Pricing ranges from
    $3,569 – 4,282/month

    McDowell House

    1687 Dairy Dr, Nebo, NC 28761
    • Assisted Living

    Helpful staff; dirty, unsafe, intrusive

    I found some staff helpful, but I experienced billing delays and withheld checks, dismissive management that even asked us to leave, ongoing cleanliness and safety problems (filth, flies, dirty dining floors, broken handrails), and cameras positioned oddly creating privacy concerns. I'd recommend this place only with reservations and close oversight.

    Loved one of resident
    Sep 2026

    Pricing

    Prices shown are estimates and subject to change. Contact your senior living advisor for current pricing.

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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

    1.80·(5)

    Overall rating

    1. 5
    2. 4
    3. 3
    4. 2
    5. 1
    • Care

      1.8
    • Staff

      1.0
    • Meals

      1.8
    • Amenities

      1.0
    • Value

      1.8

    Cons

    • Sanitation and pest-control concerns in common and dining areas
    • Maintenance and environmental-safety shortfalls (e.g., broken handrails)
    • Inadequate privacy safeguards for surveillance and monitoring systems
    • Staff conduct and family communication
    • Billing and financial-management delays, including withheld payments
    • Inconsistent resident-admission and retention practices

    Summary of reviews

    The reviews indicate a pattern of operational concerns spanning environmental care, staff interactions, and administration. Multiple comments described sanitation and pest-control concerns in common spaces and dining areas; these descriptions suggest inconsistent cleaning protocols and monitoring of food-service spaces. In combination with reports of damaged fixtures, such as handrails, the facility-level picture points to gaps in routine maintenance and environmental safety oversight.

    Comments about staff and caregiving emphasize issues with conduct and communication rather than specific clinical interventions. Several reviewers expressed that staff interactions felt unsupportive and that family communication was poor, including instances where families felt pressured regarding continued residency. These remarks imply potential weaknesses in staff training on family engagement, customer service, and resident-relations policies.

    Dining and activities received limited positive mention; the primary dining-related concern was cleanliness of the dining area floors. There is little consistent information about activity programming in the reviews provided, which may reflect either a lack of notable programming or that programming did not figure prominently in reviewers' experiences. Prospective families should request documentation of activity schedules and observe meal periods during a visit.

    Administrative and management themes recur in the commentary. Reviewers raised serious concerns about billing and financial-management delays, including instances where payments or checks were withheld for extended periods. These financial-processing issues were described alongside perceptions of broader mismanagement and unsympathetic managerial responses. Concerns about surveillance practices—specifically camera orientation and privacy safeguards—were also noted, indicating weaknesses in privacy policy implementation and monitoring-system management.

    Taken together, the pattern in these summaries points to operational weaknesses that could affect resident comfort, safety, and family trust: sanitation and pest-control controls, maintenance and safety oversight, privacy-protection practices, staff–family communication, and financial-administration reliability. Families considering this facility should seek written policies and recent inspection reports on sanitation and safety, ask about staffing training and family-communication protocols, review billing and funds-handling procedures, and observe the facility in person (including meal times and common areas) to evaluate these areas directly.

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    Location

    Map showing location of McDowell House

    McDowell House is located at 1687 Dairy Dr, Nebo, NC, 28761.

    About McDowell House

    McDowell House serves as a state-licensed care home with friendly caregivers around at all hours, and folks there can pick from private or shared suites depending on what they want or can manage, so if someone needs routine help-like getting dressed, keeping up with their medicine, or just moving from bed to chair-trained staff are always on hand. Residents with Alzheimer's or memory problems can get specialized care, while those who are more independent have options for living on their own but with support if they need it. The place provides both residential and assisted living, plus home care help, so there's support with things like incontinence, diabetes, transfers, and non-medical companionship. There's always Wi-Fi and cable TV in the rooms, and every resident has an emergency call system in case something goes wrong, and the whole building's set up to work for folks in wheelchairs. Housekeeping, laundry, and meals from a restaurant-style dining room make things easier, and there's also a salon and a gift shop for folks who want a haircut or something to buy for themselves or their visitors. The grounds have walking paths and a garden, and for folks who like something to do, there are regular crafts, movie nights, games, and arts room activities, plus resident-run events and offsite trips including seasonal tours of Constitution Square Historic Site and field trips. The facility has a library for reading, common rooms for socializing, and an all-day dining option with dishes that fit special diets for allergies or diabetes. Staff offer guided tours for groups and the building has year-round exhibits on the history and the kitchen, so visitors and residents can always find something to do, and families like how the staff are always willing to lend a hand and keep things cheerful and safe.

