Become a Resident
Becoming a resident at Carol Woods means joining an active, inclusive Life Plan Community in Chapel Hill. With long wait times and limited availability, early planning is essential. Whether you're years from moving or exploring our Early Acceptance option, getting on the Priority List ensures you're prepared for a seamless transition into senior living.
Become A Resident
Attend a Virtual Information Session
Learn about Carol Woods during a required Zoom session. After attending, you'll be invited for an on-campus tour. Please find upcoming dates in the events section below.
Join the Priority List
Submit your Priority List Agreement and $1,500 deposit ($1,000 refundable) to reserve your place for future availability.
Wait for an Offer
Based on your list position and desired residence, we’ll contact you when a home becomes available.
Review and Accept Your Home
Review floor plan details, pricing, and renovation options. A short window is provided for making your decision.
Prepare for Your Move
Work with our team to finalize paperwork and transition smoothly into the Carol Woods community.
Events
Early Acceptance
For those not quite ready to move but eager to become part of Carol Woods, Early Acceptance offers the best of both worlds. As a fully accepted resident living off campus, you can access health services, therapies, and all campus amenities while staying connected through events, clubs, and committees. Your place on the Priority List remains active, ensuring a smooth transition when the time is right.
Cost Considerations
Carol Woods offers a range of entry and monthly fee options based on residence type and size. As a not-for-profit Life Plan Community, our fee structure is designed to provide long-term value, predictable costs, and financial security – backed by an A+ rating from Standard & Poor’s. Monthly fees include nearly all living expenses, and residents receive annual “credit days” to reduce costs if higher levels of care are needed.
Financial Planning
To discover the residential option at Carol Woods that aligns well with your finances, simply answer seven easy financial questions to get a preliminary assessment. Rest assured, your data remains confidential and won’t be disclosed to any third parties.
Some people regret leaving their homes—not us. We saw it as a great chance to redecorate and start fresh. It felt like the right move, and that was confirmed when we saw who else had chosen Carol Woods—the former medical director and head of nursing both live here. They know the system inside and out, and they still chose this place. We figured if it’s good enough for them, it’s good enough for us.
Frequently asked questions
Wait times vary based on the type of home. One-bedroom apartments average about 9 years, while two-bedroom homes often have a 13- to 16-year wait. With over 1,800 people on the Priority List, planning early is key.
The Priority List is the essential first step toward residency. A $1,500 deposit ($1,000 refundable) holds your place in line for a future home and makes you eligible for Early Acceptance.
Early Acceptance residents live off campus but enjoy full access to campus events, amenities, and healthcare services, including therapies, clinic visits, and eventual entry into Assisted Living or Skilled Nursing. Your Priority List status remains active while you stay engaged in Carol Woods life.
Only if you’re accepted through the Early Acceptance program. Otherwise, all residents must be physically and cognitively independent at the time of move-in.
Monthly fees include nearly all living expenses: meals, housekeeping, maintenance, utilities, transportation, and wellness programming. Higher levels of care incur additional per diem charges, but residents receive 15 free credit days each year.
Yes, in most cases. You may defer a housing offer once without losing your place on the Priority List.
Yes. Couples can join with a single Priority List application and deposit. Entry and monthly fees will be based on your selected residence and occupancy.
Yes, in most Independent Living homes and some Assisted Living areas. Guidelines are in place to ensure pets and neighbors coexist comfortably.
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.