10 Best Nursing Homes in Asheville, NC

There are multiple options available to pay for nursing homes and other senior living facilities, such as assisted living and memory care. Whether you are interested in private payment methods, VA benefits, Medicaid, Medicare, or a combination of options, there is a solution for your unique financial situation to ensure that you or your loved one receives the care they need.

Here you can find information on private pay, VA benefits, Medicare, and Medicaid resources to help guide your decision-making process.

The North Carolina Division of Health Service Regulation (DHSR) takes on the vital role of overseeing licensing, inspections, and maintenance of safety standards for nursing homes, assisted living, and memory care facilities (known as Adult Care Homes) throughout the state. As you search for the ideal facility for yourself or your loved one, it’s important to become familiar with the laws and regulations of each type of facility.

To ensure the well-being of each individual under their care, Asheville’s assisted living and memory care facilities undergo comprehensive assessments by the DHSR Adult Care Licensure Section, while nursing homes are inspected by the DHSR Nursing Home Licensure and Certification Section. Inspections are unannounced, conducted annually (unless complaints or violations are received), and cover many aspects, including staffing, medication management, and care plans, and resident care to confirm compliance with relevant laws and regulations. Reports of the DHSR’s inspections can be easily found on the DHSR searchable online database.

Assisted living and memory care facilities laws and regulations

Below are some key regulations to keep in mind, but all the regulations related to assisted living and memory care can be found on the DHSR page.

• Personalized care plans for residents must be designed in collaboration with family and health care professionals and address residents’ unique needs. They should include assessments, detailed goals, tailored services, regular reviews, and communication among staff and family involved, as well as proper documentation to ensure plans are being implemented.
•  Staff are required to complete yearly training on emergency preparedness and fire safety.
• Mandated staff training includes education on activities of daily living, resident rights, basic medical care, and more. Memory care providers undergo specialized dementia care training, covering communication techniques and behavior management skills, among other skills.
• At a minimum, there must be at least one staff member awake and on duty 24/7 at these facilities, and there should be enough staff employed to care for residents’ needs. Either a licensed nurse or other health care professional must supervise the rest of the staff.
• Memory care units specifically must have security monitoring systems in place for any unlocked exit doors and provide a secure environment to help prevent residents from wandering or getting lost.
• Facilities cannot accept residents who require ongoing skilled nursing support or whose care needs exceed the facility’s capabilities.
• A minimum of 14 hours of weekly group activities and one monthly outing to include all residents must be planned.
• Facilities must report any suspected or confirmed incidents of resident abuse or neglect, illnesses, and injuries.

Skilled nursing facilities laws and regulations

• Patients must be referred to a nursing home by a physician, and physicians should see a patient at least once every 30 days for the first 90 days and a minimum of every 60 days from day 91 on.
• Like memory care and assisted living facilities, nursing homes must create unique care plans for each resident that cover the resident’s health status and goals, along with the treatments and services that will be offered to meet those goals.
• Nursing homes adhere to specific minimum staff-to-resident ratios, depending on the type of care:
  • Daytime: one registered nurse (RN) per 40 residents; one licensed practical nurse (LPN) or RN per 20 residents; and one certified nursing assistant (CNA) per eight residents.
  • Evening: one RN per 50 residents; one LPN or RN per 25 residents; and one CNA per 10 residents.
  • Nighttime: one RN per 60 residents; one LPN or RN per 30 residents; and one CNA per 16 residents.
• Policies must be put in place to prevent and address abuse and neglect and all residents have the right to privacy, to participate in their care plans, to be treated with respect, etc.

North Carolina Department of Health contact information

NC Department of Health and Human Services
2001 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699
Phone: 800-662-7030

COVID-19 regulations for Asheville nursing homes

North Carolina lifted all COVID-19 mitigation requirements and restrictions by rescinding the state of emergency status in August 2022. Although there are no current mandates, new variants continue to emerge throughout the state, and Asheville’s senior care facilities continue to stay up-to-date with CDC guidelines and collaborate with state officials to safeguard residents and staff.

Asheville features numerous senior care communities, each offering exceptional care for varying conditions and needs. When searching for nursing homes, it’s crucial to understand the distinction between nursing homes and other facilities. Nursing homes are skilled nursing facilities that provide specialized, constant care for those with significant and chronic health issues, whether for a short or long period. A Place For Mom doesn’t partner with standalone skilled nursing facilities, but we do partner with communities that feature skilled nursing wings or medical care services on-site.

This section explores senior care facilities in Asheville, highlighting amenities and the overall living experience in the area.

Tailored amenities

Asheville’s senior care communities offer an array of amenities tailored to the particular needs and preferences of residents. These communities provide exceptional support and daily care services while empowering residents to maintain their independence.

