents catastrophic failure.

Before placement, families must verify the August 2024 burn incident corrective actions and current shower supervision protocols.

The Bradford Village of Kernersville – West is a 62-bed assisted living and memory care center at 602 Piney Grove Road, Kernersville, Forsyth County, North Carolina, 0.9 miles from downtown. the facility offers assisted living and memory care with 24-hour staffing. Amenities include on-site beauty shop, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, physician and podiatry services, and pharmacy. CMS Overall Rating is 3 out of 5 stars.

Current occupancy is 49 residents from a 62-bed capacity (79 percent). The facility accepts Medicaid but not Medicare.

The regulatory record spans ten years of severe and persistent deficiencies in medication administration, facility maintenance, fire safety, infection control, resident supervision, and health care coordination. Over ten years, The Bradford Village logged 110 deficiencies, averaging 11 annually, 112 percent worse than North Carolina’s 5.2-deficiency benchmark. A July 22, 2015, construction survey cited fourteen deficiencies including blocked exits, missing hand grips, improper linen and oxygen storage, unprotected penetrations, unsafe electrical systems, and inadequate ventilation. An October 13, 2015, annual survey cited four deficiencies in oxygen storage and therapeutic diet accuracy.

A March 15, 2016, follow-up survey cited two deficiencies in therapeutic diet compliance. A July 13, 2017, construction survey cited eight deficiencies including poor flooring, broken tiles, malfunctioning doors, gaps in fire-resistant ceilings, and non-operational exit signs. A November 7, 2017, follow-up survey cited three deficiencies in door sealing and plumbing. A May 16, 2019, annual survey and complaint investigation cited five deficiencies: failure to complete personal care training, failure to supervise resident with dementia resulting in multiple unwitnessed falls, failure to notify physician, medication administration errors, and inaccurate records.

A July 31, 2019, construction survey cited nine deficiencies including missing hand grips, peeling paint, resident on bare mattress, missing towel bars, and unsecured gas lines. An October 16, 2019, follow-up survey cited three deficiencies in medication administration. An October 23, 2020, complaint investigation and COVID-19 survey cited five deficiencies in sanitation, health care coordination, medication administration, staff training, and controlled substance records. A March 16, 2021, follow-up survey cited four deficiencies including critical medication errors: administering Humulin R U500 insulin with U100 syringes resulting in five times prescribed dose for multiple administrations, administering Humalog insulin outside physician parameters, unauthorized self-administration of emergency inhaler, and inaccurate controlled substance records.

A June 21, 2021, annual survey cited six deficiencies: failure to implement weight monitoring orders, failure to serve therapeutic diets, forced mask-wearing and facility restrictions violating resident dignity, medication administration errors, inaccurate controlled substance records, and infection control failures in glucometer use. An October 12, 2021, follow-up and complaint investigation cited seven deficiencies: inadequate third-shift staffing, failure to notify providers for health changes, failure to implement physician orders, medication errors, inaccurate controlled substance records, and infection control violations. A January 7, 2022, follow-up and complaint investigation cited five deficiencies: failure to provide personal care for five residents resulting in skin ulcer, inaccurate medication records, inaccurate controlled substance records, failure to timely report verbal abuse allegations, and failure to treat residents with respect and dignity. An April 7, 2022, follow-up survey cited seven deficiencies: medication aide training failures, failure to notify physicians for health changes, medication administration errors, inaccurate controlled substance records, and COVID-19 mask policy violations.

A June 22, 2023, follow-up survey cited five deficiencies: competency validation failures for medication staff, failure to follow-up health care referrals, failure to administer vitamins as ordered, inaccurate medication records, and improper medication refrigeration. A March 16, 2023, annual survey cited six deficiencies: failure to complete annual care plans, inadequate supervision after resident falls, failure to ensure health care referrals, failure to serve therapeutic diets, medication administration errors, and inaccurate records. A July 19, 2023, follow-up survey cited five deficiencies in fire alarm system and building safety. A December 28, 2023, follow-up survey cited one deficiency: incomplete fire alarm system.

