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The 10 Best Assisted Living Facilities in Washington, DC for 2024

The home of the United States Capitol, Washington, D.C., has a population of over 660,000 people, and 12.2% of these people are senior citizens, and extensive senior services make Washington an ideal place for people aged 60 and older. The region draws tourists with its famous monuments and historical areas, such as Georgetown. Each year, the changing seasons provide a range of temperatures and weather conditions. 

Assisted living provides care for seniors who struggle to live on their own but don't need full-time medical treatment. On average, Washington, D.C. residents pay $5,948 a month for assisted living — an increase over the national average of $4,500. These communities offer full-time staff that helps and supervises residents, plus bedrooms, prepared meals, lounges, housekeeping and recreational activities.

This guide provides an overview of Washington's climate, culture and sales tax, plus tourist destinations and senior services that encourage a high standard of living.

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Assisted Living Facilities in Washington, District Of Columbia

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What to Consider About Assisted Living in Washington

DC Health handles licenses and certifications for assisted living facilities in Washington, D.C. Licensed facilities must adhere to local regulations, providing a safe, supervised community for residents that maximizes their quality of life.

Benefits and Drawbacks of Assisted Living in Washington

  • Washington experiences drastic temperature changes throughout the year, ranging from 88.5 degrees in the summer to 26.5 degrees in the winter. However, these temperatures are close to the United States average. Residents see an average of 203 sunny days, 43.3 inches of precipitation and 13.7 inches of snow.
  • The cost of living in Washington is 39% higher than the national average. In particular, housing costs are 148% higher than the U.S. average, although utility expenses are 3% lower.
  • For senior transportation, the Senior MedExpress program provides free transportation to medical appointments. Seniors may also qualify for reduced public transit fees and the ConnectorCard Program, which assigns seniors a preloaded debit card.
  • Washington, D.C., is one of the most famous tourist destinations in the United States. Seniors can visit the Lincoln Memorial, Library of Congress, U.S. Capitol, White House and several museums. Other attractions include historical areas and Michelin-star restaurants.
  • With a 5.75% sales tax, Washington has a higher tax rate than 78.8% of states. However, Washington has a yearly tax holiday where residents can shop without paying sales taxes.

Paying for Assisted Living in Washington, DC

When trying to decide how to pay for assisted living, one of the first questions that comes up is "How much does it cost?" With the impact of inflation, it's more important than ever to have up-to-date information when making a financial plan for senior living. To help shed light on real senior living prices, Caring.com has compiled proprietary cost data from its network of more than 75,000 senior living providers to provide insight into the average cost of assisted living in Washington.

Inflation's Impact on the Cost of Assisted Living in Washington, DC

Inflation-driven assisted living costs in Washington, D.C., have grown by 9.55% over the 2022–2023 period. Although lower than the state average of 10.40%, the cost increase in Washington, D.C., is much higher than the state average, which declined by 28.93% in the same timeframe.

If you're considering assisted living options in other states and cities, you'll find inflation rates comparable to Washington, D.C., in locations such as Rochester, NY (9.53%), Fort Lauderdale, FL (9.55%), and Chattanooga, TN (9.55%). However, actual costs may significantly differ among these cities.

Location2022 Cost (Historical)2023 Cost (Current)2024 Cost (Estimated)
Washington$5,734$6,282$6,765
U.S. Average$4,070$4,459$4,802
District of Columbia$8,840$6,282$6,691
Rochester, NY$1,909$2,091$2,252
Fort Lauderdale, FL$6,350$6,957$7,492
Chattanooga, TN$3,559$3,899$4,199

Cities in District of Columbia

Chevy Chase

$6,381

Arlington

$5,315

Alexandria

$5,068

Silver Spring

$4,334

US

$4,000

Hyattsville

$3,950

The Costs of Other Types of Senior Living

Assisted living, memory care and independent living in Washington, D.C., have different price tags due to the various service provisions for each type. Assisted living requires little specialized support, and therefore costs approximately $6,282. Independent living costs are typically lower than assisted living costs, at $3,800. Memory care costs are much higher than assisted living due to special programs and support at $7,213.

