10 Best Nursing Homes in Wilmington, NC
Wilmington resides along the historic Cape Fear River and near the Atlantic Coast, making it a stunning waterfront location for retirees. It offers an ideal balance between city and suburban life with enchanting attractions, daily conveniences, robust health care, and a range of nursing homes and senior care options. Nursing home is often used as an umbrella term for a variety of senior care facilities. However, a nursing home or skilled nursing facility is actually for individuals who need 24-hour medical supervision for serious medical conditions.
A Place for Mom doesn’t partner with standalone skilled nursing facilities, but we do partner with senior care facilities that may offer some nursing services. An assisted living or memory care facility might be more suitable for seniors who currently don’t need 24-hour skilled nursing services. These senior care facilities offer personal care, supportive services, accessible activities, and social programs to help seniors lead meaningful lives. The cost of a nursing home is approximately $7,148 per month in Wilmington. Assisted living averages $5,241 per month while memory care averages $5,365 per month in Wilmington.
Wilmington offers some great senior care facilities and nursing homes, including assisted living and memory care. This guide lets you navigate the options based on what matters most to your family: cost, care, amenities, and more. It also offers informative sections on Wilmington’s senior care facility costs, features, regulations, local payment resources, and senior-favored activities.
Nursing Homes Facilities near Wilmington, NC
We love Spring Arbor & it seems to be the perfect fit for mom. The smaller sized facility plus wonderful caring staff have made for a great few months. Mom will never be "happy" not being in her own home but...
The facility is lovely and clean. Artwork, decor, landscaping outside and courtyard beautifully maintained. Dining area with staff presentation very nice, professional. Food choices tasty and plentiful with...
We chose Brookdale Wilmington because of the location, Admissions Mgr(she is no longer there now), care for patients with Dementia Very professional, friendly personnel. Only downfall is they are a VERY...
New Hanover House has been a wonderful transition from Independent Living to Assisted Living. The price is the best we have found in Wilmington with no levels of care increases. It is all inclusive with the...
We have lived here for 5+ years and believe they are some of the best years in our our 60 years of marriage. Our food service brought to our apt. door each day is varied and delicious. During this pandemic...
My mother was moved to Champions in April. After a bit of an adjustment period she has come to fit in well there. She has also begun to thrive. Her social interactions have increased, her general well...
This community is beautiful with lots of different amenities. The care team has been truly a light to my loved one. They are always making sure her needs are being met and making her feel comfortable in her...
My mom has been at the Kempton for almost a year now. The staff have all been fantastic. Her level of care has fluctuated based on needs at the time. The activities are frequent and engaging. She has become...
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Our methodology
How we rank order the Wilmington community options above
We developed a proprietary recommendation system that orders Wilmington community options based on factors we know are important to seniors and their families:
- Proximity to your search location
- Availability of recent, high-quality reviews
- The amount of detailed community information available
Where we source our information
14,000+ communities
We collect proprietary data from our network of 14,000+ senior living communities in the U.S., with regular refreshes of data and information
350,000+ reviews
We have 387,000+ reviews from senior living residents and family members that provide first-hand accounts about senior living communities
- Costs of nursing homes in the Wilmington area
- What families are saying about nursing homes in Wilmington
- How people pay for a nursing home in Wilmington
- Understand North Carolina laws and regulations for nursing homes
- What to expect from nursing homes in Wilmington
- Wilmington nursing homes services and amenities
- Explore senior care with confidence
- Unfamiliar with Wilmington? Highlights for seniors
Costs of nursing homes in the Wilmington area
The median cost of a private room in a Wilmington skilled nursing facility is $7,148 per month.[01] However, if your loved one doesn’t require 24-hour nursing services, there are more affordable options available within the city.
Both assisted living and memory care facilities are more affordable by nearly $2,000 per month. Below are the monthly average costs for senior care facilities, according to A Place for Mom’s 2022-2023 proprietary data on what actual families paid in Wilmington:[02]
- Assisted living is around $5,241 per month.
- Memory care is around $5,365 per month.
These approximate costs include the costs of a room and the following commonly provided services at our partnering senior care facilities in Wilmington:
- General maintenance and utilities
- Housekeeping
- Three meals and snacks daily
- Personal care services (grooming, bathing, mobility assistance, etc.)
- On-site activities and amenities
In some communities, seniors may have to pay additional fees for amenities like on-site salon and barber services, transportation, or pet accommodations.
