Smaller home · May offer a more intimate, personalized care environment.
LiveWell at Birchwood Lake Estates
LiveWell at Birchwood Lake Estates in Chapel Hill, NC, provides assisted living, memory care, in-home support, and 24-hour skilled nursing care within one setting. Assisted living assists residents with daily activities like bathing, dressing, and managing medications, while secure memory care gives continuous supervision for individuals prone to wandering. In-home services allow support to be delivered directly into a resident’s living space.
LiveWell Assisted Living & Home Care operates the 6-bed property. Private and semi-private rooms give residents flexible choices for their living arrangements. Multiple levels of care are available on-site for residents to support their health as it changes over time.
Dining options accommodate special dietary needs, including vegetarian, diabetic, and gluten-free diets. On-site worship space and religious services give residents convenient access to spiritual care.
Older adults looking for customizable care in an intimate setting can get in touch with the team to ask about current openings or schedule a visit.
Community insights.
Based on 5 residents and 6 beds. Source: state inspection report (Nov 2018)
About This Community
Inspection History
In North Carolina, the Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Health Service Regulation conducts unannounced surveys to ensure nursing and adult care homes meet safety standards.
Includes all inspection records for this property, which could include management/ownership changes. 54 deficiencies 8 inspections 0 penalties 15 inspections with deficiencies
Inspection Scorecard
This scorecard compares key inspection, deficiency, and complaint metrics at this facility against the North Carolina state average. Metrics rated ≥15% worse than average are highlighted in red; those ≥15% better are highlighted in green.
Since 2015 vs. North Carolina state average• Total deficiencies (35% above)
• Deficiencies per inspection (152% above) 0 Better No metrics in this bucket.
Deficiencies
| This Facility | NC Average | vs. NC Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
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Total deficiencies
| 54 | 40.0 | This facility has 35% more total deficiencies than a typical North Carolina nursing home (54 vs. NC avg 40).↑ 35% worse |
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Deficiencies per inspection
| 6.8 | 2.7 | This facility has 152% more deficiencies per inspection than a typical North Carolina nursing home (6.8 vs. NC avg 2.7).↑ 152% worse |
Inspections
| This Facility | NC Average | vs. NC Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
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Total inspections
| 8 | — | — |
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Inspections with deficiencies
| 7 | — | — |
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Inspection deficiency rate
| 88% | — | — |
Places of interest near LiveWell at Birchwood Lake Estates
4.9 miles from city center
Estimated distance in miles from Chapel Hill's city center to LiveWell at Birchwood Lake Estates's address, calculated via Google Maps.
— 5.36 miles to nearest hospital (Duke University Hospital)
Calculate Travel Distance to LiveWell at Birchwood Lake Estates
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Compare Nursing Homes around Chapel Hill
Info below is compiled from CMS reports & the NC Dept. of Health & Human Services (NCDHHS), senior community websites & trusted data sources such as Walk Score & BBB.
Communities are listed from highest-ranked to lowest-ranked based on our methodology.
The facility name. Click to view the full profile page on Assisted Living Magazine, including photos, services, and contact info.
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CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the federal agency that regulates nursing homes) Overall 5-star rating — a composite of Health Inspection, Staffing, and Quality Measures scores. 5 stars = top 10% nationally. 1 star = bottom 10%. The single most important number to start with when comparing facilities.
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Care Types in This Table
AL (Assisted Living):
Housing with help for daily activities like bathing, dressing, and medication, without 24-hour skilled nursing.
NH (Nursing Home):
24/7 skilled nursing care for residents with complex, ongoing medical needs.
SNF (Skilled Nursing Facility):
Round-the-clock nursing care, often for recovery after surgery, injury, or illness.
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.
PC (Palliative Care):
Comfort-focused care for serious illness at any stage, including alongside curative treatment.
CCRC (Continuing Care Retirement Community):
A campus with multiple care levels so residents can age in place without moving.
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Neighborhood or city area where the facility is located. Proximity to family, hospitals, and green space matters for both quality of life and ease of visitation. Consider drive time and transit access when evaluating location.
