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Independent Living in Virginia
Virginia is a great place for seniors to spend their golden years. With exciting venues such as the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center and the Chrysler Museum of Art, there’s plenty to keep those living in this city entertained as they transition into and continue to enjoy their retirement. In the state’s larger cities, such as Virginia Beach and Richmond, seniors have access to endless amenities, including shops, services and world-class medical facilities. While the overall cost of living in Virginia is just slightly above the national average, seniors can benefit from lower utility, grocery and transportation costs throughout the state.
Seniors in Virginia may appreciate the opportunity to live in one of the state’s independent living communities, where they can reside among peers and take advantage of services that are often available, such as housekeeping, chef-prepared meals and planned social activities. The average cost of independent living in Virginia is about $3,153 per month, just slightly more than the national average.
In this guide, we provide further information about independent living and senior care costs in Virginia, as well as details regarding how to pay for it and resources that may be of help to seniors living here.
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The Cost of Independent Living in Virginia
When trying to decide how to pay for independent 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 over 75,000 senior living providers to offer insight into the average cost of independent living in Virginia and its 23 cities.
The Cost of Independent Living in Virginia's Top Cities
Virginia's statewide average cost for independent living is $3,194 a month, but this is for the entire state. Individual cities show a variety of independent living costs, both above and below the state median. Charlottesville is at the high end of Virginia cities with an average monthly cost of $4,450, while Alexandria is near the low end at $2,357. Between these, Virginia Beach's costs average $2,516, and Richmond's are $2,805.
Virginia
$3,194
Charlottesville
$4,450
Alexandria
$2,357
Richmond
$2,805
Virginia Beach
$2,516
Inflation's Impact on the Cost of Independent Living in Virginia
Inflation has affected the prices seniors pay for independent living in Virginia. From 2022-24, costs rose from $3,060 a month to a projected $3,417 in 2024, a 12% increase. This is still somewhat less than the 13% price increase nationwide although it's more than some other states. Independent living costs rose in North Carolina from $2,932 to 2024's projected $3,505, and from $3,313 to $3,710 in Maryland. Prices are falling in a few states. Tennessee is seeing a 10% drop from $3,123 to $2,800, while West Virginia's prices are falling 30%.
| Location | 2022 Cost (Historical) | 2023 Cost (Current) | 2024 Cost (Estimated) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia | $3,060 | $3,194 | $3,417 |
| U.S. Average | $2,810 | $2,955 | $3,162 |
| West Virginia | $3,720 | $2,460 | $2,620 |
| North Carolina | $2,932 | $3,054 | $3,505 |
| Maryland | $3,313 | $3,484 | $3,710 |
| Tennessee | $3,123 | $2,629 | $2,800 |
The Costs of Other Types of Senior Living
Older adults have more options than just the $3,194 monthly cost for independent living. Seniors with greater need for supervision and therapy may have to pay more for a higher level of senior care. Assisted living in Virginia averages $4,604 a month, while memory care averages $5,667.
Assisted Living
$4,604
Memory Care
$5,667
Independent Living
$3,194
Can You Use Medicare or Medicaid to Pay for Independent Living in Virginia?
Unfortunately, you cannot use Medicaid and Medicare to help pay the monthly fee for residing in an Independent Living community. For seniors who need help with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), there may be financial assistance programs available to help cover the cost of care in Independent Living. For more information about financial assistance for those who need a higher level of care, read our guide to Assisted Living in Virginia.
Read on for more information about using alternative means to make Independent Living more affordable, such as retirement funds, the sale of a home, etc.
Paying for Independent Living in Virginia
While programs such as Medicaid and Medicare don’t pay for independent living, seniors do have some options available when it comes to paying for this option. In some cases, previously purchased long-term care insurance policies may cover partial independent living costs, but for those who don’t have this type of insurance, other options, including reverse mortgages and whole life insurance cash-outs can help with the expense. It’s also good to keep in mind that independent living sometimes includes services such as food and transportation, so retirement income that normally goes toward these expenses can be easily redirected to cover independent living costs.