    People often ask...

    McDowell House offers competitive pricing, with rates starting at a cost of $3,569 per month.

    McDowell House offers assisted living.

    The full address for this community is 1687 Dairy Dr, Nebo, NC 28761.

    No, McDowell House 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.

    License number956982
    Facility typeAdult Care Home
    Capacity25 residents
    View the official license record

    Inspection Reports

    21

    Reports

    5

    Type A Citations

    3

    Type B Citations

    2

    Complaints

    11

    Years

    19 Aug 2025Follow-Up
    Identified deficiencies related to magnetic locking on exit doors lacking automatic fire detection or sprinklers and a bypassed fire detector awaiting replacement.
    • 10A NCAC 13F .0301Application of physical plant requirements
    • 10A NCAC 13F .0311Other requirements
    29 Apr 2025Follow-Up
    Found deficiencies in physical plant safety and fire protection, including magnetic locking on exit doors, unsealed penetrations and gaps in fire-rated ceilings, and a fire alarm system in unsafe condition.
    • 10A NCAC 13F .0301Application of Physical Plant Requirements
    • 10A NCAC 13F .0311Other Requirements
    29 Apr 2025Follow-Up
    Identified deficiencies in fire safety and physical plant areas, including magnetic locking on exit doors, lack of protection in closets, a malfunctioning fire alarm system, and an unsealed conduit at the kitchen exhaust.
    • 10A NCAC 13F .0301Physical Plant Requirements
    • 10A NCAC 13F .0311Other Fire Safety System Requirements
    16 Apr 2025Inspection
    Investigated the 04/16/25 survey and found that ordered lab tests for Resident #1 were not completed and there was no adequate follow-up to ensure orders were carried out.
    • —Initial Comments
    • —Continued From page 1
    16 Apr 2025Inspection
    Investigated the implementation of physician orders for laboratory tests and found that orders for one resident were not carried out, with no related results documented.
    • 10A NCAC 13F .0902(c)(3-4)Health Care
    26 Sept 2023Follow-Up
    Found deficiencies related to fire safety and building equipment, including magnetic locks on exit doors without automatic fire protection and issues with safety features and penetrations.
    • 10A NCAC 13F .0301APPLICATION OF PHYSICAL PLANT REQUIREMENTS
    • 10A NCAC 13F .0311OTHER REQUIREMENTS
    11 Sept 2019Follow-Up
    Investigated a follow-up construction survey and found deficiencies in the physical plant; some items remained uncorrected and require action.
    • Type A10A NCAC 13F.0311PHYSICAL PLANT
    11 Sept 2019Follow-Up
    Identified deficiencies in fire safety-related doors, including latchset holes and doors that do not close or latch properly. One door cannot be opened from inside when closed and another sagged, making closure difficult.
    • 10A NCAC 13F .0311Other Requirements
    01 Aug 2019Construction
    Found multiple deficiencies related to fire safety, sanitation, and building maintenance. The issues included overdue fire alarm inspection, bathrooms used for storage, irregular fire drill rehearsals, and unsafe equipment and doors.
    • 10A NCAC 13F .0302Must Have Current Sanitation and Fire Safety Reports
    • 10A NCAC 13F .0305Bathrooms-Not to Be Utilized for Storage
    • 10A NCAC 13F .0309Fire Safety-Rehearsals on Each Shift
    • 10A NCAC 13F .0311Building Equipment Maintained Safe, Operating
    • 10A NCAC 13F .0311Unvented & Portable Electric Heaters Prohibited
    18 May 2017Construction
    Identified multiple safety and maintenance deficiencies, including hoses lacking vacuum breakers, inadequate fire drill documentation, unsafe door hardware and safety devices, presence of a portable electric heater, and nonworking exhaust ventilation.
    • 10A NCAC 13F .0306Housekeeping and Furnishings
    • 10A NCAC 13F .0309Plan for Evacuation
    • 10A NCAC 13F .0311Other Requirements
    • 10A NCAC 13F .0311(b)(2)Unvented & Portable Electric Heaters Prohibited
    • 10A NCAC 13F .0311(g)Exhaust Ventilation
    18 May 2017Construction
    Investigated a complaint and found multiple safety and maintenance deficiencies, including unsafe floor conditions, prohibited heating devices, and incomplete fire safety rehearsals.
    • —Unvented & Portable Electric Heaters Prohibited
    • —Fire Safety - Rehearsals on Each Shift
