The Kempton At Brightmore in Wilmington, NC

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  • Interior

    A decorated staircase with garlands in a reception area.
  • Outdoors

    A beautiful garden fountain surrounded by colorful autumn foliage under a clear blue sky.
  • Building

    A large blue building with a classic architectural style, resembling a hotel or residential complex, surrounded by landscaping.
  • Trees

    An outdoor walkway featuring a bocce court and landscaped gardens in a residential area.
  • Dining

    A formal dining room with elegant furniture and modern artwork on the walls.
  • Lighting

    A cozy reading room with rows of blue chairs and bookshelves filled with books.
  • Chandelier

    A spacious and elegant restaurant dining room with neatly arranged tables and chairs, featuring a chandelier and carpeted flooring.
  • Wall Art

    A stylish billiard room featuring a pool table, wooden floors, modern lighting, and decorative wall art.

The Kempton At Brightmore in Wilmington, NC

Information last verified:

2298 41st St., Wilmington, NC 28403

For more information about senior living options: (844) 490-3973

3.7 from 21 reviews
5 stars
11
4 stars
3
3 stars
2
2 stars
0
1 stars
5

The Kempton At Brightmore Costs & Pricing

The Kempton At Brightmore offers competitive pricing for its assisted living accommodations when compared to both New Hanover County and the broader North Carolina region. Monthly costs for a studio apartment at The Kempton are set at $3,260, significantly lower than the county average of $4,105 and the state average of $4,020. Similarly, for one-bedroom units, residents pay $3,806, which is again a more affordable option compared to New Hanover's average of $4,064 and North Carolina's average of $4,055. This pricing structure positions The Kempton At Brightmore as an attractive choice for individuals seeking quality senior living that balances comfort and affordability in a supportive community setting.

Floor plansThe Kempton At BrightmoreNew Hanover CountyNorth Carolina
Studio$3,260$4,105$4,020
1 Bedroom$3,806$4,064$4,055

Overall Review of The Kempton At Brightmore

Pros

  • pro The Kempton is a gorgeous facility, with administrators and a director of nursing who truly care about the residents.
  • pro The activities director is amazing at creating fun, creative activities that residents really enjoy.
  • pro The Kempton comes highly recommended for assisted living.
  • pro Residents are safe and well cared for at The Kempton.
  • pro The food is very good.
  • pro The director is caring and responsive.
  • pro Med Techs are excellent; front desk staff are friendly and helpful, as is the dining staff.
  • pro Aides are generally compassionate and helpful.
  • pro The Kempton is a beautiful and welcoming community with professional and helpful staff.
  • pro Residents enjoy the food, fellowship, and the variety of monthly events.
  • pro The staff provide personalized top-notch care.
  • pro The rooms are very clean and up-to-date.

Cons

  • pro The Kempton provides very little assistance and feels more like independent living.
  • pro For residents with mobility or cognitive issues, the place is not suitable and another facility should be sought.
  • pro The administrator is described as uncaring, rigid, and inflexible, with 24-hour, 30-minute checks despite recommendations.
  • pro There is a roach infestation, with roaches crawling around multiple areas of the facility.
  • pro The smell of cleaners is overwhelming, making the environment feel sterile, old, and unwelcoming.
  • pro The facility imposes extra monthly charges (e.g., $500 for incontinence, $800 for monitoring) without adequate care.
  • pro The facility is poorly managed, with overworked CNAs and Med Techs and care that isn’t sufficient.
  • pro A reviewer would not recommend The Kempton and would choose another community for their loved one.
  • pro During a tour, the administrator came across as snobbish and unwelcoming, leaving a negative impression.
  • pro Overall, nothing felt right during the initial visit.

