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Amenities
Healthcare services
Activities of daily living assistance
Assistance with bathing
Assistance with dressing
Assistance with transfers
Medication management
Mental wellness program
Healthcare staffing
24-hour call system
24-hour supervision
Meals and dining
Diabetes diet
Meal preparation and service
Restaurant-style dining
Special dietary restrictions
Room
Cable
Fully furnished
Housekeeping and linen services
Kitchenettes
Telephone
Wifi
Common areas
Beauty salon
Dining room
Garden
Outdoor space
Small library
Community services
Move-in coordination
Activities
Community-sponsored activities
Resident-run activities
Scheduled daily activities
Reviews
4.31·(32)
Overall rating
5
4
3
2
1
Care
4.6
Staff
4.8
Meals
3.0
Amenities
2.5
Value
2.5
Pros
Compassionate, family‑oriented staff
Attentive nursing and individualized care
Staff who go above and beyond for residents
Warm, home‑like atmosphere
Strong staff collaboration and teamwork
Engaging social activities and resident interaction
Nutritious meal program with three meals and snacks
Welcoming admission experience (welcome basket and personal welcomes)
Dedicated cleaning staff and periods of effective housekeeping
Affordable pricing
Ongoing facility improvements and renovation efforts
Perceived safe and secure environment
Cons
Cleanliness and sanitation inconsistencies in resident rooms and common areas
Medication‑administration organization and process gaps
Aging physical plant with visible need for upgrades
Inconsistent odor control and facility maintenance
Variable care‑quality consistency and staff responsiveness
Disorganized management and inconsistent leadership practices
Allegations of financial misconduct by ownership
Summary of reviews
Highlands Senior Living Forest City elicits a strongly polarized set of impressions. Many families describe a warm, family‑oriented culture with staff who are compassionate, collaborative, and willing to go beyond routine duties to support residents. Nursing staff receive repeated praise for individualized attention and for creating a sense of security; several family accounts specifically cite peace of mind and close caregiver‑resident relationships. Social life and engagement are also noted positively: the community is described as active, welcoming, and home‑like, with structured activities, holiday events, and small gestures such as welcome baskets that support resident integration.
Dining and housekeeping show mixed but important signals. Multiple reviewers highlight a robust dining program — three meals plus snacks and generally well‑prepared food — and mention committed cleaning personnel and times when the facility smelled pleasant. Conversely, there are clear sanitation concerns in specific areas (resident rooms, showers, dining areas, and a medicine-related workspace) and inconsistent housekeeping results. These contradictions suggest that cleaning quality may vary by shift or area; some families report high standards while others report persistent issues.
The physical environment is described as an older building with concrete construction; reviewers note visible wear and the need for upgrades, while also observing that renovations and ‘sprucing up’ efforts are underway. Perceptions of facility maintenance and odor control are inconsistent, reflecting an operation in transition. On clinical operations, there are indications of organization gaps in medication administration and related workflows that merit attention as process‑level issues rather than isolated incidents.
Management and ownership impressions are similarly mixed. Several comments praise supportive owners and positive change after ownership transitions, crediting management for recent improvements. At the same time, other accounts describe disorganized management and express serious concerns about ownership motivations and financial practices; one phrase used by a family characterizes ownership conduct as financially driven. Given the range of views, governance and transparency are areas prospective families should evaluate directly.
Notable patterns across reviews are the strong, consistently positive view of frontline staff contrasted with variability in facility upkeep, operational consistency, and leadership perception. The community appears to be improving in many reviewers’ eyes, with ongoing renovations and staff‑centered care culture, but sanitation inconsistencies, medication‑administration organization, and questions about management practices remain salient. Prospective residents and families would benefit from an on‑site visit that includes inspection of recently renovated areas, direct questions about cleaning schedules and medication protocols, review of staffing levels and turnover, and a review of any recent regulatory or inspection documentation to verify that improvements are sustained.
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Location
Highlands Senior Living Forest City is located at 2270 Oakland Rd, Forest City, NC, 28043.
