Assisted Living in Roanoke, VA

Assisted Living Costs in Roanoke

The average monthly cost of assisted living in Roanoke is $313 less than the state median, reflecting a potential savings of around $3,700 per year on average for seniors who decide to settle in the Star City. Roanoke’s average monthly cost for assisted living services is less than the nearby cities of Blacksburg, Staunton and Charlottesville but slightly more expensive than costs in nearby Lynchburg. However, Roanoke is served by both a regional airport and an Interstate, which may make it easier for seniors in assisted living communities to receive visitors from out of town. Lynchburg, on the other hand, has a small airport but no interstate access.

Cost of Assisted Living Comparison Chart

• Roanoke: $4,138
• National average: $4,000
• State average: $4,451
• Lynchburg: $3,695
• Blacksburg: $4,695
• Staunton: $4,250
• Harrisonburg: $4,100
• Charlottesville: $4,577 

Care Cost Comparison

The cost of long-term care for any individual — in any location — depends heavily on the type of care required. Genworth’s Cost of Care Survey for 2018 notes that the median cost of assisted living care in Roanoke is only $4,138, but that the average monthly cost of nursing home care in a semiprivate room is almost double that at $8,030. Choose nursing home care in a private room, and the average cost is $9,003, which is more than double the cost of assisted living with a private apartment or room.

In-home care costs average around $3,384, which seems to reflect a savings of around $754 per month for seniors. Remember, though, that the costs of assisted living typically include accommodations and meals; the costs of in-home care do not reflect rent, mortgages, meals or home upkeep. In the end, it may not be as big of a savings as seniors might think.

Cost of Homemaker/Home Health Aide Comparison Chart

• Assisted living: $4,138
• Homemaker services: $3,384
• Home health aide: $3,766
• Adult day health: $1,571
• Nursing home care (semiprivate room): $8,030

Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Roanoke

Medicaid in Virginia

Medicaid in Virginia covers a wide range of medical and related services for families and individuals who meet eligibility requirements. Adults age 19 to 64 may qualify for this coverage if they aren’t eligible for Medicare and meet income requirements, which are 138 percent of the federal poverty level for a single adult. That equates to $16,750 per year in income or around $1,395 per month.

Individuals who are age 65 or older likely qualify for Medicare as a primary insurance. However, if they meet eligibility requirements, they may continue to qualify for Medicaid as a secondary insurance to help cover medical expenses not paid for under their Medicare policy. 

Adults can apply for Medicaid in Virginia by:

• Calling (855) 242-8282 to speak to a Cover Virginia call representative or the Virginia Department of Social Services Enterprise call center at (855) 635-4370
• Applying online via Common Help or the healthcare marketplace
• Mailing an application (though this process will take longer)

Long-term care is provided for some adults via Medicaid benefits, especially for services such as home health, hospice, long stays in hospitals and care in specialized nursing facilities. For help paying with assisted living care, seniors can turn to Virginia Medicaid waiver programs.

Other Financial Assistance Programs for Assisted Living

Program for All-Inclusive Services for the Elderly (PACE)

PACE provides funding and assistance for eligible adults who are over the age of 54 and have disabilities or health care needs that may require community-based supports. One purpose of PACE is to assist individuals who may be close to or actually require nursing-home level care to remain at home or in an assisted living community. PACE benefits can cover services such as transportation, assistance with basic acts of daily living, meals and some care.

Money Follows the Person

Virginia’s Money Follows the Person (MFP) program may be of importance to seniors looking to transition into or from various types of care or living situations. This program provides some flexible funding that can be used to cover qualified care wherever the senior resides. While this program doesn’t necessarily cover assisted living directly, it may provide compensation for specific services performed within the assisted living facility environment. 

Home and Community Based Waivers

In some circumstances, seniors may qualify for home and community based waivers that help cover the costs of services at home or in communities, including assisted living facilities. Virginia Medicaid also offers consumer-directed care, which provides added flexibility for seniors looking to stay in their own homes or in independent living environments offered by assisted living.

Seniors who are interested in these waivers or programs can speak to a Medicaid representative or social worker to apply for services.

Assisted Living Resources in Roanoke

Area Agencies on Aging

Area agencies on aging provide information and assistance on accessing free or low-cost services for seniors. They may also sponsor programs for seniors that include assistance, education and social opportunities. Seniors can find out more about mobility services, meal plans, housing counseling and support groups and supplemental services by calling an AAA.

LOA Area Agency on Aging
4932 Frontage Road NW Roanoke, VA 24019
(540) 345-0451

Senior Centers

Senior centers offer social opportunities, education and access to or help obtaining services such as meals, transportation and even health care. Roanoke and the surrounding area is home to a number of senior centers, a few of which are listed below.

Aging Well Roanoke Valley
1327 Grandin Rd SW, Roanoke, VA 24015

Vinton Senior Citizens
820 E Washington Ave, Vinton, VA 24179
(540) 983-0643

Carilion Center for Healthy Aging
2001 Crystal Spring Ave SW #302, Roanoke, VA 24014
(540) 981-7653

Veterans Services and Agencies

Veterans agencies provide vets with direct access to a variety of services, including health care, advocacy, counseling and social activities. These agencies also work with veterans to help them understand their benefits and apply for all of the services afforded to them.

Virginia Veterans Care Center
4550 Shenandoah Ave NW, Roanoke, VA 24017
(540) 982-2860

US Veterans Outreach Center
350 Albemarle Ave SW, Roanoke, VA 24016
(540) 342-9726

Veteran’s Services Department
270 Franklin Rd SW, Roanoke, VA 24011
(540) 597-1730