The Commonwealth of Virginia was home to more than 1.3 million adults aged 65 and older in 2021, and the population of seniors 60 and older is expected to grow to 24% by 2030. The state is appealing to retirees due to its combination of big-city amenities, beach communities, beautiful landscapes and warm weather. Virginia is also considered one of the best states for health care. It has four nationally ranked hospitals, including the University of Virginia Medical Center and Inova Fairfax Hospital.
Virginia’s great health care is complemented by an array of home care services resources to help seniors live at home while promoting their health, dignity and independence. In-home care is a nonclinical service that helps seniors with their daily activities, such as housekeeping, meal preparation and grooming. It costs an average of $4,767 per month. Home health care is a clinical service provided by a skilled nurse or other medical professionals. Due to this higher level of care, this service costs $4,954 per month.
This guide compares the cost of home care in Virginia with nearby states and with other types of available care. It also covers how to pay for services and resources available to seniors throughout the state.
According to the Genworth Cost of Care Survey for 2021, the average cost of home care in Virginia is $4,767 per month, which is about $200 less than the national average. Compared to other states in the Midatlantic region, the Commonwealth has relatively inexpensive rates. Both Delaware ($5,339) and Maryland ($5,148) have median prices higher than $5,000, and Pennsylvania is not far behind with a monthly average of $4,957. North Carolina has an average rate of $4,385. Inland in the Appalachian country, Kentucky ($4,767) and West Virginia ($3,527) have home care costs lower than Virginia.
Virginia
$4767
The United States
$4957
North Carolina
$4385
West Virginia
$3527
Maryland
$5148
Delaware
$5339
Pennsylvania
$4957
Kentucky
$4767
Economically, Virginia is a diverse state with a wide range of home care costs. Lynchburg ($4,185) has the most affordable prices, and Charlottesville ($6,292) has the most expensive. Fairfax County, which is part of the Washington D.C. suburbs, has an average rate of $5,339. Only the state capital, Richmond, has more expensive home care costs. Blacksburg and Winchester have similar median prices. In Virginia Beach, which includes the Norfolk area, the average rate for home care is identical to the state average.
Richmond
$5148
Virginia Beach
$4767
Winchester
$4671
Lynchburg
$4185
Charlottesville
$6292
Washington D.C.
$5339
Blacksburg
$4957
In Virginia, in-home care costs $4,767, and home health care costs $4,954. These costs account for 40 hours of service per week. A possible alternative to home health care is adult day health care, which is much less expensive at an average of $1,690. Assisted living facilities also provide help with daily activities in a community setting, and they cost an average of $5,250 per month. Seniors who require a high degree of medical attention and supervision pay an average of $8,213 per month for nursing homes.
In-Home Care
$4767
Home Health Care
$4954
Adult Day Health Care
$1690
Assisted Living
$5250
Nursing Home
$8213
Yes, Medicaid in Virginia can cover the cost of some home care services for seniors who require a nursing home level of care. State and federal funds reimburse home care providers through a 1915 (c) waiver program called Commonwealth Coordinated Care Plus (CCC). It covers personal care, respite, private duty nursing and transition services. Since this is not an entitlement program under standard Virginia Medicaid, you are subject to some service limitations.
Commonwealth Coordinated Care Plus (CCC)
The CCC waiver program pays for home care services so that seniors at risk for nursing facilities or other specialized care placement can stay in their own homes. The program pays for personal emergency response systems, assistive technology, private duty nursing, environmental modifications and transition services. It also covers agency and consumer-directed personal care services. There is a soft cap of 56 hours per week for personal care services and 112 hours per week for private duty nursing.
To be eligible for the CCC program, you must complete a screening that demonstrates your need for a nursing home level of care and your ability to receive care within your home safely. In addition, the critical services provided by the program must be the factor that keeps you from being placed in a nursing facility. The CCC program provides care for about 40,000 seniors in Virginia every year.
Apart from the CCC screening, Medicaid beneficiaries must not exceed certain income and asset limits. A single applicant can earn no more than $30,276 per year or own more than $2,000 in assets, excluding the home where they live. Married couples applying for coverage cannot earn more than $60,552 and own more than $4,000.
