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Young-at-heart seniors have many options for staying busy in Wilmington, North Carolina. In addition to offering numerous activities, this township-turned-city was incorporated in 1739, making it overflowing with history. Today, it has a population of approximately 115,451 as of April 2020, and 17.2% of those residents are over 65. Seniors who aren’t the biggest fans of snow may appreciate the only 1-inch yearly snow average and welcome the approximate 216 sunny days. Bestplaces.net deems Wilmington’s cost of living (COL) as 97.5 overall, making it less than the national average of 100 but higher than North Carolina’s score of 90.6. The major medical option in Wilmington is Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center.
Assisted living communities offer a blend of health, residential and recreational services for those who can’t remain fully independent. The median monthly cost for living in an assisted living facility in Wilmington is $5,254, which is $1,244 more per month than the $4,010 North Carolina median.
Although the assisted living costs in Wilmington can seem overwhelming, this guide offers easy-to-understand information for seniors and their families about everything from financial matters to exciting activities during the transition and beyond.
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.
Compared to the assisted living medians on a state and national level, Wilmington’s $5,254 estimated cost is significantly more.
At $4,500 monthly, the national assisted living median is $754 less than Wilmington’s $5,254 monthly median, and at $4,010, North Carolina’s is even lower.
The range of the following monthly median assisted living costs across North Carolina is substantial. With a $3,000 median, Fayetteville is $2,388 less expensive per month than Raleigh’s $5,388. Wilmington is only $134 less than the latter. New Bern at $3,645 and Greensboro’s $3,800 are the only remaining two below the state’s $4,010 median. Closer to the $4,500 national median is Charlotte at $4,400 and Rocky Mount at $4,470. Durham and Asheville fall on the higher end of the range with $4,800 and $4,998, respectively.
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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(910) 251-8196 |
The YMCA of Southeastern North Carolina has an Active Older Adults (AOA) program for those 50+. Basketball, water aerobics and pickleball are some of the options available, and they have an AOA Club. Seniors over 65 receive a discounted YMCA membership rate. There are currently three YMCA locations in Wilmington: Nir Family YMCA, Midtown YMCA and Ogden YMCA Activity Center. | |
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(910) 343-5300 |
Open five days a week, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Wilmington VA Clinic offers an extensive amount of services. Some of the many include in the areas of geriatrics, cardiology, audiology and podiatry. Eligible patients may be able to receive transportation to appointments. | |
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(910) 798-6400 |
Located on South College Road, the New Hanover County Senior Resource Center is open to people 55+ for some activities and 60+ for certain programs. Services vary and include classes, a life enrichment program and more. Registration is required for activity participation. | |
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Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at the University of North Carolina Wilmington |
(910) 962-3195 |
For individuals who are 50+, the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of North Carolina Wilmington offers a variety of programs. Registration is required for classes. Available courses can vary. |
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(910) 343-0106 |
Seniors who are 65+ and wish to take a bus pay half the price of a standard adult ticket. To receive the discount, showing a valid ID–either a photo ID or a valid Medicare card–is necessary. | |
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(910) 395-4553 |
The North Carolina Ombudsman Program helps promote the care and safety of those in long-term care facilities. They assist the community as a whole, from the staff to the residents. Duties range from helping staff with training to making sure that residents’ concerns are being properly handled. |
Assisted Living Facilities in the Wilmington 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.
