About us
Carol Woods is a vibrant, inclusive community where every individual is valued and supported in living a life of purpose. Grounded in dignity, equity, and mutual respect, we foster meaningful engagement across all abilities, backgrounds, and stages of life. Through collaborative decision-making, sustainable practices, and a commitment to lifelong accessibility, we create a place where personal well-being and the common good thrive together. At Carol Woods, purpose is not just a principle—it’s how we live, grow, and lead.
MISSION STATEMENT
Carol Woods, a nonprofit organization based in Chapel Hill, NC, offers a supportive and collaborative community on our campus that enables older adults to lead enriched and fulfilling lives. Through local outreach and innovative offerings like our Early Acceptance program, we extend our support to the aging population beyond our campus.
VISION STATEMENT
Carol Woods will pioneer innovative approaches to positive aging on our campus and throughout the state and nation. We will pursue this vision by fostering an exceptional place to live and work, maintaining financial strength, and creating meaningful impact in the lives of older adults in the broader community.
PHILOSOPHY STATEMENT
Carol Woods values individual and community well-being, defined as a sense of life satisfaction, meaning, and purpose. Success is measured by the quality of life achieved by residents. Personal autonomy and dignity are honored in a safe and secure community, conscious of its generous but limited resources. Carol Woods’ approach to well-being, which includes health care, is holistic, proactive and collaborative, integrating a broad array of traditional and emerging modalities and interventions tailored to the unique needs of each person. Each person’s life experiences, capabilities, and goals are respected and honored. Carol Woods is restraint-free and supports individual choices in end-of-life decisions. The partnership between staff and residents is fundamental to successful well-being. Mutual respect between residents and staff fosters a natural sense of cooperation and caring. Staff supports residents in making decisions about individual services, healthcare, and transitions. Carol Woods encourages open communication and partnership in planning, implementing, and evaluating community initiatives. Open and honest interaction builds relationships of appreciation and trust among residents, families, staff, administration, and the board of directors. Staff members are supported personally and professionally through high-quality education and training to gain a thorough understanding of the aging process and the latest developments in resident-focused services to support the community’s philosophy. Carol Woods’ commitment to these values builds a strong community that is responsive to changes and extends beyond its own members. Research, education, and community service further quality of life for elders in the wider world.
Inclusivity
Carol Woods is committed to creating a community where everyone feels respected, supported, and genuinely at home. We welcome individuals of all races, religions, identities, and orientations and celebrate the richness that diverse experiences bring. Our culture of openness and mutual respect ensures that all who seek purpose, connection, and belonging will find a warm welcome here.
Leadership
Carol Woods is guided by experienced, mission-driven leaders who work in close collaboration with residents and staff. With deep roots in aging services, our leadership team ensures the community remains forward-thinking, inclusive, and true to its founding values.
Board
Financial Advisor, LFM Wealth Management
Executive Director of Library Development, The University of North Carolina
Former Faculty and Dean, Kenan-Flagler Business School, The University of North Carolina
Director of Nursing, Piedmont Health Services Inc.
- Resident
- President of Residents Association, ex-officio
- Former Elementary Music and Classroom Teacher
Retired Clinical Professor, Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, The University of North Carolina School of Medicine
Former Rector, Chapel of the Cross
- Resident
- Vice President of the Residents Association, ex-officio
- Career in academia centered on child development, family studies, and the impact of education on young children from low-income families
Architect with Experience in Community Planning and Preservation
Owner, University Florist
Former Medical Reporter, Commentator, and Physician, WRAL-TV/NBC News
Retired Professor, Division of General Medicine and Clinical Epidemiology, The University of North Carolina School of Medicine
Seasoned and Experienced Real Estate Attorney
President, Community Impact Investment Corp
Owner, The Law Office of Maurice B. Popkin, Esquire, PLLC
President and CEO, Carol Woods
- Resident
- Former Faculty Member, The University of North Carolina School of Nursing
- Resident
- President of Residents Association, ex-officio
- Former Occupational Therapist
Director of Student Life and Alumni Relations, Department of Health Policy Management, The University of North Carolina School of Public Health
Resident, Ordained Episcopal Priest
Former Assistant Secretary to the North Carolina Medical Care Commission, North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services
ENVIRONMENTAL CONSCIOUSNESS
At Carol Woods, sustainability is more than a vision — it’s a daily practice rooted in respect for the environment. Our community is committed to reducing our ecological footprint through innovative programs and practical solutions that benefit both people and the planet. Our environmental sustainability efforts include:
- Solar power
- Waste reduction
- Transportation alternatives
- Conservation of natural resources
- Living landscape initiatives
- Sustainable equipment choices
- Resident-led action
These initiatives reflect a shared commitment across residents, staff, and leadership to protect and preserve the environment while building a culture of collective responsibility.