2022 Medicaid Income Limits for Seniors in Virginia
2022 Basic Medicaid Income Limits for Seniors in Virginia
| Name | Income limits* | Asset limits |
|---|---|---|
| Single Person | $30,276 | $2,000 |
| Two-Person Household | $60,552 | $4,000 |
*Per year
Virginia Medicaid also requires each applicant to:
You can apply for Virginia Medicaid in three different ways. Fill out an online application by visiting the CommonHelp website at any time. Apply over the phone by calling the Cover Virginia Call Center at (888) 221-1590, Monday through Friday, or print an application and fill it out by hand, then mail it or drop it off at the nearest Department of Social Services location.
What Information You Will Need
When applying for Medicaid using any method, you’ll be required to provide some personal information. This includes:
If you or someone you know needs help applying for Medicaid coverage, you can contact the following resources for assistance:
| Program | Contact | AreaServed | Services provided |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia CommonHelp | (833) 522-5582 | Entire State | In partnership with the Virginia Department of Social Services, Virginia CommonHelp provides Medicaid application assistance online or over the phone. You can also check the status of your application and renew your benefits. Offices are located throughout the state. |
| Benefits.gov | Online Only | Entire State | Visit Benefits.gov to learn if you or your loved one qualify for Medicaid coverage and find out the best way for you to apply for benefits. The site also provides detailed information about other programs that may pay for products or services seniors get at home. |
| Project Connect | List of Locations | Most of the State | Funding from the state and the federal government helps the Virginia Health Care Foundation (VHCA) run Project Connect, an outreach program that assists seniors and families with their Medicaid applications. Agents work one-on-one with applicants and help them gather the information needed to qualify for coverage. |
In general, Medicare does not cover the cost of non-medical home care. That being said, there are situations in which Medicare provides some coverage for medical home care, referred to as “Home Healthcare.” There are several eligibility restrictions for coverage, including that individuals must be homebound and have a referral from their doctor specifically for home healthcare services.
Below is an overview of some of the skilled medical professionals whose in-home services are typically covered by Medicare – for more in-depth information, refer to our Guide to Home Healthcare.
As mentioned above, in-home care is distinctly different from home healthcare. But, there can be some overlap in services between the two types of care. So, while Medicare doesn’t cover non-medical in-home care, there are in-home care services that may be covered in special circumstances when they’re provided in conjunction with home healthcare (such as an occupational therapist helping with eating or dressing)
While the above programs help many people finance in-home care, they will not cover all costs for everyone. There are other ways to pay for in-home care, including out-of-pocket arrangements with siblings, annuities, reverse mortgages, private insurance and more. Read Caring.com’s Guide to In-Home Care Costs to learn more about these alternative payment options.
Virginia seniors have access to an array of free and low-cost resources that can improve their lives. Several of these resources can save homeowners money to afford home care services.
| Resource | Contact | AreaServed | Service |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tax Relief for Older Virginians | (804) 367-8031 | Most Cities and Counties | Most cities and counties in Virginia offer tax exemptions and/or tax deferrals for homeowners aged 65 and older. The relief amount depends on your income and total net worth. To take advantage of property tax relief in your area, contact your local tax assessor. The state government also offers additional income tax savings for seniors. |
| Senior Cool Care | (800) 552-3402 | Dominion Energy's Service Area | The Senior Cool Care program keeps older adults living at home comfortable during the hot summer months by providing fans and single-room air conditioners to low-income homeowners. To qualify for this service, you must be 60 or older and at or below 150% of the federal poverty line. This program is operated locally by the Area Agency on Aging serving your community. |
| AARP Virginia | (866) 542-8164 | Entire State | The AARP is a valuable source of information and support for seniors and families in Virginia who need care at home. It offers support groups, educational seminars and local events in addition to its abundance of online resources. It also advocates for the rights and interests of seniors throughout the state. AARP's low-cost membership provides additional rewards and discounts that Virginia seniors can use to save money on products and services they already use. |
| Senior Legal Helpline | (844) 802-5910 | Statewide | Older adults throughout Virginia can call the toll-free Statewide Senior Legal Helpline to get assistance with many topics, including public benefits, age discrimination, financial exploitation, long-term care and home care. Representatives can guide callers toward common legal solutions for seniors who receive in-home care, such as advanced medical directives, wills and trusts, powers of attorney and guardianship. |
| Home Modification Loans | (866) 835-5976 | Statewide | Senior homeowners in Virginia can get low-cost loans to make modifications to their property to continue living there comfortably. Loans can be used to build ramps, guardrails, lifts and other accessibility improvements. To be eligible, you must be a resident of Virginia and have a disability or live with someone who has a major impairment. This loan program is an authority of the Commonwealth of Virginia. Borrowers with low credit or no credit history are considered. |
The Virginia Department of Health – Office of Licensure and Certification is responsible for the licensing and oversight of home care organizations operating in the state. Any organization that provides hands-on personal care to clients, such as assistance with bathing, grooming, ambulation or eating, must be licensed. The office also investigates any complaints filed against providers and conducts unannounced on-site inspections to ensure compliance with state regulations. The table that follows offers an overview of the rules and regulations governing home care organizations in Virginia.
