Alongside the Rappahannock River lies Fredericksburg, Virginia, a popular destination for Virginia retirees. Fredericksburg has plenty to see and do from attending performances at the Riverside Center for the Performing Arts or delving into history at George Washington’s Ferry Farm. The city’s charming downtown caters to those who love to window shop its antique stores and boutiques. The city is also home to a variety of senior care facilities, including nursing homes, assisted living communities, and memory care facilities.
As you start your search for the perfect long-term care for your loved one, it’s important to know the difference between a nursing home and an assisted living or memory care facility. The term nursing home is often used as a catch-all for any long-term care facility for seniors. However, an actual nursing home is a skilled nursing facility that offers 24-hour skilled nursing care for residents who require medical care and cannot live on their own. In comparison, assisted living communities allow seniors more independence but provide some support with day-to-day tasks such as medication management, grooming, or dressing. A memory care facility is a specialized version of assisted living and is designed for residents with memory loss issues such as dementia or Alzheimer’s.
There are 11 A Place For Mom partner assisted living and memory care communities within a 10-mile radius of downtown Fredericksburg. In the following guide, you’ll learn what you need to know to help your loved one find a skilled nursing home as well as an assisted living or memory care facility. Read on to learn more about payment methods, what benefits might be available, what you need to know about health care in the area, and what makes Fredericksburg a fun place to live.
The facility knew my parents were vegetarian before they moved in. It took about 2 months before they were always offered vegetarian choices and I still don't think the food is that great. I am not happy...
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...
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...
My wife was diagnosed with dementia in [date removed]. I kept her home as long as I could but after time it became evident that I couldn’t provide the care she needed. I toured different communities and...
The level of care has been superb and the staff is very friendly and caring. That's important because quality of care and Dad having a general feeling of SAFETY were a concern at the prior community [name...
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...
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...
5 for all. They watch his medications very well. Nurse practitioner in often, blood work done on a schedule, well monitored, they never add extra charges. They are very caring and his medications are...
A very nice place, the resident living space is very up To date has a real feeling of home. Lots of activities To keep the residents active. The location is also convenient for family and friends to visit.
What we like the most about Charter Senior Living is that everyone seems to care and we would recommend this community to other families who may need a place for their loved ones
Bickford is a warm and welcoming facility. The building and grounds are very nice and the staff members are very friendly and accommodating. Nothing is 100% but, overall, I am very pleased with the care...
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...
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...
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
The cost of a skilled nursing home facility in Fredericksburg is around $11,467 for a semi-private room and $13,049 for a private room.[01] The average cost for assisted living is $5,013, and the average for memory care at an A Place for Mom partner facility is $5,070.[02] Please note these figures include associated fees and service fee add-ons to show you an accurate idea of the total cost.
Assisted living facilities, memory care facilities, and nursing homes each provide distinct services and amenities. Assisted living primarily focuses on fostering independence by offering on-site care for seniors needing assistance with their daily living activities. On the other hand, memory care facilities specialize in creating personalized care plans and engaging activities specifically designed for seniors with memory loss. These facilities offer round-the-clock supervision and high-level support, catering to individuals with Alzheimer’s, dementia, or similar conditions. In contrast, nursing homes deliver comprehensive medical care throughout the day and night, accommodating residents in need of both short-term and long-term skilled nursing care.
Whether your loved one requires a nursing home, a memory care facility, or an assisted living community, finding ways to pay for a long-term care stay can be stressful. However, there are different methods you can use such as private pay and benefits. In the section below, find details about different payment methods for seniors such as private payment, VA benefits, Medicaid, and Medicare.
Many residents and their families will use private payment methods to fund a stay at a nursing home, memory care facility, or assisted living community. Private pay typically includes personal savings, Social Security benefits, pensions, income from investments, or any of the following:
Number of veterans who live in Fredericksburg
About 12% of Fredericksburg veterans are 75+
Veteran seniors may be eligible for VA benefits to help cover the costs of a stay at a senior living facility. If your loved one is a veteran or the spouse of one, it’s worth checking on what benefits they qualify for – many veterans qualify for more than they think.
The most common VA benefit is the VA Pension which is paid each month. An additional benefit your loved one may qualify for is the Aid and Attendance (A&A) benefit. Added to the monthly VA Pension payment, the A&A benefit is for veterans or their surviving spouses who are in need of help with day-to-day tasks, who have limited eyesight, are confined to bed, or are in a nursing home. It can be used for anything that improves the quality of life.
