Information last verified:
251 Shelton St, Waynesville, NC 28786
For more information about senior living options: (844) 490-3973
Haywood Lodge & Retirement Center offers competitive pricing for its accommodations when compared to both Haywood County and the broader North Carolina region. For a studio room, residents can expect to pay $2,800 per month, which is significantly lower than the county average of $3,243 and the state average of $4,020. The semi-private rooms are priced at $3,250 monthly - slightly above the county's average of $2,994 but still more affordable than the state's average of $3,584. For those seeking one-bedroom accommodations, Haywood Lodge charges $3,400 per month; this is higher than the county's average of $3,072 yet notably less than North Carolina's state-wide average of $4,055. Overall, Haywood Lodge presents a cost-effective option for potential residents while maintaining a high standard of care in a comfortable environment.
| Floor plans | Haywood Lodge & Retirement Ctr | Haywood County | North Carolina |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $2,800 | $3,243 | $4,020 |
| Semi-Private | $3,250 | $2,994 | $3,584 |
| 1 Bedroom | $3,400 | $3,072 | $4,055 |
There are hard-working and caring care-givers and staff at Haywood Lodge. The staff try very hard, delivering warm and caring service even when stretched thin. The facility is wonderful, with a warm and caring atmosphere. It is a clean place with fantastic staff. The atmosphere of joy and the genuine care among staff and residents make it an exceptional place to retire. The caregivers are kind, respectful, and friendly to residents. Haywood Lodge has met and exceeded needs and expectations for over three years. Families feel comfortable placing loved ones there due to professional and compassionate care.
The place should be called independent living and not assisted living, implying insufficient care. Evening shift caregivers were below average and did minimal caregiving. The focus seemed to be gathering in front of the TV, vaping, or sleeping on the couch while on duty. Many evening caregivers had no training on proper technique to assist with ambulation and transfers, making it unsafe for residents who needed assistance. There was no conversation about changes in a resident’s level of care that would provoke a move, which felt unsafe. Mouth hygiene was never performed by staff if the resident couldn’t do it independently. Medication administration, a paid service, was hit or miss. If a resident had memory impairment or significant care needs, the facility was not suitable. Administration failed to address and report unsafe issues, ignoring what law requires to be reported. An eviction notice was issued to a 93-year-old in the final stages of Alzheimer’s, suggesting a profit motive rather than compassionate care. The phone system functions more as advertisement than as a communication tool, hindering contact with staff. The facility manager was uncooperative and borderline rude, and interactions ended with legal escalation. A resident was found naked and covered in feces on more than one occasion, indicating neglect. Some male staff were described as awful and unable to handle residents’ needs.Haywood Lodge & Retirement Center in Waynesville, NC is best suited for seniors who want a warm, home-like independent-living atmosphere with dependable daily routines and social engagement, and who do not yet require constant, high-level personal care. The environment tends to be clean, welcoming, and staffed by caregivers who show real warmth; residents who can manage most ADLs with occasional assistance will likely thrive. Those with memory impairment, significant mobility or transfer needs, or who require reliable, 24/7 clinical oversight should look elsewhere. Families should be wary if the goal is a facility that can deliver consistent, vigilant care for complex medical conditions or dementia care, because those capabilities are frequently stretched.
On the plus side, Haywood Lodge often earns praise for its people and atmosphere. Multiple reviews describe a facility that is well-kept, with a warm, caring staff and a supportive, neighborly culture. Honesty and compassion are repeatedly highlighted, with several caregivers and managers singled out for going the extra mile. Residents benefit from social programming and a calm atmosphere that feels like a community rather than a sterile institution. When functioning well, the lodge provides a reliable daily rhythm and a sense of belonging that families value during transitions.
Where the risk lies is in the gaps between aspiration and execution. Chronic understaffing, particularly on evening shifts, leaves some residents with inconsistent assistance and questionable safety during transfers. Reports of unsafe ambulation handling, lapses in mouth hygiene, and uneven medication administration point to real quality-control problems. Administrative communication can be opaque, with claims of reporting issues left unaddressed and, in several accounts, an uncooperative or profit-driven posture during conflicts with families. The most troubling episodes involve eviction decisions for residents with complex needs and the apparent misappropriation or loss of personal belongings during relocations, all of which erode trust.
