10 Best Nursing Homes in Asheville, NC
Surrounded by the breathtaking Blue Ridge Mountains and a thriving art scene, Asheville is a great place for seniors to live out their golden years. When searching for senior care options, the term “nursing home” is often used as a general catch-all for senior living communities that offer different levels of care. However, a nursing home is a skilled nursing facility designed to provide round-the-clock specialized care to individuals with significant, chronic health issues, whether they be short-term or long-term.
More often than not, people searching for Asheville nursing homes actually require the kind of care associated with assisted living or memory care facilities. Memory care facilities provide 24/7 specialized care and long-term housing for seniors with memory loss, while assisted living facilities offer support for seniors who are somewhat active but need help with activities of daily living. If you or a loved one needs this kind of care, A Place for Mom partners with seven memory care and assisted living facilities, all within a 10-mile radius of downtown Asheville. Some of these communities have skilled nursing wings or medical and nursing care services on-site.
This guide focuses on our partner communities in Asheville. It will cover different types of senior care facilities, costs, payment options, and laws pertinent to senior care in Asheville. Our comprehensive review will provide the insight you need to determine which type of care is best for you or your loved one.
Nursing Homes Facilities near Asheville, NC
I liked the place and would have kept her there but she said she didn't like it. There were always activities and she did a lot of walking to stay active. I only worried about her getting enough to drink...
I would recommend to others. No facility is perfect but I'm very pleased overall. Management and health and wellness director very responsive to our needs.
The facility did an amazing job taking care of the residents when Hurricane Helene struck. The facility was without power and water for an extended period of time. My mom felt commented how amazing the staff...
[name removed] is a true professional and made our transition so easy. Based on the experience we have had so far with the Brookdale Asheville Walden Ridge community, we would recommend them to other...
I would recommend it for a family style type of living. I liked it because it was small and similar to how my mom's personality is. I really like the staff
Flesher's Fairview community had a very homey and family orientated feeling to it which we really liked. The rooms at this community are good, they have a little old fashion feeling to them. Some activities...
Our free advisors can help
- Compare local facilities
- Determine care type
- Schedule tours
- Evaluate pricing
I recently went to The oaks At Sweeten Creek for my rehabilitation after an extended stay at the hospital. The Staff at this facility work really hard to provided services to all of the patients. I was...
Our methodology
How we rank order the Asheville community options above
We developed a proprietary recommendation system that orders Asheville 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 Asheville area
- What families are saying about nursing homes in Asheville
- How people pay for a nursing home in Asheville
- Understand North Carolina laws and regulations for nursing homes
- What to expect from nursing homes in Asheville
- Unfamiliar with Asheville? Highlights for seniors
Costs of nursing homes in the Asheville area
The monthly cost of a private room in a nursing home in Asheville is $9,186.[01] On the other hand, A Place for Mom proprietary data shows residents in Asheville pay $4,978 for assisted living and $6,383 for memory care facilities per month on average at our partner communities. These costs represent the actual expenses paid, inclusive of any additional fees and service add-ons.[02] These costs reflect the type of care provided at each facility.
Assisted living facilities, memory care facilities, and nursing homes differ in services and amenities offered. Assisted living aims to promote independence through on-site care for seniors who require assistance with daily living activities, while memory care offers personalized care plans and activities tailored to seniors with memory loss, providing 24/7 supervision and high-level support for Alzheimer’s, dementia, or similar conditions. Nursing homes provide all-day skilled medical care, both short- and long-term, to residents.
Regardless of the type of care needed, it’s important to consider what services and amenities are included in the basic cost for each facility. Some services and amenities, such as transportation, additional meals, or specialized therapies, might be included in the baseline cost, while others may be available as add-ons.
Average monthly cost of Nursing Homes in Asheville, NC vs. nearby cities
Average monthly cost of Nursing Homes in Asheville, NC vs. the state and national average
Average monthly cost of Nursing Homes in Asheville vs. other types of senior living
Median monthly costs of Nursing Homes in Asheville, NC by room type
Average cost of Nursing Homes in Asheville over time
What families are saying about nursing homes in Asheville
Recent reviews for nursing homes in Asheville
Carolina Reserve of Laurel Park in Hendersonville, NC
Marjorie McCune Memorial Center in Black Mountain, NC
Pacifica Senior Living Heritage Hills in Hendersonville, NC
How people pay for a nursing home in Asheville
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.
