10 Best Assisted Living Facilities in Virginia Beach, VA
Nestled in picturesque Virginia Beach, Virginia, assisted living communities here offer seniors social engagement, dining options, and a variety of care services in a serene environment, some of which are complete with magnificent beach views. Beyond its beautiful coastline, Virginia Beach boasts seven distinct districts, each with its own character and breathtaking beaches. From the vibrant boardwalk and oceanfront to its thriving local food scene, arts and entertainment venues, maritime heritage, and family-friendly attractions, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Seniors in assisted living can enjoy peace of mind with care, security, and access to third-party emergency medical services. Furthermore, the communities provide various amenities and activities to foster pleasant social living. With six assisted living facilities located within a 10-mile radius of Virginia Beach and another 12 within a 25-mile radius, seniors have access to a diverse range of options to suit their lifestyles and individual requirements.
A Place for Mom’s extensive guide to assisted living in Virginia Beach covers everything from pricing to regulations to senior activities, making it easier for you to find the ideal facility. From lavish communities to more affordable residences, we can help you discover your ideal home.
How do we rank Virginia Beach assisted living?
Our goal is to help you find high-quality assisted living facilities that fit your needs. Using our 20+ years of experience in senior living, we developed a proprietary rating system based on the following:
- Recent, high-quality reviews. We take into account reviews from the past two years. Then, we look for the assisted living communities people prefer. Communities that have mostly positive ratings in the past two years are prioritized over facilities that have low or no reviews in the past two years. Reviews also help us understand what matters most to families like yours and how you rate communities based on subcategories like meals and dining, staff, and cleanliness.
- Facility transparency. Communities that have robust information are prioritized over facilities that don’t offer the same level of transparency.
- Location. Assisted living facility options vary based on proximity to your desired location.
Virginia Beach Assisted Living Facilities | 380 Reviews
Bay Lake is a very nice assisted living. The staff are like family to us. I feel safe and well cared for. I'm proud to call Bay Lake my home.
Moms Healthcare needs are being taken care of she is in the best health I have seen in years the staff is so accommodating always friendly and make you feel right at home here. Mom is very happy here, we...
It was a smaller community that made it much easier for the resident to get around. They had great activities. Staff is very caring and helpful. They have great patience.
What is most important to me is the care services that the staff provide. Everything is going great with my Mom. The agency that is working with her is doing a great job.
All categories rate a score of 5. It's been a great relationship for sure with my Mom ultimately being the greatest benefactor. We would recommend this community to other families based on the experience we...
So far it’s been pretty good. There’s a few people there that could change their disposition.. I wish there was friendlier people there not so much the staff, but the residents. you can say hi and they...
Overall the place has positive energy that our Mother thrives on. The staff is very friendly and helpful. The facility is really nice and we all love the outdoor courtyard. Lots of fun and engaging...
The facility is small and does not have the feeling of an institutional operation. As you get to know staff and residence it becomes more like a family setting. We have a smaller room with a queen size bed,...
Chesapeake Place was great for my dad. He did well there. He was treated with kindness and respect by all staff members. I would highly recommend them to anyone. The price is a little steep but then...
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I had a pretty great experience moving my elderly friend here from his apartment for safety reasons. The administration was helpful with a smooth transition. He has made friends and likes the nursing staff....
The communication is excellent, they call frequently to give updates and let us know anything we need to. The room sizes are wonderful, and the food is very good. I would recommend this facility to...
The community has been in the area for a very long time. The aesthetics don't have the newer decorations like new communities, and it is a little bit on the older side for decor. I believe they should have...
Our methodology
How we rank order the Virginia Beach community options above
We developed a proprietary recommendation system that orders Virginia Beach community options based on factors we know are important to seniors and their families:
- Proximity to your search location
- Availability of recent, high-quality reviews
- The amount of detailed community information available
Where we source our information
14,000+ communities
We collect proprietary data from our network of 14,000+ senior living communities in the U.S., with regular refreshes of data and information
350,000+ reviews
We have 387,000+ reviews from senior living residents and family members that provide first-hand accounts about senior living communities
- Costs of assisted living in the Virginia Beach area
- What families are saying about assisted living in Virginia Beach
- How people pay for assisted living in Virginia Beach
- Understand Virginia laws and regulations for assisted living facilities
- What to expect from assisted living in Virginia Beach
- Virginia Beach assisted living services and amenities
- Explore senior care with confidence
- Unfamiliar with Virginia Beach? Highlights for seniors
Costs of assisted living in the Virginia Beach area
Assisted living typically costs $4,470 per month at our partner communities in Virginia Beach, Virginia, while the national average cost of assisted living is $4,951 per month, according to A Place for Mom’s proprietary data.[01] This monthly figure includes all fees, such as amenities and care costs, in addition to the monthly rent of the cost of assisted living. These costs can vary depending on care level, services and amenities a community offers, size of the apartment, and location.
