Fayetteville Memory Care (Alzheimer's & Dementia)

Fayetteville likes its seniors. This city of 200,564 boasts a good selection of inexpensive assisted living facilities and an active senior community. Read on to find out more about cost of living and things to do for seniors.

The North Carolina Division of Health Service Regulation (NC DHSR) is in charge of licensing and regulating assisted living facilities in the state. There are three main classifications of assisted living:

Family Care Homes (two to six beds)

Adult Care Homes (seven or more beds)

Assisted Living Facilities called multi-unit housing with services.

The state also rates each home based on inspections and complaints. The ratings are based on a one to four star system. For example, based on their last two inspections, Hope Mills Retirement Center (listed below) has a three-star average rating. You can find inspection reports, ratings, and violation reports for Fayetteville facilities by going to the NC DHSR site.

Fayetteville's overall cost of living is 3% below the national average.. A private, one-bedroom in a Fayetteville assisted living facility averages $2,750 a month, according to a recent Genworth Financial survey on long-term care. A private room in a nursing home averages $187 a day--a semi-private averages $172.

For those wanting to socialize, exercise and keep their minds sharp, the Fayetteville-Cumberland Senior Center is available to "enhance the quality of life of seniors." Some past classes have included "Senior Pathway to Economic Success," "Elder Law Center," "Living Healthy," and "Digital Camera Basics." Future trips include a Bermuda cruise, Las Vegas and Grand Canyon trip, NC lighthouse tour, and fall foliage train ride in the mountains. And throughout the city, seniors can enjoy these programs with 24 senior clubs that meet in various churches, parks and community centers.

To see more area senior programs, go the Fayetteville-Cumberland website.