When considering long-term care options in Charlottesville, seniors who could benefit from personalized daily support but don't require the medical services they'd find in a nursing home might view assisted living as a suitable choice. The average cost of assisted living care in Charlottesville is $5,131 monthly. As it's higher than both the national average ($4,459) and Virginia state median ($4,604), seniors may need to be diligent when budgeting and planning for assisted living options.
AssistedLiving.org spent dozens of hours researching the top assisted living communities in the Charlottesville area to allow seniors and their families to find the community that’s right for them. Click through the facilities listed below to read in-depth reviews, what residents are saying, and details such as base pricing, room types, and more.
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In order to find the top assisted living communities in the Charlottesville area, our team of researchers:
Sorted through 37 communities using our unique methodology
Spent over 14 hours researching assisted living communities in Charlottesville
Read more than 140 reviews left by residents and their family members
After filtering out facilities that didn’t meet our high standards, we were left with 10 assisted living communities that earned our seal of approval. Through this process we discovered that the average cost of assisted living in the city of Charlottesville is $5,795, which is considerably higher than the state average of $4,800 and the national average of $4,051.
Christina Drumm-Boyd
Certified Senior Advisor (CSA) and Geriatric Care Manager (GCM)
Christina Drumm-Boyd
Certified Senior Advisor (CSA) and Geriatric Care Manager (GCM)
Christina is a Certified Senior Advisor (CSA) and Geriatric Care Manager (GCM) who is passionate about seniors and their families. Along with her staff, Christina works hands-on with each client to find the best solutions for the challenges that often come with aging.
Read on for in-depth information about the top assisted living facilities in Charlottesville, a brief dive into our methodology for determining the best assisted living communities, and a searchable directory of 37 communities in the Charlottesville area.
How to Pay for Assisted Living in Charlottesville, VA
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 Charlottesville and 49 additional cities within Virginia.
How Inflation Has Impacted the Cost of Assisted Living in Charlottesville, VA
Assisted living costs in Charlottesville have seen a substantial increase due to inflation. Between 2022 and 2023, average rates rose from $4,683 to $5,131 per month. This increase follows the nationwide trend, as the U.S. average also rose by around 10% during the same period. The state of Virginia tells a different story, with rates decreasing from $4,641 to $4,604. However, by 2024, the state median is expected to see a 9% jump.
Charlottesville is projected to see another increase in 2024, with costs rising to $5,526. Early planning can help seniors budget accordingly for these rising assisted living expenses.
Location
2022 Cost (Historical)
2023 Cost (Current)
2024 Cost (Estimated)
Charlottesville
$4,683
$5,131
$5,526
U.S. Average
$4,070
$4,459
$4,802
Virginia
$4,641
$4,604
$5,013
Richmond
$4,138
$4,534
$4,882
Virginia Beach
$3,796
$4,159
$4,479
Norfolk
$4,994
$5,471
$5,892
Assisted Living vs. Other Types of Care in Charlottesville, VA
Care costs in Charlottesville, VA, can vary depending on the type of senior living an individual chooses. For older adults who are predominantly self-sufficient, independent living is the most affordable option at $4,450 monthly. Assisted living is a little more expensive at $5,131 as it includes some personalized daily assistance. Memory care offers an even higher level of support and highly individualized, dementia-focused programming, resulting in costs that exceed assisted living’s monthly rate by $3,000.
Care Type
Cost
Assisted Living
$5,131
Memory Care
$8,150
Independent Living
$4,450
Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Charlottesville, VA
Other Ways to Pay for Assisted Living in Charlottesville, VA
Since not everyone can afford to pay for assisted living out of pocket, it’s important to find alternative methods to help make assisted living more affordable. Some of these options include:
Veterans Benefits
Life Insurance Policy
Long-Term Care Insurance
Reverse Mortgage
For more information about your options for making assisted living more affordable, visit our guide to Assisted Living in Virginia.
Free and Low-Cost Assisted Living Resources for Seniors in Charlottesville, VA
Numerous resources are available in Charlottesville, Virginia to support seniors during their retirement. AssistedLiving.org has gathered data on local groups, initiatives, and agencies, and organized them according to care categories for convenient access.
For details about resources across the state and in neighboring cities, please visit the Virginia state page on assistedliving.org.
Area Agency on Aging
Your local Charlottesville 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.
Virginia has 25 AAAs that offer seniors valuable information on state services and programs. These include Chronic Disease Self-Management Education (CDSME), care coordination, and telephone reassurance check-ins. Seniors can also benefit from residential repair and renovation programs, as well as local transportation services. Discover the range of options available to support seniors in Virginia through AAAs.
Financial Assistance for Senior Care
Financial aid is available for seniors in Charlottesville who prefer to age in place. Various local entities provide support for expenses like home care, home adjustments, and utility bills.
The Jefferson Area Board for Aging provides a companion support service for seniors aged 60 and above, enabling them to maintain their independence. Eligible seniors are matched with companions who offer non-medical assistance, such as medication reminders, light housekeeping, meal preparation, and shopping.
Food Assistance Programs
In Charlottesville, 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.
Meals on Wheels is a government-funded program that offers affordable meals to seniors and homebound residents in the state. The cost of meals is determined based on your income level. To be eligible, you must be unable to cook or shop for yourself or be homebound. Meals on Wheels chapters are available in various locations across the state.