A September 19, 2024, annual and follow-up survey cited three deficiencies: failure to document medication aide training, failure to administer insulin as ordered, and inaccurate eMAR documentation. A June 18, 2025, construction follow-up survey cited one deficiency: non-operational showers in two group bathrooms. Occupancy has remained stable between 49 and 62 residents. No fines or license suspensions are records.

The facility’s 3-star CMS rating and deficiency rate more than double the state average reflect severe systemic failures spanning a decade with critical medication administration errors, resident neglect, inadequate supervision, and persistent facility maintenance and safety issues. The March 2021 critical insulin dosing error administering five times prescribed dose through incorrect syringe selection represents a life-threatening medication safety incident. The January 2022 substantiated neglect resulting in resident skin ulcer, and the June 2021 forced mask-wearing and facility restrictions violating resident dignity demonstrate serious patient rights and safety breaches. Persistent deficiencies despite repeated corrective action plans since 2015 indicate systemic failure to implement sustainable improvements across medication administration, staff training, facility maintenance, infection control, and resident supervision.

This facility requires substantial verification of all operational and safety systems.

Families should ask about the March 2021 critical insulin medication error, the January 2022 neglect incident, and supervision for residents with dementia and fall risk.

Wellington House is a 48-bed assisted living and memory care center at 850 Majestic Court, Gastonia, Gaston County, North Carolina, 2.0 miles from downtown. the facility offers assisted living, memory care, respite care, and secured living with 24-hour staffing. Amenities include housekeeping, transportation services, restaurant-style dining, library, entertainment room, and outdoor common area. CMS Overall Rating is 2 out of 5 stars.

Current occupancy is 39 residents from a 48-bed capacity (81 percent). The facility accepts Medicaid but not Medicare.

The regulatory record spans ten years of severe persistent deficiencies in resident safety, facility maintenance, fire safety, medication management, and infection control, punctuated by critical substantiated incidents of resident abuse and sexual assault. Over seven years, Wellington House logged 66 deficiencies, averaging 9.4 annually, 81 percent worse than North Carolina’s 5.2-deficiency benchmark. A September 24, 2015, construction survey cited twenty-one deficiencies spanning fire safety, sanitation, electrical systems, and ventilation. A November 24, 2015, annual survey cited four deficiencies in cleanliness, laboratory follow-up, and dietary management.

A December 10, 2015, follow-up survey cited thirteen deficiencies in maintenance, sanitation, and fire safety. An August 23, 2017, relicensure survey cited four deficiencies in fire detection and ventilation. A December 11, 2017, annual survey cited one deficiency in cardiology referral follow-up. A June 6, 2019, follow-up and complaint investigation substantiated alleged sexual assaults involving residents, citing two critical deficiencies: failure to respond immediately to alleged sexual assault by not sending resident to hospital until next day, and failure to immediately notify law enforcement.

A July 26, 2019, complaint investigation cited five deficiencies in emergency release switches, corridor obstruction, exposed electrical wiring, exit signage, and fire suppression documentation. An August 13, 2019, complaint follow-up construction survey cited five deficiencies in emergency release switches and staff training on evacuation. A September 30, 2019, follow-up construction survey cited one deficiency in staff training on magnetic locking system. An August 14, 2020, complaint investigation and COVID-19 survey cited five deficiencies in laboratory implementation, infection control with positive and negative residents sharing rooms, medication errors, inaccurate eMAR documentation, and failure to ensure freedom from neglect.

A February 4, 2022, complaint investigation cited one deficiency: failure to dress five residents in Special Care Unit timely, compromising dignity. A September 4, 2023, complaint investigation substantiated failure to provide supervision for resident with dementia who eloped and was found 4.2 miles away requiring hospitalization for low blood pressure and dehydration. A March 20, 2025, complaint investigation substantiated critical deficiencies: failure to protect residents from physical abuse by staff including hitting resident with shower head and hairbrush and throwing ice, and failure to complete Health Care Personnel Registry reports within 24 hours. Staff E and Staff F were suspended and later terminated.

