Roanoke is a city in the Blue Ridge Mountains that’s home to an estimated 99,143 people. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 16.9% are aged 65 and over, which is above average, indicating the city holds more appeal for seniors than many. Roanoke’s attraction is partly explained by the outstanding scenery, in addition to the wealth of cultural activities. As part of The Crooked Road — which celebrates Virginia’s contributions to music — the city hosts several popular festivals. Additionally, seniors who like to admire the past can visit the Museum of Transportation and Center in the Square.
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.
Directory of Assisted Living Facilities in Roanoke, VA
We moved my mom here 8.5 years ago. She loved her large unit west facing unit with a balcony. She could have some plants and bird feeders making it feel more like home. My mom thrived in this assisted
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We moved my mom here 8.5 years ago. She loved her large unit west facing unit with a balcony. She could have some plants and bird feeders making it feel more like home. My mom thrived in this assisted living environment. She loved all the plans activities and the food. Unfortunately due to health decline we are moving on the next chapter in a nursing home with lift capacity. But if you are looking for a great residential setting for pure assisted living the Park Oak Grove should be on the list.
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We moved my mom here 8.5 years ago. She loved her large unit west facing unit with a balcony. She could have some plants and bird feeders making it feel more like home. My mom thrived in this assisted
… (read more)
We moved my mom here 8.5 years ago. She loved her large unit west facing unit with a balcony. She could have some plants and bird feeders making it feel more like home. My mom thrived in this assisted living environment. She loved all the plans activities and the food. Unfortunately due to health decline we are moving on the next chapter in a nursing home with lift capacity. But if you are looking for a great residential setting for pure assisted living the Park Oak Grove should be on the list.
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Cave Springs Place is located in the Roanoke suburb of Cave Spring, approximately five miles southwest of downtown. Its location near Garst Mill Park offers ample opportunities for recreational activi
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Cave Springs Place is located in the Roanoke suburb of Cave Spring, approximately five miles southwest of downtown. Its location near Garst Mill Park offers ample opportunities for recreational activities, while shopping and restaurants can be found along nearby Brambleton Avenue. Residents and guests praise the helpfulness and friendliness of the staff, as well as the high quality of the dining room. Residents also like the safety of the facility and the wide range of activities available to them, including bingo, bowling and group trips to outside locations.
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Cave Springs Place is located in the Roanoke suburb of Cave Spring, approximately five miles southwest of downtown. Its location near Garst Mill Park offers ample opportunities for recreational activi
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Cave Springs Place is located in the Roanoke suburb of Cave Spring, approximately five miles southwest of downtown. Its location near Garst Mill Park offers ample opportunities for recreational activities, while shopping and restaurants can be found along nearby Brambleton Avenue. Residents and guests praise the helpfulness and friendliness of the staff, as well as the high quality of the dining room. Residents also like the safety of the facility and the wide range of activities available to them, including bingo, bowling and group trips to outside locations.
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The Harmony Collection at Roanoke -Assisted Living was very clean, the food is delicious, and my mother loves it. She has thrived since she got there. They make sure she gets her medicine when she nee
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The Harmony Collection at Roanoke -Assisted Living was very clean, the food is delicious, and my mother loves it. She has thrived since she got there. They make sure she gets her medicine when she needs it. She gets 3 good meals a day and they provide snacks any time she wants them. They take good care of her. She looks better now after she’s been in there for 2 and a half weeks than when she went in.
She’s in level 3 assisted living. They go out of their way to make sure that the residents are happy and taken care of. They do extras for them, I think, and they are very hands-on. They want their residents to be happy.
I’ve eaten there more than once and their food is delicious. I know that they have a calendar with 3 or 4 activities a day. They have sports activities, bingo, and they play games.
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The Harmony Collection at Roanoke -Assisted Living was very clean, the food is delicious, and my mother loves it. She has thrived since she got there. They make sure she gets her medicine when she nee
… (read more)
The Harmony Collection at Roanoke -Assisted Living was very clean, the food is delicious, and my mother loves it. She has thrived since she got there. They make sure she gets her medicine when she needs it. She gets 3 good meals a day and they provide snacks any time she wants them. They take good care of her. She looks better now after she’s been in there for 2 and a half weeks than when she went in.