Apart from providing secure and comfortable living environments, these communities are always keen to enrich the lives of their residents. Many offer shared spaces like recreation centers, salons and barber shops, TV lounges, and therapy rooms that allow residents to socialize and build a community around them while taking care of their own needs. Most facilities offer on-site activities such as holiday and birthday parties, live musical performances, devotional activities, and art classes.

At memory care facilities, there are usually services and resources specifically for those experiencing memory loss, including different types of support groups, educational activities, physical therapy sessions, cognitive stimulation activities, and music classes. In addition, these facilities put a premium on safety, ensuring that residents can move around freely while still maintaining a secure environment.

Peaceful living

Senior care communities in Asheville have a unique charm with their proximity to the Blue Ridge Mountains and other natural spaces. Apart from the quality care, many skilled nursing, assisted living, and memory care facilities in Asheville feature nature trails and enclosed courtyards so residents can easily enjoy the outdoors.

Each type of senior care facility has its unique way of providing comfort and convenience to residents. Units boast various floor plans, sometimes even with garden views, private patios, decks, or balconies.

Residents are well taken care of, often with restaurant-style dining (with vegetarian options, housekeeping, and transportation services. Some of our facilities also offer hospice care, further solidifying their commitment to keeping residents comfortable.

No matter the community, the goal remains: to enhance the mental and physical wellness of residents.

Nearby care options

Asheville offers plenty of sought-after senior care options, but there are several surrounding areas that provide unique living and care experiences for seniors as well. For example, the towns of Fletcher and Black Mountain provide peaceful retreats from city life, where stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and serene surroundings are the norm.

Whether you decide to stay in Asheville or in one of the nearby towns, these senior care communities provide the scenery, resources, amenities, and activities for you or your loved one to feel seen, known, and cared for.

Health care for seniors in Asheville

Transportation for Seniors in Asheville

Transportation options providing caregiver assistance are invaluable to seniors in nursing homes, assisted living, or memory care facilities. Public transportation may not always be the safest or most practical choice for residents of these facilities, making it crucial to consider supervised or assisted transit alternatives. Fortunately, residents of A Place for Mom’s partnered communities in Asheville have access to complimentary and affordable transportation options. A significant majority (86%) of our partner communities offer complimentary transportation services, while almost one-third (29%) offer at-cost transportation services to residents.^[02]

For seniors who can no longer drive and need a caregiver escort, Buncombe County Call A Ride is a volunteer-based transportation service that provides rides to seniors, allowing them to get to medical appointments, grocery stores, and other destinations easily and safely. To benefit from this program, seniors need to be referred by a service coordinator who will help ensure they can cater to their needs.

Mountain Mobility, on the other hand, offers door-to-door transportation services for seniors with disabilities. It specializes in assisting those with mobility issues and provides reliable and secure transportation in Asheville and the surrounding areas. Seniors and their families can rest easy knowing that Mountain Mobility will get them to their destination safely and on time.

Senior activities in Asheville

Asheville, North Carolina, is a vibrant city that offers diverse activities for seniors. No matter what type of care you or your loved one needs, engaging in activities with family and friends is essential for promoting socialization, boosting emotional and mental health, and enhancing overall well-being.

The city is home to a variety of natural parks and attractions that are ideal for seniors seeking a peaceful escape with visiting family. The North Carolina Arboretum offers a serene walking path, complete with benches for moments of rest and reflection, and the main garden areas are wheelchair accessible. Caregivers can request a complimentary Caregiver’s Pass, allowing them to assist a person with a disability who has a ticket for a special event or class at the Arboretum.

Beyond its outdoor activities, Asheville is a city that truly embraces its cultural heritage and arts scene, with various festivals and events throughout the year. The Asheville Connections Art Museum is perfect for seniors of all cognitive abilities and their families, with classes and special workshops tailored for a variety of abilities. Alternatively, the Memory Cafe located at First Baptist Church of Asheville is a fantastic spot for a casual cup of tea, open the third Thursday of each month. Designed with seniors in mind, it provides a safe and welcoming social space for you and your loved ones to enjoy.

Lastly, Asheville’s senior and community centers provide limitless possibilities to pique the interest of seniors. From art classes at the Burton Street Community Center and Tempie Avery Montford Community Center to the pottery and weaving studios at Harvest House Community Center, the centers create opportunities where seniors of various abilities can participate in fun-filled activities.

It’s always encouraged for family and friends to participate in activities with their loved ones at nursing homes, assisted living, and memory care facilities, creating memories that will last a lifetime. Facilities host on-site events and activities to foster happiness and community among residents, such as happy hours, birthday and holiday parties, BBQs and picnics, gardening clubs, art classes, trivia games, and devotional activities.