Occupancy has remained high at 39-48 residents. No fines or license suspensions are recorded.

The facility’s 2-star CMS rating, deficiency rate 81 percent worse than state average, and pattern of substantiated critical incidents spanning sexual assault, physical abuse, resident elopement, and systemic neglect represent unacceptable risk. The June 2019 substantiated sexual assaults of residents and the March 2025 substantiated physical abuse by multiple staff members hitting residents with objects and throwing ice represent the most serious breaches of care and protection. The September 2023 elopement of resident with dementia resulting in hospitalization demonstrates failure in supervision. Persistent deficiencies in fire safety, emergency systems, medication management, infection control, and staff training spanning a decade indicate systemic failure to implement sustainable improvements.

Families should ask about the June 2019 sexual assault incidents, the March 2025 physical abuse incidents, the September 2023 elopement incident, and resident-to-resident abuse prevention.

Tre’ More Manor Alf is a 31-bed assisted living center at 6016 Pine Town Road, Oxford, Granville County, North Carolina, located in downtown Oxford. the facility offers assisted living, memory care, and rehabilitation with 24-hour staffing. Amenities include medication assistance, bathing and feeding assistance, daily housekeeping, scheduled transportation, in-house physician, psychiatric and physical therapists, and salon and barbershop facilities. CMS Overall Rating is 3 out of 5 stars.

The facility does not accept Medicaid or Medicare.

The regulatory record spans ten years of persistent deficiencies in medication management, facility maintenance, fire safety, infection control, and care practices. Over eight years, Tre’ More Manor logged 69 deficiencies, averaging 8.6 annually, 65 percent worse than North Carolina’s 5.2-deficiency benchmark. A February 18, 2015, construction survey cited sixteen deficiencies in fire safety reports, unstable handrails, sanitation, fire rehearsals, fire protection systems, prohibited electric heaters, and ventilation. A March 31, 2017, construction survey cited eight deficiencies in exterior railings, grab rails, paint, door hardware, shower piping, gaps, and fire-resistant ceilings.

A May 25, 2017, follow-up survey cited four deficiencies in separated ramp railings, separated grab rail, rotten fascia, and peeling paint. A November 29, 2018, annual survey cited nine deficiencies in bathroom cleanliness and furnishings, tuberculosis testing, dietary menus, milk service, pharmacy reviews, physical restraint use, and controlled substance screening. A February 27, 2019, construction survey cited nine deficiencies in inspection reports, outside premises, wall and ceiling repair, handrails, fire systems, and basement water damage. A March 14, 2019, follow-up survey cited one deficiency in improper physical restraint use without physician order or alternatives documentation.

A May 16, 2019, follow-up construction survey cited one deficiency in basement standing water causing damage. A March 24, 2022, annual survey cited eight deficiencies in tuberculosis testing, therapeutic diet menus, therapeutic diet service, medication administration records, medication aide training, and COVID-19 infection control. A December 7, 2023, construction survey cited eight deficiencies in fire and safety reports, bathroom accessibility, outside premises, wall repair, fire rehearsals, fire safety equipment and doors, ceiling penetrations, and heat detectors. An October 30, 2024, follow-up construction survey cited one deficiency in bathtub accessibility after renovation replaced it with shower.

A March 19, 2025, annual survey cited four deficiencies: failure to administer medications as ordered for one resident, failure to document medication administration immediately on eMAR, failure to implement infection control during medication administration with healthcare worker not changing gloves between residents, and failure to secure medications with unlocked medication carts, rooms, and offices. No fines or license suspensions are records.

The facility’s 3-star CMS rating combined with 65 percent worse-than-average deficiency rate spanning ten years reflects persistent operational failures. The March 2025 medication security failures with unlocked medication storage accessible to unauthorized persons and medication administration errors represent immediate patient safety risks. Decade-long facility maintenance failures including unrepaired railings, unstable handrails, basement water damage, and improper bathroom renovations removing required accessible bathtub demonstrate inability to maintain basic resident safety and accessibility.