She’s in level 3 assisted living. They go out of their way to make sure that the residents are happy and taken care of. They do extras for them, I think, and they are very hands-on. They want their residents to be happy.
I’ve eaten there more than once and their food is delicious. I know that they have a calendar with 3 or 4 activities a day. They have sports activities, bingo, and they play games.
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We had a quick tour. It was the nicest one of the places we have visited. It looked like a really nice and clean community. The dining room was attractive. We also knew that it had a list of activitie
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We had a quick tour. It was the nicest one of the places we have visited. It looked like a really nice and clean community. The dining room was attractive. We also knew that it had a list of activities. It had a more wonderful decor than where she is now. The person who gave us the tour was nice and informative. He was helpful in answering all of our questions.
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We had a quick tour. It was the nicest one of the places we have visited. It looked like a really nice and clean community. The dining room was attractive. We also knew that it had a list of activitie
… (read more)
We had a quick tour. It was the nicest one of the places we have visited. It looked like a really nice and clean community. The dining room was attractive. We also knew that it had a list of activities. It had a more wonderful decor than where she is now. The person who gave us the tour was nice and informative. He was helpful in answering all of our questions.
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Magnolia Ridge Assisted Living is nestled in the beautiful southern Shenandoah Valley in the city of Roanoke, Virginia. This senior living community receives high marks from residents and their loved
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Magnolia Ridge Assisted Living is nestled in the beautiful southern Shenandoah Valley in the city of Roanoke, Virginia. This senior living community receives high marks from residents and their loved ones for its smaller size. Housing 34 residents, the community is praised by family members for a high level of individualized care from a friendly staff. Home-cooked meals in a gorgeous dining room that opens to a patio and garden also receive positive reviews from visitors and residents. Many activities such as bingo and arts and crafts are also offered.
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Magnolia Ridge Assisted Living is nestled in the beautiful southern Shenandoah Valley in the city of Roanoke, Virginia. This senior living community receives high marks from residents and their loved
… (read more)
Magnolia Ridge Assisted Living is nestled in the beautiful southern Shenandoah Valley in the city of Roanoke, Virginia. This senior living community receives high marks from residents and their loved ones for its smaller size. Housing 34 residents, the community is praised by family members for a high level of individualized care from a friendly staff. Home-cooked meals in a gorgeous dining room that opens to a patio and garden also receive positive reviews from visitors and residents. Many activities such as bingo and arts and crafts are also offered.
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Brandon Oaks is a senior living facility located in Roanoke, Virginia, near excellent health and shopping facilities. The community is well known for its personalized assisted living program, which en
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Brandon Oaks is a senior living facility located in Roanoke, Virginia, near excellent health and shopping facilities. The community is well known for its personalized assisted living program, which enables residents to lead a comfortable life. Residents praise the excellent amenities and services such as transportation to the grocery store or mall and to professional appointments, cable TV and urgent call monitoring services. Residents and visitors find the facility’s staff caring and welcoming in nature. They also find the facility’s rooms to be clean and well maintained.
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Brandon Oaks is a senior living facility located in Roanoke, Virginia, near excellent health and shopping facilities. The community is well known for its personalized assisted living program, which en
… (read more)
Brandon Oaks is a senior living facility located in Roanoke, Virginia, near excellent health and shopping facilities. The community is well known for its personalized assisted living program, which enables residents to lead a comfortable life. Residents praise the excellent amenities and services such as transportation to the grocery store or mall and to professional appointments, cable TV and urgent call monitoring services. Residents and visitors find the facility’s staff caring and welcoming in nature. They also find the facility’s rooms to be clean and well maintained.
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I will be moving into The Harmony Collection at Roanoke – Assisted Living. I guess I’ve been all through it: the dining area, the social area as you come in, my room, how to get to it, and the garage.
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I will be moving into The Harmony Collection at Roanoke – Assisted Living. I guess I’ve been all through it: the dining area, the social area as you come in, my room, how to get to it, and the garage. I chose it because I eliminated steps, I may have an assigned parking place, I can go right from the parking into the floor that I live on, and food. I’ll get three meals a day, more balanced than I make. The staff was knowledgeable, efficient, courteous, and helpful.
