Assisted Living in Virginia

With one of its cities, Jamestown, being the birthplace of a nation, the Commonwealth of Virginia is also known as the “Old Dominion.” The state is host to a number of state parks and gorgeous landmarks, and the major cities of Jamestown, Richmond and Arlington provide great tourist destinations, including the historic Jamestown Settlement, Civil War Trails and the Pentagon.

As of 2010, the population of Virginia was just over eight million residents, making it the twelfth most populated state in the country. Virginia is both busy and bustling, and plays host to a deeply rooted and historic culture. With so many places to explore, assisted living in Virginia promises there will never be a dull moment.

Assisted Living in Virginia Defined

Communities of assisted living in Virginia are more commonly known as “adult care facilities.” The Virginia Department of Social Services defines adult care facilities as:

“Any congregate residential setting that provides or coordinates personal and health care services, 24-hour supervision, and assistance (scheduled and unscheduled) for the maintenance or care of four or more adults who are aged, infirm or disabled and who are cared for in a primarily residential setting” (22 VAC 40-72-10).

Unlike nursing homes, adult care facilities do not provide ongoing, medical-based care for dependent patients, and are not monitored by the Virginia Department of Health. They are also unlike retirement communities, where seniors live independently and without any additional support.

Rather, adult care facilities offer a level of independence greater than that of a nursing home, while still providing assistance with daily activities, such as bathing, toileting, dressing and administering medication.

Regulation of Assisted Living in Virginia

Assisted living in Virginia is regulated by the Virginia Department of Social Services. The Department of Social Services is responsible for administering licenses to assisted living homes, as well as for investigating allegations of abuse. To obtain a license in Virginia, an assisted living community must fulfill two basic requirements:

• Provide coordinated healthcare for four or more aged or disabled residents
• Offer 24-hour supervision

Every assisted living facility employee must undergo a background check, including the completion of a criminal history report. When obtaining a license, and during annual review, the facility itself (including food service and sewage disposal) is inspected by local health authorities.

All adult care facilities must renew their license every one to three years. Additionally, to ensure a quality facility, each community is inspected twice (at least once unannounced) within six months after applying for a license.

Cost of Assisted Living in Virginia

The average cost of assisted living in Virginia is $44,460 per year, or about $3,700 per month, for a one-bedroom/single-occupancy room. Monthly costs can range anywhere from $1,200 to upwards of $5,850 depending on where the assisted living facility is located. These costs cover basic care and assistance.

Here is a list of the average monthly rates* broken down by city for a one-bedroom, single-occupancy apartment in a Virginia assisted living facility:

*Genworth Financial 2011 Cost of Care Survey.

Assisted living costs can be covered privately, or in some cases (such as with Veteran Benefits) state-funded grants may be offered. Those not eligible for Veteran Benefits may be interested in looking into private, long-term care insurance.

Find Assisted Living in Virginia

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Written by senior housing writer Stacy Rost.