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The Best Assisted Living in Richmond

Taylor Shuman Taylor Shuman Senior Tech Expert & Editor

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With its rich history and vibrant culture, Richmond is a bustling city that offers excellent opportunities for older adults to enjoy the outdoors, visit museums, and access quality health care. There are dozens of assisted living communities in Richmond to meet seniors’ needs as they age.

But with so many assisted living options, it’s challenging to know which communities are the best. A great assisted living community must deliver quality care and have talented staff. It also needs to be the right fit for you personally and financially.  That’s why our team spent hours thoroughly researching the assisted living communities in Richmond. We highlighted the details about each community you should know, plus some interesting facts about senior living in Virginia. We also shared some tips to help you with your search.

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Our Methodology: How We Chose the Best Assisted Living in Richmond

So, how did we choose the best assisted living in Richmond? We spent 50 hours carefully researching, evaluating, and comparing the city’s communities. Using the criteria below, we narrowed down the list to the best assisted living communities in Richmond:

  • Cost: Since costs vary based on many factors, we looked for communities that offered great value for their costs. We tried to select communities that work for various budgets. We also considered whether residents would need to pay extra fees in addition to monthly rates. Any prices listed in this article came from community websites or conversations with staff.
  • Care availability: We looked for communities offering several types of care to support residents, even as their healthcare needs changed. Our team considered whether communities had any innovative care programs. We also looked for communities using technology or emergency alert systems to enhance care.
  • Amenities: We looked for facilities that offer a variety of amenities for a fulfilling life, including spaces like fitness rooms and pools, which can directly support resident health.
  • Location: Our team considered how each community’s location might shape and affect resident life. We looked for communities with easy access to health care, Richmond’s sights, and transportation services.
  • Staff: Since staff plays a key role in a resident’s care and health, we considered each community’s staff-to-resident ratio. We also looked for reviews mentioning talented, knowledgeable staff.
  • Reviews: We spent hours reading reviews of each facility and looked for common themes. We shared those themes in our community summaries.
  • 1. The Crossroads at Bon Air

    Numerous On-Site Health Care Services

    STARTING PRICE

    N/A

    ADDRESS

    9100 Bon Air Crossing Drive, Richmond, VA 23235

    Speak to a SeniorLiving advisor:

    (855) 241-1699
    The Crossroads at Bon Air offers residents transportation to medical appointments, but many on-site medical services are also available

    Source: The Crossroads at Bon Air

    Highlights

    • Many on-site medical services available, including pharmacy services, therapy services, and visiting medical directors, nurse practitioners, podiatrists, and more
    • Emergency medical alert system to help ensure resident safety
    • Amenities include a bird aviary, raised garden beds, a chapel, and a spacious dining area
    • Transportation available to local medical appointments and group outings
    • Assisted living includes medication management, three meals a day, snacks, housekeeping and linen services, and personal laundry service

    Overview

    Assisted living residents at The Crossroads at Bon Air enjoy numerous services, including medication management, housekeeping, linen services, and personal laundry services. The community also offers transportation to medical appointments and group outings. While there are many medical practices in Richmond, residents don’t necessarily have to leave the community, thanks to the on-site medical services. A professional nurse is on-site or on-call 24 hours a day. Medical directors, nurse practitioners, podiatrists, and other medical professionals perform on-site visits. Pharmacy services and on-site therapy services are also available. We appreciate these extensive healthcare services for those who want convenient on-site appointments.

    » Learn More: Medication Dispensers for Seniors

    In addition to this suite of medical care offerings, the community has many appealing amenities, including a chapel, raised garden beds, comfortable common areas, and patios and decks. Residents can access professional salon services, and a busy calendar of events allows residents to choose from many entertainment options. Small pets are welcome, too. All of these amenities help residents stay engaged, social, and fulfilled.

    Types of Care

    The Crossroads at Bon Air offers independent living, assisted living, and memory care services. The community’s partnership with Fox Rehab allows residents to participate in an exercise program to help maintain their health and independence. This comprehensive care selection makes the facility a potential fit for many residents with varying care needs. However, this community doesn’t offer respite care or hospice care. If you anticipate needing respite care, a community like Commonwealth Senior Living at the West End might be better.

    » Related Reading: Changing health care needs as we age

    Feedback and Reviews

    Many reviews of The Crossroads at Bon Air are positive, and they often describe the community as clean and welcoming. Several reviewers praise the selection of activities available to residents and note that staff are caring and supportive. The few negative reviews left during the past five years described a decline in care quality, seemingly related to understaffing.

