Mostly short-term rehab stays
Most residents typically stay for a few weeks or months before returning home or moving on.
Forest at Duke
Independent Living · Durham, NC
CMS overall rating
The Overall CMS Rating is scored from 1 to 5 stars and 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.
The Overall CMS Rating is scored from 1 to 5 stars and 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 · Durham, NC
CMS overall rating
The Overall CMS Rating is scored from 1 to 5 stars and 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.
The Overall CMS Rating is scored from 1 to 5 stars and 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 accepts Medicare and private pay.
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.
Quality ratings
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.
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.
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.
Staffing hours breakdown
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.
Total nursing care / resident
This home is ranked 16th out of 60 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.
This home is ranked 16th out of 60 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
Rank #16 / 60Nurse hours — state benchmarkedThis home is ranked 16th out of 60 homes in North Carolina.Shows adjusted nurse hours per resident per day benchmarked to the North Carolina average, with a ranking across 60 North Carolina SNFs. More hours mean more direct care. The national average is about 3.5 hrs; below 3.0 is a red flag.
vs North Carolina avg
+35%
| Staff type | Hours / day | vs state avg |
|---|---|---|
|
Total Nursing (Weekend)
Combined nursing hours (RN + LPN + Nurse Aide) per resident per day on weekends. Staffing often drops on weekends — this figure reveals whether the facility maintains adequate coverage outside of weekday hours.
| 5h 15m per day |
Capacity and availability
This home usually has availability
Occupancy lower than 85% suggests more openings may be available.
Occupancy rate
65.9%
Rank #60 / 66Occupancy rate — state benchmarkedThis home is ranked 60th out of 66 homes in North Carolina.Shows this facility's occupancy rate versus the North Carolina average, with its statewide rank out of 66. Higher occupancy signals strong local demand and financial stability.
Avg. Length of Stay
355 days
Occupancy rate
65.9%
Rank #60 / 66Occupancy rate — state benchmarkedThis home is ranked 60th out of 66 homes in North Carolina.Shows this facility's occupancy rate versus the North Carolina average, with its statewide rank out of 66. Higher occupancy signals strong local demand and financial stability.
Avg. Length of Stay
355 days
Who this home usually serves
Show admissions and discharges
TYPE OF STAY
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 Rank #12 / 67Revenue — state benchmarkedThis home is ranked 12th out of 67 homes in North Carolina.Shows this facility's annual revenue compared to the North Carolina SNF average. Higher revenue generally means more resources for staffing and capital — read alongside Payroll %.
Operating deficit
-$2.7M
Payroll costs
The portion of the home's budget spent on staff, including nurses, caregivers, and other employees who support care and operations.
Rank #18 / 67Payroll — state benchmarkedThis home is ranked 18th out of 67 homes in North Carolina.Shows total annual staff payroll benchmarked to the North Carolina average. Higher payroll investment relative to peers often signals better staffing and less reliance on cheaper contract labor.
$14.3M
The portion of the home's budget spent on staff, including nurses, caregivers, and other employees who support care and operations.
Rank #18 / 67Payroll — state benchmarkedThis home is ranked 18th out of 67 homes in North Carolina.Shows total annual staff payroll benchmarked to the North Carolina average. Higher payroll investment relative to peers often signals better staffing and less reliance on cheaper contract labor.
Other operating costs
All remaining costs needed to run the home, such as food, utilities, building maintenance, supplies and administrative expenses.
$20.7M
All remaining costs needed to run the home, such as food, utilities, building maintenance, supplies and administrative expenses.
Total costs
$35.0M
Walk Score: 42 / 100 Rank #16 / 63Walk Score — state benchmarkedThis home is ranked 16th out of 63 homes in North Carolina.Shows how walkable this facility's neighborhood is compared to the average Walk Score across North Carolina SNFs. Higher scores benefit residents, families, and staff.
Somewhat walkable. A few nearby services may be reachable on foot, but most trips require transportation.
About this community
AccreditationsCARF (Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities), Leading Age
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, Grantee Program, Community Partners, Making a Difference, Awards and Recognition, Newsroom
Operating HoursMonday-Friday: 8am-5pm, Saturday: 9am-3pm, Sunday: Closed
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.
Financial Assistance for
Independent Living in North Carolina
Forest at Duke is located in Durham, North Carolina.
Here are the financial assistance programs available to residents in North Carolina.
Penalties and fines
Federal penalties imposed by CMS for regulatory violations, including civil money penalties (fines) and denials of payment for new Medicare/Medicaid admissions.
Source: CMS Penalties Database
No penalties in the past 3 years
No civil money penalties or payment denials were reported in the last 3 years.
Compare Independent Living around Durham
Filter by care type
| Forest at Duke |
IL Independent Living Lifestyle-focused communities for older adults offering dining, activities, and transportation with minimal personal care. Best for active, independent seniors who want community without medical support.
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 |
IL Independent Living Lifestyle-focused communities for older adults offering dining, activities, and transportation with minimal personal care. Best for active, independent seniors who want community without medical support.
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 |
IL Independent Living Lifestyle-focused communities for older adults offering dining, activities, and transportation with minimal personal care. Best for active, independent seniors who want community without medical support.
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 | - | - |
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Frequently Asked Questions about Forest at Duke
Is Forest at Duke in a walkable area?
Forest at Duke has a walk score of 42. Somewhat walkable. A few nearby services may be reachable on foot, but most trips require transportation.
What is the occupancy rate at Forest at Duke?
Forest at Duke's occupancy is 65.9%.
Are there photos of Forest at Duke?
Yes — there are 14 photos of Forest at Duke in the photo gallery on this page.
What is the phone number of Forest at Duke?
(919) 490-8000 will put you in contact with the team at Forest at Duke.
Is Forest at Duke Medicare or Medicaid certified?
Forest at Duke is not currently listed as a CMS-certified provider of Medicare or Medicaid.
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