Are MUAHS damaging Senior Care Facilities' Image in North Carolina

NC Health News reported a disturbing trend in Wilson County, North Carolina. In his July 28, 2025 article, Jaymie Baxley, reported that Multi-unit Assisted Housing with Services (MUAHS) residences have popped up in Wilson County to provide for much-needed affordable housing and services for adults with disabilities. However, unlike family care and adult care homes, MUAHS are unlicensed and largely unregulated by the State. Nicole Atkinson, manager of Wilson County of Social Services' Adult and Family Services program reported that she is getting inundated with complaints that MUAHS residents are being denied access to their money, food stamps, and medication by persons controlling and managing some MUAHS. While MUAHS are considered independent living settings, the houses are not subject to routine inspections and monitoring by the State like family care and adult care homes. Nor are residents protected by North Carolina's Care Bill of Rights. Baxley conceded that most large MUAHS are considered properly maintained. However, will the influx of out-of-state investors opening small MUAHS damage the perceived quality of care in North Carolina's senior care facilities?

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