Located in the Catawba Valley, just one hour north of Charlotte, Hickory is a prime retirement spot for seniors. In fact, out of the city’s 41,171 residents, nearly 17% are seniors aged 65 and over. Not only do the Appalachian Mountains provide the perfect scenic backdrop for the city, but the Lake Hickory area gives seniors plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities, including bird watching, walking, fishing and picnicking. Additionally, Hickory is home to two prime medical facilities, the Catawba Valley Medical Center and Frye Regional Medical Center. Seniors may also enjoy visiting the Hickory Aviation Museum as well as purchasing fresh produce from the downtown farmers market.
While actual rates vary based on service offerings and amenities, according to Genworth’s 2020 Cost of Care Survey, the average cost of assisted living in Hickory is $4,000 per month.
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 >
The average monthly cost for assisted living in Hickory is $4,000, which is just $200 higher than the state average of $3,800 and $300 per month lower than the national average of $4,300. When compared to nearby states, Hickory assisted living costs are fairly similar to those in South Carolina ($3,988) and Tennessee ($4,039), yet $850 lower than the monthly average costs in Virginia ($4,850).
Monthly assisted living costs vary greatly across the state with Hickory’s rates falling right in the middle. Hickory’s average monthly costs of $4,000 are significantly lower than those in Wilmington ($5,877), Raleigh ($4,800) and Charlotte ($4,649). On the other hand, monthly assisted living rates in Hickory are higher than many other areas in the state, including Goldsboro ($3,673), Fayetteville ($3,500), Asheville ($2,750) and Jacksonville ($2,675).
The state’s Medicaid program offers the Personal Care Services Program (PCS), which can cover some costs associated with assisted living, such as meal preparation, transportation and medication management. Additionally, the state and county’s Special Assistance Adult Care Home/Special Care Unit (SA/SCU) can help to offset the cost of room and board or services provided in an assisted living special care unit. For more information about these programs, see our Assisted Living in North Carolina page.
Contact | Description | |
Western Piedmont Area Agency on Aging | (828) 322-9191 | The Western Piedmont Area Agency on Aging provides seniors with informational resources and hosts training and educational events. It also manages the local Ombudsman program that advocates for residents of assisted living communities and other long-term care facilities. |
Catawba Council on Aging | (828) 328-2269 | The Catawba Council on Aging is committed to providing seniors with valuable resources and services. It operates the West Hickory Senior Center and works with local organizations to offer a variety of services, such as tax counseling, computer training, and notary services. It also hosts numerous events and activities, including day trips, chair Zumba and common interest clubs. |
Catawba County Veteran Services | (828) 465-8255 | The Catawba County Veteran Services office, located in nearby Newton, assists veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces and their spouses and dependents. Staff here can help veterans apply for VA benefits that may help pay for assisted living care and file claims as necessary. Services are available by appointment only. |
Senior Information Resources | (828) 485-4285 | Senior Information Resources is a nonprofit organization that partners with over 100 local businesses and organizations to provide seniors with vital resources and services. It helps to connect seniors with everything from transportation to financial counseling to legal support. The agency also hosts the Prime of Life Expo on a semiannual basis. |
Greenway Public Transportation | (828) 464-9444 | Greenway Public Transportation provides public transportation and paratransit services throughout the Unifour area. Seniors can obtain reduced rates for all fixed and flex bus routes as well as low-cost or free paratransit transportation when necessary. Personal care attendants can accompany eligible seniors at no additional cost. |
North Carolina assisted living communities are licensed by the Department of Health and Human Services’ Division of Health Service Regulation. This agency ensures these communities follow all state and federal rules and regulations. For more information about these requirements, see our Assisted Living in North Carolina page.