Private pay options allow seniors and their families to finance senior care using personal funds from various sources such as savings, Social Security benefits, pensions, or investments. Ultimately, these options can give you more control over where you or your loved one will live and how individual care needs are met.
Alongside conventional options, there are additional resources that offer financial support for senior care expenses, including the following:
Veterans living in Asheville might qualify for VA benefits that can provide assistance with senior care. The Aid and Attendance (A&A) benefit can significantly help with the costs of specialized care, whether it’s assisted living, skilled nursing, or memory care facilities, as it can be used to cover the cost of anything that improves the recipient’s quality of life. A&A is added to the monthly VA Pension, and payments can be applied to all health-related and living expenses that enhance their quality of life.
The application and enrollment process for VA benefits can be complex, and we highly recommend that you get in touch with a veterans service organization (VSO) that can guide you through eligibility, available benefits, and application procedures. VSOs are VA-vetted and recognized, and they work to help veterans access the benefits they are entitled to.
Several local resources are available to find assistance with VA benefits from start to finish. In Buncombe County, the Veterans Services Office and the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) organization offer vital support. Additional resources include the North Carolina Department of Military & Veterans Affairs and the local American Legion Posts. Don’t hesitate to reach out for help. These resources are here to assist you and are well-equipped to guide you through the process with care and empathy.
Resources for Asheville veterans
Buncombe County Veterans Services Office
40 Coxe Ave.
Asheville, NC 28801
Phone: 828-250-5726
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
North Carolina Department of Military & Veterans Affairs
413 N. Salisbury St.
Raleigh, NC 27603
Phone: 844-624-8387
American Legion Posts
103 Reddick Road
Asheville, NC 288805
Phone: 828-299-8463
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
851 Haywood Road
Asheville, NC 28806
Phone: 828-505-4729
1329 Tunnel Road
Asheville, NC 28805
Phone: 828-298-7952
Winston-Salem DAV Office
251 N. Main St., Room 151
Winston-Salem, NC 27101
Phone: 336-631-5481
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
North Carolina’s Medicaid program (known as NC Medicaid) provides coverage for custodial care or room and board in nursing facilities, but not for assisted living or memory care facilities. However, Medicaid Home- and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers can cover some medically necessary expenses in assisted living or memory care.
In North Carolina, the Community Alternatives Program for Disabled Adults (CAP/DA) Waiver, NC Innovations Waiver, and NC Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Waiver programs offer essential services for eligible seniors:
- The CAP/DA Waiver offers a variety of in-home services to individuals aged 65+ (or those aged 18-64 with physical or other disabilities who require nursing facility-level care). Services include adult day health, in-home aide, care coordination, financial management, personal assistance, meal prep and delivery, and more.
- The NC Innovations Waiver provides a wide range of support services to individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities needing ICF/IID care. These include community navigation, day and residential support, respite care, assistive technology, home modifications, specialized consultation, and vehicle modification services.
- The NC TBI Waiver program provides day support, personal care, residential support, crisis support, and more to adults 18+ with brain injuries requiring hospital or nursing facility-level care. It also offers community networking, home modifications, and natural support education.
Personal Care Services (PCS) through NC Medicaid is another program that can help cover costs of personal care expenses — such as assistance with bathing, dressing, meals, and mobility — for those living in residential care facilities or group homes, including assisted living and memory care facilities and nursing homes.
We want you to receive all the benefits you’re eligible for. To see a full range of services and eligibility requirements, visit the state’s waiver list.
Navigating the process of determining eligibility and completing the HCBS waiver application can be daunting. You don’t have to go it alone. There are several valuable local resources available to assist you in finding the right program and answering any questions you might have, including the NC Medicaid Ombudsman, the Council on Aging of Buncombe County, and Buncombe County Health & Human Services.
If you are ready to start the NC Medicaid application, go to North Carolina’s Medicaid page or application website.
Asheville resident Medicaid resources
Buncombe County Health & Human Services
40 Coxe Ave.
Asheville, NC 28801
Phone: 828-250-5500
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Council on Aging of Buncombe County
46 Sheffield Circle
Asheville, NC 28803
Phone: 828-277-8288
Email: info@COAbc.org
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
NC Medicaid Ombudsman
Email: info@ncmedicaidombudsman.org
Phone: 877-201-3750
Medicare is a federal health insurance program for seniors 65 years or older, and it is essential to understand what is covered and what’s not to avoid any surprises.
