10 Assisted Living Communities in Union County, North Carolina

The average cost of assisted living in the county is $3,803 a month. This guide is a starting point covering the cost of assisted living care in the county, as well as financing options to pay for it. You’ll find in-depth information on 10 Assisted Living Communities in Union County and several in surrounding areas. The Cost of Senior Care in Union County, NC

• Assisted Living: $3,803
• Nursing Home Care: $6,935
• In-home Care: $3,813
• Adult Day Health Services: $1,343

According to Genworth’s 2018 Cost of Care survey, assisted living in Union County costs an average of $3,803 per month, which is about $100 more per month than the statewide average of $3,693 but about $200 less than the nationwide average of $4,000 per month. Of the major regions surveyed, Union County is the third most expensive region for assisted living, surpassed only by the Winston area ($4,215) and the Greensboro area ($4,883).

The most affordable city for assisted living is Burlington, which lies about 130 miles to the northeast of Union County. Here, assisted living costs an average of $2,800 per month. Relatively affordable care can also be found in the Hickory area ($3,300), Fayetteville ($3,100) and the Durham area ($3,150).

Note: Senior care costs for Union County are not available, so data for Charlotte, the closest major city, was used.

The cost of senior care in Union County varies considerably, depending on the level of care and amenities provided. In most cases, senior care options that include more extensive hands-on care, as well as room and board, meals, utilities, housekeeping and activities, tend to be the most costly. Senior care that’s only provided for a few hours per day and doesn’t include living costs is usually the most affordable. However, this isn’t necessarily the case in Union County.  In this county, nursing home care is the most expensive option, with a semiprivate room costing approximately $6,935 per month. Home health care services, which don’t include living costs such as housing and utilities, are the second most expensive, with home health aides costing $4,004 per month and homemaker services costing $3,813 per month. Assisted living costs $3,803 per month, and adult day health services are the most affordable senior care option at $1,343 per month. 

Union County seniors who meet income and asset guidelines may be eligible to receive free health care coverage through Medicaid. This program is jointly funded by the federal and state government and covers a wide array of medical expenses, including preventative care, hospital stays, medical equipment and mobility aids. The Personal Care Services program, which is part of the regular Medicaid program, covers services provided in assisted living facilities, including assistance with eating, bathing, dressing and mobility.  

To qualify for Medicaid, applicants must be legal U.S. citizens and permanent North Carolina residents. Single applicants can have a monthly income of up to $1,041 and up to $2,000 in countable assets. Married applicants can have a monthly income of up to $1,409 and up to $3,000 in countable assets. Those who qualify for Supplemental Security Income, are on Medicare or receive State/County Special Assistance are automatically eligible for Medicaid.

North Carolina’s Medicaid plan, including PCS, is an entitlement, meaning that all seniors who meet these qualifications are guaranteed to be accepted into the program.  

Seniors who don’t meet income limits may still receive Medicaid through the Medically Needy Pathway. With this program, participants put excess income toward qualifying medical expenses. Once their monthly income is spent down to Medicaid’s limits, Medicaid covers any remaining medical expenses. Medicaid planning is available for seniors whose income and assets exceed Medicaid’s limits.  

Seniors who are applying to have assisted living services covered through the PCS program must have a medical condition, disability or cognitive impairment. They must also demonstrate an unmet need for limited assistance with at least three activities of daily living or assistance with two activities of daily living plus extensive or full assistance with at least one activity of daily living. To determine eligibility, an assessment is conducted by or on behalf of the Division of Medical Assistance, and seniors receive only the services that are outlined in their individualized service plan.  

To learn more about the state’s Medicaid program or to apply for benefits, seniors should apply online or call the NC Medicaid Contact Center at (888) 245-0179.

State and County Special Assistance 

The State and County Special Assistance program provides a cash benefit to help low-income seniors pay for room and board in an assisted living facility. To qualify for this program, applicants must be at least 65 years old and reside in a residential facility, including an adult care home, a family care home or a group home. The facility must be approved for special assistance and agree to accept the state rate for residents who participate in this program.  

To learn more about the State and County Special Assistance program, seniors should contact their local Division of Social Services at (704) 296-4300. 

Optional State Supplement

Low-income seniors living in adult care homes may qualify to receive the Optional State Supplement. This cash benefit is added to monthly Supplemental Security Income and can be used toward living expenses, including assisted living expenses.  

To qualify for OSS, applicants must meet the federal SSI regulations. Seniors must be at least 65 years old and legal U.S. citizens or residents. Single applicants may have a monthly income of up to $771 and up to $2,000 in countable assets, and married applicants may have a monthly income of up to $1,157 and up to $3,000 in countable assets. Additionally, they must reside in an adult care home.  

Currently, the monthly benefit for OSS for those living in adult care homes is $554, and seniors who live in special care units may receive up to $887 per month. To learn more about OSS, Union County seniors should contact their nearest Social Security office at (800) 772-1213.     

The veterans services office in Union County provides eligible veterans access to a variety of resources, including benefit information, transportation to VA medical centers within the state and guidance on how to access state and federal resources, including burial assistance and applying for veterans identification cards. The office is open seven days each week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Union County Veterans Services
500 N Main Street, Suite 14, Monroe, NC 28112
(704) 283-3744

Senior Homes has an extensive directory of senior living options, with care and living providers across the United States.