Also noteworthy is that Virginia does not have an inheritance tax. For more information on this, you can visit the Virginia Estate and Inheritance Taxes section of the Public Document 15-93.[02] Virginia also doesn’t tax Social Security benefits. However, Virginia does require residents to file an income tax return if they meet certain residential and financial criteria.[03]
The costs listed below are representative of the baseline average only and do not include any additional expenses like the cost estimates above.
Average monthly cost of Assisted Living in Virginia Beach, VA vs. nearby cities
Average monthly cost of Assisted Living in Virginia Beach, VA vs. the state and national average
Average monthly cost of Assisted Living in Virginia Beach vs. other types of senior living
Median monthly costs of Assisted Living in Virginia Beach, VA by room type
Average cost of Assisted Living in Virginia Beach over time
What families are saying about assisted living in Virginia Beach
Recent reviews for assisted living in Virginia Beach
Arden Courts of VA Beach in Virginia Beach, VA
Discovery Commons Virginia Beach
Harmony at Oakbrooke in Chesapeake, VA
Reviews mention these favorite features of communities
Virginia Beach review score based on 147 family reviews
This proprietary review score is based on 147 reviews of 16 Virginia Beach assisted living communities. All reviews were submitted in the past two years by verified community residents and family members.Virginia Beach review score compared against nearby cities
Review subcategories for Virginia Beach assisted living
When assisted living residents and family members submit a review on our site, they rate each community on categories such as cleanliness, activities, meals, and more. The chart below is based on 147 reviews of 16 Virginia Beach assisted living communities. This chart helps you compare Virginia Beach resident and family assisted living satisfaction rates against national averages. Use it to assess your needs and develop criteria for your own search. If you know that one of these categories is important to you or your loved one, our senior living advisors can help you find communities to match your needs.How people pay for assisted living in Virginia Beach
Many people pay for assisted living using a mix of private funds, federal or state funds, and veterans benefits. You can find information regarding Medicare and Medicaid resources for seniors, various private pay options, VA benefits, and more below.
Private pay methods in Virginia Beach can including savings, pensions, Social Security benefits, investment returns, and any of the following as well:
Number of veterans who live in Virginia beach
14% of Virginia Beach veterans are 75+
Virginia Beach welcomes veterans and offers various programs to assist them with housing support. Some veterans benefits can be used to cover costs associated with assisted living. It’s always worth checking into even if you’re not sure if you qualify. The city of Norfolk is a close neighbor to Virginia Beach and is home to Virginia’s largest military presence.
Qualified veterans and their spouses may be eligible for the VA Aid and Attendance benefit. This is the most generous of veterans benefits and is an add-on to the basic VA Pension.
Determining eligibility and completing the applications can be a complicated, nuanced process. Check with your local VA benefits office for questions about benefits eligibility and assistance. Virginia Beach veteran services organizations (VSOs) can also help seniors in Virginia Beach looking to apply for veterans benefits. These organizations offer a variety of services to seniors, such as counseling and application assistance.
If you are a veteran who served during wartime, many disabilities or ailments may qualify you for additional benefits. This extensive list of service-connected ailments will give you an idea of what might qualify. It is worth connecting with a VSO for assistance with navigating the process of applying or determining eligibility even if you’re not sure if you qualify.
Consider reaching out to benefits counselors at VSOs for additional assistance. There are several options in Virginia Beach, which you can search through the Office of General Counsel. A few examples include Disabled American Veterans (DAV); the American Legion, a veterans advocacy organization; and the Virginia Department of Veterans Services, which offers in-person assistance.
You’ll find contact information for these below. Additionally, you can contact the Norfolk benefits office at (757) 455-0814, or email any of their veterans service representatives for further assistance and information.