Average monthly cost of Nursing Homes in Wilmington, NC vs. nearby cities
Average monthly cost of Nursing Homes in Wilmington, NC vs. the state and national average
Average monthly cost of Nursing Homes in Wilmington vs. other types of senior living
Median monthly costs of Nursing Homes in Wilmington, NC by room type
Average cost of Nursing Homes in Wilmington over time
What families are saying about nursing homes in Wilmington
Recent reviews for nursing homes in Wilmington
Stonebridge at Woodbury Assisted Living and Memory Care in Hampstead, NC
Porters Neck Village in Wilmington, NC
TerraBella Southport
How people pay for a nursing home in Wilmington
When seniors and their families decide on how to pay for senior care, they usually combine private and public funds. Options often include personal savings and public programs like veterans benefits, Medicare, and Medicaid. We outline all of these payment options and include local resources to help you cover senior care expenses in Wilmington.
Seniors and their families typically acquire private funds over a lifetime. Funds may include savings accounts, retirement pensions, investment returns, and more. Long-term care insurance is another popular payment option, but policies can vary significantly. We recommend contacting your policy provider to understand the specific costs they can cover.
Depending on your senior loved one’s circumstances, you can also turn to some of the following payment methods commonly used by families.
Number of veterans 65+ who live in Wilmington as of 2022
About 50% of Wilmington veterans are 65+.
Can veterans benefits pay for nursing homes or senior care?
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers a range of benefits to senior veterans and their surviving spouses. The Aid and Attendance benefit can be especially helpful for qualifying seniors because it can be put toward any expenses that improve a recipient’s quality of life — including care at a nursing home or senior care facility in Wilmington. Furthermore, it can be added to an existing VA Pension.
How does one qualify for veterans benefits?
If you’re unsure about your or your loved one’s eligibility for veterans benefits, we recommend that you reach out to a benefits counselor. They can be found at veterans service organizations (VSOs), which are nonprofits often vetted by the VA. See the resources section below to connect to local Wilmington VSOs.
Where can one find benefits counseling in Wilmington, North Carolina?
Fortunately, Wilmington residents can access a variety of VSOs at one department — the New Hanover County Veteran Services. This department offers benefits counseling for American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), Disabled American Veterans, and much more.
Resources for Wilmington veterans
National Association for Black Veterans (NABVETS) Wilmington Chapter #0042
708 Chestnut St.
Wilmington, NC 28401
Phone: 910-264-5258
Email: redtigerc1@att.net
Medicaid is a public health insurance program for seniors and low-income individuals. It’s jointly funded by the federal and state governments. North Carolina’s Medicaid program is operated by the Division of Health Service Regulations at the NC Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS). The state’s program is called NC Medicaid, and it can cover some long-term care costs, depending on the type of senior care.
NC Medicaid for nursing homes
Nursing facilities, also sometimes called skilled nursing facilities and nursing homes, may be covered by NC Medicaid when the services are considered medically necessary by a person’s physician. This means a person must demonstrate that they require a nursing home level of care and need services that can only be provided by licensed nurses or health professionals in a skilled nursing facility. Some qualifying conditions that meet a nursing home level of care may include the need for services like the following:[04]
- Respiratory therapy
- Dialysis treatment
- Rehabilitative therapies
- Regular medication administration
- At least eight hours of nursing care per day
- Round-the-clock monitoring and assessment of a condition
A person must also meet financial eligibility criteria to qualify for nursing home coverage. NC Medicaid’s monthly income limits range from $1,215 for an individual to $1,644 for a couple. NC Medicaid also has resource limits that can’t exceed $2,000 for one person and $3,000 for couples.[05]
It’s still possible to qualify if your income and resources are above these limits. You can contact the Mecklenburg County Department of Social Services to go over your income and assets and get hands-on help walking through eligibility.
NC Medicaid for assisted living and memory care
NC Medicaid generally doesn’t cover the costs of room and board provided in these types of settings as it does for nursing homes. However, the state offers some in-home health care programs for seniors who need a nursing home level of care. These programs are for seniors who would rather receive services from their community — such as assisted living or memory care communities — instead of an institution like a skilled nursing facility. These programs include the following:
- Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) is a joint Medicare and Medicaid program that provides access to services like transportation and nursing care from a senior’s community.