  • 2. Commonwealth Senior Living at the West End

    Innovative Programs

    STARTING PRICE

    $152 per day

    ADDRESS

    2400 Gaskins Road, Richmond, VA 23238

    Speak to a SeniorLiving advisor:

    (855) 241-1699
    Commonwealth Senior Living at the West End

    Source: Commonwealth Senior Living at the West End

    Highlights

    • 24-hour emergency call system for resident safety
    • Pet-friendly community
    • Activities include bingo, exercise classes, crafts, happy hours, games, performances, and more
    • Dining highlights include farm-to-table recipes, fresh baked bread, and a partnership with Sam Rust Seafood to bring residents fresh, sustainable seafood
    • Community features life stations, which are scenes such as an office desk and telephone or a kitchen station designed to evoke memories

    Overview

    Commonwealth Senior Living at the West End made our list because of its innovative approach to assisted living and senior care. The community features life stations, which are familiar scenes that have been recreated to evoke memories. They might include an office desk and telephone or a kitchen scene to help residents remember pleasant moments in their lives.

    Additionally, this community uses programming to entertain and engage residents. MyndVR headsets let residents enjoy the benefits of virtual reality to have new experiences or even revisit the street where they grew up as a child. It is a very unique program we haven’t seen in other communities. The facility also uses Eversound, a noise-canceling wireless headphone system that helps residents focus better on activities, speakers, and small groups. Travel the World events immerse residents in a different locale each month. SMILE technology helps keep residents, families, and the Resident Programs team connected via messages, pictures, music, and videos. Since 61 percent of United States adults age 65 and older currently have a smartphone, incorporating technology in these ways is an increasingly valuable way to support resident health and well-being.

    » You Might Like: Technology for seniors

    This community is located minutes from Interstate 64. If you’d prefer to be a bit further South in Richmond, consider a community like The Crossroads at Bon Air.

    Types of Care

    Commonwealth Senior Living at the West End offers independent living, assisted living, memory care, and respite care services. The community can offer various services as your care needs evolve, meaning you could stay in one place. Transitioning to a higher level of care does not necessarily mean you would need to move. A 24-hour emergency call system also helps ensure resident safety and medication management services are available.

    » Related Reading: The best medical alert systems

    Feedback and Reviews

    Commonwealth Senior Living at the West End has received many positive reviews. Reviews frequently state that the community is clean and comfortable, staff are knowledgeable and friendly, and parents have had a very positive experience living in the community. The negative reviews often mention delays in staff responsiveness, the community being understaffed, and the care being overpriced.

  • 3. Sunrise of Richmond

    Pet-Friendly Community

    STARTING PRICE

    $5,594 per month

    ADDRESS

    1807 North Parham Road, Richmond, VA 23229

    Speak to a SeniorLiving advisor:

    (855) 241-1699
    Sunrise at Richmond

    Source: Sunrise at Richmond

    Highlights

    • Community rescue cat, Lucy, is available to visit and cuddle with residents
    • Variety of dining options, including weekly Sunday brunches, as well as foods available at the bistro
    • Lots of activities offered, like yoga classes, coffee gatherings, wine and cheese socials, book clubs, TED Talks discussions, walking clubs, and more
    • Pet-friendly community
    • Both studio and one-bedroom apartments available

    Overview

    Located in Richmond’s West End, Sunrise of Richmond is a ranch-style community, meaning all suites and activity rooms are on one level. The community is minutes from Regency Square Mall and I-64, so residents can easily access shopping, dining, entertainment, and museums. Health care is also accessible with Henrico Doctors’ Hospital and St. Mary’s Hospital nearby.

    This pet-friendly community is home to a community rescue cat, Lucy. Additionally, residents can bring their own pets. The benefits of pet ownership for older adults are plenty, including helping to reduce pain, lower blood pressure, and keep adults fit.2

    Pro Tip:

    Pro Tip: Planning on bringing your furry friend with you when you move? Learn all about pet-friendly senior living and what to expect.

    Weekly housekeeping and personal laundry services are available, and a licensed on-staff nurse makes monthly visits to the community. Sunrise of Richmond offers studio and one-bedroom apartments for assisted living residents, but these are the only two housing options available. If you’re looking for more apartment choices, consider a community like Commonwealth Senior Living.

    Types of Care

    Sunrise of Richmond offers assisted living, memory care, short-term stays, and hospice coordination services. The community uses an electronic health record system for coordinated care. There is also a family engagement app to help support resident and family member communication. We appreciate how Sunrise of Richmond strives to keep loved ones in the loop and help residents stay connected to their families.

