Virginia memory care facilities and Alzheimer's care options

Discover Alzheimer's Care in Virginia

Alzheimer’s special care units in Virginia, which can also go by the terms dementia care, memory care, or specialty care units, and typically include specially trained staff and egress systems that constantly monitor residents, ensure their safety, and prevent wandering. They are facilities that are specifically designed to meet the needs of individuals with forms of dementia.

Virginia Dementia Care Homes - Cost Comparison

Location	Monthly Minimum	Monthly Maximum
Richmond	$2,400	$7,500
Mechanicsville	$2,950	$5,560
Alexandria	$3,000	$5,700

Recreation and Attractions in Virginia

There are a large number of historical attractions in Virginia with everything from monuments to museums, and entire towns. A few examples of popular historical attraction in VA are Historical Jamestown, the National D-Day Memorial, George Washington’s Mount Vernon, and Colonial Williamsburg. There are additional museums such as the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, parks such as the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, and beaches such as Virginia Beach.

Virginia's Climate, Geography, and Culture

The climate in VA is humid, sub-tropical with relatively hot summers and cool winters. The average summer high temperature is 87 degrees and the average winter low is 26 degrees. During the 110 days of measurable precipitation during the year, the state receives 43 inches of rain and 14 inches of snow. Annually, approximately 205 days are sunny. The coastal areas are hotter and receive more rain than the western, mountainous region where cooler temperatures and more snow prevails. The culture in Virginia is split between the typical cultures of the north and south because it falls right between them. Areas such as Piedmont have more of a southern culture, while urban cities such as Richmond are more alternative with similarities to the north. The state is very proud of its history with Colonial Williamsburg dedicated to reliving the colonial history.

Memory Care Home Regulations and Laws

Alzheimer’s care facilities in Virginia are required to have at least two direct care staff members on duty at all times except for special circumstances. Any doors that lead to the outside must be secured or guarded and either an indoor or outdoor walking area must be provided. Windows accessible to dementia residents must be secured with protective devices. Administrators and direct care staff must undergo four hours of dementia specific cognitive impairment training during the first two months of employment and six additional hours of care training during the first year. Annual training is required as well.

Crime and Safety in Virginia

Virginia is ranked 9^th in overall safety according to 2016’s Safest States to Live In.

Location	Violent Crimes Per 1,000 Residents	Property Crimes Per 1,000 Residents
Lexington	.82	12.58
Purcelville	.11	4.48
Vienna	.49	9.96

Payment Options for Memory Care in Virginia

Medicare, private long-term insurance, and out of pocket payments are the typical methods used to pay for dementia care in VA. There is a Medicaid Alzheimer’s assisted living waiver available.

Senior and Elderly Rights for Dementia Care in Virginia

In VA, patients have the right to be informed about diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis along with alternatives and side effects in a manner they understand. They may also either refuse or consent treatment. The patient’s privacy and confidentiality should be respected. The patient of a memory care community has the right to appoint a surrogate decision maker to make decisions for them if they no longer have the cognitive ability to do so or create advanced directives.

Virginia Memory Care: Medical Record Rules and Regulations

Patients in Virginia, or their legal representative, may make a written request to obtain a copy of their medical records. The health care provider has 15 days to provide the copy, deny the records, or inform where they are or if they do not exist. A reasonable fee may be applied for copying and postage.