Aldersgate is a continuing care retirement community in Charlotte's Dilworth neighborhood
Aldersgate is located at 2000 Randolph Road in Charlotte, North Carolina, in the Dilworth area near uptown. It operates as a continuing care retirement community (CCRC), which means residents can move through different levels of care — independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing — without leaving the campus as their needs change.
The community is sponsored by the United Methodist Church and has been operating in Charlotte since 1968. It serves older adults who want to remain in one place while accessing a range of care options as they age. The campus includes residential units, dining facilities, wellness programs, and on-site medical services.
Key Takeaways
- Aldersgate is a continuing care community where residents can transition between independent living, assisted living, and nursing care without moving.
- The community is located in Charlotte's Dilworth neighborhood and is affiliated with the United Methodist Church.
- Residents typically pay an entrance fee plus monthly fees, with costs varying by unit type and care level.
- You can contact Aldersgate directly at their main number or visit the campus to tour available units and learn about current openings.
- Most continuing care communities require a financial assessment and health screening before admission.
Entrance fees, monthly costs, and what they cover
Aldersgate uses a fee-for-service model common to continuing care communities. Residents pay an upfront entrance fee when they move in, then monthly service fees for housing, meals, utilities, activities, and access to healthcare services. The entrance fee is typically refundable or partially refundable depending on the contract type you choose.
Costs vary based on the type of unit (studio, one-bedroom, two-bedroom) and whether you choose independent living or assisted living. Monthly fees also increase if you move to the nursing care section. Because pricing changes and depends on your specific unit and contract, you will need to contact Aldersgate directly for current rates. The community can explain what each fee tier includes and whether your contract covers future care increases or if those are billed separately.
Some residents use long-term care insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid to help cover costs, though coverage varies by plan and by the type of care received. Ask the admissions team which payment methods they accept and whether they work with specific insurance programs.
Independent living, assisted living, and nursing care options
Aldersgate offers three main levels of care on one campus. Independent living is for older adults who do not need daily information — you have your own apartment, prepare your own meals or use the dining room, and participate in community activities. Assisted living provides help with daily tasks like bathing, dressing, and medication management while you still live in a private or semi-private room. Skilled nursing care is for residents who need medical supervision, wound care, or rehabilitation after hospitalization.
The advantage of a continuing care community is that you can move between these levels as your health changes without relocating to a different facility or leaving your community. Many residents start in independent living and transition to assisted living or nursing care years later. This stability can be important for people who want to age in place and maintain relationships with staff and other residents.
How to contact Aldersgate and schedule a visit
The best way to learn about current openings and costs is to contact Aldersgate directly. You can reach them by phone or visit the campus in person to tour units, meet staff, and see the dining areas, fitness facilities, and common spaces. Many people find an in-person visit helpful because you can get a sense of the community culture and ask specific questions about daily life.
When you call or visit, be ready to discuss your current living situation, any health conditions that might affect your care needs, and what matters most to you in a retirement community — whether that is proximity to family, specific amenities, religious affiliation, or access to particular services. The admissions team can tell you which units are available and walk you through the process and move-in process.
Financial assessment and health screening before admission
Most continuing care communities, including Aldersgate, require a financial review before you move in. They need to confirm that you can pay the entrance fee and ongoing monthly costs. This typically involves reviewing bank statements, investment accounts, pension information, and insurance coverage. The goal is to may support the community can count on payment and that you have the resources to stay if your care needs increase.
You will also have a health screening, usually with a nurse or physician, to document your current medical conditions, medications, and functional abilities. This helps the community plan what level of care you will start in and what services you might need in the future. Be honest about your health history and any mobility or cognitive concerns — this information helps staff support you better and prevents surprises later.
Contract types and what to review before signing
Continuing care communities typically offer different contract options, and the terms matter. A life care contract usually means your monthly fee covers all future care, even if you move to nursing care — your costs stay the same or increase only modestly. A fee-for-service contract means you pay separately for each level of care, so your monthly bill rises if you move to assisted living or nursing. A modified contract is a middle ground, with some care included and some billed separately.
Before you sign, ask Aldersgate to explain which contract type they offer, what happens to your entrance fee if you leave or pass away, whether your heirs get any refund, and how monthly fees are adjusted over time. Ask specifically about what care is included in your monthly fee and what costs extra. Request a copy of the contract to review, and consider having an attorney or financial advisor read it — the terms can be complex and affect your finances for years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be Methodist to live at Aldersgate?
Aldersgate is sponsored by the United Methodist Church, but the community welcomes residents of all faiths. The campus may offer Methodist services and values, but you are not required to be a member of the church to move in. Ask the admissions team about the spiritual life of the community if that matters to you.
What happens if I run out of money while living at Aldersgate?
This is a critical question to ask during your financial review. Some continuing care communities have benevolence funds or financial information programs for residents who face hardship. Others may work with Medicaid if you become may be able to access. Ask Aldersgate directly what options exist if your financial situation changes.
Can I move to a different unit if my needs change?
Yes, that is the core purpose of a continuing care community — you can move from independent living to assisted living or nursing care while staying on campus. The process and any additional costs depend on your contract and the availability of units at the new care level. Discuss this with admissions before you move in.
How long is the waiting list for Aldersgate?
Wait times vary depending on the type of unit and care level you want. Some units may be available when ready, while others may have a wait of several months. Call or visit to ask about current openings and how long people typically wait for the specific unit type you are interested in.
Does Aldersgate take Medicare or Medicaid?
Medicare and Medicaid coverage for continuing care communities varies by state, contract type, and the specific services used. Aldersgate can tell you which insurance programs they work with and how coverage applies to different care levels. Ask about this during your financial review.