Located at 1902 Campus Commons Drive, Suite 650 in Reston, Virginia, The Medical Team is a in-home care service provider that offers in-home medical services and also home care. For almost 33 years, they have been serving clients in the ...
Home Care in Virginia
- Home Care Directory for Virginia
- Home Care Costs in Virginia
- Financial Assistance for Home Care in Virginia
- Virginia Home Care Rules and Regulations
- Free Home Care Resources in Virginia
Virginia Virginia is a state rich in U.S. history, with a diverse landscape, stretching from the Atlantic coast to the Appalachian Mountains. Its proximity to the nation's capital and as the home of a popular NASCAR racetrack gives Virginia residents plenty of different options to be a tourist in their home state. Approximately 16% of Virginia's 8.5 million residents are seniors aged 65 and older, and with all that Virginia has to offer, it's small wonder that one of the oldest states in the nation is a popular destination for retirees.
The SeniorScore is a rating system using public and private data to evaluate how senior-friendly a city or state is. It's based on a scale of 1 to 100, 100 being the best, and broken down into four categories. Overall, Virginia ranks 78 on the Senior Score, with General Quality of Life (72) and Finances (75) scoring the highest. Although state income tax is higher in Virginia than the national average, property taxes and sales taxes are both lower. This, plus lower costs for senior care may benefit elderly persons with limited means. Recreation and Leisure, at 63, is the lowest category, while Health & Safety, at 65, is just a bit higher.
This guide provides an overview of home care costs in Virginia, as well as available financial assistance options and free home care resources.
Top Home Care Agencies in Virginia
Located at 9303 Center St Ste 202 in Manassas, VA, Home Instead Senior Care is a in-home care provider offering home healthcare and also in-home personal care. They can provide multiple personal services including help with reading, pet care, transportation, ...
The Virginian Home Health Care is a home health care company located in Fairfax, Virginia at 9229 Arlington Blvd. They provide in-home personal care services and also in-home nursing care to seniors. Since 2010, they have been helping clients ...
Esprit Homecare is a senior home healthcare service provider located in Falls Church, VA at 5881 Leesburg Pike, Suite 202. They offer in-home nursing services in addition to personal home care services to seniors. For almost 17 years, they ...
Located in Manassas, VA at 8424 Dorsey Circle, Suite 201, Blue Dove Home Health Services is a senior in-home care company that offers in-home care in addition to in-home health services. For almost 5 years, they have been helping ...
Caregivers Home Health Services, Inc. is a senior home healthcare provider based in Falls Church, VA at 431 Park Avenue, Suite 300. They provide home healthcare along with in-home personal care services to seniors. For nearly 19 years, they ...
Located in Springfield, Virginia at 5427-a Backlick Rd, Lighthouse Healthcare, Inc. is a home health care service provider offering in-home personal care and also in-home nursing care. They have been operating in the area since 2001. They offer different personal ...
Located in Falls Church, Virginia at 7777 Leesburg Pike Suite 306-s, Medstar Health Home Healthcare is a home care service provider offering personal care and home health services. Since 1998, they have been providing care to customers throughout the Falls ...
Located in Kilmarnock, Virginia at 67 Irvington Rd, Visiting Angels Living Assistance Services is a senior home healthcare provider offering in-home health services as well as in-home personal care. They offer different personal services like assistance with mobility, transportation assitance, ...
Located in Colonial Heights, VA at 23 Dunlap Village Cir, Heaven Sent by Home Town Health Care is a home health care provider that offers home care services as well as in-home health care. Since 1981, they have been providing ...
Located at 450 West Broad St Suite 420 in Falls Church, VA, Bg Healthcare Services, Inc is a home care company that offers home care in addition to in-home nursing services. For almost 12 years, they have been helping seniors ...
Located at 9306-a Old Keen Mill Rd in Burke, VA, Best Health Care Services is a senior home healthcare service provider offering personal home care services as well as in-home nursing services. Since 2012, they have been helping customers throughout ...
