Memory Care in Virginia

Virginia has a large senior community that makes up over 16% of its population of more than 8.6 million people. Among members of this community, Alzheimer’s is increasingly becoming a health concern. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2,766 Virginia seniors died of Alzheimer’s in 2016. In 2020, this increased by nearly 25% to 3,436.

Seniors and families affected by Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia have access to numerous dementia care resources throughout the state, including residential memory care facilities. These communities have highly trained caregivers and licensed health care providers who provide individualized care to residents. Staff also oversees evidence-based programming to improve the level of engagement and quality of life of those living with dementia. Residents have daily meals and comfortable housing, as well as access to secured indoor and outdoor common areas.

Through this guide for memory care in Virginia, readers can learn more about ways seniors and families pay for residential Alzheimer’s care services and connect with statewide social service agencies, support groups and educational programs.

Note: Memory care in Virginia is most often provided in assisted living facilities with special dementia care licensure. Rates for memory care tend to run about 20-30% higher than the cost of assisted living in the same area. Because there is no national database of memory care costs, we have estimated the local monthly costs of memory care by adding 25% to the baseline for assisted living costs listed in Genworth’s 2021 Cost of Care Survey.

At an average monthly cost of $6,563 a month, memory care expenses in Virginia are nearly the same as those in neighboring Maryland at $6,560. Other nearby states, such as North Carolina and West Virginia, have lower costs, at $5,013 and $5,200, respectively.

Monthly rates for memory care in Virginia vary depending on many factors, including the location of a specific facility. Costs in Virginia cities range from a low of $5,781 a month in Lynchburg to a high of $7,406 in Roanoke. Costs tend to be low in Virginia’s most affordable cities, such as Staunton ($5,885), Virginia Beach ($5,863) and the state capital of Richmond ($6,126). Higher costs come with memory care in more expensive cities, such as Blacksburg ($6,994), Charlottesville ($7,125) and Harrisonburg ($7,139). Winchester, in the far north of the state, has intermediate costs for memory care, at $6,269 a month.

Memory care is only one option seniors in Virginia have for long-term care. Depending on your circumstances, other types of senior care may be more affordable and appropriate. Adult day health care, for example, costs an average of $1,690 a month in Virginia. Assisted living, not including memory care, costs an average of $5,250 in the state, while home care and home health care cost $4,767 and $4,954, respectively. The most expensive type of care is nursing home care but that’s because it provides skilled nursing care 24/7 for people who need ongoing medical attention. A semi-private room costs $8,213 per month.

Note: For the purposes of this guide, when we say “Memory Care” we are referring to memory care provided in a “social setting,” such as an Assisted Living Facility. This is the most common way to receive Memory Care and is the best fit for all but the frailest seniors. Sometimes the actual service of memory care can be provided in a Nursing Home (“medical setting”), so the financial assistance options will be very different. To learn more about the financial assistance options available for memory care provided in a nursing home, read our guide to Nursing Home Care in Virginia.

Medicaid-eligible seniors who need memory care in Virginia may be able to get help through the CCC+ Waiver program and the Auxiliary Grant Program. Neither pays for room and board in a memory care facility, but they do help to pay for services received while in residence.

Seniors in Virginia who meet eligibility requirements can enroll in the state’s Medicaid program to receive these waivers. To qualify, seniors must be 65 or over and have an income below the state’s threshold for aid. While most adults who apply for Virginia Medicaid must demonstrate a specific medical need for coverage, seniors who meet other eligibility standards are prequalified.  

Medicaid pays for medically necessary treatments for its beneficiaries. That means that, while the program does not usually pay for room and board in an assisted living community, you can use Medicaid benefits to pay for therapeutic services. This can include medication and therapy sessions specifically for memory care. Your benefits may also cover certain personal care services, nursing care and other treatments authorized by your doctor as medically necessary.

To apply for Medicaid in Virginia, seniors can call 1-855-242-8282 for assistance over the phone, or they can visit the state’s online Medicaid portal. A paper application can also be downloaded and submitted at any county office of human assistance.

Information You Will Need

As part of the intake process, Virginia Medicaid must establish your eligibility for benefits under the program guidelines. You may be asked for proof of U.S. citizenship and current residency in Virginia. Copies of government-issued ID are generally adequate for these needs. You may also have to submit income and asset verification over the 60-month lookback period. This can be bank statements, tax returns and copies of the titles on any vehicles or real estate you own. Medicaid staff may also review any large transfers of property you’ve made over the last five years.