Assisted Living in Alexandria, VA

Assisted Living Costs in Alexandria

According to Genworth’s 2018 Cost of Care study, Alexandria’s $5,000 average monthly cost for assisted living is significantly higher than the national average and moderately more expensive than the state average of $4,451. Alexandria is also similarly priced to other Virginia cities such as Roanoke ($4,138) and Virginia Beach ($4,676). Aside from Lynchburg ($3,695) and Richmond ($5,048), assisted living costs are fairly consistent across the state.

Note: Senior care cost data wasn’t available for Alexandria, so data for the Washington, D.C. area was used.

Cost of Assisted Living Comparison Chart

• Alexandria/Washington, D.C. area: $5,000
• National average: $4,000
• State average: $4,451
• Virginia Beach: $4,676
• Roanoke $4,138
• Lynchburg: $3,695
• Blacksburg: $4,695
• Richmond: $5,048

Care Cost Comparison

Cost for senior care is dependent on a number of factors, including location and degree of desired care. In Alexandria, a semiprivate room in a nursing home is more than twice the cost of assisted living. In contrast, assisted living is only 18% higher than home health care, which doesn’t include costs associated with remaining at home, such as rent, groceries and general upkeep.

Cost of Homemaker/Home Health Aide Comparison Chart

• Assisted living: $5,000
• Homemaker services: $4,290
• Home health aide: $4,458
• Adult day health: $1,972
• Nursing home care (semiprivate room): $10,539

Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Alexandria

Medicaid in Virginia

A state and federally funded health coverage program designed for low-income individuals of all ages, Medicaid in Virginia is administered by the Department of Medical Assistance Services. Eligibility is determined by Alexandria’s Department of Community and Human Services and is dependent on income, assets and residency.

Interested seniors must be Virginia residents and U.S. citizens age 65 or older, with monthly income not exceeding $2,313 for individuals and $4,626 for couples. The maximum assets allowed for individuals is $2,000, and it’s $4,000 for couples applying jointly. 

Income from all sources, including pensions, alimony payments, SSI and IRA withdrawals are considered. Countable assets include bank accounts, investments, cash, stocks and real estate other than a primary residence valued at $585,000 or less. Other exempt assets include burial trusts, personal belongings and an automobile.

Seniors who are over the income limit for Medicaid but have significant medical bills may still qualify through a spend down, which allows for the deduction of certain medical costs to reduce countable income. To qualify, seniors must have out-of-pocket medical expenses that bring their countable monthly income down to $489 for individuals and $662 for couples.

To apply for Medicaid, call (855) 242-8282 or visit Cover Virginia.  

CCC Plus Waiver and Long-Term Services and Supports

The Commonwealth Coordinated Care Plus waiver is mandatory for seniors over 65 who meet the state’s Medicaid qualification requirements and have medical or nursing needs. This waiver provides a number of long-term services and supports so seniors can remain in their homes and communities and delay a transition into nursing care.

The available services and supports include, but are not limited to, companion and in-home support, personal care, electronic home-based supports, skilled nursing and transition services. Eligibility is determined through a screening conducted by Alexandria’s Department of Community and Human Services, which can take place even if a senior has not yet applied for Medicaid.

To learn more about the CCC Plus waiver, visit Virginia’s Department of Community and Human Services or call (703) 746-3400.

Other Financial Assistance Programs for Assisted Living

Auxiliary Grants

Low-income seniors age 65 and older who receive Social Security Income and live in assisted living facilities may qualify for an Auxiliary Grant. Eligibility is determined through a screening assessment completed by a qualified social worker and the completion of an Application for Benefits form. Applicants must be Virginia residents and U.S. citizens with countable income less than the approved rate for their facility and assets of $2,000 or less for individuals or $3,000 for couples. The grant may cover room and board at assisted living facilities, meals, housekeeping, personal care items, medicines, transportation for medical visits and a personal needs allowance.

For more information about Auxiliary Grants, visit the Virginia Department of Social Services Auxiliary Grants page or call (703) 746-5700.

Veterans Aid and Attendance and Housebound Benefits

Senior veterans who are eligible for a VA pension and are either housebound or require assistance with daily living activities may be eligible for additional pension income. To qualify for an Aid and Attendance pension top-off, seniors must meet one of the following conditions:

• Reside in a nursing home due to physical or mental incapacity
• Be bedridden as a result of a disability or chronic illness
• Have limited eyesight of 5/200 or worse
• Require assistance with activities of daily living, such as dressing, feeding, bathing, elimination and navigating their environment  

Veterans applying for a Housebound pension top-off must be primarily confined to their residence due to a permanent disability.

Applicants may not receive both pension top-offs simultaneously. To inquire about Aid and Attendance or Housebound pension benefits, contact the Virginia Department of Veterans Services at (703) 813-1529.

Assisted Living Resources in Alexandria

Recreation Centers in Alexandria

The Alexandria Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Activities offers a host of social programs for the city’s older adults. Their Power Clubs and Power Plus Classes give seniors a variety of activity options at the city’s six recreation centers. Yoga, weight training, aquatic exercise and other fitness classes, arts and crafts, sign language, game nights, coffee social hours and much more are available for a slight fee. To learn more, contact the Power-Plus Program Office at (703) 746-5585.

Community Aid Agencies

The local, nonprofit Senior Services of Alexandria supports the senior community through advocacy, services and programs. These include Meals on Wheels, DOT paratransit services, companion care assistance, grocery/pet food deliveries and discounts at local businesses.

Senior Services of Alexandria
206 North Washington St, Ste 301, Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 836-4414

Area Agency on Aging Seniors Centers

For residents age 60 and over, Alexandria’s Department of Community and Human Services Division of Aging and Adult Services offers health insurance counseling, meal deliveries, transportation, home visits and case management. Aging and Adult Services also offers recreation and meals at the senior centers listed below.

Aging and Adult Services
2525 Mt Vernon Ave, Alexandria, VA 22301
(703) 746-5999

St. Martins Senior Center  
4650 Taney Ave, Alexandria, VA  22304
(703) 751-2766  

Charles Houston Senior Center
901 Wythe St, Alexandria, VA  22314
(703) 746-5456