Talk to a local advisor for free
Nestled among the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains, Lenoir is a city of 18,352 residents — 19.1% of whom are seniors over the age of 65. Due to its annual weather patterns, the city is considered more comfortable than most places in North Carolina, making it easier for seniors to stay active outdoors. Other factors that make the city appealing to older adults are its low cost of living and multiple options for health care, including Caldwell Memorial Hospital and nearby UNC Health Blue Ridge.
When living at home is no longer feasible and nursing home care is prohibitively expensive, many people look to assisted living where they can receive 24-hour assistance with daily living activities and become part of a senior community. Many facilities provide on-site therapy services and coordinate additional healthcare services with outside providers. Lenoir seniors spend an average of $3,523 a month on assisted living, or $487 less than the state average.
This guide covers the cost of assisted living in Lenoir and compares it to the top cities in North Carolina. It also includes a list of resources that may help seniors save money during retirement and make the transition to assisted living.
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 average monthly cost of assisted living in Lenoir is $3,523, but this cost can vary across facilities.
Across North Carolina, seniors spend an average of $487 more each month on assisted living care. Throughout the nation, seniors spend about $977 more on assisted living.
At $3,000, the median cost of assisted living in Fayetteville is $523 less than in Lenoir, establishing Fayetteville as one of the most affordable cities in the state for senior care. Compared to Lenoir, seniors in Charlotte spend about $877 more each month on their care while seniors in Greenville spend about $1,090 more. In Asheville and Raleigh, assisted living averages $1,475 and $1,865 more than in Lenoir, respectively, making those two cities some of the state’s costliest for assisted living.
Note: Data for Lenoir was unavailable, so data for the nearest city, Hickory, 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.
| Resource | Contact | Service |
| Caldwell Senior Center | (828) 758-2883 | At the Caldwell Senior Center, older adults in Lenoir and throughout the county can get together to socialize and participate in recreational activities. It hosts career development and technology training classes, and it also serves as a resource for connecting area seniors with helpful services such as transportation, legal assistance and free meal programs. |
| Western Piedmont Council of Governments Area Agency on Aging | (828) 322-9191 | The Western Piedmont Council of Governments A.A.A. manages a wide selection of programs to help seniors plan their retirement and age gracefully. The agency can assist seniors with navigating their health care options and it provides advocacy services for seniors living in long-term care communities. The A.A.A. also has resources to help caregivers such as educational workshops and respite care programs. |
| Greenway Transit | (828) 464-9444 | Greenway Transit is the public transportation system serving Lenoir and other nearby communities. With a Medicare card or other identification, seniors can purchase bus fare for less than half the normal price. |
| Long-Term Care Ombudsman | (828) 485-4265 | The Long-Term Care Ombudsman investigates complaints about assisted living communities and other long-term care communities to ensure seniors are treated fairly and free to exercise their rights. Assistance is free and confidential, and the ombudsman can also help seniors research assisted living communities and compare financing options before they move out of their homes. |
| Legal Aid of North Carolina | (828) 437-9397 | Low-income seniors can reach out to Legal Aid of North Carolina for free legal representation and advice on civil law matters. The organization provides assistance over the phone and in person at its office in Morganton as well as a couple of times a year at the Caldwell Senior Center. |
Assisted Living Facilities in the Lenoir 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.