| Topic | Rule |
|---|---|
| Scope of Care | Home care organizations may offer various nonmedical services to seniors, including assistance with the five activities of daily living and medication self-administration. Homemaker tasks, such as preparing meals, performing household chores, accompanying seniors to appointments and running errands may also be provided. |
| Care Plan Requirements | Organizations must provide each senior receiving personal care services with a written care plan developed by an RN. This plan must include an assessment of the client's needs, their functional limitations and special dietary requirements, along with the specific services provided and their frequency. |
| Medication Management Requirements | Home care aides may provide reminders and assist seniors with the self-administration of physician-prescribed medications. |
| Staff Screening Requirements | A criminal background check must be obtained for new staff members within 30 days of employment. Until the report is received, the person may not work directly with clients, unless under the supervision of another employee. |
| Staff Training Requirements | Home care aides who provide personal care services must have completed a nurse aide education course or passed a state-approved competency evaluation program. Aides must also complete a minimum of 12 hours of ongoing training annually. |
| Medicaid Coverage | Virginia Medicaid may cover the cost of in-home care services for eligible seniors through either the Commonwealth Coordinated Care Plus waiver or the PACE program. |
| Reporting Abuse | Virginia's Adult Protective Services Division investigates reports of neglect, exploitation and abuse of adults aged 60 and over. Concerned individuals can report an incident by calling the APS hotline at 888-832-3858, or contacting the nearest Department of Social Services office. |
Whether you are looking for yourself or a loved one, finding a quality home care provider can be a stressful process. When you hire an in-home care aide you’re placing a lot of trust in the hands of the person by inviting them into your home, so you’ll want to be diligent in your search. At Caring.com, we’re here to help – we’ve created a helpful checklist below that can help guide you through the process of both determining your needs and finding a home care agency that will provide the best care possible.
To find quality home care providers near you, simply input the zip code or city where you would like to start your search. We have an extensive directory of home care agencies all across the nation that includes in-depth information about each provider and hundreds of thousands of reviews from seniors and their loved ones.
56 Results
10043 Midlothian Turnpike, Richmond, VA, 23235
4.2
(299 reviews)
"Deana from Care Advantage is exceptional. We love the quality of work and detail that she does. She keeps mom and dad on a schedule and we couldn't ask for a better CNA. Thank you! ..."
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3509 Boulevard, Colonial Heights, VA, 23834
4.3
(264 reviews)
"We used Care Advantage for my mom. I wanted someone to be there to help her out. My mom has rheumatoid arthritis and when she has a flare up she can't move around. Their service was just for someone to help my mom with getting to the bathroom and tak..."
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3201 Hungary Spring Road, Richmond, VA, 23228
4.2
(217 reviews)
"After my Mother's stroke and rehab, we needed to arrange for help with her personal care. JP, the Client Services Manager at Care Advantage, Inc., got right on it and coordinated with our local CA provider to get us signed up right away. The next ..."
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7239 Mechanicsville Turnpike, Mechanicsville, VA, 23111
4.3
(180 reviews)
"We hired Care Advantage - Mechanicsville for my dad. Dad likes the caregiver, she's really sweet, really kind to my dad, and does exactly what we ask her. She comes a few days a week and does light housework, makes him breakfast and lunch, and hangs ..."
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3825 W Hundred Rd, Chester, VA, 23831
4.5
(134 reviews)
"I would highly recommend Right at Home. Didn't have there service long, but everyone was very caring and helpful. My Mother passed while they were there. The care giver called me immediately, I arrived just minutes after EMS. A very caring company wh..."
