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Washington, DC, is home to 689,545 people according to the 2020 U.S. Census, including roughly 85,500 senior citizens. The city is popular among adults who enjoy its highly walkable layout and the price of health care in DC is 12% below the national average.
Assisted living is a residential care option for seniors who are ready to move out of their own housing but don’t need the round-the-clock medical assistance typical of a nursing home. Care in assisted living facilities includes assistance with activities of daily living, including dressing, bathing and meal prep. According to Genworth’s 2021 Cost of Care Survey, seniors in Washington, DC can expect to pay an average of $6,978 per month for assisted living care.
This guide to assisted living in Washington DC examines its average monthly cost and compares this to surrounding cities. You’ll also find a table highlighting some nonprofit organizations and government agencies that support seniors 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 District of Columbia. 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.
According to Genworth’s 2021 Cost of Care Survey, the monthly cost of assisted living in Washington, DC is $6,978.
The wider Washington area, defined by Genworth as including DC in addition to Virginia cities Arlington and Alexandria, has an average monthly assisted living cost of $5,948, approximately $1,000 cheaper than DC. Nationally, the average cost of assisted living is lower still at $4,500.
Assisted living prices in the states bordering DC are significantly lower. The city of Roanoke reports Virginia’s highest price at $5,925 a month, and the city of Cumberland has Maryland’s highest reported price at $5,248 a month, compared to DC’s $6,978 average. Assisted living in Maryland’s largest city, Baltimore, carries an average monthly price tag of $4,750, while in Virginia’s capital, Richmond, it costs $4,901 a month. Maryland residents of Hagerstown pay $4,630 a month, slightly more than the national average.
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 District of Columbia.
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Resource |
Contact |
Service |
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202-541-3950 |
Tasked with addressing the needs of DC’s seniors, this government agency helps older adults apply for federal benefits, research their insurance options through its State Health Insurance Assistance Program, find low-cost legal services and locate curb-to-curb transportation for medical and personal appointments. | |
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202-434-2120 |
DC residents aged 60 and over are automatically eligible for pro bono support from this nonprofit organization’s Legal Hotline. Hotline attorneys can provide direct assistance on the phone or refer callers to programs that more directly serve their needs. The LCE also assists seniors who need help receiving government benefits such as Medicaid. Seniors may stop by any of LCE’s six area Self Help Offices for in-person support applying for public benefits, requesting records and filing small claims cases. | |
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202-727-0338 |
Offering physical, recreational and social activities such as health screenings, yoga classes, cooking seminars, book discussion clubs and the like, this senior center is completely free for DC residents aged 60 and up. You can also sign up for driver safety courses and massage therapy sessions at this location. | |
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202-724-5626 |
Operated in conjunction with the DACL, this Yellow Cab project ensures that DC-area seniors have free access to non-emergency medically related transport. The program is open to seniors 60 and up who must travel to regular checkups and treatment appointments for chronic life-threatening medical issues. Qualifying seniors can schedule same-day pickups once enrolled in the program. | |
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University of the District of Columbia Senior Gerontology Program |
202-274-6729 |
UDC’s suite of services for the capital’s seniors includes a Senior Tuition Program that allows non-degree-seeking adults 65 years of age and up to take classes without paying university tuition or fees. It also includes free access to instructor-led classes in its Bodywise Health and Fitness Program, a low-impact, cardio-focused exercise regimen that can help seniors increase heart health and improve muscle flexibility. |
Assisted living facilities in Washington, D.C., are licensed by the DC Department of Health. Facilities must comply with comprehensive laws and regulations that are designed to protect the welfare of residents.
