We care about our seniors! Find all the information you need to lead a safe and healthy life in North Carolina. Get the right care to fit your needs whether you continue to live at home or transition into long-term care housing. Caregivers can locate resources and support to help give their seniors the best care possible.

Staying Healthy

Discuss with your family to identify the types of care required, be it physical support, help with household tasks, or transportation.

Staying In Your Home

In North Carolina, various home-based services ensure seniors can live independently and safely. These services adapt to individual needs, offering everything from occasional assistance to comprehensive in-home care.

For more information on in-home care options, contact your local Area Agency on Aging (AAA) or the North Carolina Division of Aging and Adult Services at (919) 855-3400.

Long-Term Care Facilities

North Carolina provides several facility-based living options, including adult care homes, assisted living facilities, skilled nursing facilities, and specialized dementia care options.

To explore these options, contact your local Area Agency on Aging or the North Carolina Division of Aging and Adult Services at (919) 855-3400.

Protecting Seniors

If you suspect elder abuse in North Carolina, it's crucial to report it to the proper authorities to ensure the safety and well-being of vulnerable seniors.

North Carolina Elder Abuse Laws

These laws cover a spectrum of issues from abuse and neglect to exploitation and rights within long-term care facilities. The primary legislation includes the North Carolina General Statutes, specifically within Chapters 108A (Social Services) and 14 (Criminal Law).

Definitions, reporting procedures, penalties, protective services, financial exploitation guidelines, and estate planning laws are all structured to safeguard seniors' rights and well-being.

Reporting Abuse

North Carolina encourages anyone who suspects elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation to report their concerns to the county Department of Social Services or local law enforcement. Professionals in healthcare and social work are mandated reporters.

Financial Exploitation

North Carolina law treats the financial exploitation of the elderly as a significant offense, with various statutes addressing the misuse of an elder's assets.

Estate Planning and Probate Laws

North Carolina's legal framework provides for wills, trusts, power of attorney, and advance healthcare directives, guiding how assets are managed and distributed.

Wills, Trusts, and Probate

The state's statutes outline the requirements for creating a will, establishing trusts, and navigating the probate process to ensure a person's estate is handled according to their wishes.

Power of Attorney and Advance Health Care Directive

Specific laws in North Carolina govern the creation and use of power of attorney documents and advance directives, detailing how individuals can make their health care preferences known and appoint agents to act on their behalf.

Guardianship Laws

In situations where an elderly individual can no longer make decisions independently, North Carolina courts may appoint guardians or conservators to make personal, healthcare, and financial decisions.

Healthcare and Medicaid

Seniors in North Carolina have rights and protections related to healthcare services, including access to Medicaid for eligible low-income individuals.

Discrimination and Rights in Long-Term Care

State laws ensure seniors are protected against age discrimination and have specific rights within long-term care settings, promoting dignity, respect, and quality of life.

Senior Services

The North Carolina Division of Aging and Adult Services offers various programs and services to support seniors living independently, including nutrition programs, caregiver support, and transportation services.