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Independent Living Home

Forest at Duke

Overview of Forest at Duke

Nestled within Durham, North Carolina, Forest at Duke emerges as an esteemed independent living community guided by an unwavering mission. Forest at Duke is dedicated to fostering a compassionate and responsible community that champions the autonomy of retirement-age residents. Every abode within the premises, whether independent living or private suites and rooms within the cutting-edge Health & Wellness Center, is meticulously designed to envelop residents in spacious, comfortable, and elegant living. Their commitment thrives by enhancing their capacity to lead lives imbued with purpose, vitality, wellness, and security.
Forest at Duke presents an array of choices, offering five distinctive floor plans for apartment living and six additional options for cottages and individual homes. Encompassing a lush expanse of 47 acres, the campus is thoughtfully adorned with evergreen trees, imbuing the grounds with year-round hues of natural beauty. Experience Forest at Duke—a harmonious fusion of independence, elegance, and wellness set amidst the serenity of Durham’s landscape.

(919) 490-8000

Quality ratings

Measured by Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Overall rating Info The Overall CMS Rating combines results from health inspections, staffing levels and quality measures. Health inspections carry the most weight. Staffing and quality scores can increase or decrease the final rating based on performance compared to state and national standards.
4/5
North Carolina average: 2.8/5
Health Inspection Info Based on the results of the facility's three most recent standard inspections and any complaint investigations. CMS reviews the number, scope, and severity of deficiencies, with more recent findings weighted more heavily.
5/5
North Carolina average: 2.8/5
Staffing Info Measures average nursing staff hours per resident per day, including Registered Nurses (RNs) and total nursing staff. Ratings are adjusted based on the level of care residents require and are compared to state and national benchmarks.
1/5
North Carolina average: 2.7/5

Nursing care per resident

Info This shows how many total hours of nursing staff time are available per resident each day. Higher numbers usually mean more staff support.
5h 23m per day

This home provides 35% more nursing time per resident than the North Carolina average.

North Carolina average: 3h 59m per day

Capacity and availability

Smaller home

May offer a more intimate, personalized care environment.

Total beds 90

This home usually has availability

Lower occupancy suggests more openings may be available.

Lower demand than the North Carolina average
Occupancy rate 65.9%
Residents per day (avg) 3
Occupancy rate
65.9%
Residents per day (avg)
3

Who this home usually serves

TYPE OF STAY

Mostly short-term rehab stays

Most residents typically stay for a few weeks or months before returning home or moving on.

Might be optimal for
Short stays Recovery Medicare-covered care

Breakdown by payment type

Medicare

52% of new residents, usually for short-term rehab.

Typical stay 1 - 2 months

Private pay

48% of new residents, often for short stays.

Typical stay 3 - 4 years

Finances and operations

Voluntary non-profit community
Home revenue
$32.3M
Operating deficit
-$2.7M
Voluntary non-profit community
Home revenue
$32,286,912.00
Operating deficit
$-2,703,484.00
Payroll costs Info The portion of the home's budget spent on staff, including nurses, caregivers, and other employees who support care and operations.
$10.8M
33.3% of revenue
Other operating costs Info All remaining costs needed to run the home, such as food, utilities, building maintenance, supplies and administrative expenses.
$24.2M
Total costs $35.0M
Walk Score
Walk Score: 42 / 100
Somewhat walkable. A few nearby services may be reachable on foot, but most trips require transportation.

About this community

Additional licensing details

Accreditations: CARF (Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities), Leading Age

Amenities & Lifestyle

Art studio
Auditorium
Club room
Community garden
Fitness center
Gift shop
Greenhouse
Group exercise studio
Hair salons
Hot tub
Indoor saline swimming pool
Library
Living room
Native plants pollinator garden
Pond
Recreational trikes
Transportation services
Woodshop

Programs & Activities

Activities
The Forest at Duke offers 400+ monthly opportunities to keep doing, contributing, and achieving.
Specific Programs
Fitness, Dining at The Forest, Programs and Activities, Residences, Off Campus Residency, Expansion – The Terraces, The Cohen Center for Health, Assisted Living, Clinic, Therapy Services, The Forest at Home, Events, Grantee Program, Community Partners, Making a Difference, Awards and Recognition, Newsroom, Blog, Careers
Operating Hours
Monday-Friday: 8am-5pm, Saturday: 9am-3pm, Sunday: Closed

Dining & Nutrition

Food Description
Dining at The Forest offers lots of delicious options. Choose from one of our four dining venues and enjoy an extensive, delectable menu at each.
Contact Forest at Duke

Compare Independent Living around Durham The information below is reported by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Health Service Regulation.