About Highlands Senior Living Forest City
Highlands Senior Living Forest City sits near downtown Forest City and the Blue Ridge Mountains, offering a quiet place for seniors to live. The building has only one floor, which helps with mobility and wheelchair access, and the inside has both private studio apartments with living areas and baths, plus common spaces for relaxing and visiting with others. Residents get freshly prepared meals with snacks between, and there are meal options for different diets, family-style meals, and picnics outside when the weather's nice. The community doesn't allow pets, so folks with allergies or concerns about animals won't have to worry. Studio apartments come in various price ranges, though the exact numbers aren't listed, and the rent covers most things like Wi-Fi, cable, daily meals, maintenance, housekeeping, laundry, and trash removal. There's help for bathing, dressing, grooming, feeding, toileting, and medication reminders, with staff always nearby 24 hours daily. The community supports many care levels including independent living, assisted living, memory care for those with Alzheimer's or dementia, companion care, and even nursing home options for folks who need extra support. Seniors can get help using wheelchairs, transferring, managing personal care needs, and even reminders for appointments, phone calls, and oral hygiene. Highlands Senior Living Forest City brings in medical alert systems, home security, medication dispensers, health checks, and the grounds have serene spots for residents to enjoy nature and visit with family who drop by. There are senior-specific technology services like Wi-Fi, internet in the units, and cable TV. Hearing aid resources include brands like Jabra and MDHearingAid, and the community shares reviews and information for seniors considering over-the-counter hearing aids, which isn't something you find everywhere. Community areas offer games, music, arts and crafts, special events throughout the year, and spaces for families to join residents for dinner as guests. The staff helps set up transportation for medical appointments, grocery runs, or shopping trips, and assists with scheduling and reminders. Seniors can also use services like pest control, linen changes, and maintenance without having to call someone from outside. Fitness and wellness activities, salon services, and dietary planning go on regularly, and folks with memory care needs get extra support to prevent wandering and reduce confusion. The place is clean and described as friendly and family-like, and staff earn praise for being caring and down-to-earth. Residents have access to affordable financial guidance, and the facility accepts several payment methods including Medicaid, state programs, credit cards, checks, and private pay. The community aims to keep things comfortable, warm, and respectful, and the setting helps folks keep their independence while getting the attention they need as they age. Reviews have been positive, often mentioning the quality of meals, the clean environment, and the individualized support, and families like the simple process for getting connected to the right kind of care through a free service. Privacy, safety, comfort, and help with daily living are all taken seriously here, with extra touches to help residents feel secure and supported in their day-to-day routines.
People often ask...
Highlands Senior Living Forest City offers competitive pricing, with rates starting at a cost of $3,834 per month.
Highlands Senior Living Forest City offers assisted living.
There are 9 photos of Highlands Senior Living Forest City on Mirador.
The full address for this community is 2270 Oakland Rd, Forest City, NC 28043.
No, Highlands Senior Living Forest City does not offer respite care.
Respite care in assisted living communities provides temporary, short-term relief for primary caregivers by offering professional care for their loved ones. It allows individuals to stay in an assisted living community for a limited time, giving caregivers a break while ensuring residents receive necessary support and assistance with daily activities.
Safety & Compliance
In North Carolina, the Division of Health Service Regulation licenses adult care and assisted living facilities, posting annual, complaint, and follow-up inspection results.
Investigated a complaint and follow-up survey found multiple deficiencies in medication staff training and oversight, medication administration, diet management, activities, resident rights, and controlled substances handling.
Type B10A NCAC 13F .0403(a)Qualifications Of Medication Staff
Type B10A NCAC 13F .0507Training On Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation
Type A10A NCAC 13F .0601(a)Management Of Facilities - General Administrator And Manager Responsibilities
10A NCAC 13F .0902Health Care
10A NCAC 13F .0904Nutrition And Food Service
10A NCAC 13F .0905(d)Activities Program
Type A10A NCAC 13F .0909Resident Rights
Type A10A NCAC 13F .1004(a)Medication Administration
Type B10A NCAC 13F .1008(a)Controlled Substances
Type B10A NCAC 13F .1008(h)Controlled Substance
25 Jun 2026Follow-Up
25 Jun 2026Follow-Up
Investigated found multiple deficiencies across management, staff qualifications, background checks, training, CPR, resident records, health care referrals, diet, activities, and medication administration.