Resources for Virginia Beach veterans
Virginia Department of Veterans Services
Virginia Beach – Oceana Benefits Office
1232 Perimeter Parkway, Suite 202
Virginia Beach, VA 23454
Phone: 757-689-3729
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (Veterans will be seen 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.)
Walk-in hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Appointments: Monday through Friday, 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Virginia Department of Veterans Services (Regional Office)
James Monroe Building
101 N. 14th St., 17th Floor
Richmond, VA 23219
Phone: 804-786-0286
Disabled American Veterans (DAV)
4896 Kempsville Greens Parkway
Virginia Beach, VA 23462
Phone: 757-519-9931
Hours: Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
American Legion, Princess Anne Post 113
Phone: 757-635-1552
Cardinal Care is Virginia’s Medicaid program. Medicaid is a health care program for low-income seniors. It may help pay for assisted living through waivers, but it won’t pay for personal care, which refers to nonmedical care that provides assistance with a senior’s activities of daily living (ADLs).
In-home health care services at assisted living facilities for eligible seniors can be covered through Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers, also known as 1915(c) waivers. You can find out more about Virginia’s long-term care waivers on Cardinal Care’s website.
Seniors over the age of 65 and people with disabilities should enroll in the Commonwealth Coordinated Care (CCC) Plus Medicaid Waiver. This waiver is a subprogram under Cardinal Care that helps cover health care costs and long-term care services, including the costs of assisted living care, for eligible seniors. Eligibility is based on income, age, and disability. However, this waiver has an enrollment cap, so even if you’re eligible, you may be put on a waitlist.
You can apply for Cardinal Care online or by calling 1-833-5CALLVA Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. or Saturday, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Finally, you could submit a paper application to the Virginia Beach Department of Human Services.
You can also reach out to Willie Alston, the local ombudsman for guidance. An ombudsman is a senior advocate trained to advise seniors and their caregivers about long-term care, quality-of-care, mediating issues, and handling complaints. The local Area Agency on Aging also provides benefits counseling.
Virginia Beach resident Medicaid resources
600 East Broad St.
Richmond, VA 23219
Phone: 833-522-5582
TDD: 888-221-1590
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 7 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Senior Services of Southeastern Virginia (Local Area Agency on Aging)
2551 Eltham Ave., Suite Q
Norfolk, VA 23513
Phone: 757-461-9481
Fax: 757-461-1068
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Medicare, a federal health insurance program, provides coverage for individuals 65 and over and those with specific disabilities, but it does not cover assisted living facility rent. However, it may help with some medical bills incurred while at an assisted living facility.
It also doesn’t cover custodial care, but it may fund skilled nursing care under specific conditions. This type of treatment is usually provided by a licensed nurse. It includes services such as physical therapy and sterile dressing changes. This care may be reimbursed by Medicare Part A in assisted living facilities.[05]
As a resident in an assisted living facility, seniors may be allowed to use Medicare Part A and Part B for covered home health services such as:
- Rehabilitation treatment
- Occupational therapy (OT)
- Speech therapy
- Social and medical services
- Home health aide services on a part-time basis
- On-demand skilled nursing care
- Injectable osteoporosis medications
Visit the Medicare website, call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227), or go to a Social Security Administration office in the Virginia Beach area to confirm Medicare’s coverage for you or your loved one and to apply.
Medicare Savings Programs and the Extra Help program can help with paying for premiums and prescription drug costs. For assistance with medications (including provision of medication and co-payments), Virginia Beach residents also have access to the Virginia Medication Assistance Program (MAP). The Program for All-Inclusive Care of the Elderly (PACE) puts together a team of health care professionals to help give you access to a long list of services. To be eligible, your monthly income and your resources have to be below a certain threshold.
The Virginia Insurance Counseling and Assistance Program (VICAP) can help you determine if you qualify. VICAP provides free counseling and application help for Medicare beneficiaries. The local long-term care ombudsman, located through Senior Services of Southeast Virginia, can also help.