Located in Manassas, Virginia at 12269 Livingston Rd, Suite 201, LivinRite Home Health Services is a home care service provider that offers in-home nursing services and also in-home personal care. They have been serving customers in Manassas for 14 years. ...
Hope In-Home Care is a senior in-home care company located in Newport News, VA at 11835 Rock Landing Dr Hope Center. They offer home health services along with personal home care for senior clientele. For nearly 15 years, they ...
Pavilion Medical Home Care and Staffing is a senior home healthcare provider located in Annandale, Virginia at 4115 Annandale Road, Suite 202. They offer in-home health care in addition to personal home care services for senior clientele. Since 2008, ...
Located at 9100 Arboretum Pkwy, Suite 130 in Richmond, VA, James River Home Health is a senior home care company offering in-home personal care along with in-home health care. Since 2014, they have been serving seniors in the Richmond ...
Care People Home Health & Hospice is a senior home care service provider located in Vienna, Virginia at 1952 Gallows Rd Suite 305. They provide home care and also home health services to senior clients. They have been providing ...
Located at 733 Thimble Shoals Blvd, Suite 150 in Newport News, Virginia, Personal Touch Home Health & Hospice is a home healthcare service provider offering in-home personal care and also in-home nursing. Since 1992, they have been helping customers throughout ...
Heartland Hospice Care is a senior home healthcare service provider located in Virginia Beach, VA at 5041 Corporate Wood Drive Suite 200. They provide in-home nursing services as well as in-home care to senior clientele. Since 1987, they have ...
Located in Wise, VA at 201 Nottingham Ave, In Home Care Inc is a senior in-home care service provider that offers personal home care and also in-home nursing services. They have been providing care in the area for nearly ...
The Cost of Home Care in Virginia
The cost for homemaker services in Virginia averages $4,195 per month, which is slightly lower than the national average of $4,290, according to the Genworth Cost of Care Survey 2019. Homemaker services cover nonmedical personal care, including assistance with chores and other tasks of daily living. Home health care in Virginia is $4,382 per month and includes skilled nursing services. Costs for these services are close to the national average of $4,385.
The Cost of Home Care in Virginia Compared to Nearby States
Compared to neighboring states, Virginia has lower costs for both homemaker services ($4,195) and home health care ($4,382) than all except West Virginia, which averages $3,423 per month for both. North Carolina has the highest monthly averages for both types of care, at $4,813, while Maryland is closer to Virginia averages, with homemaker services at $4,481 per month and $4,576 per month for home health care. Washington, D.C., is several hundred dollars higher for both types of care.
Cost of Home Care | Cost of Home Health Care | |
Virginia | $4,195 | $4,382 |
The United States | $4,290 | $4,385 |
North Carolina | $4,813 | $4,813 |
Maryland | $4,481 | $4,576 |
West Virginia | $3,423 | $3,432 |
Washington, DC | $4,576 | $4,767 |
The Cost of Other Senior Care Options in Virginia
While homemakers and in-home skilled nursing care may be viable options for many seniors who wish to remain in their homes, other individuals may be more comfortable in a group home setting, such as assisted living or a professional nursing home. Other seniors may be better served in an adult day care setting, which allows respite for caregivers during the day and the seniors to return to their private homes in the evenings and overnight. Adult daycare is the least expensive option for senior care, averaging $1,603 per month.
- Homemaker Services: $4,195
- Home Health Aide: $4,382
- Adult Day Health Care: $1,603
- Assisted Living Facility: $4,800
- Nursing Home Care: $7,350
The Cost of Home Care in Virginia's Top Cities
The cost of in-home care services varies among the largest cities in Virginia, but most metro areas are within a few hundred dollars of the state average. Bristol, in the southwest tip of the state, has the lowest averages, at $3,861 for both types of care, with nearby Lynchburg ($4,004 for each) and Roanoke ($4,004 and $4,096) just a couple hundred dollars more. By contract, Richmond, the state's capital, has the highest fees for in-home care and nursing services, both of which are $4,576 per month. The coastal metro area of Virginia Beach/Norfolk is another cheaper area for in-home senior care, with homemaker services at $3,909 and home health care services at $4,000 per month.
