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Roanoke is legendary as one of the nation’s oldest Colonial settlements, and the “Mystery of Roanoke” still captures the imaginations of many today. The community is nestled in Virginia’s Roanoke Valley, an area with plenty of natural beauty and opportunities to explore nature. Mill Mountain Park is one of the most popular destinations for tourists and residents alike thanks to its panoramic valley views. Roanoke is also considered the business and trade hub of southwest Virginia and southern West Virginia. The weather in Roanoke is pleasant year-round with warm, humid summers and snow-dusted winters. Its cost of living, which is about 16 points below the national average, plus the fact that Virginia doesn’t levy a very high tax on retirement income or Social Security may benefit seniors on a limited budget.
Assisted living is a great choice for seniors who are independent but could use some assistance with activities of daily living. Fortunately, seniors in the Roanoke area have access to plenty of assisted living options. These facilities grant residents access to care services, prepared meals, and a bevy of scheduled activities. According to the Genworth 2021 Cost of Care Survey, seniors in Roanoke pay $5,925 per month for assisted living care — more than both the state and national averages.
This guide provides additional information about local care costs and resources to help seniors navigate their care options.
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.
Seniors in Roanoke pay $5,925 per month for assisted living.
Assisted living facilities in Roanoke charge an estimated $5,925 per month, which is the highest rate in the state, notably higher than the estimated statewide median rate of $5,250 and nationwide median rate of $4,500.
Assisted living costs in Harrisonburg and Charlottesville are just over $200 lower than the rates in Roanoke, with facilities in Harrisonburg charging an estimated $5,711 and facilities in Charlottesville charging an estimated $5,700 per month. In Richmond, assisted living costs are below the statewide average, coming in at an estimated $4,901. Assisted living facilities in Staunton and Lynchburg are even more affordable, with seniors paying just $4,708 and $4,625 per month for care.
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 | |
| Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman | (800) 552-3402 | Long-term care ombudsmen work on behalf of residents in licensed residential communities. Some services include advocating for greater regulations of these communities and stricter staff training, while other services are one-on-one, such as investigating complaints filed on behalf of assisted living residents. |
| Virginia Department of Veterans Services | (703) 479-7437 | The state Department of Veterans Services lends assistance to area veterans, including counseling for PTSD, grief and substance abuse. The agency also helps veterans access government benefits and health care services that they’re entitled to receive. |
| Valley Metro | (540) 982-2222 | The Valley Metro is a fixed-route bus service for the city of Roanoke. It also offers transit for the handicapped and special event shuttles. Seniors may be eligible for reduced fares. |
| Local Office on Aging (LOA) | (540) 345-0451 | The LOA provides services for Roanoke citizens aged 60 and older. These outreach programs are designed to allow the elderly to retain as much independence as possible and include in-home care and assistance with household chores, food pantry delivery, emergency crisis intervention and a speaker’s bureau that provides information for seniors and their caregivers. |
| Legal Aid Society of Roanoke Valley | (540) 344-2080 | The Legal Aid Society of Roanoke Valley provides comprehensive civil representation for those who meet income eligibility requirements. Issues the agency deals with are broad and cover family services, elder neglect and abuse and financial distress, including bankruptcies, consumer issues and housing concerns. |
| Roanoke Community Center | (817) 491-6060 | The Roanoke Community Center is open to all residents and hosts different activities intended to enhance the lives of seniors. Gentle fitness classes, such as Silver Sneakers and yoga, are scheduled throughout the week along with social events and bingo tournaments. |
Assisted Living Facilities in the Roanoke 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.