    Feedback and Reviews

    Most reviews of Sunrise of Richmond are highly positive, often describing the food as delicious. They also often state that staff provide quality care without being pushy. This is a great way to help residents retain some independence, which is very important. Many reviewers share stories of how their parents have thrived while living in the community. However, some negative reviews state that the quality of the food and the care have recently declined.

  • 4. The Barrington at Hioaks

    Four Levels of Assisted Living

    STARTING PRICE

    N/A

    ADDRESS

    350 Hioaks Road, Richmond, VA 23225

    Speak to a SeniorLiving advisor:

    (855) 241-1699
    The Barrington at Hioaks

    Source: The Barrington at Hioaks

    Highlights

    • Rental agreements are month-to-month and the community has no buy-in fees or long-term lease contracts
    • Studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments are available
    • Amenities include complimentary washers and dryers, spa and salon services, a fitness center, theater room, and more
    • Emergency call system and generator for resident safety
    • Assisted living includes housekeeping, daily bed making, and flat linen service

    Overview

    To ensure that each resident’s needs are met, The Barrington at Hioaks features four assisted living care levels, including minimum, moderate, extended, and highest levels of assistance. The community uses the resident’s physician’s history and report, a nursing assessment, and the Uniform Assessment instrument to help the resident choose the appropriate care level. We like this breakdown of care levels and thorough assessments; it ensures residents receive the care best suited for their needs.

    Assisted living residents enjoy services like housekeeping, daily bed making, and flat linen service. The community features complimentary washers and dryers, but personal laundry service isn’t included. If you’re worried about keeping up with your laundry, you might consider a community like The Crossroads at Bon Air, which includes laundry services.

    Notably, The Barrington at Hioaks offers month-to-month rental agreements without any long-term lease contract. The community also has no buy-in fees, which can give you extra reassurance. If, for some reason, the community isn’t the right fit, you can move elsewhere without feeling locked into a lease agreement.

    Pro Tip:

    Pro Tip: Worried about paying for assisted living? Our guide to assisted living costs can help you prepare.

    Types of Care

    The Barrington at Hioaks offers independent living, assisted living, and memory care. We appreciate that the facility has a continuum of care so residents can age in place, even if their needs change. It can help reduce the stress of moving to a new home, especially for those experiencing memory loss. An emergency call system and a generator help to maximize resident safety. The multiple levels of assisted living mean residents can access the specific type of care they need without paying for services they won’t use.

    Feedback and Reviews

    The Barrington at Hioaks has a nearly perfect Google rating based on over 160 reviews. That’s impressive! Reviews frequently state that the residents and staff are friendly. They also mention that the staff are knowledgeable and go above and beyond to care for residents. Reviews describe the community as clean and comfortable, noting plenty of activities for residents. The few negative reviews expressed frustration at slow response times to resident call buttons and stated that the food isn’t good.

    » Learn More: Active Senior Living communities

  • 5. Seaton Chesterfield

    A Historic Location

    STARTING PRICE

    N/A

    ADDRESS

    1000 Twinridge Lane, Richmond, VA 23235

    Speak to a SeniorLiving advisor:

    (855) 241-1699
    Seaton Chesterfield

    Source: Seaton Chesterfield

    Highlights

    • Pet-friendly community
    • Move-in and pharmacy coordination services available
    • Visiting physicians and on-site physical, occupational, and speech therapy offered
    • Suite and one-bedroom apartments available
    • Concierge services offered

    Overview

    Seaton Chesterfield is located in Bon Air, less than 10 miles from local historical sites. The community is near the James River and minutes from shopping, dining, and live entertainment. While the location means residents can easily travel off-site using the community’s free scheduled transportation, the facility offers plenty of entertainment, too. Residents can enjoy in-house religious services, social events, and live entertainment.

    » Related Reading: Faith-based senior living

    Assisted living residents can choose from suite and one-bedroom apartments. And, since the community is pet-friendly, you can bring your furry friend with you. Maintenance, move-in coordination, weekly housekeeping, and concierge services are all available to support residents. Additionally, on-site physical, occupational, and speech therapy, plus visiting physicians, make for accessible health care.

    Types of Care

    Seaton Chesterfield offers assisted living and memory care services, as well as care like physical therapy. If you anticipate needing more specialized services, such as incontinence care, personal care, or hospice services, consider looking into a community like Commonwealth Senior Living at the West End.

    Feedback and Reviews

    Most reviews of Seaton Chesterfield are positive, often describing the community’s cleanliness and the personal attention and support that residents receive from staff. Many reviewers also highlight that staff are friendly and caring, and residents are happy. Some negative reviews state the community is understaffed and that some of the more talented staff members have left, resulting in a decline in the care quality.