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I will be moving into The Harmony Collection at Roanoke – Assisted Living. I guess I’ve been all through it: the dining area, the social area as you come in, my room, how to get to it, and the garage.
… (read more)
I will be moving into The Harmony Collection at Roanoke – Assisted Living. I guess I’ve been all through it: the dining area, the social area as you come in, my room, how to get to it, and the garage. I chose it because I eliminated steps, I may have an assigned parking place, I can go right from the parking into the floor that I live on, and food. I’ll get three meals a day, more balanced than I make. The staff was knowledgeable, efficient, courteous, and helpful.
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Hermitage in Roanoke, Virginia, is located in the western part of the city in the shadows of the Roanoke Country Club. In addition to its location near the golf course, it sits two blocks from a bus s
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Hermitage in Roanoke, Virginia, is located in the western part of the city in the shadows of the Roanoke Country Club. In addition to its location near the golf course, it sits two blocks from a bus stop, connecting residents the entire metro area so they can visit local libraries, museums and shops in both downtown Roanoke and Salem and numerous area nature preserves. Residents appreciate the option to bring their own furniture if they choose as well as the faith-based services they receive from staff members. The dining area also receives high praise for its quality meals.
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Hermitage in Roanoke, Virginia, is located in the western part of the city in the shadows of the Roanoke Country Club. In addition to its location near the golf course, it sits two blocks from a bus s
… (read more)
Hermitage in Roanoke, Virginia, is located in the western part of the city in the shadows of the Roanoke Country Club. In addition to its location near the golf course, it sits two blocks from a bus stop, connecting residents the entire metro area so they can visit local libraries, museums and shops in both downtown Roanoke and Salem and numerous area nature preserves. Residents appreciate the option to bring their own furniture if they choose as well as the faith-based services they receive from staff members. The dining area also receives high praise for its quality meals.
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Our Lady of the Valley, located in Roanoke, Virginia, is a beautiful assisted living facility rooted in a faith-based philosophy offering compassion and care. Rooms are spacious, clean, remodeled and
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Our Lady of the Valley, located in Roanoke, Virginia, is a beautiful assisted living facility rooted in a faith-based philosophy offering compassion and care. Rooms are spacious, clean, remodeled and nicely furnished, making for pleasant, comfortable experiences for residents. A new rehab unit is available for those who need physical therapy after a surgical procedure or to work at maintaining wellness. Activities abound and include socializing, watching TV and listening to music. Residents and guests alike appreciate the dining room, where chefs prepare high-quality meals using fresh ingredients including lots of vegetables and fruits on a large salad bar.
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Our Lady of the Valley, located in Roanoke, Virginia, is a beautiful assisted living facility rooted in a faith-based philosophy offering compassion and care. Rooms are spacious, clean, remodeled and
… (read more)
Our Lady of the Valley, located in Roanoke, Virginia, is a beautiful assisted living facility rooted in a faith-based philosophy offering compassion and care. Rooms are spacious, clean, remodeled and nicely furnished, making for pleasant, comfortable experiences for residents. A new rehab unit is available for those who need physical therapy after a surgical procedure or to work at maintaining wellness. Activities abound and include socializing, watching TV and listening to music. Residents and guests alike appreciate the dining room, where chefs prepare high-quality meals using fresh ingredients including lots of vegetables and fruits on a large salad bar.
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Eastwood Assisted Living, Inc., is a senior living community located in the heart of Roanoke, Virginia. Residents and visitors give high marks to this facility for an engaging, attentive and knowledge
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Eastwood Assisted Living, Inc., is a senior living community located in the heart of Roanoke, Virginia. Residents and visitors give high marks to this facility for an engaging, attentive and knowledgeable staff as well as a clean and inviting space. They also appreciate the many activities residents can get involved with such as trivia games, bingo, exercise classes and balloon volleyball. Residents also enjoy the amenities provided at Eastwood Assisted Living, such as the beautiful dining area. Meals can also be served to residents in their rooms if requested.
