With affordability, a rich cultural scene, and Southern charm to boot, living in Richmond is a pleasant and engaging experience for seniors. It’s no wonder why more than 30,000 retirees have chosen to call the River City home. Fortunately, all the traits that make Richmond a highly accommodating city for seniors mean it also has a variety of living options for this population — including nursing homes.
Nursing homes are sometimes referred to as skilled nursing facilities and provide both nursing and long-term care options for residents. However, if you’re searching for a Richmond nursing home near you, you might actually be looking for services associated with a senior living community specializing in memory care or assisted living. While memory care facilities provide 24/7 specialized care and long-term housing for seniors with memory loss, assisted living facilities provide support for seniors who are somewhat active, but need help with activities of daily living.
If you’re looking for this kind of care, A Place for Mom partners with 28 assisted living and memory care facilities within 10 miles of downtown Richmond. This guide will detail what you and your loved ones can expect from these types of communities, how to pay for them, and what regulations are in place. We’ll also talk about everything Richmond has to offer.
It's a fine place and they lots of activities and I like living there. I would definitely recommend this community to others
There are a small number of apartments at Anthology, so my 91 year old mother has been able to make friends quickly. She is not overwhelmed. The staff is caring and willing to do extras for the residents. ...
The staff at The Harmony Collection at Hanover are friendly and willing to work with families. The facility is bright and cheerful and the rooms are spacious. The housekeeping is okay. The rooms seem to be...
They have activities available for the residents. My love one is always dressed/clean, and eats good. The place, and common area always looks clean. We picked this community because it was all on one level,...
Love Winthrop Manor! Compared to other places I have looked at Winthrop gets a 5 Star Rating! The Rooms are well appointed and the Staff is Professional and Friendly. Everyday things that I couldn't do...
My mother in law is doing very well since moving here. She is keeping very busy with all the activities they offer and making friends with the residents as she can. She loves the staff but we are...
We had 24 hours to move my mom from a community that we did not care for and get her into ManorCare Richmond. What a wonderful difference in the atmosphere at ManorCare. It is very uplifting, colorful, warm,...
This place was wonderful. I cannot express my gratitude to everyone that took care of me here. I transferred here from another center that was just awful, but this place more than made up for it. If you...
My Mother has lived here for 2 years and even though a new Ownership group came in (Hill Valley) they have made some welcome changes to enhance the community even more! I live near by (Far West End, Short...
I found [name removed], the director, and his staff to be exceptionally helpful, kind, and professional. It did not take long for me to realize that my cousin was in a facility that offered kind, attentive,...
St. Francis Home is a non-profit and I thought it was okay. They still offered bingo and things like that but hey didn't have a way for my mother to go out to lunch to the store or anything like that. They...
We have been very pleased with everyone. They have been very accommodating to my aunts needs. We are just real pleased. I would recommend The Hermitage. The facility is very clean. The staff is very friendly...
This facility is excellent and the staff is dedicated to helping keep the patients comfortable and happy.
My uncle lives at this facility full-time on the long-term care side. What I love about this facility is the activities department, it has been an inspiration to the residents who live here. Any time you...
This is a good community. Housekeeping comes in once a week and they also keep the common areas clean. I do feel they are understaffed at this time, however the staff they do have is very nice and helpful....
Its a really small facility which I love. The staff gives each person individual attention which is what they need. I am overall happy and my aunt is too.
Lakewood Manor is a warm, friendly place that has the comfort and care of the residents first and foremost. Those we have talked with that have been here 17 plus years have nothing but positive comments...
My parents both moved to the Laurels in May 2024. The Staff is totally amazing. My parents have loved every minute living at the Laurels. The medical care, food Service, Activities, & Housekeeping,...
Following a fall, my short term memory, physical balance and general orientation were all severely impaired. I was admitted to Westport and during which the staff provided memory and physical therapy. ...
We developed a proprietary recommendation system that orders Richmond community options based on factors we know are important to seniors and their families:
We collect proprietary data from our network of 14,000+ senior living communities in the U.S., with regular refreshes of data and information
We have 387,000+ reviews from senior living residents and family members that provide first-hand accounts about senior living communities
A private room in a Richmond-based skilled nursing home (a facility that provides 24-hour short- and long-term care to patients) costs an average of $9,749 [02] including associated fees. This is slightly higher than the national average.