Virginia Beach resident Medicare resources
Social Security Administration
2875 Sabre St., Suite 100
Virginia Beach, VA 23452
Phone: 800-772-1213
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Senior Services of Southeastern Virginia
Ombudsman: Willie Alston
2551 Eltham Ave., Suite Q
Norfolk, Virginia 23513
Phone: 757-222-4542
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Email: walston@ssseva.org
Offices for Aging Services (VICAP)
1610 Forest Ave., Suite 100
Henrico, VA 23229
Phone: 804-662-9333
Sentara Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE)
5900 E. Virginia Beach Blvd., Suite 260
Norfolk, VA 23502
Phone: 757-252-7800
Fax: 757-390-4375
Virginia Medication Assistance Program
Virginia Department of Public Health
4452 Corporation Lane
Virginia Beach, VA 23462
Phone: 757-518-2700
Understand Virginia laws and regulations for assisted living facilities
Many seniors fear losing their autonomy and independence with a move to assisted living. To help address that uncertainty, assisted living communities in Virginia are legally bound to maintain resident freedoms.[06]
The Virginia Department of Health requires assisted living facilities in the state to be licensed, which ensures that assisted living facilities meet certain minimum standards to protect residents’ health, safety, and welfare. For a full list of residents’ rights and the standards facilities must follow, view the Virginia Department of Social Services’ Standards for Licensed Assisted Living Facilities.
Virginia law allows licensed assisted living communities to provide two distinct levels of care: Residential living and assisted living, both of which are provided by professional aides and companions. Residential living services help seniors with mild physical or mental disabilities with their activities of daily living (ADLs). Assisted living services provide more moderate assistance to residents needing extra aid to maintain their lifestyle.[07]
To meet state regulations, all assisted living communities in Virginia must have administrators in charge of the home’s management, including the following:
- The Virginia Administrative Code establishes the requirements for licensing and regulating assisted living facilities, which assisted living facilities must follow in Virginia. These regulations cover staffing, staff training and qualifications, resident rights, resident care, and services, medication management, infection control, physical environment, food and nutrition, and emergency preparedness.
- The Virginia Department of Health inspects assisted living facilities regularly to ensure compliance with these laws. Plus, the department investigates complaints and, if required, takes enforcement action to protect residents’ health, safety, and welfare.
Check with the local Department of Health to ensure that the facility is officially licensed. To make an informed decision, you can also research the facility’s inspection reports and complaint history on their website.
To find records about specific providers, you can use Virginia’s Department of Social Services Assisted Living Facility Search Form.
Virginia Department of Health contact information
109 Governor St.
Richmond, Virginia 23219
Phone Number: +1 (800)-533-4148
COVID-19 regulations for Virginia Beach assisted living facilities
The Virginia Department of Health and U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend keeping updated with vaccinations to prevent serious illness, hospitalizations, and deaths. Assisted living facilities don’t, however, have any specific mandates to follow. Regulations will vary from facility to facility.
Vaccinations. Anyone six months or older can get a COVID-19 vaccine. For Virginia Beach’s updated recommendations, see the Virginia Department of Health’s COVID-19 Vaccination Response.
Masking. Masks are not mandatory but recommended for 10 days if you’ve been exposed to someone with COVID-19.
Facility cleanliness. Regularly disinfect surfaces and encourage handwashing.
CDC guidelines. Maintain current COVID-19 vaccination, increase ventilation in enclosed spaces, and avoid contact with those who have or might have COVID-19. See the CDC’s list of general guidelines for the most up-to-date recommendations.
What to expect from assisted living in Virginia Beach
Virginia Beach is the most populous city in the state. Assisted living communities in Virginia Beach offers residents’ private patios where you can enjoy the Chesapeake Bay’s beautiful views and fresh, salty air. Apartments and rooms range in size but are typically fairly modest and come equipped with handrails and accessible amenities. Virginia Beach’s facility amenities often include cultural and devotional services, exercise programs, art and cooking classes, pet-focused programs, and abundant entertainment such as karaoke and wine tastings.
Assisted living provides seniors with an enhanced quality of life through long-term housing and care. Residents at assisted living facilities are generally active, but they may require assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) like bathing, dressing, and going to the restroom.
Care combinations in the Virginia Beach area
Within a 10-mile radius of the city center, there are six options of in-network facilities designated as assisted living.
- One is designed as a standalone assisted living facility.
- Three are assisted living and memory care facilities,
- Two are a mix of assisted living, independent living, and memory care. [01]
There are more freestanding assisted living facility within a 25-mile radius, increasing the number of assisted living options available for you or your loved one.
