Assisted Living In Virginia

Virginia is a great state in which to retire – especially for seniors who are on a fixed income. Social security income is exempt from state tax, and seniors 65 or older with other retirement income that’s less than $12,000 won’t have to pay state tax on it. Additionally, sales tax isn’t charged on prescription drugs and over-the-counter medication.

Directory of Assisted Living Facilities in Virginia

As you start your research for a quality assisted living facility in Virginia, knowing the types of services each facility provides and the financial help available to help pay for those care services, is important. The registry below can aid you in your research by providing details and information on more than 400 facilities in the state of Virginia.

How to Pay for Assisted Living in Virginia

Determining how to finance assisted living often starts with the question, “What’s the cost?” In today’s economy, where inflation plays a significant role, having current data is crucial for senior living financial planning. AssistedLiving.org has gathered cost information from its expansive network of over 75,000 senior living providers. This data offers a glimpse into the average expenses for assisted living in Virginia and 50 additional cities within Virginia.

How Inflation Has Impacted the Cost of Assisted Living in Virginia

In Virginia, assisted living prices decreased from 2022 to 2023 by 1%, to only $4,604 per month, beating the trend of rising costs caused by high inflation rates in the United States, which saw an average increase of 10%.

In stark contrast to Virginia, prices soared in neighboring states. Fees rose to a surprising $5,173 in West Virginia, and to $5,091 in Maryland. In Kentucky and North Carolina, the cost difference reached 14% and 18%, respectively. However, according to estimates, the average rate in Virginia is likely to increase to $5,013 in 2024, and to $5,183 for West Virginia residents.

Assisted Living Costs in Virginia's Top Cities

Since senior care costs can vary widely from city to city, it’s critical to evaluate different options to ensure that residents can afford it over the long term. Those in Arlington, a suburb of Washington, D.C., have to budget around $4,083 toward assisted living expenses, whereas their counterparts in Virginia Beach pay $4,159 per month. In Richmond, the state capital, locals face an estimated $4,534. Costs surge in the southern city of Norfolk, reaching $5,471.

The Cost of Other Types of Senior Living

Virginia residents can choose from several facility options based on their needs and financial resources. Assisted living offers personalized support with daily tasks, and is priced at $4,604 on average. Independent living typically provides a more self-sufficient lifestyle with fewer amenities, resulting in lower costs of around $3,194. Memory care, which specializes in dementia and Alzheimer’s care, requires a higher price tag of $5,667 to cover the cost of specially trained staff and customized programs.

Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Virginia

Commonwealth Coordinated Care Plus Medicaid Waiver

Nursing home-eligible seniors in Virginia who prefer to live independently in an assisted living facility may be able to get financial help via the Commonwealth Coordinated Care Plus (CCC Plus) Medicaid waiver, which is a combination of the old Elderly or Disabled With Consumer Direction and Technology Assisted waivers. Currently, there is no waiting list for the CCC Plus waiver.

Who Is Eligible?

Residents interested in applying for the CCC Plus waiver need to meet the following qualifications:

• They must be age 65 or older.
• They must have a medical or nursing need.
• For single residents, monthly income not exceed $2,250 (in 2018), and countable assets must be worth $2,000 or less
• For married residents, monthly income must not exceed $3,375 (in 2018), and countable assets must be worth $3,000 or less.

A screening team consisting of a nurse from the Virginia Department of Health and a representative from the Department of Social Services will use the Uniform Assessment Instrument (UAI) tool to determine if an applicant meets certain eligibility requirements.

How to Enroll

To enroll in the CCC Plus Medicaid waiver, you must contact your local Department of Family or Social Services office to schedule a screening.

More Ways to Finance Assisted Living

Some additional ways to finance assisted living costs include:

• Veterans Benefits: Veterans can take advantage of several different pension programs to help cover the cost of assisted living. For more information, see the article on benefits.va.gov.

• Life Insurance Policies: Even if a spouse or loved one hasn’t died, certain types of life insurance policies can be used to pay for assisted living. More information is available at longtermcare.acl.gov

• Long-Term Care Insurance: Long-term care insurance is a type of insurance policy that pays for long-term care when it becomes necessary, including the cost of assisted living. For more information on the benefits and drawbacks of this financing method, visit longtermcare.acl.gov.

• Reverse Mortgages: Reverse mortgages allow seniors to access the equity from a home that they own, and these funds can be used to pay for assisted living. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development offers a federally insured reverse mortgage program.

Free Assisted Living Resources in Virginia

In Virginia, a multitude of resources are available to support seniors during their retirement years. AssistedLiving.org has gathered data on various local entities, initiatives, and agencies, and organized them according to the type of care they provide for effortless navigation.

Area Agency on Aging

Your local Area Agency on Aging is a valuable resource for retirees, offering guidance on financial aid, in-home care, and long-term care planning. They also link seniors and caregivers to community resources.

Cash Assistance Programs

In Virginia, financial aid programs are available to support low-income seniors in maintaining their home-based living. These programs offer tax relief, essential service discounts, and assistance with home heating and cooling expenses.

Financial Assistance for Senior Care and Senior Living

Seniors in Virginia, whether residing independently or in a senior living facility, have access to various local financial aid options. These entities assist in offsetting certain in-home or long-term care expenses and link them to beneficial community resources.