Before placement, families should ask about the March 2025 medication security failures and current protocols for medication administration safeguards and facility maintenance.

Country Time Inn is a 59-bed nursing home at 602 Brevard Road, Kings Mountain, Gaston County, North Carolina. The facility provides 24-hour skilled nursing care, secured living, and Special Care Unit services; accepts Medicaid; and offers respite care. An overall 3-star state rating places it 40th of 138 North Carolina homes.

Medication management and healthcare follow-up represent the facility’s central regulatory challenge. The March 5, 2025 annual inspection found five deficiencies: failure to notify the primary care provider when a sampled resident’s blood sugar readings fell below 80 or exceeded 450; failure to implement insulin lispro orders for elevated blood sugars in two residents; failure to clarify and administer a sertraline order for depression; and failure to update Special Care Unit resident profiles quarterly for two residents. The inspection examined six sampled residents, reviewed nine finger stick blood sugar readings, audited ten insulin lispro units, and checked three medication administration instances. These deficiencies echo January 2019 findings: the facility had failed to schedule orthopedic follow-up after a resident fall and failed to reschedule a missed cardiac rehabilitation appointment.

Over six years, across six inspections, Country Time Inn averaged 3.3 deficiencies per year, 37 percent better than North Carolina’s 5.2-deficiency annual average.

Physical plant and construction compliance deficiencies cluster in earlier years. March 2016 brought seven: inadequate ventilation causing odors, scratched interior doors, unmaintained HVAC grilles with grease accumulation, moldy shower tile, malfunctioning exit doors, fire protection equipment fouled with particulate, and absent fire detection in the Special Care Unit and dining closet. February 2018 cited three: missing emergency release switch at a magnetically locked exit, non-functional emergency lighting in the Special Care Unit courtyard, and a water heater leak. November 2015 found two: worn walls, doors, carpets, and floors throughout the facility; stained and damaged resident chairs.

December 2023’s construction survey identified one: new generator installation completed without required state documentation. The facility operates restaurant-style dining, entertainment and library rooms, outdoor common areas, transportation, housekeeping, and 24-hour staffing. No fines or license suspensions appear in the record.

Families should ask about corrective actions taken following the March 2025 medication management findings and current protocols for blood sugar notification and medication order clarification.

Somerset Court of Cherryville is a 60-bed assisted living and memory care center at 401 West Academy Street, Cherryville, Gaston County, North Carolina, located in downtown Cherryville. the facility offers assisted living, memory care, respite care, and secured living with 24-hour staffing and dedicated caregivers. Amenities include therapy services, pharmacy services, provider services onsite, housekeeping, transportation, restaurant-style dining, library, entertainment room, and outdoor common area. CMS Overall Rating is 3 out of 5 stars.

The facility accepts Medicaid but not Medicare.

The regulatory record spans ten years with deficiencies in medication management, discharge procedures, facility maintenance, and fire safety. Over six years, Somerset Court logged 32 deficiencies, averaging 5.3 annually, 2 percent worse than North Carolina’s 5.2-deficiency benchmark. A July 30, 2015, annual survey and complaint investigation cited two deficiencies: medication aide not wearing gloves when administering eye drops and eyelid scrubs, and medication aide giving resident a pill dropped on floor. A January 25, 2017, construction survey cited thirteen deficiencies in medication sink fixtures, wall cleanliness, odors, plumbing, oxygen storage, fire sprinkler protection, exit signs, fire-resistance assemblies, electrical systems, and fire containment doors.

A March 15, 2018, annual survey cited one deficiency in therapeutic diet service. A November 8, 2018, construction survey cited six deficiencies: wall repair, backward door hardware creating entrapment hazard, sprinkler system leaks, fire-resistant ceiling gaps, obstructed fire safety storage, and non-functional exhaust ventilation. A January 30, 2019, follow-up construction survey cited three deficiencies in windowsill hazard, sprinkler leaks, and ceiling penetrations. An October 27, 2022, annual survey cited four deficiencies: failure to administer medications as ordered with 123 missed doses, discontinued medication remaining on record, failure to notify physician of refusal, and medication aide failure to pass required written exam.

