Assisted Living in Richmond, VA

Assisted Living Costs in Richmond

According to data from Genworth’s 2018 Cost of Care Study, Richmond is one of Virginia’s costliest cities for assisted living, with expenses coming in at over $500 a month higher than the state average of $4,451. Assisted living costs are significantly higher in Richmond than smaller cities, such as Lynchburg ($3,695) and Roanoke ($4,138), and slightly higher than the coastal Virginia Beach area ($4,676). Virginia’s capital city costs, on average, over $1,000 a month more for assisted living than the national average of $4,000.

Cost of Assisted Living Comparison Chart

• Richmond: $5,048
• National average: $4,000
• State average: $4,451
• Charlottesville: $4,577
• Roanoke: $4,138
• Lynchburg: $3,695
• Virginia Beach Area: $4,676
• Harrisonburg: $4,100

Care Cost Comparison

The cost of senior care varies widely, and the type of care needed influences it heavily. At the high end, a semiprivate room in a Richmond nursing home costs an average of $7,917 per month while adult day health care comes in at only $1,452, a difference of over $6,000. Assisted living and home health services fall near the middle, with assisted living expenses almost $3,000 less per month than nursing home care. When considering in-home or adult day health care, seniors should factor in costs such as housing, meals and basic necessities, which are generally included in most types of residential care.

Cost of Homemaker/Home Health Aide Comparison Chart

• Assisted living: $5,048
• Homemaker services: $3,813
• Home health aide: $3,813
• Adult day health: $1,452
• Nursing home care (semiprivate room): $7,917

Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Richmond

Medicaid in Virginia

Older Virginians with limited income and resources can receive comprehensive medical coverage through Virginia’s Medicaid program. For individuals 65 and older, covered groups include those with income less than 80 percent of the Federal Poverty Level guidelines, those receiving Supplemental Security Income who also meet Medicaid resource requirements and individuals with income up to 300 percent of the SSI payment rate who have been approved to receive nursing home services or services through a state care waiver. Income limits may vary, depending on the level of coverage required, as well as by county and city of residence. Medically needy seniors who do not meet income guidelines may also be eligible. 

You can apply for Medicaid benefits by visiting CommonHelp or calling Cover Virginia at 1-855-242-8282. Applicants must provide amounts and sources of income, proof of identity, including their social security number, and confirmation of Virginia residency. 

Individuals who require long-term care must also provide information regarding any asset exchanges during the previous five years. This includes but is not limited to vehicle title transfers, removal of names from property deeds and payments made to trust funds. Additional requirements apply to married applicants. Because Virginia’s Medicaid policies regarding long-term care are complex, individuals should seek further information and counseling from their local Department of Social Services.

Other Financial Assistance Programs for Assisted Living

CCC Plus Waiver

Virginia offers Medicaid waivers for seniors eligible for long-term care in residential facilities such as nursing homes. Financial eligibility requirements differ significantly from state Medicaid requirements, and individuals receiving waivers are entitled to the full array of Medicaid benefits.

The CCC Plus Waiver serves individuals 65 and over who have medical or nursing care needs. It provides a variety of health and wellness services to older residents who meet eligibility guidelines for nursing facility care, including medical necessity, as well as the need for assistance with activities of daily living. For more information on the program, visit Commonwealth Coordinated Care Plus or call 1-844-374-9159.

Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services: Auxiliary Grant

Virginia’s Auxiliary Grant provides financial assistance to eligible individuals already in assisted living or adult foster care. This two-part grant yields monthly payments, which include a personal needs allowance in addition to funds designated for facility care. The personal needs allowance lets seniors in residential facilities pay for items such as clothing, tobacco, eyeglasses and over-the-counter medications that residences are not required to provide.

For additional information or to apply, visit the Virginia Department of Social Services.

Virginia Adult Services Program

The goal of the Virginia Adult Services Program is to keep seniors in their home or community for as long as possible, and program benefits include assessments for individuals currently residing in assisted living facilities or seeking assisted living arrangements. Additional benefits include case management, nutrition counseling and home-based services.

Low-income seniors or adults with impairments may be eligible for this program and should request additional information at their local Department of Social Services.

Assisted Living Resources in Richmond

Senior Centers and Programming in Richmond

From leisure programs to health and wellness services, Richmond’s senior centers seek to enhance the lives of older adults. Active seniors may benefit from the variety of clubs and activities available through senior programming services, which may include trips, educational offerings, socialization and opportunities for community involvement.

Linwood Robinson Center
700 North 26th Street, Richmond, VA 23223
(804) 646-3115

Senior Center of Greater Richmond at Peter Paul Development Center
1708 North 22nd Street, Richmond, VA 23223
(804) 937-1016

John P. Quarles Memorial Senior Center
945 Worth Street, Richmond, VA 23225
(804) 232-9827

Active Adults Programming Administration Office
1209 Admiral Street, Richmond, VA 23220
(804) 646-1999

Senior Agencies and Resources

Several Richmond agencies offer services to older adults in need of resources or advocacy. These organizations strive to help seniors stay independent by providing referrals, counseling and education.

Senior Connections — The Capital Area Agency on Aging
24 East Cary Street, Richmond, VA 23219
(804) 343-3000

Office on Aging & Persons with Disabilities (OAPD)
701 North 25th Street, Richmond, VA 23223
(804) 646-1082

Veterans Services

Virginia’s capital city provides several resources for eligible veterans, including a VA medical center that has a regional benefits satellite office. Individuals seeking counseling, referrals or other support can also contact the local veterans center.

Hunter Holmes McGuire VA Medical Center
1201 Broad Rock Boulevard, Richmond, VA 23249
(804) 675-5000

Richmond Vet Center
4902 Fitzhugh Avenue, Richmond, VA 23230
(804) 353-8958