Assisted Living

$6,282

Memory Care

$7,213

Independent Living

$7,700

Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Washington

Through the Elderly and Persons with Physical Disabilities (EPD) Waiver program of the District of Columbia Department of Aging and Community Living, financial coverage on assisted living costs are offered to Medicaid-eligible seniors in Washington, D.C.

Learn more about these programs, plus who’s eligible, on our Assisted Living in District Of Columbia page.

More Ways to Pay for Assisted Living

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 District Of Columbia page.

Free and Low-Cost Resources for Seniors in Washington,DC

There are many resources in Washington,DC that assist seniors in their retirement. Caring.com has compiled information on local organizations, programs and agencies and categorized them into care types for easy reference.

For information about statewide resources and those in nearby cities, go to Caring’s Washington state page.

Food Assistance Programs

Local organizations help ensure elderly citizens have a balanced diet and receive essential vitamins and minerals to remain healthy. Through nutrition programs, congregate meals, home-delivered meals and food pantries, these programs help Washington seniors afford the nutritious food they need.

Program NamePhone NumberDescription
Capital Area Food Bank - Washington202-644-9800The Capital Area Food Bank – Washington, located in Washington, D.C., supplies nutritious food to more than 400 partners in the local area, including food banks and pantries, soup kitchens, emergency shelters and senior centers. In addition, the organization offers a Senior Brown Bag program for recipients aged 55 and up, providing senior-specific grocery items. Additional programs for seniors include the income-based Grocery Plus and My Groceries to Go, aimed at providing nutritious groceries to D.C. seniors 60 and older.
Nutrition Programs - Washington202-724-5626The Department of Aging and Community Living in Washington, D.C., offers nutritional programs to help seniors meet their daily dietary requirements. Adults aged 60+ or those with disabilities can access nourishing meals at more than 40 community dining sites, and homebound adults may receive meal delivery to their residences. Dietitians also provide nutritional counseling and education programs to support the health and well-being of seniors with chronic illnesses.
The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) - Washington202-690-7442The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) is a nationwide, federally funded program that can help low-income seniors receive free food from food banks in their local areas. Eligibility is income-based. Seniors participating in some assistance programs, including but not limited to SNAP, TANF and SSI, are automatically eligible to participate. In most cases, seniors may sign up for the program at their nearest TEFAP food bank and need only present any form of ID and proof of address.

Many organizations offer free or low-cost legal services to Washington seniors. Older adults can access advice on issues such as estate planning, living wills and power of attorney. Some firms also act as long-term care ombudsmen, advocating for the rights of seniors in senior living communities.

Program NamePhone NumberDescription
Legal Counsel for the Elderly202-434-2120DC residents aged 60 and over are automatically eligible for pro bono support from this nonprofit organization's Legal Hotline. Hotline attorneys can provide direct assistance on the phone or refer callers to programs that more directly serve their needs. The LCE also assists seniors who need help receiving government benefits such as Medicaid. Seniors may stop by any of LCE's six area Self Help Offices for in-person support applying for public benefits, requesting records and filing small claims cases.

Home Repair and Modifications

Seniors and those with disabilities can access a variety of local resources to help them pay for home repairs and modifications. Programs in Washington have different eligibility criteria and often assist retirees by providing grants or loans.

Program NamePhone NumberDescription
Safe at Home - Washington202-724-5626The Safe at Home program is offered by the Department of Aging and Community Living of Washington, D.C. It provides home modifications that help reduce the risk of falling. Available adaptations include the installation of handrails, grab bars, stair lifts and shower seats. The program is available to people over the age of 60 and adults with a disability. There are also financial eligibility criteria that applicants must meet.

Senior Centers

Senior centers in Washington bring together residents through recreational activities and events. Many also offer advice and support on senior issues, run wellness and nutrition programs, and connect older adults with other resources in the local area.