Comfort and convenience
Assisted living facilities provide the comfort and convenience of knowing you don’t have to take care of household chores or maintenance. These communities provide three meals per day and serve them in community dining spaces, complete with Southern sweet tea. Getting around town is easy with all of our partner facilities providing free transportation to residents, too. Some facilities even offer special programs to help them care for their pets.
Something fun for everyone
Assisted living in Virginia Beach offers plenty of planned activities, from holiday celebrations to art classes to bingo. Our partner facilities host live musical performances and trivia games. Other organized outings take residents to nearby shops and other activities.
Virginia Beach assisted living services and amenities
Availability of select care services in Virginia Beach assisted living
Availability of select dementia care services in Virginia Beach assisted living
Availability of select dietary accommodations in Virginia Beach assisted living
Availability of select dining options in Virginia Beach assisted living
Availability of select programs and activities in Virginia Beach assisted living
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Unfamiliar with Virginia Beach? Highlights for seniors
Number of seniors over the age of 65 currently living in Virginia Beach
Seniors 65 and older make up 14% of the Virginia Beach population.
Median annual income for Virginia Beach seniors 65 and older
Health care for seniors in Virginia Beach
Virginia Beach residents can find everything they need to stay healthy in their golden years in the city or neighboring areas.
Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital
Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital provides general surgical and medical care. Furthermore, it has high ratings for eight adult treatments and conditions.
Chesapeake Regional Medical Center
Chesapeake Regional Medical Center is a general medical and surgical hospital in Chesapeake, Virginia. It has the best ratings in seven adult procedures and conditions.
Transportation for seniors in Virginia Beach
Virginia Beach assisted living residents can enjoy complimentary transportation right from their own facilities. However, the city also provides public transportation on buses and light rail service.
Moreover, the city offers seniors and disabled residents access to paratransit services (door-to-door transportation) and the Senior Services Transportation Program’s low-cost shuttle services.
WalkScore.com, which provides an analysis of transportation and walkability in a given city, rates Virginia Beach 53 out of 100. The WalkScore statistics for Virginia Beach are determined by the city’s density, walking routes, public transportation options, biking trails, and other factors. While not highly walkable in all areas, there are certain neighborhoods that are as well as the resort area of Virginia Beach.
Walk Score
Transit Score
Bike Score
Senior activities in Virginia Beach
Virginia Beach is primarily a coastal town with many places to visit, including free locations, like parks and beaches. First Landing State Park and Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge both have beautiful nature trails and scenic overlooks that are wheelchair accessible.
Even the Virginia Beach Boardwalk is fully accessible and offers stunning ocean views, allowing seniors to relish in people-watching while savoring food and drinks.
The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center offers marine animal exhibits, touch tanks, and educational programs for those looking to experience a more informative session. There are ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms available.
Seniors who are interested in aviation history can go to the Military Aviation Museum to view planes and structures from WWI and WWII.
For seniors, the sights and smells of a garden can be therapeutic and calming. The Norfolk Botanical Garden is an ideal destination for them, with accessible walking paths and flower displays.
The Virginia Beach Cultural Affairs Department provides a variety of cultural activities for seniors, including concerts, theater performances, and art exhibits. Most events held at the Sandler Center for the Performing Arts, and the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art are free or low-cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Bay Lake Community, Acclaim at East Beach and The Waterford at Virginia Beach are the top-rated Assisted Living facilities near Virginia Beach, VA. These Assisted Living facilities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews. See full list of communities.
The average cost of Assisted Living in Virginia Beach is $4,660 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
References
A Place for Mom. (2023). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
Virginia Department of Taxation. Estate and Inheritance Taxes.
Virginia Department of Taxation. Who Must File.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Veteran Status (S2101): [Virginia Beach, Virginia]. [75 years and over]. American Community Survey.
Division of Licensing Programs. (2023, October 13). Standards for Licensed Assisted Living Facilities. Virginia Department of Social Services.
Assisted Living in Virginia: laws and regulations. Positive Aging SourceBook.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Population 65 yeas and over in the United States (S0103): [Virginia Beach, Virginia]. [65 years and over]. American Community Survey.
United States Census Bureau. (2022.) Quick Facts: Virginia Beach city, Virginia.
WalkScore. Virginia Beach, Virginia.
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