In the 1970s, a group of residents who had lived and worked in Chapel Hill for years and wanted to stay in town realized there were no continuing care retirement communities in the area to which they could retire.

These individuals envisioned a retirement community close to town, where older adults could take advantage of the area’s educational, cultural and medical resources. With vision, drive and passion, these residents tirelessly pursued the feasibility studies, land, money and certification needed to start a retirement community.

In 1979, after nearly a decade of hard work, these leaders were some of the first residents to move into Carol Woods Retirement Community. Thirty-one years later, some of these residents still live at Carol Woods, and the grassroots initiative that characterized the original residents is still a hallmark of the residents, staff and Board of the community.

Mission Statement

Carol Woods shall be a charitable, not-for-profit corporation meeting the needs of older adults for housing, health, well-being, and protection of financial security.

The mission of Carol Woods shall be to provide a safe, healthful, and secure environment for persons throughout their later years, as well as to engage in cooperative research, development, and education in areas encompassed by the mission. High quality residential living and health services shall be provided according to individual needs. Residents’ ongoing needs to maintain and promote health and well-being shall be supported through the provision of appropriate resources. Carol Woods shall encourage diversity, residents’ leadership, participation in and service to Carol Woods and the larger community. Carol Woods shall also foster a high quality work experience for staff and facilitate staff development that embodies the values and mission of the organization.