- Personal Care Services (PCS) benefit seniors in an adult care home or assisted living facility who need help with daily activities like eating, bathing, and getting dressed.
- Community Alternatives Program for Disabled Adults (CAP/DA) helps medically fragile seniors remain in their community by providing services like coordinated caregiving, adult day health, and specialized medical supplies.
To apply for NC Medicaid, you can visit the North Carolina ePass website or contact your local Medicaid ombudsman for help. You’ll find the North Carolina Medicaid Division of Health Benefits has a wealth of resources and information on its website. Additionally, you can contact the NC Medicaid Ombudsman for Medicaid-specific questions and the local Area Agency on Aging to access other senior services in your area.
Wilmington resident Medicaid resources
North Carolina Medicaid Division of Health Benefits
Phone: 888-245-0179
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Medicare is a federal health insurance program that provides coverage to seniors 65 and over. It may cover many medical expenses, including a stay at a skilled nursing facility. Medicare fully covers up to 20 days, a limited amount for up to 100 days, and no expenses past the 100-day mark.[06]
For assisted living and memory care, Medicare doesn’t cover rent, but it can be used to cover some medically necessary care costs provided within a senior care facility. Here’s a breakdown of Medicare-covered costs by parts:
- Original Medicare (Part A and B) covers hospital stays, skilled nursing, and lab tests. Part B covers doctors’ visits and home health care.
- Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans are provided through private insurance companies. Only a few providers accept Part C, but the benefits are substantial. It covers prescription drugs in addition to everything covered by Part A and B.
- Medicare Part D offers prescription drug coverage and is often added to Part A and B.
- Medigap is a supplemental insurance plan offering extra coverage after Original Medicare. Medigap plans help with copays and overseas medical coverage.
Save on Medicare in Wilmington
Wilmington seniors can use one of North Carolina’s Medicare Savings Programs for financial assistance with Medicare premiums, copays, coinsurance, and prescriptions. To see which program you qualify for, reach out to a SHIIP (State Health Insurance Information Program) counselor using North Carolina’s SHIIP county search tool.
Seniors can also reach out to the PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly) in North Carolina for additional help with their care needs. North Carolina has 12 PACE centers throughout the state and the one in Wilmington is called Elderhaus.
For additional information and assistance with Medicare, Wilmington residents can also visit the federal Medicare website or contact the local long-term care ombudsmen at the Cape Fear Council of Governments. This ombudsman’s role is to advocate for the health care rights of assisted living, memory care, and nursing home residents. They also help families learn about local senior care options and payment methods.
Wilmington resident Medicare resources
Wilmington Social Security Office
1528 S 16th St.
Wilmington, NC 28401
Phone: 866-964-6627
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Jeff Brunsink, long-term care ombudsman
Phone: 910-274-0344
Email: jbrunsink@capefearcog.org
Holli Blackwelder, long-term care ombudsman
Phone: 910-274-0350
Email: hblackwelder@capefearcog.org
Understand North Carolina laws and regulations for nursing homes
The North Carolina Division of Health Service Regulation (DHSR) is in charge of licensing and overseeing senior care facilities in the state. This includes nursing homes — or skilled nursing facilities — and senior care homes that provide assisted living and memory care to residents.
The DHSR conducts regular inspections of senior care facilities to make sure the state’s laws and regulations are being followed. When you’re considering a senior care facility, it’s important to be familiar with local regulations to make sure proper care and safety standards are being met. We run through some of DHSR’s requirements for different long-term care settings below.
Skilled nursing facility regulations
Nursing home inspections can be conducted by the DHSR at any time without warning to make sure facilities are following North Carolina’s rules and regulations for nursing homes. Inspections are usually performed annually, assuming no complaints or violations are found.
The rules for North Carolina nursing homes cover a range of topics from admission and dietary services to living spaces. You can access all DHSR regulations on their website, but we’ve highlighted some important ones here:
- Residents must be referred to a nursing home by a physician.
- All facilities are required to have a Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) policy.
- Medications should be administered according to a patient’s medical records.
- Facilities must provide outdoor spaces for activities that are accessible to patients of all abilities.
- All bedrooms must have access to a window and provide one closet or wardrobe for each individual.
- Facilities must coordinate an ongoing activity program that supports the individual needs and interests of each patient.
- Patients who can’t perform activities of daily living (ADLs) must receive any assistance that helps them maintain their personal hygiene or restores their ability to complete ADLs.