10A NCAC 13F .0402Qualifications Of Manager
10A NCAC 13F .0403(a)Qualifications Of Medication Staff
10A NCAC 13F .0501(c)Personal Care Training And Competency
Type B10A NCAC 13F .0507Training On Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation
Type A10A NCAC 13F .0601(b)Management Of Facilities- General Administrator and Manager Responsibilities
10A NCAC 13F .0704Resident Contract, Information On Facility & Resident Register
10A NCAC 13F .0902(b)Health Care
10A NCAC 13F .0904(c)(7)Nutrition And Food Service
10A NCAC 13F .0904(e)(3)Therapeutic Diets in Adult Care Homes
10A NCAC 13F .0904(e)(4)Therapeutic Diets in Adult Care Homes
10A NCAC 13F .0905(d)Activities Program
10A NCAC 13F .0905(d)Activities Program
10A NCAC 13F .0905(f)Activities Program
Type B10A NCAC 13F .1004(a)Medication Administration
25 Jun 2026Follow-Up
25 Jun 2026Follow-Up
Investigated and found multiple deficiencies across management, staffing, medications, diet, resident records, and activities during a June 2026 survey.
Type B10A NCAC 13F .0402 Qualifications Of ManagerQualifications Of Manager
Type B10A NCAC 13F .0403(a) Qualifications Of Medication StaffQualifications Of Medication Staff
Type B10A NCAC 13F .0407(a)(7) Other Staff QualificationsCriminal Background Check
Type B10A NCAC 13F .0407(a)(8) Other Staff QualificationsControlled Substances Screening
Type B10A NCAC 13F .0501 (c) Personal Care Training And CompetencyPersonal Care Training
Type B10A NCAC 13F .0507 Training On Cardio-Pulmonary ResuscitationCPR Training
Type A10A NCAC 13F .0601(b) Management Of Facilities-General Administrator and Manager ResponsibilitiesGeneral Administrator and Manager Responsibilities
Type B10A NCAC 13F .0902 Health Care/ Referral and Follow-UpHealth Care / Referral and Follow-Up
Type B10A NCAC 13F .0704(b) Resident Contract, Information On Facility & Resident RegisterResident Register
Type B10A NCAC 13F .0904(e)(3) Nutrition and Food ServiceTherapeutic Diets – Diet List
Type B10A NCAC 13F .0904(e)(4) Nutrition and Food ServiceTherapeutic Diets – Menu Availability
Type B10A NCAC 13F .0904(e)(3) Nutrition and Food ServiceTherapeutic Diets – Diet List (update)
Type A10A NCAC 13F .0904(e)(4) Nutrition and Food ServiceTherapeutic Diets – Serving as Ordered
Type B10A NCAC 13F .0905 (d) Activities ProgramActivities Program
Type B10A NCAC 13F .0905 (d) Activities ProgramActivities Program
Type B10A NCAC 13F .0905 (f) Activities Program / Resident OutingsOutings
Type B10A NCAC 13F .1004(a) Medication AdministrationMedication Administration
09 Sept 2025Construction
09 Sept 2025Construction
Investigated a mold-related complaint and found black mold on closet ceilings and asbestos in building finishes, with moisture sources unaddressed.
10A NCAC 13F .0306(a)(1)Housekeeping-Clean and repaired
10A NCAC 13F .0306Housekeeping And Furnishings
28 May 2024Follow-Up
28 May 2024Follow-Up
Found deficiencies in the activities program, including no posted monthly calendar of planned activities and no evidence of 14 hours per week of planned group activities, due to the vacancy of the Activities Director.
10A NCAC 13F .0905(c)Activities Program
10A NCAC 13F .0905(d)Activities Program
28 May 2024Follow-Up
28 May 2024Follow-Up
Found that there was no posted calendar for May 2024 activities and residents could not reference an activity schedule.
10A NCAC 13F .0905 (d)Activities Program
21 Nov 2023Complaint
21 Nov 2023Complaint
Investigated a complaint and found multiple deficiencies, including a staff member residing in a licensed resident room, burnt meals served to residents, failures in medication administration, and commingling of resident funds.