An April 9, 2025, complaint investigation substantiated serious neglect: failure to provide written discharge notice and appeal rights to resident discharged to hospital, resulting in 40-day unnecessary hospital stay, designated as Type A1 violation. An April 9, 2025, complaint investigation substantiated failure to refund discharged resident within 14 days, with refund paid 30 days late. An October 29, 2025, annual survey cited one deficiency in loose shower grab bar hazard. No fines or license suspensions are records.

The facility’s deficiency rate near state average contrasts sharply with the April 2025 substantiated Type A1 serious neglect violation involving discharge procedures. The failure to provide discharge notice and appeal rights to a resident with unmet medical needs resulted in a 40-day unnecessary hospital stay representing critical patient safety and rights breach.

Before placement, families must ask directly about the April 2025 serious neglect incident and medication administration safeguards.

Southfork is a 78-bed nursing home at 1345 Jonestown Road, Winston-Salem, Forsyth County, North Carolina. The facility provides 24-hour skilled nursing and secured living services; accepts Medicaid and respite care. A 3-star state rating places it tied for 40th of 138 North Carolina homes. Current occupancy is 60 percent (47 of 78 beds) which is below the state average of 76.4 percent.

Systemic failures in staffing, housekeeping, medication management, and resident care define Southfork’s regulatory record. The August 1, 2025 annual inspection found seven deficiencies that consolidate longstanding operational gaps. Aided residents in the Assisted Living unit experienced staffing shortages in 7 of 9 sampled shifts, with documented gaps ranging from 1 to 11.5 hours per shift; inadequate staffing led to delayed call bell responses and insufficient assistance for three sampled residents, violating their right to dignity and respect. Kitchen housekeeping was substandard: brown and black grease buildup contaminated floors; ice for resident consumption was stored uncovered.

Water was not served with meals to 31 of 37 assisted living residents, which is a violation of nutrition standards. Medication management failed for two residents: one did not receive ordered sertraline (six scheduled doses were not given), and documentation of insulin aspart administration proved inaccurate for another resident, with doses recorded as given but held.

Physical plant and fire safety deficiencies cluster across seven years, reflecting systemic maintenance failures. July 2023’s eleven citations encompassed automatic door closers removed from smoke barrier walls, emergency release switch covers screwed shut, absent fire and building inspection documentation, a bathroom converted to storage with 30 cardboard boxes, non-functional wanderer alarms, unsafe exterior premises (water damage, trip hazards), deteriorated furnishings and peeling ceilings, improper oxygen bottle storage, missing quarterly fire rehearsal records, compromised fire-resistant ceiling assemblies with bent sprinkler deflectors and electrical hazards, and absent exhaust ventilation. September 2017 and November 2019 surveys documented overlapping violations: improper corridor door latching, obstructed egress, dust and odor accumulation, inadequate grab bars in resident bathrooms, failed emergency lighting, missing fire extinguisher documentation, and gaps in fire-resistant construction. July 2015 identified eight deficiencies including code non-compliance on special locking arrangements with staff unaware of emergency override procedures; missing sanitation and fire safety reports; poor housekeeping with spider webs in 12 percent of bedroom closets; uncovered oxygen cylinders; improperly maintained fire doors; and non-functional exhaust in designated areas.

November 2023 and June 2024 follow-up surveys identified bent sprinkler deflectors impairing fire suppression capability. December 2022 and October 2019 annual inspections documented failure to implement physician orders (blood pressure, weight, and laboratory monitoring) and failure to serve mandated milk quantities to Special Care Unit residents.

Over seven years and across ten inspections, Southfork averaged 7.9 deficiencies annually, 52 percent above North Carolina’s 5.2-deficiency benchmark. The facility operates restaurant-style dining, entertainment and library rooms, outdoor common areas, transportation, housekeeping, and 24-hour staffing. No fines or license suspensions appear in the record.

Families should verify corrective actions taken following the August 2025 medication documentation, staffing hours, kitchen sanitation, and resident dignity deficiencies.

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.