Chesapeake, Virginia, is a city of roughly 245,000 residents, nearly 14% of whom are aged 65 and over. The city has a comfortable climate with year-round highs ranging from 49-89 degrees, and it receives just 5 inches of annual snowfall, which may appeal to those who rely on mobility aids. With a violent crime rate that is lower than state and national averages, it may be an ideal location for seniors who are seeking a safe community for their retirement years, and the state’s retirement-friendly tax laws may leave more money in the bank to cover assisted living expenses. This historically and culturally rich city features many attractions, including Riddick’s Folly, which offers discounted admission for seniors, and Courtyard Square Park, which hosts farmers’ markets and live entertainment events.
Assisted living provides both a social environment and professional support for seniors who often find themselves needing physical help with basic living tasks, such as cooking and bathing. The Genworth Financial 2021 Cost of Care Survey reports that the average monthly cost of assisted living in Chesapeake is $4,690, a price point that’s between the Virginia and U.S. averages.
This guide to assisted living in Chesapeake offers a comparison of its care costs with those of other Virginia cities, some notes on finding financial aid for affording such care and a list of senior support services in the area.
Hundreds of thousands of American seniors utilize assisted living, a figure that is only growing. For these seniors, assisted living combines residential housing,assistance in daily activities, and some healthcare. These communities also strive to provide an atmosphere that is comfortable and engaging for their residents… Read More >
COVID-19 restrictions and rules for Assisted Living Facilities are typically set by the state – to see the rules in your state, you can read our guide to Assisted Living in Virginia. Keep in mind that there may be other policies that communities put in place to protect their residents, so you should contact your local community for more information. Additionally, you can contact your local Area Agency on Aging to learn more – find contact information here.
Chesapeake seniors pay an average monthly cost of $4,690 for assisted living care.
Chesapeake is $560 cheaper than the Virginia state average of $5,250 monthly, but it is $190 more expensive than the U.S. national average of $4,500.
Across the state of Virginia, only Lynchburg has lower assisted living costs than Chesapeake, at $65 cheaper. Staunton is also on the cheaper side, with an average of $18 more than Chesapeake’s price. Richmond, the state capital, costs $4,901 a month, roughly $210 more than Chesapeake. Roanoke, located in the state’s western half, reports its highest average cost at $5,935, roughly $1,200 more expensive than Chesapeake’s price. Harrisonburg, where seniors pay $5,711, and Charlottesville, where they pay $5,700, are also more than $1,000 above Chesapeake’s price point.
NOTE: Data for Chesapeake was unavailable, so data for the nearest city, Virginia Beach, was used instead.
Since not everyone can afford to pay for assisted living out-of-pocket, it’s important to find alternative methods to help make assisted living more affordable. Some of these options include:
For more information about your options for making assisted living more affordable, visit our guide to Assisted Living in Virginia
Contact | Description | |
Senior Services of Southeastern Virginia | (757) 461-9481 | Senior Services of Southeastern Virginia is the local area agency on aging. It serves area residents aged 60 and over by providing a wide array of services, such as transportation, the farmer’s market nutrition program, wellness classes and personal care services. It provides volunteer opportunities for seniors based on their interests and experience. The center is also a VICAP location that provides options counseling for those seeking information on Medicare. Counseling is free and provided by trained volunteers who assist with understanding Medicare and Medicare Advantage benefits. |
Chesapeake Vet Center | (757) 623-7584 | Chesapeake Vet Center provides services to eligible military veterans and their spouses, such as counseling services and assistance with applying for state and federal benefits, including the VA pension. Through this center, veterans can learn about the Aid and Attendance or Housebound benefit, which may help cover assisted living expenses. The center is open on weekdays during normal business hours. |
55 & Better Programs | [email protected] | Chesapeake’s Parks, Recreation and Tourism Department operates several classes, clubs and programs for older adults. Programs include The Red Hat Society, jewelry making, painting classes and age-friendly fitness classes. Preregistration is required for all classes and can be completed online. |
Senior Centers | (757) 382-6411 | Chesapeake operates two senior centers, including Rokeby Center, which is located on Rokeby Avenue, and Portlock Senior Center on Freeman Avenue. These centers provide an atmosphere for socialization and offer a variety of programs, including games, classes, congregate meals, field trips, holiday celebrations and shopping. Hours of operation vary by location, and transportation to and from the centers may be available, depending on where the senior resides. |
Chesapeake Task Force on Aging | (757) 204-5693 | The Chesapeake Task Force on Aging is a nonprofit organization that focuses on optimizing local seniors’ quality of life. It promotes public education and awareness for programs that address the needs of local seniors and advocates on behalf of seniors. Seniors aged 65 and over can become members of CTFA for a low annual fee. |
Assisted Living Facilities in the Chesapeake area are required to follow a set of rules and regulations that are determined at the state level. For an overview of those rules and regulations, see the information below. For more specific information, talk with your local community or Area Agency on Aging.