Review

The Kempton At Brightmore in Wilmington, NC is best suited for active seniors who want a vibrant, socially rich environment with reliable daily support, not heavy medical care. It works well for residents who prize a polished, well-maintained setting, engaging day-to-day life, good meals, and staff who are approachable and responsive. Families seeking constant one-on-one medical oversight or intensive memory-care services will want to look elsewhere. The community shines when independence meets moderate assistance, and residents enjoy a schedule filled with activities, live music, outings, and a welcoming atmosphere. For memory impairment or mobility needs far beyond routine help, alternatives that specialize in higher levels of care will serve those needs more predictably. The Kempton is not a universal solution, but for a certain profile it delivers standout social vitality and dependable routine.

On the strength side, the facility’s appearance, atmosphere, and care leadership are repeatedly praised. Administrators and the director of nursing are described as genuinely invested in residents’ well-being, and the activities director consistently delivers creative, enjoyable programming that residents look forward to. The dining experience and front-desk ambiance tend to be reliable, with med-techs and nursing staff singled out for kindness and competence. Families repeatedly note clean, up-to-date rooms and a strong sense of safety, with staff who are responsive to requests and attentive to daily needs. The social fabric, fellowship, variety of monthly events, live music, outings, and the on-site salon, helps residents stay engaged and connected, an important factor for quality of life in assisted living. For many families, these positives translate into meaningful peace of mind about daily living and ongoing participation in community life.

The narrative is not monolithic, however. Several reviews flag significant drawbacks that can undermine confidence in the overall value. The most recurring concern centers on administration: claims of rigidity, limited flexibility, and a perception that decisions aim at containment strategies rather than personalized, resident-centered problem solving. Related to that are reports of financial friction, unexpected or poorly explained charges for incontinence care or 24/7 monitoring, and a sense that billing practices may not be fully transparent. A number of families describe staffing pressures, noting that CNAs and Med Techs appear overworked, which they link to broader management issues. Pest-control problems and an overpowering cleaning scent in some spaces also surface in a few accounts, suggesting real lapses in environmental upkeep. Taken together, these critiques caution prospective movers to drill into governance, staffing, and cost structures before committing.

Yet the pros can meaningfully offset the cons for the right resident. When staff leadership is engaged, communication with families is frequent, and the daily routine runs smoothly, the Kempton delivers a level of warmth and reliability that many seniors and relatives value deeply. The strong emphasis on social activity, the consistent quality of meals, and the visible attentiveness of med techs help maintain a high quality of life amid the inevitable aging dynamics. The clean, modern environment and the evident pride in culture, plus the capacity to pivot around individual preferences in activities and outings, offer tangible rewards that many competing communities struggle to match. For residents who do not require advanced medical intervention or intensive memory support, those positive factors often outweigh the administrative frictions and occasional cost concerns.

To determine fit, one practical approach is essential: arrange a candid tour that includes time with the administrator and the director of nursing, and insist on walking through actual care plans and response protocols for changing needs. Request a straightforward, itemized breakdown of all charges, with explicit explanations for any additional monthly fees tied to personal care, supervision, or incontinence management. Speak with several current residents or families about call times, responsiveness, and any recent changes in staffing. Inquire about pest-control schedules, environmental cleanliness routines, and how the community handles odors and cleaning supplies so future residents aren’t surprised by sensory aspects that can affect comfort. If memory care or significant mobility challenges are anticipated, request a clear pathway for escalation and transition, including timelines and costs, so expectations are aligned from the outset.

Bottom line: The Kempton At Brightmore is a solid, practical choice for seniors who want a lively, well-maintained community with strong social programming and dependable day-to-day care, provided those needs remain moderate and well-supported by engaged leadership. For families prioritizing aggressive memory-care services, transparent, predictable pricing, or highly consistent administrative partnership, it is wise to compare options where those elements are more central. If a move hinges on enjoying robust activities, good meals, and a friendly, responsive staff, The Kempton can be a compelling match, so long as the resident’s care needs and the family’s expectations are clearly aligned with what the community can reliably deliver.

Features

Types of Care

  • Assisted Living 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.