Food Assistance Programs

In Virginia, various local initiatives are dedicated to promoting senior health through balanced nutrition. They offer services like meal delivery, communal dining, and food banks, ensuring elderly residents have access to affordable, nutritious food.

Home Repair and Modifications

In Virginia, numerous programs are available to aid seniors and individuals with disabilities in financing home modifications and repairs. These programs, offering grants or loans, have diverse eligibility requirements specifically designed for retirees.

Legal Resources

In Virginia, numerous agencies provide affordable or complimentary legal assistance to the elderly. They offer counsel on matters like estate management, living wills, and power of attorney. Some even serve as advocates for seniors’ rights in long-term care facilities.

Senior Engagement

In Virginia, a variety of programs and resources are available for seniors to stay engaged and active. These include wellness initiatives, volunteering options, and support networks, all aimed at fostering community involvement and enhancing life quality.

Social Security Offices

In Virginia, Social Security offices provide essential services to seniors and individuals with disabilities. They offer guidance on retirement benefits, disability allowances, and Supplemental Security Income.

Tax Assistance

Numerous tax aid resources are available in Virginia for senior citizens and individuals with disabilities. These include potential exemptions on medical costs, property tax reductions, and other tax relief initiatives.

Utility & Energy Bill Assistance

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Veteran’s Services

Veteran services in Virginia offer invaluable assistance to retired military personnel. These local entities guide veterans in utilizing their rightful benefits and provide counsel on diverse matters.

Assisted Living Laws and Regulations in Virginia

Assisted Living Admission Requirements

Before admission in an assisted living facility, the resident is required to have a physical examination by an independent physician. In order to determine the resident’s care needs, the Assisted Living Facility (ALF) must also complete a Uniform Assessment Instrument (UAI) on the resident.

The UAI must be completed on an annual basis or when there is a significant change in the resident’s condition, whichever comes first.

ALFs cannot admit or retain residents who:

• Require a level of care that the facility is unable or unlicensed to provide
• Are dependant on a ventilator
• Have stage 3 or 4 dermal ulcers, unless the stage 3 ulcers are determined by an independent physician to be healing
• Require intravenous therapy injections directly into their vein (some exceptions apply)
• Have an airborne infectious disease that requires the resident to be placed in isolation or the caretaker to follow special precautions
• Are an imminent physical threat or danger to self or others
• Requires continuous licensed nursing care

Assisted Living Scope of Care

Assisted living facilities in Virginia provide health care services, protection, guidance, and supervision based on what is specified in the resident’s service plan. They also offer assistance with medication, activities of daily living, instrumental activities of daily living, and walking.

Assisted Living Medicaid Policy

Virginia’s Medicaid doesn’t directly pay for assisted living, but the Commonwealth Coordinated Care Plus (CCC Plus) can provide financing. While the CCC Plus waiver is not an entitlement program (meaning not everyone who qualifies is guaranteed acceptance), there is currently no waiting list.

Assisted Living Requirements

ALFs in Virginia are required to meet a variety of specifications required by the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code. Some requirements include the following:

• A maximum of two residents are allowed to live in one bedroom.
• Bathtubs and showers must have handrails, non-skid surfaces or strips, and grab bars.
• All bedrooms with connecting bathrooms are required to have easily accessible signaling devices that will alert direct care staff when a resident needs assistance.

Medication Management Regulations

Licensed staff or medication aids may administer medicine as instructed in the resident’s written plan for medication management. Residents who are able can self-administer their own medications.

Staffing Requirements

Two direct care staff members must be present and awake at all times. The direct care staff is responsible for the care and supervision of all residents in the building. Additionally, all assisted living facilities are required to have an acting administrator who will be responsible for the admission and management of the facility and overseeing the day-to-day operation.

Staff Training Requirements

Administrators must be:

• 21 or older
• Licensed as an assisted living facility or nursing home administrator by the Virginia Board of Long-Term Care Administrators
• High school graduates
• Experienced in caring for adults in a health or long-term care facility for at least one year

Administrators who supervise medication aides must first complete a Virginia board of nursing-approved training program for the registration of medication aides. The program is required to include at least 68 hours of student instruction and training.

Direct care staff must:

• Be at least 18 years old, unless they are certified in Virginia as a nurse aide
• Successfully complete the 40-hour direct care staff training taught by a registered nurse or licensed practical nurse
• Attend 18 hours of training each year
• Be trained in first aid and CPR
• Be trained on how to deal with aggressive residents and how to properly care for residents in restraints if employed in an ALF that has or accepts aggressive or restrained residents

Background Checks for Assisted Living

Assisted living facilities in Virginia cannot employ anyone convicted of a barrier crime as defined in 22 VAC 40-90-10.

Requirements for Reporting Abuse

Suspicion of any form of elder abuse or neglect should be reported to the Virginia Department of Social Services’ Adult Protective Services (APS). You can report the abuse by calling your local department of social services or the 24-hour APS hotline at (888) 832-3858.

If you suspect an assisted living facility is in violation of any rules and regulations, you can anonymously report the facility to the Virginia Ombudsman by calling (804) 565-1600 or filling out their online form.

Virginia COVID-19 Rules for Assisted Living Facilities

Note: The following information was compiled and most recently updated on 2/15/22. Since COVID-19 is a rapidly evolving crisis, be sure to contact your assisted living facility or local Area Agency on Aging for the most up-to-date information.

Sources: www.vdh.virginia.gov www.cdc.gov