North Carolina is home to 10.3 million residents, and of this group, the Alzheimer's Association estimates that 170,000 have Alzheimer's disease. Guilford County, North Carolina, which is the third-most populous county in the state, has a population of 533,670 people, 14.8 percent of whom are 65 or over, which works out to about 78,983 individuals, many of whom may have Alzheimer's disease and require memory care.
There are six memory care facilities in Guilford County, five of which are located in Greensboro, the county's largest city, and one situated in High Point. Memory care communities are classified as Special Care Units (SCUs) in North Carolina within Adult Care Homes (ACHs).
- The climate in Guilford County is quite comfortable. It ranks 65/100 on Sperling's Comfort Index scale. The area has pleasant summer and spring seasons, although it does get quite hot in the summer — the average high in July is around 89 degrees. Guilford County doesn't typically get much snow in the winter, either, only around 5 inches each year.
- The cost of living in Guilford County is a big benefit, as it's quite affordable for seniors and their families. On a cost of living index where the national average is 100, Guilford County is 89.1, which is below the state average of 96. This index factors in housing, utilities, groceries and other expenses necessary for living.
- Another great financial benefit to living in Guilford County is the tax rates. North Carolina is considered to be a moderately tax-friendly state for retirees, thanks to Social Security being fully tax exempt. Other retirement funds, such as public and private pensions and withdrawals from 401ks and IRAs are taxed at the state rate of 5.5%.
- Guilford County is home to world-class medical facilities, including those specializing in brain health and dementia care such as the Neurology Department at Cone Health Medical Group in Greensboro, in the event of medical emergencies or illness.
Note: Data on this page was updated in 2019 and based on the latest 2018 figures.