Amenities

  • Activities on-site 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-site 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 areas 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.
  • Respite or short term stays offered Respite or short term stays offeredRespite or short term stays provide seniors with a temporary solution when their regular caregiver is unavailable, offering them the opportunity to receive additional care and support during times of need, while also giving caregivers a chance to rest and recharge.
  • Swimming pool / hot tub Swimming pool / hot tubSwimming pools and hot tubs are important for seniors as they provide a safe and enjoyable way to stay active, improve mobility, reduce joint pain, and promote relaxation. Regular use of these amenities can contribute to overall well-being and quality of life for older adults living in senior communities.

Transportation

  • Wilmington International (5 miles away) Wilmington International (5 miles away)

Care Services

  • Ambulatory care 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 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.

Dining

  • Meals provided 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

  • Activities on-site 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 offsite 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.

Description

The Kempton at Brightmore in Wilmington, NC is an assisted living community that offers a range of amenities and care services to cater to the needs of its residents. With a focus on providing a comfortable and convenient living environment, the community features indoor common areas where residents can socialize and engage in various activities.

For those seeking spiritual fulfillment, devotional services off-site are available to cater to their religious needs. Additionally, residents have the option of respite or short-term stays if they require temporary care or assistance.

One of the highlights of The Kempton at Brightmore is its swimming pool and hot tub, offering residents a relaxing and enjoyable way to stay active and unwind. This amenity promotes overall well-being through exercise and hydrotherapy.

In terms of care services, The Kempton at Brightmore provides specialized diabetic care for individuals requiring assistance with managing their diabetes. Trained professionals are available to ensure that residents' specific medical needs are addressed effectively.

Outside the community, there are several cafes, parks, pharmacies, physicians' offices, restaurants, transportation options, and theaters conveniently located nearby. This allows residents easy access to various amenities and services within close proximity.

Overall, The Kempton at Brightmore offers a comprehensive assisted living experience with an array of amenities and care services tailored to meet each individual's unique needs while also ensuring easy access to essential shops, dining options, healthcare providers, and entertainment venues.

Nearby Places of Interest

Parks

  • Hugh MacRae Park (0.7 miles)
  • Brunswick River Park (5 miles)
  • Leland Westgate Park (6.7 miles)
  • Annsdale Park (7.4 miles)
  • Oak Island Park (23.6 miles)

Restaurants

  • Henry's Restaurant (0.9 miles)
  • Walk-On's Sports Bistreaux - Wilmington Restaurant (0.9 miles)
  • Double Happiness Restaurant (1 miles)
  • Katy's Grill & Bar (1.1 miles)
  • McDonald's (1.3 miles)
  • Burger King (1.7 miles)
  • Okami Japanese Steakhouse (1.8 miles)

Physicians

  • Coastal Neurosurgical Associates (1.1 miles)
  • Wilmington Endocrinology (1.3 miles)
  • Tinsley, Ellis, A, Jr, MD (1.3 miles)
  • New Hanover Medical Group (1.8 miles)
  • Wilmington Eye - Medical Center Drive (2 miles)
  • New Hanover Medical Group (3.9 miles)
  • Cape Fear Eye Institute OD PA (4.3 miles)

Pharmacies

  • CVS Pharmacy (1.9 miles)
  • Walgreens (2 miles)
  • Seashore Discount Drugs (2.5 miles)
  • Walmart Pharmacy (3.9 miles)
  • Walgreens (5.3 miles)
  • Epic Pharmacies (6 miles)
  • CVS Pharmacy (6.2 miles)

Theaters

  • The Pointe 14 at Barclay (1.9 miles)
  • Surf Cinemas (19.7 miles)

Cafes

  • Starbucks (2.7 miles)
  • Port City Java (2.8 miles)
  • Bespoke Coffee & Dry Goods (3.7 miles)
  • Cafe Koa (20.7 miles)

Transportation

  • Wilmington International Airport (ILM) (4.5 miles)
  • American Airlines (4.5 miles)

Hospitals

  • Brunswick Novant Medical Center (19.2 miles)

Places of Worship

  • Sacred Heart Catholic Church (19.2 miles)
  • Ocean View United Methodist Church (22.8 miles)

Frequently Asked Questions

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