Find the Best Memory Care Facilities in Richmond, VA

What to look for in a memory care facility in Richmond

When it comes to choosing a memory care facility in Richmond, you have plenty of options. Try to schedule in-person visits with multiple memory care facilities licensed by the Virginia Department of Social Services. As you are touring communities, consider the following factors:

• Memory care services: Memory care programs differ by community. Ask about the details of each facility’s specific memory care program, including its strategies, objectives and whether it is appropriate for your loved one’s level of dementia. Is the approach evidence-based? Was it developed in consultation with any professional organizations?
• Physical environment: During your visit, examine the layout and cleanliness of the facility. Take note of safety and security measures. Are doors and rooms clearly labeled? Are the hallways circular, minimizing the chance your loved one gets lost? If there are multiple floor plans for living, look inside each one so you know your options.
• Staff: Make a point of speaking with different staff members, especially those who are involved in memory care. What is their training? How much experience do they have dealing with residents with Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia? What is the staff-to-resident ratio? Observe how staff members interact with residents, including how they speak to them and help them.
• Food, amenities and activities: Each memory care facility has distinct dining options, amenities and activities. If your loved one has dietary restrictions, check if the facility can accommodate them. Taste the food during your visit, and look at the menu of upcoming meals. Ask for a list of the amenities on-site, which can range greatly; some facilities have theaters, spas, salons and other upscale features. Find out what activities are offered for memory care residents so you know if they will appeal to your loved one.
• Location: The closer the memory care facility is to your home, the easier it will be for you and others to visit. Try to choose a community that also is close to the resident’s health care provider and a hospital.
• Cost: Monthly costs at memory care facilities in Richmond vary widely. Request pricing information, including what the monthly cost covers and what it doesn’t, along with the accepted forms of payment.

How much does memory care cost in Richmond?

Richmond memory care facilities cost between $4,300 and $8,300 per month. This cost generally covers living arrangements in a studio or one-bedroom apartment, daily meals, personal care assistance, specialized memory care, activities and amenities.

Discuss with each memory care facility you are considering what the monthly cost covers and what forms of payment it accepts. Residents and their loved ones use personal savings, pensions, long-term care insurance, veterans benefits and other ways to pay for memory care and other forms of assisted living in Richmond. Medicare may pay for some services in a memory care facility. If you have Medicaid benefits in Richmond, contact the Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services for information about coverage.

Richmond memory care residence FAQ

What is memory care?

Memory care is a type of assisted living that includes specialized services for those with Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia. Memory care focuses on maintaining and improving an individual’s cognitive health, providing and assisting with their daily routines and keeping them safe.

When should I move from assisted living to memory care?

Signs that it may be time to move from assisted living to memory care include worsening short-term memory; difficulty with reading, speaking or working with numbers; sudden mood changes, especially when a routine is altered; increasing confusion; and repetitiveness in carrying out tasks and asking questions. Ask a caregiver if your loved one in assisted living is exhibiting these behaviors and consult with the facility and their physician about whether a transition to memory care makes sense.

What organizations in Richmond help older adults?

Senior Connections offers services to older adults and their caregivers, including assistance with locating and accessing resources and support for aging in place. The Richmond Office on Aging and Persons with Disabilities provides adults 55 and older with resources including a disability help line, well-being checks and activities focusing on civic engagement, culture, health and finances.