  • The Crossroads at Bon Air
  • Commonwealth Senior Living at the West End
  • Sunrise of Richmond
  • The Barrington at Hioaks
  • Seaton Chesterfield

How to Find the Right Assisted Living Community for You

Our list of the best assisted living communities in Richmond gives you a place to start your search. But you’ll ultimately need to decide which community is ideal for your preferences and needs. These tips can help you think about the qualities most important to you:

  • Determine the type of care you need. Identify the specific types of care that you need, such as medication management, help with transfers, and more. Also, consider the types of care you might need in the coming years. Then, look for a community prepared to meet those needs.
  • Describe your ideal atmosphere. Spend time envisioning and describing the ideal atmosphere where you would like to live. Consider factors like a community's size, culture, whether pets are allowed, and more.
  • Calculate your budget. Sit down and do some math to determine how much you can comfortably spend on assisted living each month. As you plan, focus on your Social Security benefits, long-term care insurance, and retirement savings. Remember: Medicare usually doesn’t cover assisted living costs.
  • Consider location. Think about which location would be best for you. Consider whether it’s important for you to access any current healthcare professionals. Also, reflect on how a location might impact friends or family who visit you.
  • Read reviews. As you explore different communities, read reviews from current residents and their families. Reviews can give you some inside information, but every community will also have at least a few negative reviews. Rather than focusing on one review, focus on whether the reviews frequently mention the same themes.
  • Visit the communities. As you start to narrow down your list to a few options, take the time to go visit the communities. Bring a list of questions and talk with residents and staff. These visits can help solidify your decision. Be sure to listen to your gut when you see each facility.

What Is Living in Richmond Like for Seniors?

Steeped in history and culture, Richmond offers fantastic entertainment, quality health care, and more to older adults. Here’s a look into what life is like in Richmond:

  • Climate: Richmond summers are hot and muggy, and thunderstorms are common. The winters are chilly and snowy. Older adults should consider snow removal procedures when choosing an assisted living community.
  • Health care: Richmond has a robust health care system, including notable facilities like the Richmond VA Medical Center, Chippenham Hospital, Bon Secours St. Mary’s Hospital, and Select Specialty Hospital.
  • Cost of living: Richmond’s low cost of living makes it an appealing destination. As of 2023, Richmond’s cost of living was more than 4 percent lower than the national average. Additionally, Richmond’s housing costs were over 16 percent lower than the national average costs.3
  • Activities: There’s plenty to do in Richmond. The city has a vibrant arts scene, a fantastic array of dining establishments, plenty of outdoor activities, several museums, and more.
  • Taxes: Richmond’s income tax rates range from 2 to 5.75 percent.4 Since Virginia eliminated its estate (or inheritance) tax, Virginia residents no longer have to consider the tax during their estate planning process.5
  • Crime rate: As of 2020, Richmond’s violent crime rate was lower than the national average. However, Virginia’s property crime rate was higher than the national rate and was also higher than the property crime rate in cities like Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.6 As a result, older adults may want to research security precautions in assisted living facilities

How Much Does Assisted Living Cost in Richmond, Virginia?

The median monthly cost of assisted living in Richmond is $5,872, according to Genworth estimates.7 That’s higher than the national median cost of $5,511 per month. While paying for assisted living in Richmond can get expensive, understanding the factors that impact your costs may help keep your rates down.

Your care needs have a large impact on assisted living costs. You can save money if you need minimal care. On the other hand, if you need specialized care, such as rehabilitation services, rates will increase. As a result, it’s a good idea to choose a community whose rates you can comfortably afford. That way, you still have room in your budget to cover future rate increases.

Your room choice will also impact your costs. Smaller rooms tend to cost less than larger ones. However, you should enjoy more space while saving money by sharing a two-bedroom apartment with another resident. Think carefully about your budget when choosing your apartment.

Citations
  1. NCOA. (2023). Tech Innovations That Are Improving the Way We Age.

  2. AARP. 10 Reasons to Get a Dog When You’re Over 50.

  3. Greater Richmond Partnership. (2023). Cost of Living.

  4. Forbes. (2024). Income Tax Calculator.

  5. VA Department of Taxation. Estate and Inheritance Taxes.

  6. US News. (2020). Crime Rate & Safety.

  7. Genworth. (2023). Cost of Care Survey.

Written By:
Taylor Shuman
Senior Tech Expert & Editor
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As SeniorLiving.org’s tech expert and editor, Taylor has years of experience reviewing products and services for seniors. She is passionate about breaking down stigmas related to seniors and technology. She loves finding innovative ways to teach seniors about products and… Learn More About Taylor Shuman
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