Program NamePhone NumberDescription
Hayes Senior Wellness Center202-727-0357Hayes Senior Wellness Center in Washington, D.C., provides social, educational and recreational programs for adults aged 60 and older. Seniors can take classes on various topics, including fitness, art and technology, to learn new skills and hobbies. The center, located in Ward 6, also provides lunch, nutritional counseling, health education and medication management to promote a healthy lifestyle and help seniors maintain their overall social, physical and emotional well-being. The center is open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Bernice Fonteneau Senior Wellness Center202-727-0338Offering physical, recreational and social activities such as health screenings, yoga classes, cooking seminars, book discussion clubs and the like, this senior center is completely free for DC residents aged 60 and up. You can also sign up for driver safety courses and massage therapy sessions at this location.
Hattie Holmes Senior Wellness Center202-291-6170Offering physical, recreational and social activities such as health screenings, yoga classes, cooking seminars, book discussion clubs and the like, this senior center is completely free for DC residents aged 60 and up. You can also sign up for driver safety courses and massage therapy sessions at this location.

Senior Engagement

Senior engagement resources and programs in Washington help older adults remain active and ensure they contribute to the community. Resources include wellness programs, volunteer opportunities, support groups and organizations that help residents connect with the community to live fulfilling lives.

Program NamePhone NumberDescription
University of the District of Columbia Senior Gerontology Program202-274-6729UDC's suite of services for the capital's seniors includes a Senior Tuition Program that allows non-degree-seeking adults 65 years of age and up to take classes without paying university tuition or fees. It also includes free access to instructor-led classes in its Bodywise Health and Fitness Program, a low-impact, cardio-focused exercise regimen that can help seniors increase heart health and improve muscle flexibility.

Transportation Assistance

Assistance is available for seniors unable to access or use private transportation. These community resources help elderly and disabled residents make journeys in and around Washington, allowing them to run errands and attend appointments in the local area.

Program NamePhone NumberDescription
Senior MedExpress202-724-5626Operated in conjunction with the DACL, this Yellow Cab project ensures that DC-area seniors have free access to non-emergency medically related transport. The program is open to seniors 60 and up who must travel to regular checkups and treatment appointments for chronic life-threatening medical issues. Qualifying seniors can schedule same-day pickups once enrolled in the program.

Assisted Living Laws and Regulations in Washington

Washington, D.C.-area assisted living communities must adhere to the comprehensive set of state laws and regulations that all assisted living communities in District Of Columbia are required to follow. Visit our Assisted Living in District Of Columbia page for more information about these laws.

Reviews of Communities Nearby

Assisted Living

Wendy

I visited this facility

Review of Chevy Chase House

The outreach person was very personable and shared his knowledge of the different types of facilities for senior care freely. They have activities in the facility daily that my husband was very...

Provider response

Thank you so much for your lovely review!

Read more

Assisted Living

Linda

I visited this facility

Review of Sunrise on Connecticut Avenue

Sunrise on Connecticut Avenue was beautiful. The grounds are not extensive, but they're very beautifully landscaped. There were lots of nice places outside. The rooms were small though. The staff...

Read more

Assisted Living

Linda

I visited this facility

Review of Chevy Chase House

We toured Chevy Chase House Assisted Living. The person who toured me was terrific. The units were nice. The building itself is quite old. Even though the units that they've renovated looked...

Provider response

Thank you Linda for taking the time to leave us a review. We are thrilled to hear that you enjoyed your tour and that our renovations hit the mark for you. If you would like to join us for any...

Read more

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Assisted Living near Washington, DC

ArlingtonAlexandriaTakoma ParkChevy ChaseHyattsvilleSilver Spring

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Caring.com is a leading online destination for caregivers seeking information and support as they care for aging parents, spouses, and other loved ones. We offer thousands of original articles, helpful tools, advice from more than 50 leading experts, a community of caregivers, and a comprehensive directory of caregiving services.

 

The material on this site is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal, financial, professional, or medical advice or diagnosis or treatment. By using our website, you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Caring.com

Caring.com is a leading online destination for caregivers seeking information and support as they care for aging parents, spouses, and other loved ones. We offer thousands of original articles, helpful tools, advice from more than 50 leading experts, a community of caregivers, and a comprehensive directory of caregiving services.

 

The material on this site is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal, financial, professional, or medical advice or diagnosis or treatment. By using our website, you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

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