Virginia Assisted Living

Assisted living is legally called “assisted living” for licensing purposes in the state of Virginia. The Virginia Department of Social Services oversees two levels of assisted living in senior care facilities, as well as all retirement homes in Virginia. There is one level of assisted living licensed for minimal assistance and one for moderate assistance. Facilities are allowed dual license for both Assisted Living and Residential Living Care as it is termed in the state.

Virginia is one place that is nearly filled with rural towns, thriving cities, as well as exciting culture and history that senior citizens sincerely appreciate. The state – which is located in the eastern part of the United States – offers an excellent blend of ocean and mountain life. The weather is relatively mild when compared to the north. And it is blessed with warm summers, which affords the residents to go kayaking, hiking, golfing or generally enjoy the outdoors.

The Old Dominion State is also home to lots of assisted living facilities and other remarkable senior living options. Each one has distinct support systems and amenities designed to make seniors live out their lives safely and comfortably.

But before you get your loved one into an assisted living community in Virginia, you need to take note of a few things.

Paying for Assisted Living in Virginia

The statewide cost for the state of Virginia when it comes to assisted living is over the national amount. The national amount is $4,000 and the statewide amount for Virginia is $4,451 per month. The least expensive assisted living facilities in Virginia can be found in Harrisburg, Roanoke, Lynchburg, and Stanton at an average of just $2,412 monthly. The most expensive ones are in Richmond, Winchester and Blackberry.

Memory care for the state of Virginia can add $890 through $1,335 more per month to the cost of assisted living. There is assistance available for senior citizens having a challenge paying for assisted living in the state of Virginia. Some of the resources the senior seeking care may already have but may not be able to know how to leverage can be of service to them. Ask some pertinent questions like does the senior have or can get a reverse mortgage? Reverse mortgages can be cashed out against the equity of the home. Is the retiree a retired public servant? Is the retiree a person who served as a firefighter or a police officer in the state of Virginia? What about military benefits? Another little-known benefit is long-term care insurance. Long-Term care insurance can help pay for senior living facilities in Virginia if the senior has an existing policy. Some insurance companies can take the senior up until their early or mid-70’s for a new policy as well, though it will be very expensive at this point. If the senior has annuities that can be cashed to help offset assisted living fees, this is also a plus. Use all benefits creatively so you can afford to get the best assisted living facility for your loved one.

Assisted Living Apartment Requirements in Virginia

All rooms in Virginia assisted living apartments can be a minimum of 80 square feet for single occupancy. If the facility is old construction, then it must be 100 square feet per resident. There must be 80 square feet per resident if there is double occupancy for structures in operation after February 1, 1996. Otherwise, a 60 square foot minimum is required per resident.

If the Virginia senior living residence was in operation on or after December 28th 2006, there may only be 2 residents per bedroom but only 4 per bedroom for any facility in operation prior to that date.

Keep in mind that when we talk about the structure requirements and capacity, here there is a big difference between assisted living and residential care. Typically, residential care can be, depending on the state, and the age of the building as well, a dormitory type setting.

The bathroom requirements for Virginia assisted living apartments are as follows: a toilet and a sink shall be provided for every 4 residents and a bathtub or shower unit for every 7 residents. When there are more than four people living on a floor in an assisted living home, then that dynamic changes. Toilets sinks, bathtubs or shower units have to be in separate rooms and separate for men and women. There are other requirements for floors used by any resident. Where there aren't resident bedrooms, in units with shared bedrooms that are dormitory-style, other regulations may apply.

Services in Virginia Assisted Living

Any assisted living facility in Virginia without adequate staffing is potentially unsafe. The sizes of assisted living facilities indeed differ from one another. However, the majority of the best assisted living facilities in Virginia rely mostly on staff members in order to meet the needs of the aged residents.

Medical Services in Virginia Assisted Living

Large assisted living facilities hire a director of nursing as well as a medical director. The responsibility of the director of nursing is to superintend the day-to-day tasks of the nursing staff. The medical director, on the other hand, metes out healthcare strategies for elderly residents.

Most of the nursing staff at assisted living facilities in Virginia consist of licensed practical nurses with at least two-year degrees, registered nurses with full degrees, and well-trained personal care assistants.

Most nursing staff work directly with the elderly residents to provide personal services, healthcare, and also administer medications to those who need it.

For medical visits or day trips outside the facilities, a few staff members must travel along with the senior residents. This is to ensure the safety of the residents throughout their trip.

Administration in Virginia Assisted Living

It is expected that assisted living facilities in Virginia be run by an administrator who directs and oversees the activities of the facility. An admissions administrator must be available to handle every paperwork associated with the admission of new residents.

The general office staff should be in charge of filing, answering phone calls, and reception duties. At least two staff members must always be on duty at all times when residents are present.

Dining, Housekeeping, and Maintenance

There must be a team of janitorial staff on hand to provide housekeeping services for every resident. They must not only take care of the residents’ rooms, but must also be willing to assist them in public areas as well.

They should also be on hand for laundry duties. A handful of staff should be dedicated to cooking and serving food along with cleaning up the dining area immediately after the residents are done with their meals.

Assisted living facilities in Virginia must be in good condition always, and this will require the services of people who handle maintenance, landscaping – including mowing, keeping pathways clear of debris, getting rid of snow from sidewalks and pathways.

With adequate staffing in place, you can be assured that your loved one will be in good hands in any of the assisted living facilities in Virginia.