Veterans need to apply for VA benefits before they can receive any assistance. Many find the process challenging to navigate so don’t be afraid to turn to local resources for help. The best place to start is the Virginia Department of Veterans Services office in Fredericksburg where you can talk to representatives for advice about applying for benefits, all free of charge.
Also in Fredericksburg is the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 3103, a veterans services organization (VSO). The VFW has a claims representative available every Friday from 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. that can provide guidance on benefits. There is also a department service officer in Hopewell, Virginia, who can help remotely. Other resources include veterans services officers through other local VSOs.
Explore the resources listed below for hours, links, and contact details.
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
Medicaid is a federal program that is administered through the states. Virginia’s Medicaid program is called Cardinal Care, run by Virginia’s Department of Medical Assistance Services.
If your loved one is eligible for Medicaid benefits, it’s important to know what Medicaid does and doesn’t cover depending on the facility you’re looking for. For a skilled nursing home, Medicaid will cover custodial costs such as room and board. Medicaid will not cover room and board for an assisted living or memory care facility but it can cover in-home medically-required health care needs, as in-home services can happen wherever the recipient is living.
To know if your loved one qualifies for Medicaid, you need to first apply for Cardinal Care. You can also apply over the phone by calling 1-833-5CALLVA, or you can drop off or mail a printed application to the Fredericksburg Department of Social Services. You can learn more about the Cardinal Care application process online.
If your loved one does qualify for Medicaid and you are looking at an assisted living or memory care facility, programs that can help offset costs include the Commonwealth Coordinated Care Plus waiver (CCC Plus), a long-term services and support Medicaid program for individuals over 65 and/or who have complex care needs. Designed to help individuals stay in their homes as long as possible, qualified applicants receive a personalized care plan.
Another benefit is the home and community based services (HCBS) waiver program for people on Medicaid who require in-home health care. A third waiver program is Developmental Disability waivers for people with a developmental disability. It’s possible to qualify for more than one.
A final program Virginia offers is the Adult Services Program, which was designed to help adults stay as self-sufficient as possible, even if they need support. You can fill out an application on your loved one’s behalf to see if he or she qualifies.
Applying for Medicaid and determining what your loved one is eligible for can be tricky but there are local resources that can help, including:
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
Those over 65 will be familiar with Medicare, the federal health insurance program that is primarily for seniors. Medicare can cover skilled nursing care but only if an individual meets certain requirements. These include but are not limited to:
The coverage will still only be on a short-term basis. Medicare doesn’t cover nursing homes as a long-term care option. You can see the full list of requirements and more about what Medicare covers for skilled nursing care on the Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman website.
If you are interested in an assisted living or memory care facility for your loved one, Medicare will not cover custodial costs, like room and board. However, Medicare can help offset costs by covering medically required in-home health care and other health services such as prescriptions, medical equipment, and some preventative care services.
If you’re concerned about costs, there are Medicare Savings Programs available for those who qualify. The purpose of the programs is to help low-income individuals with costs like Medicare premiums, deductibles, and copays by reducing them or fully covering them.
For seniors who need to sign up for Medicare, they can do so online or in person at the Fredericksburg Social Security office. Please be aware that the initial enrollment period for enrollees is three months before a senior’s 65th birthday.
If you need help applying for Medicare or understanding what benefits your loved one may be eligible for, there are resources that can help, such as:
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
Laws and regulations for senior living facilities depend on the type of care being offered, whether it’s a nursing home, assisted living community, or a memory care facility.
All Virginia skilled nursing homes are licensed and inspected by the Division of Long-Term Care Services under the Virginia Department of Health. Regular inspections are carried out to ensure facilities are compliant with state and federal laws and Medicare and Medicaid requirements, and facilities can also be inspected following a complaint. All inspection reports can be found online through the state’s Provider Search System. You can also read more about how a nursing home must be compliant to be a Medicare and/or Medicaid provider online.
In addition to being licensed and adhering to regular inspections, skilled nursing homes in Virginia must meet certain standards, such as training requirements for nurses and activities on-site for residents.