Free and Low-Cost Resources for Seniors in Virginia
There are many resources in Virginia 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.
Area Agency on Aging
Retirees can find support and advice on various senior-related issues from their local Area Agency on Aging. The agency provides advice on topics such as financial assistance programs, in-home care and long-term care planning. It also connects seniors and caregivers with community-based resources.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Area Agencies on Aging | There are 25 AAAs in Virginia, each of which provides seniors with information about services and programs in the state. Chronic Disease Self-Management Education (CDSME), a telephone reassurance check-in service and care coordination are a few of the available services Additional options range from residential repair and renovation programs to local transportation services for seniors. |
Cash Assistance Programs
Cash assistance programs in Virginia provide financial support to help low-income retirees remain in their own homes for as long as possible. Seniors and caregivers can apply for tax rebates and reductions, discounts on vital services and help covering the cost of heating and cooling their home.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Lifeline Program | 800-234-9473 | The LifeLine Program offers a discount on landline or mobile telephone service, ensuring that participants can stay in contact with loved ones. |
| Virginia Auxiliary Grants | 804-545-1644 | Seniors who live in assisted living or in adult foster care can receive direct financial assistance under the Auxiliary Grant Program from the Virginia Department Of Social Services. Financial aid helps adults maintain a standard of living that meets a basic level of need. Seniors who apply for the program need to live in an approved facility and meet other criteria. Applicants need to be at least 65 and be a resident of Virginia for at least 90 days. Applicants must also need help with 1-2 ADLs. Seniors should contact their local Social Security office to learn more. |
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 Virginia seniors afford the nutritious food they need.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Older Americans Congregate Nutrition Program | The Virginia Older Americans Congregate Nutrition Program serves nutritious meals to older adults in group settings such as senior centers, while the Home-Delivered Nutrition Program delivers meals to elderly individuals who are isolated and homebound. Adults aged 60 years and older, particularly those with low incomes and at risk of becoming institutionalized, are eligible for meals. The end goals of both programs are to reduce hunger and food insecurity, encourage socialization and promote the health and well-being of Virginia's aging population. | |
| Virginia Farm Market Fresh for Older Adults | 804-662-9333 | The Virginia Farm Market Fresh for Older Adults program distributes vouchers to qualifying Virginians aged 60 and older. Each voucher is worth $5, and 10 are given to eligible seniors. They can redeem between June 1 and November 18 at pre-approved roadside stands and farmers markets within the state to buy herbs, fruits and vegetables. Applicants must meet certain guidelines to qualify, including falling within a specific income range. |
| Virginia Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) | 804-786-3520 | The Virginia Commodity Supplemental Food Program provides low-income seniors with access to nutritious foods. Seniors must be 60 years of age or older and have an income at or below 130% of the federal poverty level to be eligible for this program. Qualifying seniors receive food boxes stocked with staples to supplement meals. These boxes may include canned meats, fruits, vegetables, shelf-stable milk, cheese, cereal, beans and pasta. |
| Virginia Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) | 800-552-3431 | The Virginia Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program provides electronic benefit transfer cards that help low-income Virginia seniors pay for nutritious food from local groceries and other retailers. Funds are automatically added to the debit cards each month. To qualify for this program, the members of a household must have a total monthly net income no higher than the poverty line. Seniors already receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families or Supplemental Security Income benefits may automatically qualify for SNAP benefits. |
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 Virginia have different eligibility criteria and often assist retirees by providing grants or loans.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Emergency Home and Accessibility Repair Program | 804-371-7000 | EHARP provides emergency financial assistance to help correct urgent health or safety issues that could prevent you from remaining in your own home. Examples of eligible repairs include plumbing and electrical upgrades and wheelchair ramp construction or installation. |
| Virginia Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) | 804-371-7000 | Sponsored by the state and federal government, WAP helps with the cost of energy-efficient home repairs and upgrades, such as installing insulation, sealing air leaks and repairing HVAC equipment. Home improvements can also enhance residents' health and safety. |