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Licensed bed capacity. Larger facilities (300+ beds) often have more specialized programs but can feel institutional. Smaller homes (under 150 beds) tend to deliver more personalized care. Compare with Avg Res/Day to understand how full the facility typically runs.
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Percentage of licensed beds filled on an average day. Color indicates financial health: green (90%+) = operationally strong, typically profitable. Amber (80–89%) = stable but leaving revenue on the table. Orange (70–79%) = financial strain likely, may struggle with fixed costs. Red (<70%) = significant distress, closure or ownership change risk increases sharply.
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This facility's occupancy rate compared to the statewide average for similar facilities. A positive number means above-average demand. Facilities running 5%+ above the state average are typically the most sought-after in their market — a strong proxy for reputation.
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CMS-adjusted total nurse hours per resident per day (RN + LPN + CNA combined). The national average is approximately 3.5 hrs. Higher is better — more direct care time per resident. Below 3.0 is a red flag. CMS weights RN hours more heavily because RNs handle complex clinical decisions that CNAs cannot.
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CMS Health Inspection star rating (1–5 stars), based on the 3 most recent annual state surveys plus any complaint investigations. This is the hardest rating to manipulate — it reflects real surveyor findings on-site. 5 stars = fewest deficiencies found. 1 star = most. It carries the heaviest weight in the Overall CMS rating.
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CMS Staffing star rating (1–5 stars), based on daily nurse staffing hours submitted to CMS via verified payroll data. Compares RN, LPN, and CNA coverage relative to resident acuity level. 5 stars = well above expected staffing. Weekend staffing is evaluated separately, as that's where many facilities quietly reduce coverage.
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CMS Quality Measures star rating (1–5 stars), based on 15 clinical outcome metrics including fall rates, pressure ulcers, antipsychotic drug use, and hospital readmissions. Captures actual resident health outcomes, not just compliance. High QM combined with low Health Inspection scores can indicate a facility with strong care but weak documentation practices.
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Registered Nurse hours per resident/day compared to the statewide average. RNs are the highest-skilled nursing staff — they assess residents, manage medications, and respond to emergencies. A value of +50% means RN coverage is 50% above the state norm. Negative values are a concern for residents with complex or acute medical needs.
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Total nursing staff hours (RN + LPN + CNA combined) per resident/day vs. the statewide average. A broader measure than RN vs State — it captures the entire care team. A facility can have high total staffing but low RN hours, meaning more aides and fewer nurses. Read both columns together for the full picture.
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Total dollar amount of federal monetary fines (civil money penalties) issued by CMS in the past 3 years. Fines are only levied for serious violations — typically actual harm to residents, repeated uncorrected deficiencies, or systemic non-compliance. Even a single fine is noteworthy. Multiple fines strongly suggest a pattern, not isolated incidents.
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Total health deficiency citations from the most recent standard inspection cycle. Minor citations (scope A–C) are common and often administrative in nature. Higher counts aren't always disqualifying, but should be read alongside Severe Citations to understand actual harm levels. Under 10 is strong for a large facility; 30+ warrants a closer look.
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Average deficiency citations per CMS inspection (survey) in the reporting window — total citations divided by the number of inspections. Lower is better; compare alongside total Citations and Severe Citations for context.
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Citations at CMS scope/severity level G or higher — G–I means actual harm occurred; J–L means residents were placed in immediate jeopardy. (D–F is potential for harm only). Examples include unaddressed falls, medication errors causing injury, neglect, or abuse.
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Average number of residents in the building on any given day, derived from annual census data. Reflects true operating scale — a 400-bed facility running 200 residents/day operates very differently from one at 390. Higher resident counts generally mean more funded staffing hours.
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Better Business Bureau rating (A+ to F). Reflects complaint history, business transparency, and how family disputes were resolved. A+ means no significant unresolved complaints. A blank (—) means the facility isn't BBB-accredited, which is common for healthcare providers and not necessarily a negative signal.
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Walk Score® (0–100). Measures walkability of the surrounding area. 90–100 = Walker's Paradise. 70–89 = Very Walkable. 50–69 = Somewhat Walkable. Below 50 = Car-Dependent. Higher scores benefit family visitors, resident outings, and staff commuting.
