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The riverfront town of New Bern, North Carolina’s original capital city, is called home by nearly 6,000 seniors who make up almost 20% of the population. The area’s historic charm and small-town feel, as well as the warmer winter weather and proximity to North Carolina beaches, make New Bern an appealing retirement option. Seniors living here can enjoy the local golf courses, take in local art at the Community Arts Gallery or visit the eclectic downtown shopping. The Croatan National Forest offers walking trails and lakes for fishing or nature viewing, and residents also have the option of visiting the beaches, less than an hour’s drive from town.
Older adults seeking a supportive shared living environment as they age often turn to assisted living facilities for their long-term care. The Genworth 2021 Cost of Care Survey finds that the average monthly price for assisted living care in New Bern is $3,645, which is hundreds of dollars less expensive than both North Carolina and U.S. average prices.
Read on for a comparison of assisted living costs across various cities in North Carolina, as well as a short list of government and nonprofit-run programs that serve New Bern’s retirement-age adults.
Hundreds of thousands of American seniors utilize assisted living, a figure that is only growing. For these seniors, assisted living combines residential housing,assistance in daily activities, and some healthcare. These communities also strive to provide an atmosphere that is comfortable and engaging for their residents… Read More >
COVID-19 restrictions and rules for Assisted Living Facilities are typically set by the state – to see the rules in your state, you can read our guide to Assisted Living in North Carolina. Keep in mind that there may be other policies that communities put in place to protect their residents, so you should contact your local community for more information. Additionally, you can contact your local Area Agency on Aging to learn more – find contact information here.
New Bern seniors pay an average of $3,645 per month for assisted living care.
New Bern’s cost for assisted living care is roughly $850 below the U.S. average of $4,500 a month. It’s also around $365 below the North Carolina average of $4,010 a month.
State capital Raleigh is home to North Carolina’s highest monthly cost for assisted living at $5,388, with Wilmington at a similarly high price point of $5,254. Prices are also more than $1,000 higher than New Bern’s in Asheville, where residents pay $4,998 a month, and in Durham, where they pay $4,800 a month. North Carolina cities less expensive than New Bern include Burlington, where the average monthly cost is $3,325, and Fayetteville, where the average monthly cost is an even $3,000. Goldsboro reports North Carolina’s lowest cost at $2,700, about $950 less expensive than New Bern.
Since not everyone can afford to pay for assisted living out-of-pocket, it’s important to find alternative methods to help make assisted living more affordable. Some of these options include:
For more information about your options for making assisted living more affordable, visit our guide to Assisted Living in North Carolina.
| Eastern Carolina Council | (252) 638-3185, Ext 3001 | One of 16 such regional councils, the Eastern Carolina Council (ECC) administers the Area Agency on Agency’s services and programs specifically geared towards New Bern’s senior residents. From eldercare advocacy and elder abuse awareness to their Family Caregiver Support Program, ECC provides support to seniors and their loved ones. ECC also offers a number of evidence-based health promotion programs, including Living Healthy with Diabetes and Living Healthy with Chronic Conditions. |
| Craven County Veterans Services | (252) 636-6611 | The Craven County Veterans Services (CCVS) offers individualized counseling so that senior veterans and their dependents can get the benefits and services to which they are entitled. In addition to VA disability, pension and compensation guidance, CCVS helps veterans with life insurance, dependent benefits and VA medical center enrollment. |
| Morehead City VA Clinic | (252) 240-2349 | The nearby Morehead City VA Clinic provides a number of care services for senior veterans and their dependents. Primary care is available, as are behavioral health services. Veterans can have their prescriptions filled here or have bloodwork taken as well. |
| Craven County Senior Services | (252) 638-1790 | Craven County Senior Services (CCSS) engages the senior community by providing a range of programs, events, activities and services tailored specifically to meet their needs and interests. Congregant meals are provided at the Senior Activity Center in New Bern, and art classes, tai chi and bingo, to name a few, are offered here as well. Seniors can also give of their time in meaningful ways by helping deliver meals to homebound seniors in the New Bern area. |
| Coastal Community Action RSVP | (252) 223-1630 | A branch of the nationwide Senior Corps program, RSVP is a way for seniors to stay actively engaged in their communities by contributing their time and talents to help others in need. Volunteers can choose from a number of nonprofit or public agencies or programs that match their skills and interests. |
Assisted Living Facilities in the New Bern area are required to follow a set of rules and regulations that are determined at the state level. For an overview of those rules and regulations, see the information below. For more specific information, talk with your local community or Area Agency on Aging.