These pros do offset the cons only for residents whose needs are modest and whose families are comfortable with a watchful eye and active involvement. A clean facility, genuinely caring caregivers, and a strong sense of community can deliver meaningful quality of life for some seniors, especially those who are mostly independent and require help with routine tasks rather than medical crisis management. The danger lies when care demands rise, memory impairment, frequent transfers, or safety risks, where staff consistency and administrative accountability appear insufficient to ensure reliable protection and timely problem resolution. In those cases, the balance tips toward seeking alternatives.
Prospective residents who should consider alternatives include those with dementia or significant cognitive impairment, memory-care needs, or high risk for falls and medical events that require coordinated clinical supervision. Families that prioritize transparent communication, consistent staffing, clear incident reporting, and ethical governance will likely be disappointed here if these elements are not present. If the relocation process involves urgent transfers or complex personal-property issues, a facility with demonstrated, responsive administration is essential. In short, Haywood Lodge can be a good fit for some, but it is not the default choice for anyone with elevated care expectations.
Actionable next steps include scheduling an in-person tour focused on safety culture, care planning, and staff competency. Request to meet the lead administrator and the medical director, review a sample care plan, and inquire about staffing ratios by shift. Ask for a transparent explanation of any past eviction decisions, missing items, or reported incidents, and ask how those issues were addressed. Compare with nearby communities that explicitly advertise memory-care services or higher clinician oversight, and bring a checklist of personal-care needs to the discussion. The bottom line is clear: Haywood Lodge delivers warmth and a pleasant environment, but families must weigh whether the level of oversight and safety you require can be consistently delivered.
Assisted LivingAssisted living facilities provide crucial support and care for seniors who may need help with daily tasks such as medication management, bathing, and meal preparation. These communities offer a safe and comfortable environment where seniors can maintain their independence while receiving the assistance they need to thrive in their golden years.
Independent LivingIndependent living communities are important for seniors because they offer a safe and supportive environment where older adults can live independently while still having access to amenities and services that enhance their quality of life. These communities provide social opportunities, recreational activities, and assistance with daily tasks, promoting overall well-being and allowing seniors to maintain their independence for as long as possible.
Activities on-siteActivities on-site are important for seniors because they provide opportunities for socialization, mental stimulation, physical activity, and overall well-being. Engaging in activities can help seniors stay active, maintain their independence, and improve their quality of life.
Devotional services off-siteDevotional services off-site are important for seniors as they provide spiritual nourishment, social engagement, and a sense of community outside of the senior living facility. This can enhance overall well-being and help combat feelings of isolation and loneliness often experienced by older adults.
Indoor common areasIndoor common areas are crucial for seniors as they provide a space for socialization, recreation, and community engagement, promoting overall well-being and reducing feelings of isolation and loneliness.
Ambulatory care"Ambulatory care services provide essential medical support and treatment to seniors without requiring hospitalization, allowing them to maintain their independence and quality of life while managing chronic conditions or receiving routine medical care."
Diabetic careDiabetic care is crucial for seniors as they are more susceptible to developing diabetes due to aging and other health conditions. Proper management of diabetes can help prevent complications such as heart disease, vision loss, and nerve damage, improving the overall quality of life for seniors in senior living communities.
Meals provided"Meals provided" are crucial for seniors in assisted living communities as it ensures they have access to nutritious, balanced meals without the stress of meal planning and preparation. This can help promote overall health and well-being for seniors who may have limited mobility or cognitive abilities. Activities on-siteActivities on-site are important for seniors because they provide opportunities for socialization, mental stimulation, physical activity, and overall well-being. Engaging in activities can help seniors stay active, maintain their independence, and improve their quality of life. Devotional activities offsiteDevotional activities offsite are important for seniors because they provide social engagement, spiritual growth, and a sense of community outside of their living environment. This can improve overall well-being, mental health, and combat feelings of isolation or loneliness.Haywood Lodge & Retirement Center in Waynesville, NC is an assisted living community that provides top-notch care and a comfortable living environment for seniors. Specializing in independent living, our facility offers a range of amenities and services to meet the individual needs of our residents.
