The 10 Best Assisted Living Facilities in Roanoke, VA for 2024

Assisted living is an ideal choice for seniors who struggle with daily chores, such as cleaning their homes. The facilities offer security and comfort, with staff taking on the daily tasks, allowing seniors to use their time as they please. The Genworth Cost of Care Survey for 2020 reveals the average monthly cost for assisted living in Roanoke is $4,492, which is slightly above the national average but significantly lower than the state average.

This guide covers senior living costs in more detail. It also discusses the advantages and disadvantages of living in Roanoke and lists some resources that can help seniors.

The Virginia Department of Social Services is responsible for overseeing assisted living facilities in the state. This includes issuing and reissuing licenses to facilities that meet standards and revoking them from those that don’t. Although the Long-Term Care Ombudsman can monitor facilities, it has no direct authority over them. However, its reports on facilities can factor in licensing decisions.

• The cost of living in Roanoke compares very favorably with the national average of 100, according to Sperling’s Best Places, which scores the city at 84.1. Although health care costs are above average, other costs important to seniors in assisted living are below average. For example, transportation comes in at 77, which is significantly lower than the state and national averages. Entirely for financial reasons, CNN Money named Roanoke as one of the 25 best places to retire to in the country. 
• Although Roanoke’s residents get to enjoy four seasons, the very mild winters, where temperatures range between 28 and 46 degrees Fahrenheit, ensure they aren’t regularly subjected to extreme cold. It’s also true that in the hottest months, where temperatures range between 66 and 87 degrees, they aren’t subjected to extreme heat either. 
• Roanoke’s seniors are well served by six hospitals in the surrounding areas. These include the Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital, Carilion Roanoke Community Hospital and the VA Medical Center in nearby Salem. U.S. News & World Report ranks the memorial hospital #5 in Virginia.
• According to Neighborhood Scout, the statistics for violent crime in Roanoke show the city to be below the national average but above the state average. The site also reports that Roanoke deals with property crime much more than average for the state and the country. Roanoke’s southern neighborhoods in particular are known for being safer areas. Additionally, the Bureau for Justice Statistics has stated that seniors are much less likely to be involved in crime than every other age group.
• Seniors in Roanoke have several low-cost options for getting around the city and the country. RADAR is a nonprofit organization that provides a paratransit service with drivers trained to help the infirm. Fares are $3.50 per trip. The Valley Metro bus system offers discounted fares of $0.85 for adults aged 65 and older.

The following figures published in the 2020 Genworth Cost of Care Survey reveal that Roanoke’s assisted living fees of $4,492 may be higher than the national average but are very competitive when compared to other cities in Virginia. The survey also reveals that the costs of different types of senior care can vary greatly. 

Although Roanoke’s costs are below the midpoint, there are more affordable cities. Richmond’s average costs are $3,645, while in Blacksburg, $4,000 is normal. However, costs jump significantly in Lynchburg, where families can expect fees of around $4,939. Charlotteville is even more expensive, with fees averaging at $5,893.

Adult day care centers offer the most affordable services for seniors. Their average costs of $1,603 are much lower than those for homebound seniors, who typically pay $4,338 for home care and another $47 per month for limited medical support. Assisted living’s monthly costs of $4,492 are the most affordable option that includes accommodation, while nursing home care is significantly more expensive. Families should budget for around $7,513 for a semiprivate room, while those who want their loved ones to have a private room can expect to pay an additional $1,247 per month.

While many families use their own funds or personal assets to pay for assisted living, there are plenty of additional options to cover these costs. Some additional ways to finance assisted living costs include:

• Veterans Benefits
• Life Insurance Policy
• Long-Term Care Insurance
• Reverse Mortgage

For more information about different ways to finance assisted living, visit our Assisted Living in Virginia page.