Legal Resources
Many organizations offer free or low-cost legal services to Virginia 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 Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Poverty Law Center Helpline | 844-802-5910 | The Senior Legal Helpline provides assistance, advice and referrals for Virginia residents aged 60 and over. You can call the helpline and speak to attorneys at no cost on complex legal topics specific to seniors, such as long-term care issues, abuse and neglect, and public benefits like Medicaid. |
Senior Engagement
Senior engagement resources and programs in Virginia 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 Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Dementia Services | 804-662-9154 | The Virginia Office for Aging Services provides dementia services throughout the state for those living with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. The office coordinates services across agencies and oversees initiatives such as the Dementia State Plan, Brain Health Virginia and dementia-capable training for caregivers. |
Medicaid Resources
Navigating the Medicaid system is often difficult and confusing. Several Virginia resources help older adults by providing advice on Medicaid options, waiver programs and eligibility criteria to help seniors receive the right health care benefits.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Commonwealth Coordinated Care Plus Waiver | 844-374-9159 | In Virginia, long-term care and community-based supports are covered by the state's Commonwealth Coordinated Care Plus Waiver. This managed care organization serves seniors, disabled adults and residents of all ages who require a nursing home or hospital level of care. Unlike many waivers, there are no waiting lists. Beneficiaries have the option to choose between self-directed care where they can hire and manage their own caregivers, or they can have an agency provide case management services. Benefits are administered by private insurance companies, and members have the freedom to enroll in a plan of their choice. Virginia's CCC Plus Waiver covers adult day health care, assistive technology, accessibility modifications, emergency alert systems and private-duty nursing. |
Social Security Offices
Social Security offices in Virginia help seniors and disabled people access the benefits they're entitled to. Older adults can contact their local office for information about receiving retirement benefits, disability allowance and Supplemental Security Income.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Social Security | Social Security is a source of income available to retirees and people who can no longer work because of a disability. The money for Social Security comes from a payroll tax levied on employers, employees and self-employed individuals. When you retire, you'll receive monthly payments based on how much you earned when you were working. |
Tax Assistance
Seniors can apply for tax assistance from several Virginia resources. Elderly residents and those with disabilities could be eligible for tax exemptions on medical expenses, reductions on property tax and other tax assistance programs.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Department of Taxation | 804-367-8031 | The Department of Taxation allows counties and local municipalities to offer property tax exemptions to disabled adults and seniors aged 65 and older. You may qualify for a property tax deferral or exemption. Income limits are set at the local level. The state also offers a general $800 income tax exemption for taxpayers aged 65 or older. |
Utility & Energy Bill Assistance
Low-income seniors who are struggling to meet the costs of maintaining their homes can find support from organizations that offer assistance with utility and energy bills. Virginia retirees could also qualify for emergency funding programs if they're in danger of losing utility services due to unpaid invoices.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Energy Assistance Program (EAP) | 804-726-7000 | Virginia's Energy Assistance Program provides emergency assistance to help low-income families with unpaid heating and cooling bills and other urgent needs. The program provides seasonal heating and cooling assistance, as well as emergency benefits. |
Veteran's Services
Virginia retirees who have served in the U.S. military can find support from local veteran services. These offices and organizations help vets access the benefits they're eligible for and provide advice and information on a variety of issues.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia VA Benefits and Health Care | Virginia VA Benefits and Health Care provides health care services to senior veterans at local veteran's medical centers, which include walk-in outpatient clinics. Mental health services are available at vet centers throughout the state. National cemeteries are scattered throughout Virginia to provide military personnel with a dignified final resting place. Additionally, the VA offers assistance with disability claims and access to educational and vocational resources to support veterans in their transition to civilian life. |
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