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Eastwood Assisted Living, Inc., is a senior living community located in the heart of Roanoke, Virginia. Residents and visitors give high marks to this facility for an engaging, attentive and knowledge
… (read more)
Eastwood Assisted Living, Inc., is a senior living community located in the heart of Roanoke, Virginia. Residents and visitors give high marks to this facility for an engaging, attentive and knowledgeable staff as well as a clean and inviting space. They also appreciate the many activities residents can get involved with such as trivia games, bingo, exercise classes and balloon volleyball. Residents also enjoy the amenities provided at Eastwood Assisted Living, such as the beautiful dining area. Meals can also be served to residents in their rooms if requested.
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This is the worst nursing home in Roanoke, as soon as you step in the door all you smell is urine and it is filthy dirty inside. the furniture is outdated, half of the residents walk around with pee s
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This is the worst nursing home in Roanoke, as soon as you step in the door all you smell is urine and it is filthy dirty inside. the furniture is outdated, half of the residents walk around with pee stains on the back of their pants. The paint is chipping off the walls the whole place is in disrepair and in need of major repair. I came from out of town to visit my grandmother and there was cigeratte butts all on the ground before I could even get in the door and some man actually asked me for a cigeratte. If you truley love your family I wouldn’t reccomend this place. The sign says under new management as you come in the driveway, but it seems like the same old run down place it has always been.
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This is the worst nursing home in Roanoke, as soon as you step in the door all you smell is urine and it is filthy dirty inside. the furniture is outdated, half of the residents walk around with pee s
… (read more)
This is the worst nursing home in Roanoke, as soon as you step in the door all you smell is urine and it is filthy dirty inside. the furniture is outdated, half of the residents walk around with pee stains on the back of their pants. The paint is chipping off the walls the whole place is in disrepair and in need of major repair. I came from out of town to visit my grandmother and there was cigeratte butts all on the ground before I could even get in the door and some man actually asked me for a cigeratte. If you truley love your family I wouldn’t reccomend this place. The sign says under new management as you come in the driveway, but it seems like the same old run down place it has always been.
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I chose Brookdale Salem Virginia for my mom because the pricing was cheaper and they worked with you. It was clean and everything looked nice. It is in a convenient location, so I could drive by every
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I chose Brookdale Salem Virginia for my mom because the pricing was cheaper and they worked with you. It was clean and everything looked nice. It is in a convenient location, so I could drive by every day. The food is pretty good, too.
The people who are working with the residents, like the CNAs, do great. The ones that are inside the office, like the senior nurses, are in the office a lot. There’s been no communication as far as them getting in touch with me. They also put on there that my mom was getting assistance for showers and stuff like that. That was an extra $600 charge and they haven’t gone in there once to help her.
There are not a lot of activities, but they do fingernail polish for the residents or go to Walmart. You just sign the papers if you want to go.
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I chose Brookdale Salem Virginia for my mom because the pricing was cheaper and they worked with you. It was clean and everything looked nice. It is in a convenient location, so I could drive by every
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I chose Brookdale Salem Virginia for my mom because the pricing was cheaper and they worked with you. It was clean and everything looked nice. It is in a convenient location, so I could drive by every day. The food is pretty good, too.
The people who are working with the residents, like the CNAs, do great. The ones that are inside the office, like the senior nurses, are in the office a lot. There’s been no communication as far as them getting in touch with me. They also put on there that my mom was getting assistance for showers and stuff like that. That was an extra $600 charge and they haven’t gone in there once to help her.
There are not a lot of activities, but they do fingernail polish for the residents or go to Walmart. You just sign the papers if you want to go.
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My parents have moved into Woodland Hills assisted living. I’ve been there frequently, and the food is incredible. For activities, they have bingo and just tons of stuff. They have some kind of a safa
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My parents have moved into Woodland Hills assisted living. I’ve been there frequently, and the food is incredible. For activities, they have bingo and just tons of stuff. They have some kind of a safari thing they run where they have the zoo come in. They have a philharmonic orchestra with some instruments come in and just all sorts of things like movies. They have two nurses on every shift and one of the top chefs in the valley.