- 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.
- Menus must meet patients’ dietary needs and be planned at least two weeks in advance, have nutritionally similar substitutions available, and be communicated to patients regularly.
- Private, single bedrooms must have at least 100 square feet of floor area, and semi-private rooms with more than one bed must have at least 80 square feet of floor space per bed.
Assisted living and memory care regulations
Assisted living and memory care facilities are usually inspected by the DHSR annually, unless follow-up inspections are required because of complaints or violations found during an assessment. These annual inspections are also often unannounced and can last from one to several days.
Assisted living facilities have a different set of regulations than nursing homes do in North Carolina. We break down some key ones to note below, but you can also access all regulations on the DHSR page.
- Facilities are required to provide at least three meals and offer snacks on a daily basis.
- All residents must have an updated care plan in place based on their initial assessment.
- Residents must receive an adequate amount of personal care and supervision based on their individual needs and care plan.
- Designated staff may administer medications, but residents can self-administer if ordered by a physician and specific instructions are printed on the medication label.
- Residents must receive a pre-admission assessment within 72 hours of moving into a community, as well as an assessment within 30 days of admission and annually thereafter.
- The community must offer 14 hours of weekly group activities with at least one monthly outing for all residents.
- Facilities can’t admit a resident who needs continual skilled nursing support or has care needs that go beyond what a facility can provide.
Assisted living facilities with memory care for residents with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia ultimately have similar regulations in place. The following are some additional rules memory care communities have in place to account for the safety and additional care needs of memory care residents.
- Residents must have a care plan developed within 30 days of admission, which is updated quarterly.
- All memory care residents must receive a pre-admission screening for cognitive impairment and have a confirmed diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or another type of dementia.
- Memory care units are required to have security monitoring systems in place for any unlocked exit doors.
- Memory care units within an assisted living facility must be separated by closed doors.
- Memory care staff must undergo extra training that includes a six-hour orientation during their first week, 20 hours of memory care-specific training within their first six months, and an annual 12 hours of continued education.
File a complaint or access inspection reports
Residents and their families can report any concerns about care or treatment at an assisted living or memory care facility by doing the following:
- File a direct complaint to the North Carolina DHSR.
- Contact your local ombudsmen office.
- Contact your local Area Agency on Aging.
The NC Division of Health Service Regulation conducts quarterly visits to all senior care facilities and can provide current information regarding recent facility complaints. You can search for a senior care facility on the DHSR website to gain access to inspection reports, any penalties found within the past 36 months, and star ratings based on previous inspections. You can also look up and compare nursing homes near you using the Medicare.gov search tool.
COVID-19 regulations for Wilmington nursing homes
Wilmington doesn’t have any of its own regulations for nursing homes and senior care facilities. However, the state of North Carolina does follow infection prevention guidance set forth by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Guidance for long-term care settings includes the following practices:
- Disinfect common, high-touch areas.
- Post visual alerts regarding COVID-19 (like hand hygiene practices, masking requirements, etc.).
- Use personal protective equipment when necessary.
You can also visit New Hanover County’s COVID-19 dashboard to learn about the area’s risk level.
What to expect from nursing homes in Wilmington
Wilmington is an ideal location for seniors looking for the daily conveniences of a big city without the noise and traffic. The city offers riverfront views, nearby beaches, and historic districts that offer a unique charm. There are also great options for seniors to receive skilled nursing and senior care services.
Learn about how nursing homes compare to senior care communities in Wilmington below.
Nursing homes
A Place for Mom doesn’t partner with skilled nursing facilities, but there are a few options for seniors seeking skilled nursing in Wilmington. Some of our partner assisted living and memory care communities may offer on-site skilled nursing for residents. Nursing homes are the best option for seniors who require 24-hour medical supervision and care for chronic and serious medical conditions. Skilled nursing facilities in Wilmington typically offer the following:
- Short and long-term rehabilitation services
- Rehabilitative therapies (physical, occupational, and speech)
- Hospice and palliative care
- Medication management and injection administration
- Some social activities and a shared space
Assisted living and memory care
Seniors who require some assistance with activities of daily living, but don’t require 24-hour medical supervision may better benefit from assisted living or memory care. Some Wilmington senior care facilities even have a skilled nursing unit on-site for residents who need nursing care after a hospital visit or if a serious illness arises.