10A NCAC 13F .0301Application Of Physical Plant Requirements
10A NCAC 13F .0909Resident Rights
10A NCAC 13F .1004 (i)Medication Administration
10A NCAC 13F .1104 (d)Accounting For Resident's Personal Funds
21 Feb 2023Follow-Up
21 Feb 2023Follow-Up
Identified deficiencies in staff background checks, activity programming, and medication administration records.
Investigated multiple deficiencies across management, resident safety, medication administration, and dietary services, including untrained staff giving meds, improper discharge practices, missing care plans, and inadequate activity and snack oversight.
Type A10A NCAC 13F .0302 (b)Design And Construction
Type A10A NCAC 13F .0407(a)(7)Other Staff Qualifications
Type A10A NCAC 13F .0501Personal Care Training And Competency
Type A10A NCAC 13F .0601Management Of Facilities
Type A10A NCAC 13F .0702(b)Discharge Of Residents
Type A10A NCAC 13F .0801(b)Resident Assessment
10A NCAC 13F .0904(c)Nutrition And Food Service
10A NCAC 13F .0904(d)(2)Nutrition And Food Service
10A NCAC 13F .0905 (d)Activities Program
Type A10A NCAC 13F .0909Resident Rights
10A NCAC 13F .1004 (b)Medication Administration
10A NCAC 13F .1004 (j)Medication Administration
10A NCAC 13F .1005(a)Self-Administration Of Medications
10A NCAC 13F .1009(a)(1)Pharmaceutical Care
10A NCAC 13F .1212(d)Reporting of Accidents and Incidents
04 Jan 2023Follow-Up
04 Jan 2023Follow-Up
Investigated a complaint and found multiple deficiencies in staff background checks, training, and care practices, including dietary substitutions and snack provision.
—Background checks
—Staff training—personal care
—Staff orientation and background checks
—Dietary substitutions not documented
—Snack/dietary compliance
—Resident status/transfer documentation
—Continued monitoring of snacks and menu
22 Sept 2021Inspection
22 Sept 2021Inspection
Investigative findings showed deficiencies in meal planning and serving, insulin administration, and infection-control practices during the visit.
—
—
—
22 Sept 2021Inspection
22 Sept 2021Inspection
Identified deficiencies in menu management, medication administration, and infection prevention and control. The findings showed missing kitchen menus, improper insulin administration, and inadequate visitor/staff PPE practices.
10A NCAC 13F .0904(c)(2)Nutrition And Food Service
10A NCAC 13F .1004(a)Medication Administration
10A NCAC 13F .1801 (b)Infection Prevention & Control Program
18 Sept 2019Construction
18 Sept 2019Construction
Identified multiple building safety, sanitation, and maintenance deficiencies during an on-site review, including missing current safety reports and several unsafe conditions.
10A NCAC 13F .0302Must Have Current Sanitation & Fire Safety Reports
10A NCAC 13F .0305Food Storage-Comply with Sanitation
10A NCAC 13F .0305Exit Door Locks-Single Hand Motion
10A NCAC 13F .0305Outside Premises-Clean, Safe
10A NCAC 13F .0306Housekeeping and Furnishings-Clean, Repaired
10A NCAC 13F .0306Housekeeping-Maintained Free of Hazards
Identified deficiencies in safety features and housekeeping, with some repairs completed after the survey.
—Continued From page 2 – doors do not completely close and latch
—Continued From page 1 – inadequate hallway lighting
10A NCAC 13F .0306Housekeeping and Furnishings-Clean, Repaired
27 Jun 2018Follow-Up
27 Jun 2018Follow-Up
Identified multiple deficiencies in corridors, exterior lighting, housekeeping, hazards, safety equipment, and general lighting; some issues were noted as corrected during the survey.
10A NCAC 13F .0305Corridors-Free of equipment and Obstructions
Investigators found multiple deficiencies related to unsafe and unsanitary conditions, inadequate housekeeping, and failure to protect residents’ rights and provide adequate activities.
Type B—Continued From page 2
Type B—Continued From page 4
Type B—Continued From page 12
Type B10A NCAC 13F.0905 (f)Activities Program
Type BG.S. 131D-21(2)Declaration of Residents' Rights
20 Sept 2017Follow-Up
20 Sept 2017Follow-Up
Identified multiple deficiencies in housekeeping, pest control, fire safety equipment, activities programming, and resident outings.