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My parents have moved into Woodland Hills assisted living. I’ve been there frequently, and the food is incredible. For activities, they have bingo and just tons of stuff. They have some kind of a safa
… (read more)
My parents have moved into Woodland Hills assisted living. I’ve been there frequently, and the food is incredible. For activities, they have bingo and just tons of stuff. They have some kind of a safari thing they run where they have the zoo come in. They have a philharmonic orchestra with some instruments come in and just all sorts of things like movies. They have two nurses on every shift and one of the top chefs in the valley.
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Earning a Caring Star means this community is among the best Senior Living commuities in America.
What to Consider About Assisted Living in Roanoke
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.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Assisted Living in Roanoke
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.
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.
Paying for Assisted Living in Roanoke
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.
The Cost of Assisted Living in Nearby Cities
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.
$4492
Roanoke
$4850
Virginia
$4300
The United States
$4000
Blacksburg
$4939
Lynchburg
$5893
Charlottesville
$3645
Richmond
The Cost of Other Types of Senior Care
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.
$4338
Home care
$4385
Home health care
$1603
Adult day health care
$4492
Assisted living
$7513
Nursing home (semiprivate room)
$8760
Nursing home (private room)
Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Roanoke
The state of Virginia has an Auxillary Grant to help offset the costs of assisted living. There is also an Alzheimer’s Assisted Living Waiver to Medicaid that will pay for assisted living facilities to those who are 55 years or older and are suffering from Alzheimer’s or a related form of dementia.
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.
Free Assisted Living Resources in Roanoke
The following resources can help families make assisted living more affordable and give them somewhere to go if they’re concerned about the standard of care provided to their loved ones.
The VA Aid and Attendance benefit is a monthly payment added to the VA pension for U.S. military veterans currently residing in senior living facilities. The benefit is also available to spouses of vets. Many factors can affect the level of payment but the maximums are $1,881 for a single vet, $1,209 for a surviving spouse and $2,230 for a couple. Veterans unsure if they qualify can check by using the free online tool provided by VeteranAid.org.
VICAP is a free program provided by the Office for Aging Services to seniors in Virginia who are Medicare beneficiaries or need help with enrolling. Counselors provide confidential face-to-face support, informing seniors of their current levels of coverage and advising them on how to plug any gaps in their insurance. This can include discussing private health care insurance. However, the counselors’ services are unbiased. They won’t try to sell insurance plans.
The Long-Term Care Ombudsman is an advocate for seniors residing in assisted living communities. Ombudsmen make unannounced visits to facilities to talk to the residents, remind them of their rights and investigate any complaints they make about their standard of care. If the complaint suggests criminality, such as elder abuse, the ombudsman will refer it to the appropriate authority. Families and third parties can also register complaints. The ombudsman also holds reports about assisted living communities, which families can access for free to help them make more informed choices regarding the best facilities for their loved ones.
The Salem Senior Center is only a 15-minute journey from Roanoke. It’s a place where seniors can congregate and socialize with others, participate in activities designed to improve their fitness and take part in educational classes. The center also organizes regular day trips and some overnight trips. Some health support services are available, such as blood pressure checks conducted by the Salem Fire Department.
Assisted Living Laws and Regulations in Roanoke
Roanoke-area assisted living communities must adhere to the comprehensive set of state laws and regulations that all assisted living communities in Virginia are required to follow. Visit our Assisted Living in Virginia page for more information about these laws.
We moved my mom here 8.5 years ago. She loved her large unit west facing unit with a balcony. She could have some plants and bird feeders making it feel more like home. My mom thrived in this assis...
Read more
Review of Cave Spring Place
Cave Spring Place was not a real large community. It's fairly small. It had nice rooms. The room that they showed me was like a room that they have set up to show people. I didn't see the room that...
Read more
Review of Cave Spring Place
I had an in-person tour of Cave Spring Place. I didn't really get to meet anybody that lived there. As far as I can see about the community and the building, everything was very clean. They have a ...
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The first step to finding the best senior housing for your loved one is to understand what type of care facility is the best fit. There are six main types of residential elder care options:
_[Inde...
As you're weighing senior care options for your loved one, cost is likely a top factor. The good news? Depending on what care your loved one needs, assisted living can be much more affordable than ...
If you're shopping for assisted living, you'll need to familiarize yourself with the levels of care, as the monthly rate for assisted living will depend on the level of care that the resident requi...