    • —Safety equipment not maintained in a safe condition
    • —Continued From page 4 – Floor condition
    31 Mar 2017Complaint
    Found significant maintenance deficiencies: damaged laminate flooring creating trip hazards in hallways and near bathrooms, and furniture with drawers that are misaligned or missing parts.
    • 10A NCAC 13F .0306(a)(1) Housekeeping And FurnishingsHousekeeping and Furnishings
    • 10A NCAC 13F .0306(a)(3) Housekeeping And FurnishingsHousekeeping and Furnishings
    31 Mar 2017Complaint
    Detected multiple deficiencies across floor and furniture condition, supervision of residents, snack rights, and handling of residents' personal funds.
    • 10A NCAC 13F .0306(a)(1)Housekeeping And Furnishings
    • 10A NCAC 13F .0306(a)(3)Housekeeping And Furnishings
    • Type B10A NCAC 13F .0901(b)Personal Care and Supervision
    • 10A NCAC 13F .0909Resident Rights
    • 10A NCAC 13F .1104(c)Accounting For Resident's Personal Funds
    • 10A NCAC 13F .1104(e)Accounting For Resident's Personal Funds
    • G.S. 131D-21(4)Declaration of Residents' Rights
    22 Oct 2015Follow-Up
    Found deficiencies related to fire safety and plumbing, with cross-corridor doors not closing completely and no vacuum breaker on a spray attachment.
    • 10A NCAC 13F .0311Physical Plant - Other Requirements
    • 10A NCAC 13F .0311Physical Plant - Other Requirements
    22 Oct 2015Follow-Up
    Investigated deficiencies related to building equipment and safety systems; observed issues with cross-corridor doors and lack of a vacuum breaker on some fixtures.
    • Type A10A NCAC 13F.0311Building Equipment Maintained Safe, Operating
    24 Jun 2015Follow-Up
    Found multiple deficiencies including no current fire safety inspection, windows that could not be opened, damaged flooring and furniture, flies throughout the facility, no soap for residents, and issues with residents' rights.
    • Type B10A NCAC 13F .0302 (f)Design And Construction
    • 10A NCAC 13F .0305 (d)Physical Environment
    • 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
    • G.S. 131D-21(2) Declaration of Residents' RightsDeclaration of Residents' Rights
    24 Jun 2015Follow-Up
    Investigated a complaint and found several deficiencies related to sanitation, safety, and maintenance in the facility.
    08 Jun 2015Follow-Up
    Identified several unresolved safety and building deficiencies after a follow-up check; most were not corrected.
    • 10A NCAC 13F .0302 DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTIONMust Have Current Sanitation & Fire Safety Reports
    • 10A NCAC 13F .0311 OTHER REQUIREMENTSBuilding Equipment Maintained Safe, Operating
    • 10A NCAC 13F .0311 OTHER REQUIREMENTS (g)Exhaust Ventilation
    08 Jun 2015Follow-Up
    Identified safety and maintenance deficiencies including cross-corridor doors not fully closing, missing required safety inspections, and improper drainage/ventilation in some areas.
    • Type A—Door tightness/cross-corridor doors not closing completely
    • Type A—Exhaust ventilation - exhaust fan missing
    • Type A—Drainage/ventilation - ice machine drain line
    27 Mar 2015Construction
    Identified deficiencies in safety and building systems, including maintenance of equipment, an opening in a rated ceiling, and inadequate exhaust ventilation.
    • 10A NCAC 13F .0311 OTHER REQUIREMENTSBuilding Equipment Maintained Safe, Operating
    • 10A NCAC 13F .0311 OTHER REQUIREMENTSHole through the one-hour plaster ceiling above the nurse station
    • 10A NCAC 13F .0311 OTHER REQUIREMENTSExhaust Ventilation
    27 Mar 2015Construction
    Identified multiple safety and maintenance deficiencies related to fire and building safety reports, fire barriers, doors, ventilation, and equipment maintenance.
    • 10A NCAC 13F .0302DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION
    • 10A NCAC 13F .0311OTHER REQUIREMENTS
    • 10A NCAC 13F .0311EXHAUST VENTILATION

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    Mirador Living is not affiliated with the owner or operator(s) of McDowell House. The information above has not been verified or approved by the owner or operator. For exact information, please contact McDowell House directly. There is no cost for this service. We are compensated by the community you select.

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