Since memory care facilities are specialized forms of assisted living, they are seen as the same under the law in Virginia and therefore follow the same laws and regulations. It is important to note that 100% of our partners in Fredericksburg do offer some aspect of memory care. Both assisted living and memory care facilities must be licensed by the Department of Social Services. The same department also carries out inspections that happen annually to ensure the facilities are compliant with regulations in regard to safety and sanitation. You can find all inspection reports online here.
You can read the full list of all laws and regulations for assisted living and memory care online, but key rules to be aware of include:
Virginia Department of Health Fredericksburg office
608 Jackson St.
Fredericksburg, VA 22401
Phone: 540-899-4142
There are no COVID-19 mandates in Fredericksburg for skilled nursing homes, assisted living communities, or memory care facilities, but the state of Virginia urges all residents to follow the latest guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
Vaccinations. The state recommends all Virginians stay up-to-date with COVID-19 vaccinations and booster shots.
Masking. While not required, masks are recommended for individuals who are high-risk or who have been exposed to or tested positive for COVID-19.
Facility cleanliness. The CDC encourages all congregate living settings, which include nursing homes, assisted living, and memory care facilities, to follow recommended cleaning and disinfection protocols.
Quarantining. According to the latest CDC guidelines, people who test positive for COVID-19 should be isolated for five days following infection.
Social distancing. The CDC encourages nursing homes as well as assisted living and memory care communities to practice social distancing in common areas when possible.
Fredericksburg, Virginia, is rich in history, offering numerous landmarks and sites to explore from the Revolutionary and Civil War periods. Residents can also take leisurely strolls along the Rappahannock River, relax in one of the city’s picturesque parks, or explore nearby nature trails and hiking paths.
Choosing a senior living facility for a loved one is a huge decision for any family so it helps to have options. In Fredericksburg, your loved one has a variety of long-term care options, especially when it comes to assisted living and memory care communities.
For its size, Fredericksburg has a variety of different kinds of senior living facilities. We partner with 11 assisted living and memory care facilities, and those include a range of options, whether you’re looking for a quaint stand-alone memory care facility or a larger assisted living community with memory care and independent living options combined.
Our partner facilities also receive top ratings from residents and families, with an average of four out of five stars across our assisted living and memory care communities. So regardless of what facility you choose for your loved one, you can feel confident about your choice.
The variety of our partner senior living facilities available in Fredericksburg means there are plenty of amenities and activities for seniors to enjoy. The majority of our partner memory care and assisted living facilities feature popular amenities like restaurant-style dining, a movie lounge, a library, and an arts and craft center, as well as activities for residents of all abilities, such as exercise classes, art classes, and gardening clubs. Facilities that serve residents with Alzheimer’s and/or dementia also offer activities specifically for people with memory loss such as sensory programs as well as indoor and outdoor paths for walking.
Even if your loved one requires minimal support at this stage, it’s good to know what health care is available should he or she need it in the future. The majority of our partner assisted living and memory care facilities offer on-site nursing and have a doctor on call. The majority also provide visiting specialists such as a physical therapist, podiatrist, and speech therapist. In case of emergency, 100% of our partners have 24-hour awake staff so there’s always someone available to take care of your loved one.
Should a senior need a hospital, one option is Mary Washington Hospital, a 471-bed hospital with a Level II trauma center and primary stroke center. There is also Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center, which has a 24-hour emergency room and advanced imaging. Both hospitals also offer a variety of services.
One of Fredericksburg’s biggest selling points is its location midway between Richmond, Virginia, and Washington D.C. Fredericksburg can be reached by car, train, or plane so it’s easy for families to visit or get to the city quickly in case of emergency.
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Mary Washington Hospital, a part of the Mary Washington health care system, is a 471-bed hospital. Offering various services including orthopedics, neurology, diabetes management, and more, nine of its adult procedures and conditions are rated high performing. The hospital also boasts a Level II trauma center and primary stroke center.
Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center is a large 75-acre hospital that is part of the HCA Virginia Health System. The campus is rated as high performing in heart failure, kidney failure, and COPD care by U.S. News & World Report. The medical center is also home to a 24-hour emergency room and advanced imaging center.
Seniors in nursing homes, assisted living, or memory care should always have a caregiver with them for any form of transportation to ensure they are safe. One benefit of choosing an assisted living or memory care facility we partner with is access to transportation. Eighty-two percent of our partner assisted living and memory care facilities offer complimentary transportation and 64% offer at-cost transportation.
One additional option for seniors who require care is private transportation services that offer rides for seniors for nonemergency medical journeys. The Fredericksburg area has a number of options including Bright Day Transit Services, LLC, Angel Rides Inc., and LifeCare Medical Transports. All of these services can accommodate individuals of varying abilities.
Another method of transportation for seniors in Fredericksburg is Mobility Options, a shared ride service for individuals 60 and older run by the Healthy Generations Area Agency on Aging. Find out more about this program in the organization’s Mobility Options guide.
For visiting your loved one, the car is the preferred mode of transportation in Fredericksburg so it’s the easiest way to get around. If you do not have a car or prefer to take public transportation, Fredericksburg Regional Transit, also known as FXBGO!, is the city’s public transit. All buses in the system are wheelchair-friendly.
Fredericksburg has a wealth of attractions to see, primarily because of its historic role in the beginning of the United States and as a battleground site for the Civil War. In addition to learning about history, the city has lots of outdoor spaces for a walk on a nice day as well as a bustling downtown with plenty of eateries and shops to visit, so there’s plenty to do when families come to visit.
Fredericksburg is most known for its role in the formation of the United States, especially since it was the boyhood home of George Washington. Visit Ferry Farm to see a replica of where George Washington grew up. There is also Historic Kenmore, the mansion of George Washington’s sister, Betty Washington Lewis. If you are concerned about accessibility, Ferry Farm is accessible but the mansion is not ADA-compliant since it is a historic site.
The Fredericksburg Area Museum (FAM) caters to seniors seeking a deeper understanding of the city’s history and culture. With its informative exhibits and displays, the museum provides an ideal setting for seniors to learn and reflect upon the region’s rich heritage. FAM offers a chance to delve into the past, fostering a sense of connection with the community and providing a platform for shared experiences and conversations.
For seniors with mobility issues, one way to learn about the history of Fredericksburg without having to walk is with a trolley tour. Trolley Tours of Fredericksburg operates daily tours of historic downtown Fredericksburg and all trolleys are wheelchair accessible. Another tour option is Hallowed Ground Tours, which can happen in your own car. The tour guide designs a tour based on your interests and tells the driver where to go.
Fredericksburg’s historic roots can also be enjoyed in the fresh air. In addition to the city’s colonial roots, the Fredericksburg area was critical during the Civil War. You can see multiple historic sites at the Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park. The national park includes multiple battlefields as well as historic buildings such as the site where Stonewall Jackson died. The majority of buildings within the park are accessible.
If your loved one has dementia, one activity you can do is take a walk or spend time outside. The National Military Park has various trails that are also accessible. One easy trail is Hamilton’s Crossing Walking Trail, which is an old railroad crossing named after Captain George Hamilton who lived nearby. The Sunken Road Walking Trail, also located in the park, is an easy route that leads to the Fredericksburg National Cemetery.
The Riverside Center for Performing Arts provides a wonderful opportunity for seniors to indulge in the arts and enjoy live performances. With its comfortable seating and accessible facilities, seniors can immerse themselves in various shows, including plays, musicals, and concerts, all while entertained by talented performers. The theater’s senior-friendly atmosphere allows them to relish the magic of live performances in a comfortable and engaging setting. Wheelchair seating is available through the center’s box office for seniors who need it.
If walking is not an issue, Downtown Fredericksburg is home to many historic sites, in addition to restaurants, bars, and shops, so it is a fun place to spend an afternoon. More than 350 original 18th- and 19th-century buildings await in Fredericksburg’s 40-block National Historic District. Wander with your loved one through the charming brick sidewalks, taking in the architectural wonders that bring history to life. In addition to the historical allure, more than 100 shops, chef-owned restaurants, and boutiques spot the downtown area near the river. Indulge in retail therapy and savor local cuisine as you weave through this vibrant and bustling district.
Spring Arbor of Fredericksburg, Fredericksburg Assisted Living and Chancellor's Village are the top-rated Nursing Homes facilities near Fredericksburg, 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 Fredericksburg is $5,068 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
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Genworth Financial. (2021). Cost of Care Survey.
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.
U.S. News and World Report. (n.d.) Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center.
Ask an A Place for Mom local advisor at no cost.
Genworth Financial. (2021). Cost of Care Survey.
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.
U.S. News and World Report. (n.d.) Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center.