Brooks Howell is a residential community in North Carolina for older adults who want supportive housing

Brooks Howell Retirement Community is located in Greensboro, North Carolina, and provides housing and services for people aged 62 and older. The community offers independent living, assisted living, and memory care in a single location, so residents can stay in the same place as their needs change. It is operated as a continuing care retirement community (CCRC), which means residents sign a long-term agreement that covers housing, meals, and services.

The community is not a nursing home or hospital — it focuses on residents who can live semi-independently with support services available. If you are considering Brooks Howell or comparing it to other options, understanding what each level of care includes and what the costs involve will help you make an informed decision.

Key Takeaways

  • Brooks Howell offers three levels of care — independent living, assisted living, and memory care — all on one campus in Greensboro.
  • Residents sign a continuing care agreement that typically requires an entrance fee and monthly fees that cover housing, meals, and services.
  • You should ask about the current entrance fee, monthly costs, what services are included at each level, and what happens if you need to move to a higher level of care.
  • Visiting in person and talking to current residents and staff will give you a clearer picture than brochures alone.
  • Medicare and Medicaid coverage varies by state and by the specific services you receive, so contact Brooks Howell directly about payment options.

What each level of care at Brooks Howell includes

Independent living is for residents who do not need daily help with personal care. You have your own apartment or cottage, prepare your own meals or use the community dining room, and participate in activities and social events. Staff are available if you need help, but you manage your own schedule and daily tasks.

Assisted living is for residents who need help with activities like bathing, dressing, taking medication, or meal preparation. You still have your own private space, but staff provide personal care services and monitor your health. Meals are typically provided, and activities continue to be available.

Memory care is a specialized setting for residents with Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia. The environment is designed to be safe and find, with staff trained in dementia care. Residents receive help with all daily activities and structured activities suited to their abilities.

One advantage of a CCRC like Brooks Howell is that you do not have to move to a different building or community if your care needs increase — you can transition within the same campus. However, you should ask whether all three levels are always available and whether there is a waiting list to move between levels.

Entrance fees, monthly costs, and what they cover

Brooks Howell, like most continuing care communities, charges an entrance fee when you move in and monthly fees after that. The entrance fee is typically a large upfront payment — the amount varies based on the size and type of apartment or cottage you choose. Monthly fees cover rent, utilities, meals, activities, and basic services; some services (like extra medical care or transportation) may cost more.

Entrance fees and monthly costs change over time and depend on which level of care you choose. You should contact Brooks Howell directly for current pricing, because published rates may not reflect recent changes. Ask whether the entrance fee is refundable, partially refundable, or non-refundable — this varies by community and affects your financial planning.

Also ask what happens to your monthly fees if you move from independent living to assisted living or memory care. Some communities include the first move in your agreement; others charge additional fees. Understanding this upfront prevents surprises later.

How to visit and what questions to ask

The best way to learn whether Brooks Howell is right for you is to visit in person. Schedule a tour during a time when you can see residents in common areas and observe daily life. Ask to see the independent living, assisted living, and memory care areas, and ask whether you can speak with current residents or their family members.

Bring a list of questions about services, costs, and policies. Key topics to cover include: What is included in the monthly fee and what costs extra? How is medication managed? What happens if I need hospital care? How often can family visit? What activities are offered? What is the staff-to-resident ratio? How are residents' safety and privacy protected? What is the process for moving between levels of care?

Take notes during your visit and ask for written materials about the continuing care agreement before you commit. A good community will encourage you to take time to decide and to have a lawyer review the agreement if you wish.

Medicare, Medicaid, and payment options

Medicare covers some medical services (like doctor visits or therapy) but does not pay for room and board or assisted living services at a retirement community. Medicaid may help pay for assisted living or memory care in some states, but rules vary widely. Some residents use a combination of personal savings, pensions, Social Security, and Medicaid to pay for their care.

Contact Brooks Howell directly to ask which payment methods they accept and whether they work with Medicaid in your state. Some communities have financial counselors who can help you understand your options. If cost is a concern, ask whether there are any financial information programs or whether the community offers different price levels.

How a continuing care agreement works

When you move to a CCRC like Brooks Howell, you sign a legal agreement that outlines your rights, the community's responsibilities, costs, and what happens if you leave or if your care needs change. This agreement is binding and important — you should read it carefully and consider having a lawyer review it before you sign.

The agreement typically covers how long you can stay, what happens if you run out of money, whether your entrance fee is refundable if you leave, and how the community handles medical emergencies. It also explains the community's policies on visitors, activities, and resident rights. Ask for a copy of the agreement well before you move in so you have time to understand it.

Comparing Brooks Howell to other retirement communities

North Carolina has many retirement communities, and they vary widely in size, cost, services, and philosophy. Some are nonprofit and others are for-profit. Some focus on active, independent seniors; others specialize in memory care. Some are large campuses; others are smaller and more intimate.

When comparing communities, look at the same factors for each: entrance and monthly fees, what services are included, staff training and ratios, activities and social life, location and transportation, and the terms of the continuing care agreement. Visit multiple communities and talk to residents and families at each one. The right choice depends on your health, finances, social needs, and what matters most to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to move to a nursing home if my health gets worse?

Brooks Howell offers memory care and assisted living on-site, so you may be able to stay within the community as your needs change. However, if you need skilled nursing care (like wound care or IV therapy), the community may not provide that level of care. Ask whether Brooks Howell has partnerships with nearby hospitals or nursing homes and what the process is if you need to move.

Can I leave Brooks Howell if I change my mind?

Yes, but the terms depend on your continuing care agreement. Some agreements allow you to leave within a certain period and receive a refund of your entrance fee; others do not. Read the agreement carefully to understand the refund policy and any notice period required. If you are unhappy after moving in, contact the community management to discuss your concerns before deciding to leave.

What if I run out of money?

This is an important question to ask Brooks Howell before you move in. Some communities have financial information programs or will work with you if your circumstances change. Others may require you to leave if you cannot pay. Ask whether the community has ever worked with residents in financial hardship and what options exist.

Are there activities and social events for residents?

Most retirement communities offer activities, outings, classes, and social events. During your visit, ask what activities are available, how often they happen, and whether they are included in your monthly fee or cost extra. Talk to residents about whether they feel engaged and whether the social life matches what you are looking for.

How do I know if a retirement community is safe and well-run?

Visit in person, talk to residents and staff, and ask about staffing levels, training, and safety policies. You can also contact the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services to ask whether the community has any complaints or violations on file. Trust your instincts — if something feels off during your visit, it is worth investigating further.