Known for its place in American history and convenient location midway between Washington, D.C., and Richmond, Virginia, Fredericksburg is a hidden gem for retirees. For seniors who need extra support, the city boasts a variety of assisted living options.
Assisted living is a long-term care option designed for seniors who want to maintain a level of independence but require some help with daily tasks, such as grooming, dressing, and medication management. Our partner assisted living communities in Fredericksburg provide personalized care in a residential setting, as well as opportunities for staying social and connecting to the broader community. There are eight A Place for Mom partner assisted living facilities within a 10-mile radius of downtown Fredericksburg, all of which include 24-hour awake staff, so there is always someone to help should your loved one need it.
The following guide provides information to help seniors and their families select an assisted living facility in Fredericksburg. It will cover ways to pay for assisted living, what benefits seniors may be eligible for, what laws and regulations govern assisted living facilities, and why Fredericksburg is a great place to live and find health care.
Spring Arbor is a very clean and beautiful place. It is well decorated for every season. The staff is very compassionate and professional. The nurse and cna’s were the best with my mom. They reorient the...
My mother is very happy there. The only downside so far is that because of the elevator being out of service she is having to find another place to stay for those days. She has limited mobility. She is...
I moved my father into Fredericksburg assisted living about 1 month ago. This is by far the best facility he has ever been in. [name removed], the Administrator is great, as is her staff. They are all...
The staff at Morningside has always gone above and beyond with making sure my mother is safe and comfortable and communicating with the family about her needs and how she is doing. I would most definitely...
My brother seems to be happy. The woman who took my brother on tour was very thorough. The nurse and the physical therapist were very good and on time. That was the main reason we chose Harmony at Falls...
We visited several assisted living communities and chose Cambridge Gardens in Fredericksburg as mom’s new home. The wonderful staff, charming rooms, delicious meals, many scheduled activities and on site...
Overall experience is great, considering the circumstances. They do a good job with cleanliness. Almost all the staff is very kind and helpful. Most know her name on sight. I won't ruin the grade on a couple...
The staff keeps the family well informed about any health and emotional issues. I do think they probably need more staff to help with the cleaning.
The staff members at Morningside House are great and very approachable. The activities staff is also great. It's a small thing, but sometimes they get my loved ones clothes mixed up with other residents. I...
If they could fix some of the issues my loved one has encountered, it would be very good. I picked this community because of the convience. The schedule was reliable. The weekday medicine was delivered on...
We chose Bickford of Spotsylvania because of the location for family and we really liked the layout of the building. The room size is just right for what she needs. She raves about the food, they are chef...
I would highly recommend this community to others based on my experience. The community is kept neat and clean, and the staff is very nice and helpful. The food looks good, and they have activities...
The community provides activities such as entertainment musicians, exercise classes, they take the residents outside frequently. Food is very good. I would rate the room sizes a 4. The staff really stood out...
We developed a proprietary recommendation system that orders Fredericksburg 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
According to A Place for Mom’s proprietary data, the average actual cost to live in an assisted living facility in Fredericksburg is $5,013 a month, which includes associated fees and service fee add-ons, such as in-house care, meals, and medication management at our partner communities.[01] This price also takes into account floor plan options, and costs such as additional fees for pets.
The costs in the graphic below show the average baseline costs for an assisted living facility in the Fredericksburg area. Please note these costs do not include add-on fees.
In the following sections, you will learn about ways to cover the costs of an assisted living stay in Fredericksburg, such as private pay, VA benefits, Medicare, and Medicaid. You will also find local resources and helpful links to point you in the right direction.
Many Fredericksburg seniors and their families use private income sources to pay for an assisted living facility. These can include savings accounts, investment returns, pensions, and Social Security benefits. Other methods may include:
Number of veterans who live in Fredericksburg
About 12% of Fredericksburg veterans are 75+
For eligible veteran seniors (and their surviving spouses), VA benefits can be used to help cover the costs of assisted living in Fredericksburg. One such benefit is the VA Pension and another is the Aid and Attendance (A&A) benefit.
The VA Pension is paid monthly to those who qualify. The A&A benefit is for eligible veterans or surviving spouses who need help with day-to-day tasks, are confined to bed due to illness, or have limited eyesight. Added to the monthly VA Pension, the A&A benefit can also be used toward things that improve quality of life, such as an assisted living facility.
Applying for VA benefits and figuring out what your loved one qualifies for can be tricky, but there are local resources to offer guidance. A good place to start is the Fredericksburg office for the Virginia Department of Veterans Services, where veterans can speak with a representative free of charge and learn about VA benefit resources.
Another resource is the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 3103 in Fredericksburg, a veterans services organization (VSO) where veterans can speak to a claims representative every Friday from 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. The VFW also has a department service officer based in Hopewell, Virginia, who can answer questions remotely. Fredericksburg veterans can also visit other local VSOs and review the Virginia-specific guide for veterans to learn more about the benefits available to them and how to get them.
Resources for Fredericksburg veterans
Virginia Department of Veterans Services – Fredericksburg Office
10300 Spotsylvania Ave.
Lee Hill Building 1, Suite 290
Fredericksburg, VA 22408
Phone: 540-376-7298
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
VFW Post 3103
2701 Princess Anne St.
Fredericksburg, VA 22401
Phone: 540-373-3110
Hours: Friday, 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. (for claims assistance)
VFW Post 3103 – Department Service Officer
1400 Lynchburg St.
Hopewell, VA 23860
Phone: 804-452-1347
Email: serviceofficer@VFWVA.org
American Legion Post 55
461 Woodford St.
Fredericksburg, VA 22401
Virginia’s Medicaid program is known as Cardinal Care, and it is run by the state’s Department of Medical Assistance Services. Medicaid programs for assisted living vary by state, and Virginia does not have a Medicaid program to cover the costs of assisted living. However, there are some programs that can help offset related costs.
One option is the home and community based services (HCBS) waiver program for people who qualify for Medicaid and who require medically necessary in-home services. Virginia offers the Commonwealth Coordinated Care Plus Waiver (CCC Plus), managed through Medicaid, which offers long-term services to people with complex care needs. Its goal is to improve health care access and offer another solution to individuals who would otherwise need a nursing home or specialized care facility. CCC Plus offers a range of services, including private nursing care and adult day health care. These services can be covered for seniors in assisted living facilities in Fredericksburg.
Seniors with a developmental disability may be eligible for developmental disability support waivers, including the Building Independence Waiver, which helps individuals who only need minimal support and can control their own living arrangements.
To use any Medicaid benefits, an individual must first apply for Cardinal Care online, by calling the Virginia Call Center at 1-833-5CALLVA, or by printing an application and mailing it to the Fredericksburg Department of Social Services. You can download the application and find more information about how to apply for Cardinal Care online.
Virginia also has an Adult Services Program, which is designed to help adults stay as independent as they can while receiving support to improve their quality of life. Seniors may be eligible if they request Medicaid-funded long-term services and support screening.
Services are run locally through the Fredericksburg Department of Social Services, and an application is required. The Application for Adult Services can be filled out by a loved one on the senior’s behalf if needed.
Navigating Medicaid benefits and determining what your loved one is eligible for can be difficult, so don’t be afraid to ask for help. One local resource is the Healthy Generations Area Agency on Aging — formerly known as the Rappahannock Area Agency on Aging — where seniors can learn more about Medicaid benefits or get help from the long-term care ombudsman on staff who serves as an advocate for seniors. The Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman can also be a great resource. Virginians can also review the state’s Medical Assistance Handbook for full details.
Fredericksburg resident Medicaid resources
Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services
600 E. Broad St.
Richmond, VA 23219
Fredericksburg Department of Social Services
608 Jackson St., Suite 100
Fredericksburg, VA 22401
Phone: 540-372-1032
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Healthy Generations Area Agency on Aging
460 Lendall Lane
Fredericksburg, VA 22405
Phone: 540-371-3375
Contact: Kim Merritt, long-term care ombudsman
Phone: 540-371-3375, ext. 113
Email: kmerritt@healthygenerations.org
Virginia Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman
8004 Franklin Farms Drive
Henrico, Virginia 23229
Phone: 804-565-1600
Most seniors know about Medicare, the federal health insurance program for people over 65. Medicare cannot be used to cover costs like room and board in Fredericksburg assisted living facilities, but it can be used to cover medically required health care needs, such as home health care, prescriptions, and medical equipment.
For assistance in understanding all the details about Medicare, the state provides the Virginia Insurance Counseling and Assistance Program (VICAP). VICAP counselors provide free, private counseling about Medicare to help seniors understand their rights and determine which benefits they are eligible for. The Healthy Generations Area Agency on Aging also has counselors and an in-house ombudsman who can answer questions and help with the application process.
For seniors looking for additional ways to save money, the state’s Medicare Savings Programs might be of use. These programs are for low-income individuals who need help covering Medicare premiums, deductibles, and copayments.
Virginia seniors can sign up for Medicare online or make an appointment at the Fredericksburg Social Security office. Please note the initial enrollment period for applying is three months before you turn 65.