However, when stacked against this national average, Richmond can still provide an affordable and comprehensive senior living experience. According to A Place for Mom’s proprietary data, memory care or assisted living fees run an average of $5,073 monthly within our network of partners.[01] This cost includes all service fees and add-ons, but individual costs vary depending on floor plan and amenities. Broken out separately, assisted living in Richmond costs $4,954, and memory care costs $5,165.[01]
With that payment, residents receive holistic care (diabetes, incontinence, memory, and rehabilitative care, to name a few examples) and medication management. Seniors receive amenities such as wheelchair accessible rooms, chef-prepared meals, and access to common areas where they can socialize.
Skilled care for seniors in Richmond requires an investment in time and finances for family members seeking accommodations for their loved ones. In this section, you’ll find information about payment options — such as private pay, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits, Medicare, and Medicaid — that can help finance senior care.
Private pay is the outcome of all that saving you or a loved one has done over a lifetime. These funds might come from a personal bank account, stock portfolio, 401(k), or individual retirement account.
In total, any combination of sources can combine to finance a skilled nursing, assisted living, or memory care stay. You can explore additional funding options below.
Veterans seeking care in assisted living or memory care within the A Place for Mom network should apply for the VA’s Aid and Attendance program, which can pay for assisted living or memory care stays by increasing funding to a veteran’s pension. The application and acceptance process is often prolonged. To ease the process, try connecting with a local veteran services officer and veteran service organizations before applying. These VA-recognized experts help veterans with the application and appeals process.
Number of veterans who live in Richmond
Percentage of Richmond veterans that are 75+, according to the US Census Bureau
Resources for Richmond veterans
Virginia Department of Veteran Services
101 N. 14th St., Floor 17
Richmond, VA 23219
Phone: 804-786-0286
Office Hours: Visits are by appointment only
The American Legion Department of Virginia
1708 Commonwealth Ave.
Richmond, VA 23230
Phone: 804-353-6606
Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6364
6502 Dickens Place
Richmond, VA 23230
Phone: 804-288-9597
Office Hours: Call for current hours
Richmond VA Medical Center
1201 Broad Rock Blvd.
Richmond, VA 23249-4915
Phone: 804-675-5000
Mental Health Care: 804-675-5411
Office Hours: 24/7
Henrico County VA Clinic
7702 E. Parham Road, Parham Doctors Hospital, MOB III, Suite 201
Richmond, VA 23294-4372
Phone: 804-675-5000
Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Virginians can access Medicaid through Cardinal Care. Medicaid recipients in Virginia are a part of the state’s Managed Care Organization (MCO), which covers nursing facility services. Seniors seeking nursing home coverage can do so by demonstrating that their physical or mental condition requires a nursing-home level of care. They must also possess no more than $2,000 in assets such as money and property.
You can sign up for Medicaid by:
Memory care and assisted living residents can apply for Medicaid through the use of a home and community-based services waiver. Furthermore, patients can also opt into Consumer-Directed Care services, which allow them to employ someone to handle their care needs.
Medicaid is a valuable resource, but it can be tough to wrap your head around. These resources can help you make sense of it all.
Richmond resident Medicaid resources
Cardinal Care
Visit the Cardinal Care website
600 E. Broad St.
Richmond, VA 23219
Phone: 833-522-5582; TDD number: 888-221-1590
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Saturdays 9 a.m. – noon
Office for Aging Services
Visit the Office for Aging Services website
1610 Forest Ave., Suite 100
Richmond, VA 23229
Phone: 804-662-9333; toll-free number: 800-552-3402
Hours: 8:15 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman
Visit the Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman website
8004 Franklin Farms Drive
Richmond, VA 23229
Phone: 804-565-1600; toll-free: 800-552-5019
Hours: 8:15 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Medicare is federal health insurance for people 65 years and older. Because the care seniors receive in nursing homes is considered “custodial,” Medicare doesn’t cover it if it’s the only care someone requires. While Medicare does not cover residential costs for assisted living or memory care stays, it will cover medically needed healthcare services such as physical or occupational therapy or injectable osteoporosis drugs.
