The North Carolina Star Rating program is designed to help people make informed decisions when selecting an assisted living residence.  Stars range from zero (lowest) to four (highest) and are awarded based on yearly inspections by the North Carolina Division of Health Service Regulation (DHSR) Adult Care Licensure Section.  While informative, conditions in the residence often have changed since the rating was given.  Therefore, the state advises that a decision not be made based on these ratings alone, and recommends that people visit the residence before make a decision.