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Nearly a quarter of all North Carolina residents will be 65 or older by 2060. For many, remaining in their homes through old age is the primary goal, but it’s not always feasible. Aging experts encourage people to plan ahead to help with making tough decisions later in life. The News & Observer’s guide aims to help. Here’s how to begin that search and what to know to ensure loved ones have a safe place to live.
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The need for continued care for the ever-growing North Carolina population of those age 65 and older affects millions across multiple age groups.
The News & Observer interviewed aging, government, nonprofit and healthcare experts and advocates about how to begin the search for long-term care, and what to do if trying to find a facility quickly.
We compiled information in the following charts, maps and tables to help Triangle readers navigate the continued care system. That includes nursing homes or skilled nursing facilities, adult care homes or assisted living facilities and continuing care retirement communities. The data is current as of June 2026.
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Continuing care retirement communities are categorized by the type of contract they offer residents. Those contracts outline whether there is a large entrance fee or a larger monthly rent, and what medical services are included.
The state does not monitor current costs, waitlist and other cost information for all senior care facilities.
However, some companies conduct surveys of facilities in order to provide helpful information for those seeking care for their family members. Genworth Financial, one of the largest providers of long-term care insurance, provides cost estimates through CareScout, which allows users to compare facilities’ costs in their state and county along with other long-term care resources.
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Here’s a recent CareScout report for North Carolina and the Raleigh metro area: