10 Best Memory Care Facilities in Fredericksburg, VA

There are multiple ways to pay for memory care in Fredericksburg, such as private pay options, benefits from the VA, and other public benefits. The following sections include helpful tips and resources for private pay methods, VA benefits, Medicare, and Medicaid.

In Virginia, memory care is considered a specialized form of assisted living, so the same laws and regulations apply. All assisted living and memory care facilities in Virginia must be licensed and inspected by the Department of Social Services. Inspections must happen at least once a year, and their purpose is to make sure facilities are safe, sanitary, and compliant with all regulations. Inspection reports are viewable online.

There are many laws and regulations that assisted living and memory care communities must adhere to in terms of scope, staffing, health care, and more. These regulations include the following:

• Facilities must offer assistance to residents with daily tasks, such as grooming and arranging for transportation. In addition, facilities must have written medication management plans.
• Every facility must have an administrator who runs the facility’s overall management and daily operations, and there must be adequate staff to take care of residents and carry out any emergency plans, such as a fire evacuation. Each building must have a staff member who can administer first aid present at all times, and each staff member must receive first aid certification.
• A facility must either have a full-time health care professional on-site or have a contracted health care professional for regular health care oversight who visits at least every six months.
• Medication for residents must be administered by a licensed health care professional or by an aide who has completed a number of training programs and who is registered with the Virginia Board of Nursing.

Assisted living communities that offer memory care to residents with dementia must follow additional rules, which include but are not limited to:

• There must be at least two staff members awake for every 20 residents who are present.
• There must be adequate staffing when taking residents on day trips outside of the facility.
• Bedroom and bathroom windows must have protective devices to keep residents from opening them.
• Doors that go outside must be secure and be able to be monitored, such as with cameras and/or door alarms to prevent residents from wandering.

You can find a full list of memory care and assisted living regulations in this document.

Fredericksburg Department of Health contact information

Virginia Department of Health Fredericksburg office
608 Jackson St.
Fredericksburg, VA 22401
Phone: 540-899-4142

COVID-19 regulations for Fredericksburg memory care facilities

There are no mandates or permanent regulations for COVID-19 prevention for memory care facilities in Fredericksburg, but the state recommends all residents follow guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

For families looking for a memory care community for their loved ones, Fredericksburg has a good variety of options. There are eight A Place for Mom partner memory care facilities, three of which focus solely on memory and five that are combined with assisted living and/or independent living. There are also two hospitals in the area in case of emergencies, and the city is easy to get to for visits, thanks to its proximity to Richmond and Washington, D.C.

Plenty of choices for memory care

Choosing a facility for your family member depends on a lot of different factors, such as size, services offered, and price. The good thing about Fredericksburg is there are several options for memory care, so you and your family can decide which type of facility works best for your loved one.

Some families prefer standalone memory care facilities because they tend to be smaller and more intimate and are focused solely on residents with Alzheimer’s or dementia. However, others prefer facilities that combine assisted living and memory care, which makes it easier for residents to age in place and get the right care as their needs change. Your family’s final choice should come down to your personal preferences and your loved one’s unique needs.

All of our memory care partners have specialized memory care training for their teams, on-site nursing, and 24-hour awake staff, so someone is always there to help your loved one. Additionally, each of our partner communities is secured (some with wander prevention systems, too), Staff offers redirection, cuing, and disorientation care, as well as restlessness, pacing, and wandering care — all critical for residents memory care to feel comfortable.

Caring staff members who help residents stay active and engaged

In addition to safety, reviewers love our Fredericksburg partner facilities because of their caring staff members and how they keep families informed. The staff offers individualized attention and care to each resident, adding to the serene, family-like atmosphere of many of our partner communities.

Residents and their families also love the on-site activities found in our partner communities. Our listings offer many opportunities to socialize and stay engaged mentally and physically, such as yoga classes, day trips, book clubs, devotional services, and sensory-based programs.

Many of our partner memory care facilities in Fredericksburg offer luxurious amenities, such as chef-prepared meals, quiet courtyards, state-of-the-art technology, and much more to enhance residents’ well-being.

Access to top-rated health care

For families looking for a long-term care facility for their loved ones, access to health care is often factored into the decision. Fredericksburg has two hospitals in the city: Mary Washington Hospital and Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center. Mary Washington Hospital is a 471-bed hospital with nine adult procedures and conditions rated as high performing. Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center is a smaller hospital that specializes in a variety of services and also has a 24-hour emergency room.

For on-site care, the majority of our partner communities have doctors on call, visiting nurses, occupational therapists, physical therapists, speech therapists, and podiatrists to ensure residents are well-cared for.

Convenient and fun location for visiting

In addition to its memory care and health care options, seniors love Fredericksburg because of its location. Located halfway between Richmond, Virginia, and Washington, D.C., Fredericksburg is easy to get to by almost any means, which can be helpful for family members who live far away and want to visit.

As a critical location during colonial times and the Civil War, Fredericksburg is also known for its historic attractions and battle sites. Along with a fun downtown that offers restaurants and shopping, Fredericksburg has plenty to do for families visiting or who want to take their loved ones on a fun outing.

Health care for seniors in Fredericksburg

Transportation for seniors in Fredericksburg

Fredericksburg is a city very dependent on cars, but since seniors with memory loss should not drive, it’s good to know there are other transportation choices available.

One option is transportation organized through our partner memory care facilities, and it’s good to know that 88% of our partner facilities offer complimentary transportation, while 63% offer at-cost transportation.

Another method is private transport services, which offer door-to-door transport for nonemergency medical journeys. Companies serving the Fredericksburg area include Bright Day Transit Services, LLC, Angel Rides Inc., and LifeCare Medical Transports — all options prioritizing providing efficient and compassionate service to people of all abilities.

The Healthy Generations Area Agency on Aging can also be a good resource for determining transportation options for your loved one. The agency runs Mobility Options, a shared ride service for seniors 60 and older. Seniors are prioritized by greatest need. Learn more in the Mobility Options guide.

Finally, Fredericksburg has a public transport system, Fredericksburg Regional Transit, also known as FXBGO!, which features wheelchair-friendly buses. However, a senior with dementia should never take public transport alone and should always have a caregiver with them.

Senior activities in Fredericksburg

Fredericksburg is best known for its history, as it was the boyhood home of President George Washington and played a pivotal role in the formation of the United States and, later, the Civil War. In addition to its many historic sites, Fredericksburg also has beautiful parks and lots of restaurants in its vibrant downtown areas, so there’s always something to do, whether you’re local to the city or you’ll be coming from out of town to visit your loved one.

Historic attractions and tours

One way to see a number of Fredericksburg’s historic attractions in one trip — and to minimize walking for family members with varying abilities — is through a tour. Trolley Tours of Fredericksburg runs daily tours of historic downtown Fredericksburg, leaving from the Fredericksburg Visitor Center. Their trolleys are wheelchair accessible, so it’s a good choice for people of all abilities. Downtown Fredericksburg is also a hot spot for restaurants, so it’s perfect for a post-tour meal or snack.

Another local tour company, Hallowed Ground Tours, creates tours based on your family’s interests. The tour guide joins you in your own vehicle and navigates the route for the driver.

Fredericksburg was George Washington’s boyhood home, so there is a lot to learn about the United States’ first president. The most popular sites are George Washington’s childhood home, Ferry Farm, and Historic Kenmore, the mansion of George Washington’s sister, Betty Washington Lewis. Please note the mansion is not ADA compliant, as it is a historic house. However, the Washington house replica at Ferry Farm is accessible.

Another senior-friendly attraction is the James Monroe Museum and Memorial Library, which is accessible to people with multiple abilities and offers a discount for seniors 65 and older.

Outdoor spaces to enjoy

Spending time outdoors is a great activity for people with dementia. If your loved one is able to walk, Hamilton’s Crossing Walking Trail is an easy trail to try. An old railroad crossing that was crucial during the Civil War, the trail is named after Captain George Hamilton, whose home was nearby.

Another trail is Sunken Road Walking Trail, which was another important site in the Civil War, the Battle of Fredericksburg. The trail leads to the Fredericksburg National Cemetery and is a fairly easy route to walk.

Senior activities for socializing

For day-to-day activities for seniors with dementia, the majority of our memory care facility partners offer on-site activities and features designed specifically for people with memory loss, such as indoor and outdoor walking paths and sensory programs.

If your loved one is in the early stages of dementia, he or she will most likely still enjoy social events. A popular gathering place is the Spotsylvania Senior Center, the senior center for the Fredericksburg area. Membership and most classes are free of charge. Activities include quilts and crafts, line dancing, and bingo.

The Healthy Generations Area Agency on Aging also hosts Senior Cafes, which offer a variety of activities for seniors, including nutritional, social, and physical activities.