At Haywood Lodge & Retirement Center, we understand the importance of spiritual well-being. That is why we offer devotional services off-site, giving residents the opportunity to nourish their spirituality outside the community. This allows residents to engage in religious practices and connect with their faith communities.
Our indoor common areas are thoughtfully designed to promote socialization and interaction among residents. Whether it's enjoying conversations with fellow residents or participating in group activities, these communal spaces provide a warm and welcoming atmosphere for everyone.
We also provide specialized care for residents with diabetes. Our trained staff members are knowledgeable about diabetic care, ensuring that residents receive the proper attention and support they need to manage their condition effectively.
In addition to our comfortable living spaces and exceptional care services, we believe in promoting a well-rounded lifestyle through various activities. Residents have the opportunity to participate in devotional activities off-site where they can explore their spiritual interests while enjoying outings with fellow community members.
Haywood Lodge & Retirement Center strives to create an environment where seniors can thrive physically, emotionally, and spiritually. With our focus on independence, quality care services, and engaging activities, we are committed to providing a fulfilling experience for all our residents.
Haywood Lodge & Retirement Center offers competitive pricing for its accommodations when compared to both Haywood County and the broader North Carolina region. For a studio room, residents can expect to pay $2,800 per month, which is significantly lower than the county average of $3,243 and the state average of $4,020. The semi-private rooms are priced at $3,250 monthly - slightly above the county's average of $2,994 but still more affordable than the state's average of $3,584. For those seeking one-bedroom accommodations, Haywood Lodge charges $3,400 per month; this is higher than the county's average of $3,072 yet notably less than North Carolina's state-wide average of $4,055. Overall, Haywood Lodge presents a cost-effective option for potential residents while maintaining a high standard of care in a comfortable environment.
Haywood Lodge & Retirement Ctr is located at 251 Shelton St, Waynesville, NC 28786 in Haywood County, North Carolina
Haywood Lodge And Retirement Center
Waynesville, NC
Friendly, attentive staff in a clean, welcoming environment with diverse activities and on-site amenities.
McCracken Rest Home
Waynesville, NC
Pet-friendly environment with some caring aides and improvements under new management.
Bayada Nurses
Waynesville, NC
High-quality, reliable caregivers with good short-notice support.
Haywood Nursing And Rehabilitation Center
Waynesville, NC
Comfortable environment with comprehensive care services and engaging activities.
Creekside Villas
Waynesville, NC
Small, supportive assisted living with 24/7 supervision and on-site amenities.
Richland Community Care 2
Waynesville, NC
Comprehensive care and amenities (24/7 supervision, ADL assistance, diabetes diet, meals, transportation, activities).
Silver Bluff Village
Canton, NC
Compassionate staff with strong continuity of care and clean facilities.
Windwood Assisted Living
Candler, NC
Intimate, fully furnished community with personalized 24/7 care, housekeeping, move-in coordination, and engaging daily activities.
The Oaks Brevard
Brevard, NC
Caring nurses and CNAs with regular family updates.
Securing Financial Support for Assisted Living: A Comprehensive Overview
Assisted living facilities offer crucial support for older adults needing help with daily activities but come with varying and significant costs, which can be financed through personal savings, government assistance programs, long-term care insurance, and home equity options. Professional guidance from experts can aid families in navigating these financial complexities to establish a sustainable budgeting approach for assisted living services.
Social Security Benefits and Assisted Living: Navigating Options Across the U.S.
Assisted living costs often exceed Social Security benefits, necessitating a combination of funding sources like state aid and Medicaid. Understanding the interaction between Social Security programs and available financial support is essential for affording such care.
An Extensive Exploration of the VA Aid and Attendance Benefit
The VA Aid and Attendance benefit provides financial support to veterans needing assistance with daily living due to medical conditions or disabilities, augmenting standard VA pensions for services like in-home care. Eligibility is based on service duration, wartime status, income, and medical needs, with a detailed application process required to access funds for caregiving and home modifications.