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4914 Radford Ave UNIT #211, Richmond, VA, 23230
4.8
(46 reviews)
"Right at Home provides in-home caregiving services for thousands of families across the nation. We offer companionship and help with everyda..."
READ MORECaring's Family Advisors are here to help you with questions about senior living and care options.
7925 Jones Branch Dr., Suite LL 140, Mclean, VA, 22102
3.9
(31 reviews)
"I am using HomeCare.com for Mom. They're courteous, on time, knowledgeable on the things they need to do, and very much a caring group of people. They are good at following up. They call ahead and kind of follow up as necessary. They're good for all ..."
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4900 Cox Road Suite 245, Glen Allen, VA, 23060
4.7
(17 reviews)
"In the spirit of the Thanksgiving season, I want to reflect on the care that Home Instead has provided for my father. At the age of 98, care for my dad needs to be consistent, safe, and--most of all--dependable. Unfortunately, I cannot be with my d..."
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1507 Dusk Court , Richmond, VA, 23235
5.0
(10 reviews)
"Rolanda has helped us find wonderful home care workers for both my parents and my mother-in-law. We first reached out about my parents after my father suffered a significant injury, and we needed almost immediate help with my mother. Her staff helped..."
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10810 Hasty Lane, Suite 103, Midlothian, VA, 23112
4.6
(6 reviews)
"I called late Friday afternoon and had a caregiver set up for Saturday evening. My mom was in good hands with ABC..."
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673 Berkmar Circle, Charlottesville, VA, 22901
5.0
(1 reviews)
"I have been using FirstLight HomeCare for my husband for three weeks now. It has been fine. Their caregivers are very competent. They take care of the person that they're supposed to take care of. I told them what I needed and that's what I get. They..."
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1263 Tappahannock Blvd, Tappahannock, VA, 22560
4.5
(4 reviews)
"We got short term care for a family member who was recovering from major surgery. The agency and the assigned caregivers were personable, flexible and efficient. ..."
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10431 Patterson Ave, Richmond, VA, 23238
"Our in-home care services provide the daily support adults need to live a life of dignity with as much independence as possible in Richmond ..."
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7202 Glen Forest Drive, Suite 302, Richmond, VA, 23226
4.1
(255 reviews)
" I was disappointed in the level of service provided by BrightStar, and I would definitely not recommend this company, especially if your loved one has dementia. Because my mother could not remember what tasks she needed help with, she got very litt..."
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9165 Atlee Road, Mechanicsville, VA, 23116
5.0
(3 reviews)
"I feel lucky to have found these folks. They were very nice and professional from day one. Always available to chat if needed. Caregiver is always on time and helps with personal care as well as companionship. Caregiver is certified but is also conti..."
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720 Moorefield Park Dr., Suite 301, Richmond, VA, 23236
5.0
(2 reviews)
"We are using Interim HealthCare of Richmond VA for my mother-in-law. They've all been very professional, very kind, and caring to my mother-in-law. It's great. They help her with everything from bathing, to toileting, and dressing. We have 24-hour ca..."
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8100 Three Chopt Rd, Richmond, VA, 23229
4.6
(3 reviews)
"My father is a very difficult man to deal with. The caregivers they sent us were very patient, caring and knowledgeable. They knew how to take care of him and his attitude improved drastically. ..."
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10833 Ridgefield Parkway, Richmond, VA, 23238
5.0
(1 reviews)
"Comfort Keepers has really helped me out with my dad. They come by one day a week (for 3-4 hours) and help him clean, do laundry, change sheets, grocery shop, and encourage him to get up and shower and take a walk. As he's mostly able to care for h..."
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7814 Carousel Lane Suite 109, Richmond, VA, 23294
5.0
(1 reviews)
"They were flexible and reasonable to deal with. They were willing to come in during crisis situations with little notice and their people were willing to stay later than assigned when necessary. Most seemed to genuinely care. Their prices were ver..."
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12201 Gayton Rd, Suite 201B, Henrico, VA, 23238
5.0
(1 reviews)
"We had 24 hours care in my mother's home for 3 days the nurses were very nice.the owner manager was great very helpful and kind. The do health care and light house keeping. ..."
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