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The licensed owner or operator of record filed with CMS — the individual or organization legally accountable for the facility. Searching the operator name across other facilities can reveal chain or multi-site ownership, which matters: chain-operated homes tend to have more variable quality outcomes than independently run facilities.
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What the home actually collects for resident care, after contractual allowances, bad debt and discounts — not gross billings. Taken from the latest complete annual cost report, so it is comparable across homes reporting the same period. Revenue alone doesn't indicate care quality, but it funds staffing and capital reinvestment. Pair with Payroll %. Figures are from each facility's most recent complete fiscal year — hover a value for the exact year; a * marks homes that report an older period than most facilities.
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Staff salaries plus wage-related benefits from the latest complete annual cost report. Contract and agency labour is counted separately, under other operating costs, so a home leaning on agency staff can show a low figure here. Payroll is the cost most directly tied to care quality — compare with Payroll % for full context. Figures are from each facility's most recent complete fiscal year — hover a value for the exact year; a * marks homes that report an older period than most facilities.
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Payroll as a share of NET PATIENT REVENUE (not gross revenue). Both figures come from the same cost-report year. A higher figure means more of each revenue dollar goes to staff pay. Read with the Staffing star rating to judge whether spend translates into coverage — and note that homes whose patient revenue covers only part of their operation can read implausibly high. The North Carolina average is: 61.3% Figures are from each facility's most recent complete fiscal year — hover a value for the exact year; a * marks homes that report an older period than most facilities.
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CMS Certification Number: the unique federal identifier for this skilled nursing provider.
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carol Woods | NH AL CCRC IL SNF | Chapel Hill (Carol Woods) | 30
Facility
30
NC AVG
94
Rank
#75 / 83 |
90.0%
Facility
90.0%
NC AVG
82.8%
Rank
#27 / 73 | +9% | 5.69
Facility
5.69
NC AVG
4.03
Rank
#16 / 80 | +228% | +41% | $0
Facility
$0
NC AVG
$67.5k
Rank
#1 / 86 | 7
Facility
7
NC AVG
18.3
Rank
#26 / 83 | 3.5
Facility
3.5
NC AVG
4.5
Rank
#37 / 83 | - | 27 | - |
13
Facility
13
NC AVG
33
Rank
#88 / 111 | The Chapel Hill Residential Retirement Center, Inc | $30.4MFiscal year ending 12/2024
Facility
$30.4MFiscal year ending 12/2024
NC AVG
$17.2M
Rank
#9 / 79 | $19.0MFiscal year ending 12/2024
Facility
$19.0MFiscal year ending 12/2024
NC AVG
$9.2M
Rank
#6 / 79 | 62.5%Fiscal year ending 12/2024
Facility
62.5%Fiscal year ending 12/2024
NC AVG
61.3%
Rank
#13 / 79 | 345199 | ||||
| Signature HealthCARE of Chapel Hill | NH HOS PC SNF | Chapel Hill | 108
Facility
108
NC AVG
94
Rank
#28 / 83 |
85.4%
Facility
85.4%
NC AVG
82.8%
Rank
#42 / 73 | +3% | 3.69
Facility
3.69
NC AVG
4.03
Rank
#54 / 80 | +2% | -8% | $0
Facility
$0
NC AVG
$67.5k
Rank
#1 / 86 | 41
Facility
41
NC AVG
18.3
Rank
#79 / 83 | 10.3
Facility
10.3
NC AVG
4.5
Rank
#82 / 83 | 1 | 92 | - |
74
Facility
74
NC AVG
33
Rank
#5 / 111 | Moses Muhairwe | $12.8MFiscal year ending 12/2024
Facility
$12.8MFiscal year ending 12/2024
NC AVG
$17.2M
Rank
#46 / 79 | $5.2MFiscal year ending 12/2024
Facility
$5.2MFiscal year ending 12/2024
NC AVG
$9.2M
Rank
#63 / 79 | 40.6%Fiscal year ending 12/2024
Facility
40.6%Fiscal year ending 12/2024
NC AVG
61.3%
Rank
#61 / 79 | 345225 |
Rank badges are statewide and care-type specific: each nursing home is ranked against every other NC nursing home we track that reports that metric, not just the 2 on this page. See how we rank facilities
Programs that may help with care and living costs in North Carolina
LiveWell at Birchwood Lake Estates is in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. These programs may support different care settings or living expenses. A listing does not confirm this community participates; our concierge team can help confirm.
