What assisted living is called in Virginia, what it costs, how Medicaid can help, how to check a community’s license and inspections, and who to call if something goes wrong. Every fact links to the official source.
A resident with a serious cognitive impairment from dementia may be placed in a safe, secure environment, which is a special care unit. Before placing a resident there, the facility must get written approval, in this order: from the resident, if able to decide; else a guardian or legal representative; else a relative; or, if none is available, an independent physician who knows dementia. If that person says no, the facility cannot place or keep the resident in the unit.4
Questions to ask memory care about nights.
The median cost of assisted living in Virginia is $6,945 a month, above the national median of $6,200 (CareScout Cost of Care Survey 2025, collected July to November 2025). Prices vary with the apartment, the level of care and the community, so ask each one for its current rate sheet, including care-level fees.
Plan with our free tools: how long will the money last? and home care or assisted living?
Medicare does not pay for assisted living. Families pay from savings and income, long-term care insurance, or benefits such as VA Aid and Attendance (estimate it). Who actually pays for long-term care.
Medicaid. Medicaid does not pay rent or meals in assisted living. Whether Virginia Medicaid pays for care services in assisted living, and which communities accept it, is a question for the state Medicaid agency or your local Area Agency on Aging.
Auxiliary Grant. A monthly payment from the state for people with low incomes who are 65 or older, blind, or disabled and live in an assisted living facility that accepts Auxiliary Grants. You apply through your local Department of Social Services, which has 45 days to process your application.5
Look up a license. VDSS's Assisted Living Facility Search lets you look up licensed facilities by name, city or county, or ZIP code, and filter for special care units, assisted living care, and non-ambulatory residents. Search Virginia’s records.6
Always visit in person, at a mealtime or in the evening if you can. Bring the tour scorecard and the 8 tour questions.
Complaints about care or conditions. VDSS takes complaints about licensed or unlicensed assisted living facilities through an online form. Nursing home complaints go to the Virginia Department of Health instead. file online.7
Abuse, neglect or exploitation. Call (888) 832-3858. How to report.8 If someone is in danger, call 911.
The long-term care ombudsman is a free advocate for residents of assisted living and nursing homes: they help resolve problems with a community, including move-out notices. Call 1-804-565-1600 or find your local ombudsman.2
Assisted living by city
Memory care by city
Every community and county in Virginia · 1 with verified resident reviews
The median is $6,945 a month (CareScout Cost of Care Survey 2025), compared with $6,200 nationally.
Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS), Division of Licensing Programs.
VDSS takes complaints about licensed or unlicensed assisted living facilities through an online form. Nursing home complaints go to the Virginia Department of Health instead.
VDSS's Assisted Living Facility Search lets you look up licensed facilities by name, city or county, or ZIP code, and filter for special care units, assisted living care, and non-ambulatory residents.
Facts checked against these official sources on September 28, 2026. Rules and programs change; confirm with the agency before making a decision. General information, not legal or financial advice.
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