Assisted Living in Mclean, VA

Assisted Living Costs in Mclean

The 2018 Genworth Cost of Care study shows that the cost of assisted living in McLean ($5,000) is 25% higher than the national average ($4,000) and 12% above the state median of $4,451. Only the state capital, Richmond, is more expensive at $5,048 per month. Assisted living rates are fairly consistent in other Virginia cities including Winchester ($4,613), Virginia Beach ($4,676) and Blacksburg ($4,695). Lynchburg is the sole exception, with an average monthly cost of just $3,695.

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

The Cost of Assisted Living in Surrounding Areas

Care Cost Comparison

Senior care costs can vary drastically depending on location, care category and whether around-the-clock services are provided. The least expensive option in McLean is adult day health care, which only provides Monday-Friday daytime services in a care center setting. At-home services from a homemaker or home health aide average about $550 and $700 less per month than assisted living. When day-to-day household expenses are added in, the total may be more costly than residential care, which provides room and board. Nursing home care is by far the most expensive option in McLean, largely because it includes 24-hour skilled services.

Senior Care Cost Comparison Chart

Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Mclean

Medicaid in Virginia

Medicaid provides health care services to low-income Americans across all age groups. The program operates nationwide as a jointly funded collaboration between individual states and the federal government. In Virginia, the Medicaid program is overseen by the Department of Medical Assistance Services. Seniors age 65 and older and people with disabilities who are U.S. citizens or in the country legally can qualify for Medicaid coverage if they meet specific eligibility guidelines:

• $2,313 or less per month in income for an individual or $4,626 for couples
• $2,000 in assets for individuals and $4,000 for couples

All sources of income count. Counted assets include cash, stocks and bonds, bank account balances and real estate, with the exception of an applicant’s principal residence if it’s valued at less than $585,000. Other excluded assets are personal belongings, household effects and one vehicle.

McLean seniors can apply for Medicaid in person at any Fairfax County Department of Family Services office, online or by calling (855) 635-4370.

Commonwealth Coordinated Care Plus waiver

Medicaid-eligible Virginia residents age 65 and older who need medical or nursing home care are automatically enrolled in the CCC Plus waiver program if they have a monthly income below $2,313, which is 300% of the SSI federal benefit rate. Medicaid asset limits also apply.

The CCC Plus program’s purpose is to allow seniors to stay in a home or community setting and postpone or prevent the need for nursing home placement. Approved managed care organizations provide the waiver’s long-term care supports and services. The covered services begin with case management but can include a wide range of benefits such as:

• Personal care assistance
• Durable medical equipment and assistive technology
• Private-duty nursing services
• Transition services
• Medical and emergency care
• Diagnostic services
• Prescriptions
• Medical transportation

Those who are over the Medicaid or CCC Plus waiver income limit but have high medical bills may still qualify through a spend-down. Also called a medically needy pathway, this provision allows an individual to lower their countable income by deducting out-of-pocket medical expenses.

To learn more about the CCC Plus waiver program or to begin the application process by scheduling a screening assessment, contact the Fairfax County Department of Family Services at (703) 324-7500.

Other Financial Assistance Programs for Assisted Living

Virginia Auxiliary Grant

Virginia residents age 65 or older who currently live in an assisted living facility may qualify for extra funds through the Auxiliary Grant program to pay for their living accommodations and services. To apply, a senior must already reside in a participating facility and meet these requirements:

• Be assessed by a Department of Social Services social worker and meet the functional ability qualifications
• Have income below the approved rate for their facility
• Meet the SSI countable asset limit of $2,000 per individual or $3,000 per couple

Once seniors are approved, they receive a monthly personal needs allowance and a benefit payment that can cover a number of facility services and costs including:

• Furnished accommodations
• Meals and snacks
• Housekeeping and laundry services
• Assistance with personal care and activities of daily living
• Medication administration and oversight
• Transportation and assistance going to medical appointments
• Recreational and social activities
• Supervision

For more information about the Auxiliary Grant program or to schedule a qualifying assessment, contact the Fairfax County DFS at (703) 324-7500.

Assisted Living Bridge Loan

Seniors who want to make an immediate move into an assisted living facility but are experiencing a temporary cash crunch may consider applying for an Elderlife bridge loan to span the gap. These loans are specifically designed to provide short-term funding to pay rent and other initial assisted living costs. The loan is set up as a line of credit that can be accessed as needed, and it offers the convenient option of scheduling automatic monthly payments to a chosen facility. Elderlife loans have no application fees or upfront costs and offer terms of up to 24 months.

For more information or to apply over the phone, contact Elderlife Financial at (888) 228-4500.

Assisted Living Resources in Mclean

Senior Activity Centers

Fairfax County oversees a countywide network of 14 senior centers, including the Lewinsville Center in McLean and the Pimmit Hills Center in the adjacent community of Falls Church. Registered network members can visit the center of their choice to socialize with their peers and participate in a diverse array of programs and activities.

Seniors can join a chair yoga or line dancing class, take a foreign language or computer class or join a planned shopping excursion or restaurant outing. The centers serve nutritious congregate meals each weekday, and transportation services are available. Yearly network membership fees are $24 or $48 depending on income.

Area Agency on Aging

Fairfax County acts as the Area Agency on Aging serving McLean and the neighboring communities. It provides a wealth of aging, disability and caregiver resources on its web page dedicated to services for older adults.

The AAA also offers a resource helpline that seniors can take advantage of Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Older residents can get help locating needed services or recreation and wellness programs across the county, applying for benefits and available programs, or gaining access to health insurance counseling, volunteer transportation to medical appointments or paratransit services.

Fairfax County Area Agency on Aging
12011 Government Center Parkway, Suite 708 Fairfax, VA 22035
(703) 324-7948