VA Aid and Attendance (A&A) and Housebound Benefits
VA Aid and Attendance (A&A) and Housebound Benefits
- Who it is for
- Veterans or survivors with VA pension eligibility and an Aid and Attendance or Housebound medical need
- Income limit
- 2026 · Countable income is compared with the applicable maximum annual pension rate (MAPR), which varies by dependents and benefit category. For a veteran with one dependent and Aid and Attendance, MAPR is $34,488/year.
- Asset limit
- VA pension net-worth ceiling is $163,699 from December 1, 2025 through November 30, 2026. Net worth includes countable assets plus income for VA purposes; exclusions and transfer rules apply.
Eligibility
- General
- Aid and Attendance or Housebound is an increased VA pension rate for eligible veterans or surviving spouses who meet pension and additional care/disability requirements; it is not a stand-alone state benefit.
- NC specifics
- Federal VA pension rules apply nationwide.
What it provides
- Monthly pension is based on the applicable MAPR less countable annual income; divided by 12. Maximum annual veteran Aid and Attendance rates are $29,093 without dependents and $34,488 with one dependent; actual payments may be lower.
State/County Special Assistance (SA)
State/County Special Assistance (SA)
Eligibility
- General
- Low-income people who need help with room and board in an eligible residential facility, or who qualify for the separate in-home component because they are at risk of entering a residential facility.
- NC specifics
- Special Assistance has separate adult-care-home and in-home programs. The latter assists eligible people at risk of residential placement; rules and payment standards must be matched to the correct setting.
What it provides
- A cash supplement for eligible low-income residents toward residential-facility room and board; or separate assistance through the in-home program.
Community Alternatives Program for Disabled Adults
Community Alternatives Program for Disabled Adults
Eligibility
- General
- CAP/DA is a Medicaid home/community waiver for adults age 18+ with disabilities at risk of institutionalization who meet applicable Medicaid and care requirements.
What it provides
- Assessed supports may include personal care; adult day health; home accessibility adaptations; meals; respite; emergency-response services and assistive technology.
In-Home Aide Services
In-Home Aide Services
Eligibility
- General
- Age 60+, living at home, and unable to complete one or more daily-living or household tasks; a responsible helper is unavailable or the primary caregiver needs relief.
- NC specifics
- Local providers supported by the Home and Community Care Block Grant offer levels of home management, personal care and respite. Service must be appropriate for needs that can be safely met at home.
What it provides
- Assessed home-management help; personal care or caregiver respite.
Medicare Savings Program (MSP)
Medicare Savings Program (MSP)
- Who it is for
- Medicare beneficiaries with limited income who need help with premiums or cost sharing
Eligibility
- General
- Medicare beneficiary; the state determines the applicable Medicare Savings Program. QMB helps with premiums and Medicare cost sharing; SLMB and QI generally help with Part B premiums.
- NC specifics
- QI requires annual application and is funded first-come, first-served with priority for prior recipients. QMB, SLMB and QI confer Part D Extra Help.
What it provides
- QMB pays eligible Part A/Part B premiums and Medicare deductibles and cost sharing; SLMB and QI pay Part B premiums. The exact benefit depends on the approved program.
Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP)
Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP)
- Who it is for
- Income-eligible households responsible for home heating costs
- Income limit
- NC DHHS describes an income test based on 130% of the federal poverty guideline. Category-specific rules and current household-size tables should be checked.
- Asset limit
- NC DOA’s LIEAP description lists a household resource ceiling of $2,250.
Eligibility
- General
- Eligible households responsible for heating costs may receive LIEAP assistance; age 60+ households and certain disability households have an early application period.
- NC specifics
- Early applications run December 1–31 for qualifying older/disability households; others January 1–March 31 or until funds are exhausted. Crisis Intervention is a separate component with different rules.
What it provides
- One-time vendor payment toward heating costs; subject to eligibility and funding.