In Wilmington, our partner network of assisted living and memory care communities offer the following:
- Assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs)
- Three meals and optional snacks throughout the day
- Housekeeping and laundry services
- Medication reminders
- Transportation services
- On-site activities (like fitness classes, art lessons, game nights, etc.)
- On-site amenities (like movie theaters, shared lounges, game rooms, etc.)
Many of our partner senior care communities in Wilmington also provide more advanced nursing services on-site, including the following:
- Diabetic care
- Dental care
- Hospice or palliative care
- Podiatry
- Visiting rehabilitative therapists (physical, occupational, and speech)
Our memory care partners personalize their care services, activities, amenities, and environment to accommodate the needs of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease or other types of dementia. Some of these specialized memory care accommodations include reminiscence therapies, navigational signs, calming colors, and more.
Wilmington nursing homes services and amenities
Availability of select care services in Wilmington nursing homes
Availability of select dementia care services in Wilmington nursing homes
Availability of select dietary accommodations in Wilmington nursing homes
Availability of select dining options in Wilmington nursing homes
Availability of select programs and activities in Wilmington nursing homes
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Unfamiliar with Wilmington? Highlights for seniors
Number of seniors over the age of 65 living in Wilmington as of 2021
Percentage of Wilmington seniors 65 and older with at least one disability
Average annual retirement income for Wilmington seniors 65 and older
Health care for seniors in Wilmington
Wilmington only has one hospital, but there are several medical clinics and practices throughout the city. Learn about Wilmington’s hospital and another hospital on the outskirts.
Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center
New Hanover Regional Medical Center is the only hospital in Wilmington. It ranks No. 11 in North Carolina and is rated highly for ten conditions including heart attack care, stroke care, and hip replacements.
Novant Health Brunswick Medical
Brunswick Medical Center is approximately 20 miles outside of Wilmington. However, it’s highly rated for hip replacement surgery.
Transportation for seniors in Wilmington
Seniors have several transportation options in Wilmington. Fortunately, most of our partner senior care facilities also offer complimentary and/or at-cost transportation services to residents. Do keep in mind that some communities limit rides to medical appointments and essential errands, while others allow residents to schedule rides for leisure activities and events as well.
For visiting loved ones, Wave Transit buses and trolleys are a great way to get around Wilmington. Seniors can ride with their loved ones using the reduced fare and free fare programs, which allow them to ride for half the price. Wave also offers Dial-A-Ride Transportation (DART) for seniors who live outside of service areas.
Senior activities in Wilmington
Wilmington offers tons of activities for seniors with a variety of interests. Seniors can enjoy outings with visiting loved ones or attend community-scheduled trips. The city even takes it a step further and outlines its accessible Wilmington experiences for individuals with disabilities. We’ve highlighted a few of Wilmington’s senior-favored activities below.
- Cameron Art Museum (CAM).This enticing museum displays incredible exhibits and artworks from around the world. It also offers a Connections Program for individuals with disabilities or Alzheimer’s disease. It enables individuals to explore the museum in a supportive, interactive, and safe environment that minimizes stress and promotes connections.
- Wilmington’s National Register Historic Districts. Founded in the 1700s, Wilmington has a rich history that’s been preserved through eight historic districts. Seniors can enjoy performances in the theater district, visit original settlements in the residential district, or explore the shops in the historic downtown district.
- Wilmington Riverwalk. This gorgeous river walk is a landmark in Wilmington. It spans over 1.75 miles along the Cape Fear River. It’s the city’s most popular attraction and offers access to public parks, shops, restaurants, and museums. Some favored restaurants include The George on the Riverwalk and Elijah’s.
Frequently Asked Questions
TerraBella Southport, Spring Arbor of Wilmington and Arbor Landing at Hampstead are the top-rated Nursing Homes facilities near Wilmington, NC. These Nursing Homes facilities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews. See full list of communities.
The average cost of Nursing Homes in Wilmington is $4,595 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
References
Genworth. (2021). Cost of care survey.
A Place for Mom. (2023). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
United States Census Bureau. (2022). Wilmington city, North Carolina.
NC Medicaid. (2021, December 15). Medicaid and health choice: Nursing facility services.
NC Department of Health and Human Services. Eligibility.
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. (2023). Medicare coverage of skilled nursing facility care.
U.S. News and World Report. Best hospitals in Wilmington, NC.
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