Forest at Duke

Independent Living in Durham

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.
Forest at Duke

Independent Living in Durham

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.

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 ▲ 1.2 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 ▲ 2.2 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 ▼ 1.7 North Carolina average: 2.7/5

Staffing hours breakdown

Info Daily nursing hours per resident by staff type, reported to CMS. Higher is generally better — compare this facility to state and national averages to see where staffing stands.

Hours per resident per day — compared to North Carolina state averages

Total nursing care / resident Info This home is ranked 18th out of 76 homes in North Carolina.

Total adjusted nursing hours per resident per day, combining RN, LPN, and aide time. CMS adjusts this for case-mix so facilities can be fairly compared.
5h 23m per day
This facility North Carolina avg (3h 59m per day)
vs North Carolina avg
+35%

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: 76.4%
Occupancy rate 65.9%
Avg. Length of Stay 355 days
Occupancy rate
65.9%
Avg. Length of Stay
355 days

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
$32.3M
Operating deficit
-$2.7M
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

License Details

AccreditationsCARF (Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities), Leading Age

Amenities & Lifestyle

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

Dining & Nutrition

Food DescriptionDining 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.

Filter by care type
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-No 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)-Yes 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-No 48 ---

Financial Assistance for
Independent Living in North Carolina

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Community Alternatives Program for Disabled Adults

NC Medicaid CAP/DA

Age 65+ or disabled
General North Carolina resident, Medicaid- eligible, nursing home-level care need.
Income Limits (2025) ~$2,829/month 300% FBR, individual
Asset Limits $2,000 (individual), $3,000 (couple).
NC

High demand; waitlists common in urban areas.

Benefits
Personal care (5-7 hours/day) Respite (240 hours/year) Adult day care ($60/day) Home modifications ($1,500 avg.)

North Carolina Senior Care Options

NC SCO (via NFCSP)

Age Caregiver of someone 60+ (or with dementia)
General North Carolina resident.
Income Limits No strict limit; prioritizes low-income.
Asset Limits Not applicable.
NC

Limited slots; rural/urban balance.

Benefits
In-home respite (4-6 hours/day) Adult day care (~$60/day) Short-term facility care (up to 5 days)

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

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

Age 55+
General NC resident (specific counties), NFLOC, safe with PACE support.
Income Limits (2025) ~$2,829/month (Medicaid-eligible); private pay option available.
Asset Limits $2,000 (individual), $3,000 (couple) for Medicaid enrollees.
NC

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

Benefits
Personal care (5-7 hours/day) Medical care Meals Transportation Respite Therapies

In-Home Aide Services

North Carolina In-Home Aide Services

Age 60+
General NC resident, unable to perform 1+ ADL, at risk of nursing home placement.
Income Limits (2025) No strict cap; prioritizes low-income ~$24,980/year
Asset Limits Not assessed; need-based.
NC

Family can be aides; varies by county funding.

Benefits
Personal care (5-20 hours/week) Meal prep Respite (~5 days/year) Errands

Medicare Savings Program (MSP)

North Carolina Medicare Savings Program

Age 65+ or disabled
General NC resident, Medicare Part A/B.
Income Limits (2025) ~$2,510/month (QMB), ~$3,380/month (SLMB), ~$3,598/month (QI)—individual.
Asset Limits $9,430 (individual), $14,130 (couple).
NC

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

Benefits
Covers Part B premiums ($174.70/month) Deductibles ($240/year) Copays (~20%)

Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

North Carolina LIHEAP

Age 60+ prioritized
General NC resident, low-income household.
Income Limits (2025) ~$3,970/month individual, 185% FPL
Asset Limits Not assessed; income-focused.
NC

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

Benefits
Heating/cooling aid ($300-$1,000/season) Emergency fuel ($600 max via CIP)

Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP)

North Carolina SCSEP

Age 55+
General unemployed, low-income, NC resident.
Income Limits (2025) ~$1,983/month 125% FPL
Asset Limits Not specified; income-focused.
NC

Priority for veterans, rural residents; AARP partnership.

Benefits
Paid training (~20 hours/week at ~$7.25/hour) Job placement

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

North Carolina VA Aid and Attendance/Housebound

Age 65+ or disabled veteran/spouse
General NC resident, wartime service, need for ADL help (A&A) or homebound.
Income Limits (2025) Net income < ~$1,984/month (veteran with dependent, A&A); pension offsets income.
Asset Limits ~$155,356 net worth limit
NC

High veteran demand in rural/urban areas.

Benefits
Cash (~$1,433-$2,642/month veteran, ~$951-$1,318 spouse) for care costs (e.g., in-home, assisted living)

Urgent Repair Program (URP)

North Carolina Urgent Repair Program

Age 60+ prioritized
General NC resident, homeowner, low-income.
Income Limits (2025) ~$30,258/year 50% AMI, varies by county
Asset Limits Not strictly assessed; home value considered.
NC

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

Benefits
Repairs (~$8,000-$12,000 avg.) for safety (e.g., roofs, heating, accessibility)

State/County Special Assistance (SA)

North Carolina Special Assistance

Age 65+ (or disabled)
General NC resident, in licensed adult care home, low-income.
Income Limits (2025) ~$1,255/month (individual, 100% FPL); varies by facility rate.
Asset Limits $2,000 individual
NC

Covers assisted living; counties supplement state funds.

Benefits
Cash (~$1,200-$1,500/month) for room/board; Medicaid covers care services

Guides for Better Senior Living

Care Cost Calculator: See Prices in Your Area

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