What about skilled nursing facilities (SNFs)? Medicare Part A is the equivalent of hospital insurance, and it will cover SNF care if it’s deemed medically necessary on a short-term basis. To qualify, a patient must meet the following requirements:
Medicare applicants in Richmond can enroll during the following periods:
Need more clarity on if your loved one qualifies for Medicare and how to get them signed up? Consider looking into these Richmond organizations.
Richmond resident Medicare resources
Richmond Social Security Administration Office
1834 W. Cary St.
Richmond, VA 23220
Phone: 800-772-1213
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Richmond Social Security Administration Hearing Office
1100 E. Main St.
Richmond, VA 23219
Phone: 877-405-3665
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Virginia Association of Area Agencies on Aging
Visit the Virginia Association of Area Agencies on Aging website
24 E. Cary St.
Suite 100
Richmond, VA 23219
Phone: 804-644-5628
Virginia-based nursing homes are regularly inspected by the Virginia Department of Health (VDH), usually every 12-15 months depending on the facility and its past compliance record. Nursing homes must meet certain staffing, patient care, and facility standards to earn or maintain their licenses. Families are also encouraged to be observant of facilities to ensure the quality of care remains high. Past inspection results can be obtained from this link on the VDH website.
Nursing homes are also under the watch of the federal government, specifically the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. This entity regularly surveys nursing homes to monitor how well they’re adhering to federal regulations.
Nursing homes are inspected on the basis of:
Virginia nursing homes are not subject to a federal- or state-mandated patient-to-staff ratio. Instead, they’re given the leniency to make those decisions on their own. However, federal laws state nursing homes have at least one nurse on duty at all times and have sufficient numbers of certified nursing assistants to help manage daily intake and patient needs.
Assisted living facilities in Virginia are subject to regulation by the state’s Department of Social Services (DSS). Facilities are inspected annually or as-needed, and receive one-, two-, or three-year licenses.
The Virginia DSS also regulates memory care providers. Facilities are graded on their ability to provide secure indoor and outdoor common areas, and administrators and staff are subject to regular training and education if they’re working with patients with cognitive issues. Memory care and assisted living certifications can be found on the Virginia Department of Social Services website.
Visit the Virginia Department of Health website
Virginia Department of Health
109 Governor St.
Richmond, VA 23219
Phone: 804-864-7000
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Richmond doesn’t have any set COVID-19 regulations for nursing homes, assisted living, and memory care facilities, but the city does have suggested guidelines.
Vaccinations. Employees and residents are encouraged to receive vaccinations.
Facility cleanliness. Routine cleaning and hand-washing are promoted.
Choosing a nursing home or senior care facility for a loved one can be tough. Fortunately, residents in Richmond-based facilities receive top-tier care and amenities that will give you peace of mind.
Although we don’t partner with nursing homes, we’ll detail amenities from our partner assisted living and memory care facilities. That way, you’ll get a clear look at what your loved one can look forward to during their stay.
Some of our partner facilities have skilled nursing units. Skilled nursing patients receive hands-on round-the-clock care for their short- and long-term health needs. For those requiring this type of care from an assisted living or memory care facility, skilled nursing wings are there so patients can get their needs tended to in a more focused location. Residents can receive memory, incontinence, and diabetic care along with regular management of their medications.
Professional chefs prepare special dining programs and can make meals tailored to each resident’s needs, including no-sugar-added or low-sodium dietary restrictions. These meals are often enjoyed by residents in a restaurant-style setting, but they’re also free to frequent a bar or café/bistro of their choosing. At the same time, facilities may provide meals for loved ones to ensure a comfortable visit.
Depending on the facility, patient rooms may have access to a full kitchen or kitchenette, air conditioning, high-speed internet/Wi-Fi, cable television, a garden view, regular laundry service/housekeeping, and handicap accessibility. Patients can also house pets up to 30 pounds in their rooms.
If residents want to browse on the computer, read a book, or get their beauty needs tended to, there are common areas with barbers, beauticians, a library, and a media center. Recreational areas with arts and crafts, games, musical instruments, a theater room, and a fitness center are also available.