Nutritious, home-delivered meals are available for low-income adults aged 60+ who are unable to cook for themselves and lack caregivers. The menu offers diverse options, including meals tailored to specific dietary needs. Friendly volunteers not only deliver the meals but also provide check-ins for recipients. To apply for meal deliveries, seniors in Charlottesville, VA, and surrounding areas (Albemarle, Fluvanna, Greene, Louisa, and Nelson counties) can contact the Jefferson Area Board for Aging.
The Blue Ridge Area Food Bank in Charlottesville, VA, collaborates with Feeding America to offer essential groceries to seniors and community members in need. Assistance is available to anyone requiring food support, with possible proof of address. To learn about distribution, please call in advance. Additionally, the organization provides on-site meals and neighborhood produce markets, with no income verification necessary.
Free Used Medical Equipment
In Charlottesville, numerous groups are addressing the steep expense of new medical equipment. They gather gently used items like wheelchairs, ramps, and walkers, providing them to local seniors and individuals in need.
This charity offers free equipment loans to families in need, including minorities, seniors, and rural residents. Over 2,000 items are loaned out monthly, supporting those who require assistance.
Legal Resources
In Charlottesville, 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.
The Charlottesville Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program investigates abuse and neglect claims in care communities and during in-home care. They operate a senior helpline for reporting on behalf of seniors in Charlottesville and Albemarle, Fluvanna, Greene, Louisa, and Nelson counties. The senior helpline is available to all members of the community, while residents of senior care facilities can access the office’s investigation and advocacy programs by contacting the Ombudsman’s office.
Senior Centers
In Charlottesville, senior centers serve as a hub for older adults, providing recreational activities, events, and valuable resources. These centers also offer wellness programs, nutritional guidance, and assistance with senior-related concerns.
The Charlottesville Mary Williams Community Senior Center offers a welcoming space for seniors aged 60 and over. We provide congregate meals, social events, group outings, and free educational events. Our services are available to seniors who can manage their own medications and personal care. Sign up for a free membership to enjoy these benefits, including a suggested donation for lunch and free meals for low-income members. We also offer free health screenings and assistance with chronic diseases.
Senior Engagement
In Charlottesville, 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.
JABA’s Become a Volunteer program in Charlottesville, VA offers seniors the chance to contribute their skills and experience to their community. Opportunities include administrative support, insurance counseling, and mentoring students. JABA’s Neighbor to Neighbor initiative seeks compassionate volunteers to visit elderly or disabled residents, help with household chores, and deliver monthly food boxes. Join us in making a difference today.
The Central Library in Charlottesville, VA, serves as a cooling station and offers various services for seniors. These include computer use, digital scanning, faxing, and printing. Seniors can also bring their own supplies and utilize sewing machines, Cricut, and laser cutting and engraving tools. The library hosts a range of programs and workshops, such as book clubs, Kimchi-making lessons, tech tutorials, and trivia events. Notary services are also provided.
The Senior Citizen Waiver program at the University of Virginia allows adults aged 60+ to audit up to three courses per semester for free. Seniors with an income below $23,850 can also take classes for credit without paying tuition. Eligibility is based on meeting admission requirements and availability of space in classes, with priority given to tuition-paying students.
Social Security Offices
In Charlottesville, Social Security offices provide essential services to seniors and individuals with disabilities. They offer guidance on retirement benefits, disability allowances, and Supplemental Security Income.
Social Security provides income for retirees and individuals unable to work due to disability. Funding is derived from payroll taxes paid by employers, employees, and self-employed individuals. Upon retirement, monthly payments are determined by previous earnings.
Transportation Assistance
For seniors in Charlottesville struggling with private transportation, help is at hand. Community services are available to aid the elderly and disabled in their local travels, facilitating errands and appointments within the city.
JAUNT provides transportation services for seniors, individuals with disabilities, and the general public in urban Charlottesville and surrounding rural areas. ADA-certified individuals can conveniently request pick-up and drop-off from their homes to their desired destinations. Our reliable service is available for medical appointments, shopping, errands, and leisure activities. Experience hassle-free transportation with JAUNT.
Assisted Living Laws and Regulations in Charlottesville, VA
Assisted Living Communities in Charlottesville are required to follow a set of rules and regulations that are determined by the state. For an overview of those rules and regulations, see the information below. For more specific information, talk with your local community or Area Agency on Aging.
Our Methodology
It’s not what we research, but the way we research that makes AssistedLiving.org stand out. We start by identifying problems and challenges in the senior care industry by gaining insight from conversations with industry professionals, older adults, and those that care for them. Next, our research team led by industry experts apply our data-driven research techniques to understand the magnitude of the challenge and how to overcome it. Finally, we present our findings in easy-to-understand guides and studies and share our actionable results with influencers and caregivers, as well as the general public.
Facility Features (40%)
Facility Health Services Graded on health services provided on the facility including, but not limited to, on-site nursing, pharmacy, skilled nursing, medicine administration, etc
Facility Amenities Graded on the available amenities.
Affordability Financial assistance acceptance and overall costs and value.
Residential Quality (40%)
Resident Satisfaction Polling & survey of overall facility satisfaction.
Facility Complaint and Violations Number of complaints and violations the facility had. Taking into account improvement over time.
Location-Based Benefits Including, but not limited to, proximity to hospitals, ambulance response times, senior resources available, and state and city financial assistance.
Location Quality Local crime rates, incidents against older adults, air quality, climate.