Arboretum
Carol Woods is proud to be a nationally accredited Level II Arboretum, one of only four CCRCs in the country with this distinction. Our 120-acre wooded campus, nestled in Chapel Hill’s vibrant retirement and university corridor, features curated plantings, walking trails, and native habitats that support reflection, recreation, and biodiversity. Residents enjoy the beauty and serenity of nature every day, in a setting that’s as thoughtfully tended as the community itself.
History
Carol Woods began as an idea born of necessity and community spirit. In the 1970s, a group of longtime Chapel Hill residents realized there was no nearby continuing care retirement community that matched their values or allowed them to remain close to the life they loved. With determination and collaboration, they launched studies, secured land and funding, and laid the groundwork for something new.
By 1979, those same visionaries became Carol Woods’ first residents. Their grassroots leadership still defines the culture here: resident-led, purpose-driven, and deeply connected to the Chapel Hill community.
Accreditations
Frequently asked questions
A CCRC, or continuing care retirement community, provides Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Skilled Nursing care in one location. This continuity of care allows residents to remain in the same community as their needs change, while staying connected to familiar routines and relationships.
Carol Woods is a nonprofit organization. No individual or company owns it. An all-volunteer board of directors provides governance, strategic direction, and oversight on behalf of the community.
Carol Woods offers a declining refund. The entry fee is reduced by 2 percent each month, with no refund remaining after 50 months.
The monthly fee covers most day-to-day expenses, including utilities, housekeeping, basic cable, internet, local transportation, 24-hour security, maintenance, linen service, fitness programs, and a standard meal plan.
Residents receive meal credits each month equal to the number of days in that month. Credits can be used for breakfast, lunch, or dinner and reset monthly. Additional meals can be purchased or a higher meal plan selected if needed.
Wait times depend on the size and type of home you desire. One-bedroom homes typically have a 7- to 14-year wait. Larger homes may have waits of 14 years or more. Planning well in advance is essential.
New residents typically must move into Carol Woods while living independently. The one exception is our Early Acceptance program, which allows eligible individuals to access higher levels of care, such as Assisted Living, without first living on campus.
To join the Priority List, submit a Priority List Agreement and a $1,500 deposit ($1,000 is refundable). Learn about Carol Woods by joining a virtual information session, offered monthly on Zoom. After attending the information session, you will be invited for an on-campus tour.
Long-term care insurance is not required at Carol Woods. Our Type B Modified contract includes partial prepayment for future care needs. Residents also receive 15 credit days each year in Skilled Nursing care, where the per diem is waived, with no limit on accumulation. If more care is needed, a discounted daily rate applies. Those with insurance may use their benefits toward that cost.
No. Residents pay an entry fee and monthly service fee, but homes are owned and maintained by Carol Woods. There are no property taxes. Residents may purchase renters insurance to protect personal belongings.
Yes. Once approved, you’ll work with our renovation team to select finishes like flooring, cabinets, and countertops. A dedicated showroom helps guide your choices. The team will also determine which features are due for replacement.
Yes. Carol Woods welcomes up to two pets per household with no size limit. Pets must be registered with our Security Department.
Joining the Priority List gives you access to a resident-written newsletter, emailed 10 times a year. You'll also receive an annual update by mail from our Admissions and PR team. You can follow our public Facebook page or join the private group for Carol Woods Priority List members to learn more.
All new residents are invited to join our Newcomers Program, which includes social events, informational sessions, and a personal mentor to help ease the transition. Fellowship dining tables make it easy to meet others at meals, and with more than 90 resident-led committees and interest groups, there are plenty of ways to connect and get involved.
Contact Us
Have questions or want to schedule a tour? Fill out the form below and we’ll be in touch soon. We’re here to answer questions, share information, and help you move forward when you're ready.