Fredericksburg resident Medicare resources
Fredericksburg Social Security Administration Office
9915 Patriot Highway
Fredericksburg, VA 22407
Phone: 800-772-1213
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Healthy Generations Area Agency on Aging
460 Lendall Lane
Fredericksburg, VA 22405
Phone: 540-371-3375
Contact: Kim Merritt, long-term care ombudsman
Phone: 540-371-3375, ext. 113
Email: kmerritt@healthygenerations.org
Virginia Insurance Counseling and Assistance Program
1610 Forest Ave., Suite 100
Henrico, VA 23229
Phone: 804-662-9333
Virginia Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman
8004 Franklin Farms Drive
Henrico, Virginia 23229
Phone: 804-565-1600
To ensure locations are safe, sanitary, and compliant, Virginia requires all assisted living facilities to be licensed and inspected by the Virginia Department of Social Services. Facilities must be inspected every year, and inspection reports are on the department’s website.
Five of the A Place for Mom partner assisted living facilities in Fredericksburg also provide memory care. It is important to know 100% of our partners in Fredericksburg do offer some aspect of memory care. In Virginia, memory care is considered a specialized assisted living option, so the following regulations apply to both memory care and assisted living.
In addition to adhering to annual inspections, assisted living facilities must follow certain rules about staff and offerings, such as:
There are also regulations specific to health care, which include:
You can find a full list of Virginia’s assisted living regulations in this document that covers all of the laws and regulations in detail.
Virginia Department of Health Fredericksburg office
608 Jackson St.
Fredericksburg, VA 22401
Phone: 540-899-4142
There are currently no COVID-19 prevention mandates in Fredericksburg, but Virginians are encouraged to follow suggestions and guidance from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
Vaccinations. All Virginia residents are encouraged to get vaccinated against COVID-19 and stay up-to-date on booster shots.
Masking. Masks are not required, but they are suggested for high-risk individuals.
Facility cleanliness. The CDC recommends that congregate living settings, including assisted living facilities, follow cleaning and disinfection protocols.
Quarantining. Anyone who tests positive for COVID-19 should isolate for five days after infection, which is based on the latest CDC guidelines.
Social distancing. The CDC recommends that assisted living facilities create distance in congregate areas where possible.
Whatever type of assisted living facility your loved one is looking for, you will find it in Fredericksburg. Whether a stand-alone assisted living facility or one combined with memory care, there are various combinations and amenities among our partner facilities.
While Fredericksburg is a smaller city compared to other popular retirement destinations, the city boasts a variety of assisted living options partnered with A Place for Mom.
One popular choice is assisted living combined with memory care. Half of our partners in Fredericksburg are a combination of assisted living and memory care, and one combines independent living as well as assisted living and memory care. Facilities that offer memory care include amenities like WanderGuard, enclosed courtyards, and enhanced security features. Seniors and their families are drawn to combined assisted living, memory care, and independent living facilities because they allow residents to age in place, staying in one location even if their care needs change.
There are also options in Fredericksburg that combine independent living and assisted living, as well as one stand-alone assisted living facility and one that combines assisted living with adult day care. So, whether your loved one prefers a large community or a more intimate setting, there is an option among our partners in Fredericksburg.
Plus, almost any location chosen will have chef-prepared meals and indoor and outdoor common spaces for residents to enjoy, as well as individualized care plans to ensure residents receive the support they need.
A common thread you’ll discover in our partner Fredericksburg assisted living facilities is a caring staff. Reviewers often talk about staff who “go above and beyond” and who make residents feel at home and cared for. All our partner facilities have someone on staff awake at all times of day or night, so someone is always there to care for your loved one if needed.
For residents who need medical care, the majority of our partners in Fredericksburg offer on-site nursing or visiting nurses, and a number of locations have a doctor on call. Residents can have peace of mind knowing that their needs will be met with compassion and care.
A caring staff is also important to foster a strong sense of community and well-being, and our partner facilities have staff who are solely focused on activities for residents. Most facilities have a designated activity director and offer a variety of activities, such as day trips, happy hours, live musical performances, yoga classes, devotional activities, picnics, and trivia games to keep residents engaged and happy.
A selling point for many assisted living facilities in Fredericksburg is the city’s location. Virginians love Fredericksburg’s location right between Washington, D.C., and Richmond, Virginia. Its proximity to both cities makes Fredericksburg easy to access by car, plane, or train, so it’s an ideal location for seniors who will have visiting family and friends. Fredericksburg is also popular for its rich history dating back to colonial times, so there are plenty of historic attractions to see, along with lots of restaurants and outdoor activities to keep visiting loved ones entertained.