Cost of Home Care | Cost of Home Health Care | |
Virginia | $4,195 | $4,382 |
Richmond | $4,576 | $4,576 |
Roanoke | $4,004 | $4,096 |
Norfolk/ Virginia Beach | $3,909 | $4,000 |
Bristol | $3,861 | $3,861 |
Lynchburg | $4,004 | $4,004 |
Blacksburg | $4,286 | $4,525 |
Financial Assistance for Home Care in Virginia
Commonwealth Coordinated Care Plus Medicaid Waiver (CCC+)
Virginia Medicaid offers a nursing home waiver for eligible seniors aged 65 and older who prefer to remain in their homes or take accommodations in assisted living, instead of residing in a nursing home. The CCC+ has certain eligibility guidelines, including income thresholds and a demonstrated need for a nursing home level of care. However, this program has an enrollment cap, meaning that even if an individual is eligible for the program, they may be on a waiting list until there is room to accommodate them into the program.
Contact Information
Seniors may contact their local Department of Social Services or the local Department of Health to begin the application process. For questions, call (844) 374-9159.
Virginia Adult Services Program
Also referred to as the Companion Services Program, the Adult Services Program is intended to help seniors and those with a qualifying disability remain in their home or that of a caretaker, instead of moving into a nursing home. This is a comprehensive program, intended to enhance the quality of life for low-income seniors, and includes case management and help to apply for the CCC+ waiver, screenings for nursing home or assisted living placement, help with daily chores and nutritional information and meal preparation. To be considered for the program, seniors must be 60 or older or demonstrate that they require a certain level of care.
Contact Information
To apply for this program, seniors may begin by contacting their local Department of Social Services or the local Department of Health or call (804) 662-7000.
Virginia Auxiliary Grants (AG) for Assisted Living and Adult Foster Care
This program is open to seniors who meet age, income, and level-of-care requirements. While the program lists "adult foster care" as living accommodation, some seniors living with a caregiver may be eligible, although being approved for this program is more complicated than the other two state-sponsored home care waivers. It covers foster home fees, as well as certain home health care services, meals, and nutritional information.
Contact Information
To find out more about the program, applicants may read the state's brochure or contact the local social services office. For questions, contact the DARS Adult Protective Division at (800) 552-5019.
More Ways to Pay for Home Care
Since the programs mentioned above might not cover all the costs associated with home care, and not everyone may be eligible, alternative payment methods will often need to be explored. Some of these alternatives include out-of-pocket arrangements with siblings, annuities, reverse mortgages, private insurance, and more. Read SeniorAdvice's Guide to Paying for Home Care to find out more about your payment and financing options.
Virginia Home Care Rules and Regulations
Nonmedical home care services in Virginia are provided through home care agencies and may be paid through Medicaid or by private pay. Home health care services, on the other hand, are administered through a certified home medical care organization and have different requirements for medical caregiver certification and training, including a current license to practice nursing. Both types of care agencies must be licensed by the Virginia Department of Health, which oversees and regulates these bodies. The Department of Health investigates complaints about home health care and homemaker service providers and conducts regular inspections to ensure compliance with state regulations.