Outside, facilities have raised garden beds and enclosed courtyards designed to accommodate and secure patients with memory loss.
Is your loved one a social butterfly? Not to worry! Facilities host devotional services, cooking classes, live performances, yoga, happy hours, guest speakers, and other activities to let residents scratch that social itch.
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Number of seniors over the age of 65 currently living in Richmond
Percentage of seniors 65 and older within the Richmond population
Median annual income for Richmond seniors 65 and older
Skilled nursing and nursing home patients require extensive short- and long-term care needs that sometimes aren’t available on-site. Here are a list of healthcare facilities in Richmond that can service all your loved one’s needs:
A network including VCU Medical Center, this is Richmond’s top-rated hospital system. This academic hospital is known for its research and innovation.
This VCU Health partner offers house calls, transitional care, outpatient work, and more to Richmond seniors.
This general medicine and surgical provider is one of Richmond’s top two hospitals.
Bon Secours is a dedicated senior-care facility. Its geriatric center is a specialized center that provides seniors assessments, care planning, urgent care, and follow-up services.
Richmond’s only VA hospital is also known as Hunter Holmes McGuire VA Hospital. It offers a variety of services, such as geriatric care, orthopedics, and rheumatology.
Richmond is a city best traveled by car. Luckily, a number of A Place for Mom partner facilities offer a variety of transport-related perks to ensure residents can get around safely. These include complimentary or paid transportation services as well as close proximity to public transportation.
Seniors and their loved ones should also check out the Greater Richmond Transit Company’s (GRTC) systems. GRTC operates buses, cutaway vans, and more than 150 transit vehicles. Plus, it offers a specialized CARE and CARE Plus transportation systems for seniors that are conveniently located for easy access.
As one of the oldest major cities in the United States, Richmond boasts many different activities that those living in memory care or assisted living facilities can safely enjoy. Day trips to experience new things have been shown to be beneficial for seniors, and you will find that the majority of facilities in the Richmond area take their residents on day trips around the city. Visiting family and friends are also encouraged to take their loved ones on outings in Richmond.
Seniors and their loved ones can enjoy the fresh air in Richmond by taking a walk through a variety of different gardens located in the city. The Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden hosts several events throughout the year, such as the “yarn bombing exhibit,” where local street artists in Richmond are able to showcase the craft of knitting throughout the garden. The Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden offers discounted senior pricing at $14 a ticket and provides its visitors with free access to wheelchairs.
You can also explore the Agecroft Hall Museum & Gardens. This unique attraction includes both a museum and gardens that visitors can tour. The museum gives visitors a look into the daily life of the English in the 16th century, as well as an overview of the many historical events that happened in Virginia. Seniors can visit the Agecroft Hall Museum & Gardens for a discounted price of $11.
There are also many opportunities for seniors to learn more about the art and culture of Richmond. The Maymont Foundation is located on 100 acres of land in Richmond and focuses on history from the late 1800s to the early 1900s. Patrons can also visit animals at The Robins Nature Center, which is located along the southern border of Maymont.
The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts is a free, wheelchair-accessible attraction. Free wheelchairs are available if needed. Because this museum regularly receives new exhibits and displays, each visit differs from the last. The museum offers guided tours, as well as an on-site restaurant where you can share a meal during your visit.
Sunrise of Richmond, Sunrise at Bon Air and The Westmont at Short Pump Community are the top-rated Nursing Homes facilities near Richmond, VA. These Nursing Homes facilities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews. See full list of communities.
The average cost of Nursing Homes in Richmond is $4,922 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
A Place for Mom. (2023). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
Genworth Financial. (2023). Cost of Care Survey.
U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. (2023). Parts of Medicare. Medicare.gov.
U.S. News. (2023). U.S. News Best Hospitals. U.S. News & World Report L.P.
Ask an A Place for Mom local advisor at no cost.
A Place for Mom. (2023). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
Genworth Financial. (2023). Cost of Care Survey.
U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. (2023). Parts of Medicare. Medicare.gov.
U.S. News. (2023). U.S. News Best Hospitals. U.S. News & World Report L.P.