Forest at Duke
AL

Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence.

Durham
-
-
42
65.9%
-
-
-
-
-
Solista Durham by Cogir
AL

Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence.

Durham (North Garrett Road)
-
-
11
-
-
-
-
-
-
Bartlett Reserve
AL

Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence.

Durham
-
-
48
-
-
-
-
-
-

Guides for Better Senior Living

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Financial Aid for North Carolina Seniors

Get financial aid guidance

Community Alternatives Program for Disabled Adults

NC Medicaid CAP/DA

Age 65+ or disabled, North Carolina resident, Medicaid- eligible, nursing home-level care need.

~$2,829/month (300% FBR, individual).

$2,000 (individual), $3,000 (couple).

High demand; waitlists common in urban areas.

North Carolina Senior Care Options

NC SCO (via NFCSP)

Caregiver of someone 60+ (or with dementia), North Carolina resident.

No strict limit; prioritizes low-income.

Not applicable.

Limited slots; rural/urban balance.

Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE)

North Carolina PACE (e.g., PACE of the Triad)

Age 55+, NC resident (specific counties), NFLOC, safe with PACE support.

~$2,829/month (Medicaid-eligible); private pay option available.

$2,000 (individual), $3,000 (couple) for Medicaid enrollees.

Available in 10+ counties (e.g., Guilford, Wake); multiple providers (e.g., PACE of the Southern Piedmont).

In-Home Aide Services

North Carolina In-Home Aide Services

Age 60+, NC resident, unable to perform 1+ ADL, at risk of nursing home placement.

No strict cap; prioritizes low-income (~$24,980/year).

Not assessed; need-based.

Family can be aides; varies by county funding.

Medicare Savings Program (MSP)

North Carolina Medicare Savings Program

Age 65+ or disabled, NC resident, Medicare Part A/B.

~$2,510/month (QMB), ~$3,380/month (SLMB), ~$3,598/month (QI)—individual.

$9,430 (individual), $14,130 (couple).

Three tiers; no waitlist; includes Extra Help for Part D.

Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

North Carolina LIHEAP

Age 60+ prioritized, NC resident, low-income household.

~$3,970/month (individual, 185% FPL).

Not assessed; income-focused.

Covers oil, gas, electric; emergency aid via Crisis Intervention Program (CIP).

Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP)

North Carolina SCSEP

Age 55+, unemployed, low-income, NC resident.

~$1,983/month (125% FPL).

Not specified; income-focused.

Priority for veterans, rural residents; AARP partnership.

VA Aid and Attendance (A&A) and Housebound Benefits

North Carolina VA Aid and Attendance/Housebound

Age 65+ or disabled veteran/spouse, NC resident, wartime service, need for ADL help (A&A) or homebound.

Net income < ~$1,984/month (veteran with dependent, A&A); pension offsets income.

~$155,356 (net worth limit).

High veteran demand in rural/urban areas.

Urgent Repair Program (URP)

North Carolina Urgent Repair Program

Age 60+ prioritized, NC resident, homeowner, low-income.

~$30,258/year (50% AMI, varies by county).

Not strictly assessed; home value considered.

Forgivable at $2,000/year; statewide via local partners.

State/County Special Assistance (SA)

North Carolina Special Assistance

Age 65+ (or disabled), NC resident, in licensed adult care home, low-income.

~$1,255/month (individual, 100% FPL); varies by facility rate.

$2,000 (individual).

Covers assisted living; counties supplement state funds.

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