In general, Medicare doesn’t cover custodial costs, such as room and board, for assisted living and memory care facilities. However, Medicare does cover certain skilled nursing on a limited, short-term basis. Medicare-covered services in a skilled nursing facility include:
- Semi-private rooms
- Meals
- Medical supplies and equipment used in the facility
- Physical and occupational therapies
- Medications
- Ambulance transportation
For seniors in assisted living or memory care facilities, Medicare may provide short-term help with medically necessary in-home medical care, such as in-patient care, physician fees, some necessary items, and up to 100 days of short-term skilled nursing care.
Additionally, Asheville offers a range of local resources that can help with qualifying medical expenses, giving you more options and flexibility to manage costs.
- CarePartners Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) offers comprehensive medical care to eligible seniors in Buncombe or Henderson County. It includes primary care, hospital care, prescription drugs, and home care services.
- Medicare Savings Program (MSP) assists Medicare enrollees with premium payments. Additional information about MSP can be found in this guide.
- NC Medication Assistance Program (MAP) provides low-cost medications.
- NC Medicare and Seniors’ Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) offers counseling, assistance, and guidance for understanding Medicare plans and managing associated costs.
If you have questions regarding Medicare coverage for nursing homes, assisted living, or memory care facilities, the local Office of Aging and Adult Services or Ombudsman Program can provide additional insights about Medicare coverage options.
The Asheville Social Security Administration office is where you will apply for Medicare. You can find online application information on their website.
Asheville resident Medicare resources
Social Security Administration Office
800 Centrepark Drive
Asheville, NC 28805
Phone: 800-772-1213
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Aging and Adult Services
Contact: Joyce Massey-Smith
Phone: 919-855-3400
Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program
Contact: Victor Orija, state long-term care ombudsman
Email: victor.orija@dhhs.nc.gov
Phone: 919-855-3426
Contact: Renee Kea, ombudsman/elder rights specialist
Email: renee.kea@dhhs.nc.gov
Phone: 919-855-3431
Contact: Kendra Dixon, ombudsman program specialist
Email: lakendra.dixon@dhhs.nc.gov
Phone: 919-855-3433
Understand North Carolina laws and regulations for nursing homes
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.
Vaccinations.
Getting fully vaccinated is highly recommended for North Carolina residents to safeguard themselves and the community against COVID-19. Until vaccinated, senior care facility residents are recommended to continue wearing masks and maintaining a six-foot distance from others as a precautionary measure.
What to expect from nursing homes in Asheville
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.
Unfamiliar with Asheville? Highlights for seniors
Number of seniors over the age of 65 currently living in Asheville
Median annual income for Asheville seniors 65 and older
Health care for seniors in Asheville
Mission Hospital
Dedicated Level II Trauma Center, committed to delivering unmatched orthopedic trauma care.
UNC Health-Pardee
UNC Health-Pardee’s Level I Trauma Center is renowned for exceptional treatments of COPD, GI conditions, and substance abuse disorders.
Charles George Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center
The Charles George VA Hospital offers dedicated care and surgical services to veterans who have served in the armed forces.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Mars Hill Manor, Pacifica Senior Living Heritage Hills and Harmony at Reynolds Mountain are the top-rated Nursing Homes facilities near Asheville, 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 Asheville is $4,494 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
Views -> Challenger -> By Care type answer 3
References
Genworth Financial. (2021). Cost of Care Survey.
A Place for Mom. (2023). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Veteran Status (S2101) [Data set]. American Community Survey.
U.S. News and World Report. (2023). Mission Hospital-Asheville.
Healthgrades (2023). Pardee Hospital.
More questions?
Ask an A Place for Mom local advisor at no cost.
- Price Creek, North Carolina
- Pensacola, North Carolina
- Possumtrot, North Carolina
- Waverly, North Carolina
- Bald Creek, North Carolina
- Swiss, North Carolina
- Buckner, North Carolina
- Paint Fork, North Carolina
- Rice Mill, North Carolina
- Little Creek, North Carolina
- Ivy Ridge, North Carolina
- Foster Creek, North Carolina
- Cane, North Carolina
- Paint Gap, North Carolina
- Jarrett Cove, North Carolina
- Davistown, North Carolina
- Retreat, North Carolina
- Lackey Town, North Carolina
- Sunburst, North Carolina
- Cruso, North Carolina