10A NCAC 13F .0306(a)(1)Housekeeping And Furnishings
Type B10A NCAC 13F .0306(a)(5)Housekeeping and Furnishings
Type B10A NCAC 13F .0311(a)Other Requirements
10A NCAC 13F .0905 (d)Activities Program
10A NCAC 13F .0905 (f)Activities Program
Type BG.S. 131D-21(2)Declaration of Residents' Rights
27 Oct 2016Follow-Up
27 Oct 2016Follow-Up
Found multiple deficiencies related to safety hazards, health care follow-up, and inadequate resident activities and outings.
10A NCAC 13F .0306(a)(5)Housekeeping and Furnishings
10A NCAC 13F .0902(b)Health Care
10A NCAC 13F .0905 (d)Activities Program
10A NCAC 13F .0905 (f)Activities Program
02 Aug 2016Follow-Up
02 Aug 2016Follow-Up
Inspected found several fire-safety and facility-maintenance deficiencies, including a nonfunctional fire alarm system and doors that could allow the spread of fire and smoke when not properly closed.
Type A10A NCAC 13F .0300Physical Plant - Fire safety
Type A10A NCAC 13F .0300Physical Plant - Fire safety
Type A10A NCAC 13F .0300Physical Plant - Fire safety
02 Aug 2016Follow-Up
02 Aug 2016Follow-Up
Investigated found multiple life-safety deficiencies, including obstructed exit access and numerous fire-safety and building maintenance issues requiring remediation.
10A NCAC 13F .0306(a)(5); 10A NCAC 13F .0306(e)Housekeeping and Furnishings
Identified bed bugs in 15 resident rooms and noted cleaning/maintenance deficiencies.
10A NCAC 13F .0306Housekeeping and Furnishings-Clean, Repaired
21 Jul 2016Construction
21 Jul 2016Construction
Investigated a bed bug-related complaint and found issues with how donated clothing and bed bugs were handled in multiple rooms.
—Continued From page 1
18 Jul 2016Follow-Up
18 Jul 2016Follow-Up
An inspection identified multiple deficiencies across housekeeping, resident care, nutrition, activities, medication management, and records, including bed bug issues, unsafe furnishings, inadequate nail care, improper tableware, insufficient activities, and medication administration problems.
10A NCAC 13F .0306(a)(1)Housekeeping And Furnishings
Type B10A NCAC 13F .0306(a)(5)Housekeeping And Furnishings
10A NCAC 13F .0901Personal Care and Supervision
10A NCAC 13F .0904(b)Nutrition And Food Service
10A NCAC 13F .0905(d)Activities Program
10A NCAC 13F .0905(f)Activities Program - Outings
10A NCAC 13F .1004(a)Medication Administration
10A NCAC 13F .1008(b)Controlled Substances
G.S. 131D-21(2)Declaration of Residents' Rights
G.S. § 131D-4.5B(b)ACH Medication Aides; Training and Competency
18 Jul 2016Follow-Up
18 Jul 2016Follow-Up
Investigated multiple deficiencies including significant housekeeping and maintenance failures, bed bug concerns, inadequate activities and outings, improper medication handling, and insufficient staff training and oversight.
10A NCAC 13F .0306(a)(1)Housekeeping And Furnishings
Type B10A NCAC 13F .0306(a)(5)Housekeeping And Furnishings
10A NCAC 13F .0901Personal Care and Supervision
10A NCAC 13F .0904(b)(2)Nutrition And Food Service
10A NCAC 13F .0905(d)Activities Program
10A NCAC 13F .0905(f)Activities Program
10A NCAC 13F .1004(a)Medication Administration
10A NCAC 13F .1008(b)Controlled Substance
G.S. § 131D-4.5B(b)ACH Medication Aides; Training and Competency
G.S. 131D-21(2)Declaration of Residents' Rights
01 Jun 2016Follow-Up
01 Jun 2016Follow-Up
Identified several safety deficiencies, including a dirty smoke-detector sampling tube, doors that do not close properly, and damaged attic structural components.
