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Cary is a large city in the western region of the Raleigh metro in age-friendly Wake County, providing access to reliable public transportation, cultural amenities and high-performing medical facilities. It’s home to Duke University Hospital and UNC Medical Center, both of which offer a range of adult specialties, as well as numerous nonprofit organizations that help seniors maintain their health and quality of life throughout retirement. Cary’s overall cost of living exceeds state and national medians by about 20%, but retiree-friendly tax laws may help older adults put more of their income toward care expenses.
Assisted living is for older adults who don’t require around-the-clock medical monitoring but need basic personal care services. Along with housing and meals, these facilities provide individualized personal care services, housekeeping and laundry services, scheduled transportation and recreational activities, promoting a low-maintenance lifestyle for residents. While fees range depending on a facility’s location and on-site amenities, the typical facility in Cary charges $5,388 per month for services.
Our introductory guide for assisted living in Cary provides more information on local assisted living costs, including how they compare to other cities throughout North Carolina and options you may have for paying for care.
Hundreds of thousands of American seniors utilize assisted living, a figure that is only growing. For these seniors, assisted living combines residential housing,assistance in daily activities, and some healthcare. These communities also strive to provide an atmosphere that is comfortable and engaging for their residents… Read More >
COVID-19 restrictions and rules for Assisted Living Facilities are typically set by the state – to see the rules in your state, you can read our guide to Assisted Living in North Carolina. Keep in mind that there may be other policies that communities put in place to protect their residents, so you should contact your local community for more information. Additionally, you can contact your local Area Agency on Aging to learn more – find contact information here.
The 2021 Genworth Cost of Care Survey shows that assisted living facilities in Cary charge $5,388 per month for care.
Cary is one of the more expensive places to obtain assisted living, with monthly fees coming in at $5,388. By comparison, North Carolina’s median rate is $4,010, and nationally, seniors pay $4,500 for this type of care.
Assisted living in Cary costs $5,388 per month, which is nearly double the cost of care in Goldsboro, where rates are among the lowest in the state at $2,700. In Burlington, assisted living facilities charge $3,325 for services, and in New Bern, seniors pay $3,645. In Durham, residential care costs exceed the national average at $4,800. Asheville and Wilmington are costlier but still affordable compared to Cary, with assisted living fees coming in at $4,998 and $5,254.
Note: Data for Cary was unavailable, so data for the nearest city, Raleigh, was used instead.
Since not everyone can afford to pay for assisted living out-of-pocket, it’s important to find alternative methods to help make assisted living more affordable. Some of these options include:
For more information about your options for making assisted living more affordable, visit our guide to Assisted Living in North Carolina.
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(919) 469-4081 |
The Cary Senior Center provides recreational activities for those aged 55 and over. At this center, you can participate in art and fitness classes, clubs and volunteer activities. The center also has information specialists who help you connect with community-based programs to supplement what you obtain through assisted living, as well as free health insurance options counseling. | |
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(919) 549-0551 |
The Triangle J Area Agency on Aging is funded through the Older Americans Act to provide free services and support to those aged 60 and over. The local agency has information and referral specialists who help you connect with community-based services such as medical and wellness screenings and services, transportation, congregate meals and long-term care options counseling. The agency has a long-term care ombudsman who advocates on your behalf, helping you understand your rights as an assisted living resident and access the services in your care plan. The ombudsman can also help resolve issues such as insufficient or excessive services or substandard care. | |
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(919) 856-2564 |
Legal Aid NC is a statewide nonprofit organization staffed with licensed legal professionals who specialize in age-related issues. It operates several self-help clinics, including the Medicaid Managed Care Clinic, Living Wills Clinic and Social Security Disability Clinic, giving you access to important information regarding public benefits and other issues. It also has specialists who help you apply for Medicaid, which can help you pay for assisted living. | |
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(919) 713-1556 |
Resources for Seniors administers a range of programs and services to older adults in the Cary region. Its website highlights resources in the community that can help you with long-term care planning and finding ways to pay for assisted living. It also provides up-to-date information on current events that impact older adults, including how to obtain COVID-19 home testing kits, where to get AARP income tax filing assistance and local community happenings. | |
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(919) 268-7456 |
The county’s Veterans Services Office helps veterans and their qualifying family members apply for state and federal veterans’ benefits. Its staff can help you obtain supporting documents, military records and discharge upgrades and fill out and submit applications for benefits such as disability compensation, Aid and Attendance and pensions. The office’s website also lists important phone numbers for organizations such as outpatient clinics, vet centers, medical centers and the VA toll-free helpline. | |
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(919) 481-2020 |
GoCary Door to Door service provides local transportation services to those aged 60 and over who are unable to use public transportation due to age or disability. Paratransit services within three-quarters of a mile of any GoCary fixed route are free, and rides outside that boundary range from $4 to $9. Prior to making reservations, you must submit an application for services. The application approval process may take up to 21 days. |
Assisted Living Facilities in the Cary area are required to follow a set of rules and regulations that are determined at the state level. For an overview of those rules and regulations, see the information below. For more specific information, talk with your local community or Area Agency on Aging.