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Mary Washington Hospital, an integral component of the extensive Mary Washington health care system, boasts a robust 471-bed facility, complete with a Level II trauma center and primary stroke center. This institution offers a wide array of exceptional medical services, including orthopedics, neurology, and surgical procedures. With a remarkable dedication to patient care, the hospital takes pride in being home to nine adult procedures and conditions that have achieved a high-performing rating.
Part of the esteemed HCA Virginia Health System, Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center stands as a leading 133-bed hospital. This exceptional health care facility offers a comprehensive range of services, catering to diverse medical needs. With a round-the-clock emergency room, cutting-edge heart and vascular care, and state-of-the-art advanced imaging capabilities, the medical center is committed to delivering top-notch health care to its patients.
Fredericksburg is a city dependent on cars for the most part. Walk Score, a service that measures the ease of getting around in cities, gives Fredericksburg a score of 46 out of 100, meaning most residents and visitors need a car to get around.[05]
Even though the car is the preferred mode of transportation, there are other options for residents to get around Fredericksburg, such as transportation organized through their assisted living facilities. In fact, 75% of our partner facilities offer complimentary transportation, and 50% offer at-cost transportation.[01]
Other transportation options in Fredericksburg include:
As the boyhood home of George Washington and the site of multiple Civil War battles, Fredericksburg is most known for its role in American history. However, the city is also home to lots of restaurants, beautiful outdoor spaces, and senior-friendly activities.
History buffs love Fredericksburg because it was a crucial location in the early days of the United States and the Civil War. Tourists can visit George Washington’s childhood home, Ferry Farm, and his sister Betty Washington Lewis’s mansion, Historic Kenmore.
Downtown Fredericksburg is also a treasure trove of historic attractions, including the James Monroe Museum. Seniors 65 and older get a discount, and it is accessible to those with a variety of abilities. For seniors who prefer to keep walking to a minimum, Trolley Tours of Fredericksburg runs daily tours of historic downtown Fredericksburg — which are wheelchair accessible — leaving from the Fredericksburg Visitor Center.
Another tour option is Hallowed Ground Tours, which can tailor tours based on visitors’ interests and abilities. The tour happens in your own car, van, or bus, with the tour guide directing the driver where to go.
Those who prefer sports over history can catch a ballgame at the Virginia Credit Union Stadium, home of the Fredericksburg Nationals minor league baseball team. Their season runs from April to September.
Another activity for a nice day in Fredericksburg is visiting a local park. Alum Spring Park and Motts Run Reservoir Recreation Area are both popular spots for picnics, and Alum Spring Park has a playground for visiting little ones.
Fredericksburg is also home to lots of different restaurants, bars, breweries, and wineries, so there’s always somewhere to sit outside and have a drink or meal. Downtown Fredericksburg is the most popular spot for restaurants, but if your loved one is looking for al fresco dining specifically, the city’s tourism site, FXBG.com, has a comprehensive list of eateries with outdoor seating.
While most assisted living facilities in Fredericksburg have activities on site, seniors can also enjoy socializing at the area’s local senior center, Spotsylvania Senior Center. It is free to be a member, and many activities, including line dancing, quilts and crafts, and bingo, are also free.
Other popular happenings for seniors in Fredericksburg include the Senior Cafes hosted by the Healthy Generations Area Agency on Aging. You can find a calendar of upcoming Senior Cafe events online, including book club meetings, exercise classes, and crafts.
More active seniors can also take part in free adult classes, such as tennis lessons, drawing classes, and tai chi, through Spotsylvania Parks & Recreation.
Spring Arbor of Fredericksburg, Chancellor's Village and Fredericksburg Assisted Living are the top-rated Assisted Living facilities near Fredericksburg, 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 Fredericksburg is $4,790 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
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The average cost of Assisted Living in Fredericksburg is $4,790 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.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Veteran Status (S2101) [Data set]. American Community Survey.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Age and Sex (S0101) [Data Set]. American Community Survey.
U.S. News and World Report. (n.d.) Mary Washington Hospital.
Walk Score. (2023). Living in Fredericksburg.
Ask an A Place for Mom local advisor at no cost.
A Place for Mom. (2023). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Veteran Status (S2101) [Data set]. American Community Survey.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Age and Sex (S0101) [Data Set]. American Community Survey.
U.S. News and World Report. (n.d.) Mary Washington Hospital.
Walk Score. (2023). Living in Fredericksburg.