—Continued From page 2 – occupancy findings
01 Jun 2016Construction
01 Jun 2016Construction
Found unvented and portable electric heaters in use, violating heating requirements and prohibitions on such devices.
10A NCAC 13F .0311Unvented & Portable Electric Heaters Prohibited
01 Jun 2016Construction
01 Jun 2016Construction
Found deficiencies for soot buildup in the living area and an unvented fireplace heater.
10A NCAC 13F .0306HOUSEKEEPING AND FURNISHINGS
10A NCAC 13F .0311OTHER REQUIREMENTS
01 Jun 2016Follow-Up
01 Jun 2016Follow-Up
Found multiple fire-safety and building defects, including a nonfunctional fire alarm system and compromised fire-rated barriers.
10A NCAC 13F .0311Physical Plant
20 May 2016Complaint
20 May 2016Complaint
Investigated a complaint and found extensive cleanliness, maintenance, safety, and furnishing deficiencies across resident rooms and common areas.
10A NCAC 13F .0306(a)(1)Housekeeping And Furnishings
10A NCAC 13F .0306(a)(3)Housekeeping And Furnishings
Type B10A NCAC 13F .0306(a)(5)Housekeeping And Furnishings
10A NCAC 13F .0306(a)(6)Housekeeping And Furnishings
10A NCAC 13F .0306(a)(9)Housekeeping And Furnishings
10A NCAC 13F .0306(b)(1)Housekeeping And Furnishings
10A NCAC 13F .0306(b)(8)Housekeeping And Furnishings
G.S. 131D-21(2)Declaration of Residents' Rights
11 Feb 2016Construction
11 Feb 2016Construction
Identified multiple safety and maintenance deficiencies, including missing fire safety reports and several hazards to exits, wiring, and fixtures. Found numerous issues related to accessibility, cleanliness, and heating equipment.
10A NCAC 13F .0302Current sanitation and fire safety inspection reports
10A NCAC 13F .0305Physical Environment - Hand Grips
10A NCAC 13F .0305Physical Environment - Hand Grips
10A NCAC 13F .0306Housekeeping and Furnishings
10A NCAC 13F .0306Housekeeping and Furnishings
10A NCAC 13F .0306Housekeeping and Furnishings
10A NCAC 13F .0306Housekeeping and Furnishings
10A NCAC 13F .0306Housekeeping and Furnishings
10A NCAC 13F .0306Housekeeping and Furnishings
10A NCAC 13F .0306Housekeeping and Furnishings
10A NCAC 13F .0306Housekeeping and Furnishings
10A NCAC 13F .0306Housekeeping and Furnishings
10A NCAC 13F .0311Other Requirements
10A NCAC 13F .0311Other Requirements
10A NCAC 13F .0311Other Requirements
10A NCAC 13F .0311Other Requirements
10A NCAC 13F .0311Other Requirements
10A NCAC 13F .0311Other Requirements
10A NCAC 13F .0311Other Requirements
10A NCAC 13F .0311Other Requirements
10A NCAC 13F .0311Other Requirements
11 Feb 2016Construction
11 Feb 2016Construction
Identified safety and physical-plant deficiencies requiring corrective actions, including prohibition of portable electric heaters and concerns about building equipment safety.
Type A10A NCAC 13F.0300PHYSICAL PLANT
Type A10A NCAC 13F.0300PHYSICAL PLANT
05 Aug 2015Follow-Up
05 Aug 2015Follow-Up
Investigated an activities and resident engagement deficiency, noting residents had limited participation and few meaningful activities.
10A NCAC 13F .0905 (e)Activities Program
05 Aug 2015Follow-Up
05 Aug 2015Follow-Up
Investigated a complaint about activities and resident engagement; observed residents largely uninterested in activities and gaps in documenting the activity calendar.
10A NCAC 13F .0905 (e) Activities ProgramActivities program
05 Aug 2015Follow-Up
05 Aug 2015Follow-Up
Found that residents lacked adequate opportunities for activities and one-to-one engagement, with schedules and participation not meeting the required program guidelines.
10A NCAC 13F .0905 (e)Activities Program
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