Scope of Care | Home care agencies offer assistance with non-medical needs for clients, including help with household chores, meal planning and meal preparation, companionship, personal care and bathing, and sometimes transportation and escorts to medical appointments or shopping trips. Home health care services, on the other hand, administer medical care as directed by the client's physician. These professional nursing services can include medication management and diabetic monitoring, physical or occupational therapies, wound dressing, or other services as needed. |
Care Plan Requirements | Home care plans can range from respite care to 24-hour monitoring, according to the individual’s needs. Companion-only care organizations don’t require a license to operate, but home care agencies that have hands-on care services do require a license. For home care agencies that provide medical and personal care, a license is required both for the agency and individual licenses for all care providers, including nurses and nursing assistants. The service care plans from home health care agencies require medical oversight, and the components of the plans must be prescribed by a physician, nurse practitioner (NP), clinical nurse specialist (CNS), or physician assistant (PA). |
Medication Management Requirements | Home caregivers are not allowed to administer medication as per Virginia state law. Home health care aides may administer medication as prescribed by a physician and in accordance with the physician’s directives and the client’s care plan. |
Staff Screening Requirements | Both types of in-home care agencies administer background checks for all employees. Virginia state law requires all licensed home care agencies to provide a criminal records check for all potential applicants. Licensed home care organizations are also required to have drug-free workplace policies in place, including testing of all employees, as per Virginia law. |
Staff Training Requirements | The minimum requirements for home care aides in Virginia are at least 75 hours of training, which needs to include at least 16 hours of clinical training. In addition, to remain certified, home care workers are required to complete 12 hours of continuing education annually. In-home medical caregivers must hold current licensure of their level of nursing or physician degree in order to provide medical care. (CNA, LPN, RN; each has different requirements for certification and licensure). |
Medicaid Coverage | Virginia seniors may be eligible for Medicare coverage of in-home health care services, or they may choose to use private pay. Medicaid may cover the costs of homemaker aid services in Virginia. In addition, military veterans may be eligible to receive financial assistance paying for home care services from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. |
Reporting Abuse | Complaints from clients receiving care from licensed home care providers or complaints filed by families on behalf of home care recipients are investigated by the Virginia Department of Health’s Office of Licensure and Certification. Complaints may be filed using the online complaint form. The Virginia Department of Health Professions Enforcement Division phone number is (804) 367-4691. |
Free Home Care Resources in Virginia
Seniors in Virginia have access to many programs and services that help older adults maintain their independence and safely age in place. Below, we've compiled a few of the most helpful resources:
Virginia Insurance Counseling and Assistance Program (VICAP)
VICAP helps seniors in Virginia navigate the benefits application process for Medicaid and Medicare. Caseworkers help applicants and their families by answering questions about different policies, including prescription and specialty services such as dental and vision. The program also helps people determine what coverage they can receive for long term care and assists families with long-term care planning.
Contact Information
Caregiver eligibility is open to anyone, although applicants must be Medicare-eligible. Applications may be filled out online, and the contact number for VICAP is (800) 552-3402.
VA Homemaker and Home Health Aide Services
This program is open to U.S. military veterans and is intended to help those in need pay for a home aide or home health services. It has a contract with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and provides an alternative to nursing home care. The individual workers are not registered nurses but are supervised by a team of nurses. Care can include respite care for home caregivers or 24-hour supervision and help with the tasks of daily living.
Contact Information
All veterans who are eligible for the Community Care benefit may enroll in the Homemaker and Home Health Aide program. Veterans may apply through their local VA Center and call the national hotline at (800) 698-2411 for more information.
DARS Agencies on Aging
The Virginia Department on Aging administers local Agency on Aging programs designed to help the elderly in the community preserve their independence and find resources, including help applying for government benefits, offer access to wellness checks and education programs, help to find long term care and opportunities for socialization, including senior citizen activities. Many Virginia communities have local agencies, each of which provides different services.
Contact Information
Seniors can locate their community Agency on Aging using this map and may contact the state office at (804) 662-9333.
Meals on Wheels America
The United Way helps fund local Meals on Wheels programs, a volunteer-staffed charity that delivers hot meals to area seniors and disabled citizens. Many programs offer hot meals during the week and wellness checks or brief companionship, with reheatable meals delivered on Fridays for the weekend. Some programs also offer nutritional guidelines and help with meal preparation, although services vary according to the providing agency.
Contact Information
Seniors can locate a nearby Meals on Wheels program here or call the national hotline at (888) 998-6325 for more information.
Emergency Home And Accessibility Repair Program (EHARP)
The EHARP is a home services program for those who meet income, age or disability requirements and offers assistance removing or repairing emergency health or safety issues in the home. The program also offers funding to area agencies to help with plumbing repair, modifications for wheelchair access, winterization and roof repair.
Contact Information
Applicants must meet certain income guidelines, and the program is open on a first-come, first-served basis. Households may apply online and call (804) 371-7000 for more information.
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