Find Independent Living Communities Near Fredericksburg, VA

Since no care is provided in independent living facilities, residents cannot use Medicare, Medicaid, or long-term insurance to cover the cost of housing. However, there are other methods to help you cover or offset costs.

In this section, you’ll find information about private pay and VA benefits, as well as ways you can use Medicare and Medicaid for health care costs. You will also find local resources you can turn to for assistance navigating the various benefits available to you.

The rules around independent living communities depend on if it is a stand-alone community or if it is combined with another type of senior living facility, such as assisted living or memory care.

Stand-alone independent living communities

Because there is no health care offered, stand-alone independent living communities are treated like any other apartment or housing complex. They are therefore subject to general rental and housing regulations, such as:

• Federal Fair Housing Act (FHA): The FHA specifies that housing across the U.S. must be available to all people, regardless of race, color, sex, religion, etc.
• Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): Independent living communities must be ADA-compliant. Common areas and a certain number of units must be accessible for people with disabilities.
• Service animals: In Virginia, landlords must make reasonable accommodations for residents with service animals even if they don’t normally allow pets.
• General maintenance laws: Landlords must follow maintenance regulations, which include ensuring buildings are up to code.

To learn more about laws and regulations around independent living facilities, check out Fredericksburg’s latest renter’s guide. Potential residents should also be aware of the city’s Rental Property Inspection Program, which is run through the Building and Development Services Department. Though independent living communities do not need to be inspected by law, they do need to be registered through the Building and Development Services Department. You can view property records through the online portal.

Independent living communities combined with other care facilities

Independent living communities that are combined with assisted living, memory care, or both must adhere to regulations for the associated senior living arrangements. In Virginia, assisted living and memory care facilities must follow the same laws and regulations because memory care is a specialized type of assisted living.

All assisted living and memory care facilities must be licensed and inspected through the Virginia Department of Social Services to ensure they are safe, sanitary, and compliant with all regulations. Inspections must happen annually, and you can search inspection reports for specific facilities on the department’s website.

In addition, combination independent living, assisted living, and/or memory care facilities must provide care or assistance with activities of daily living, ambulation, hygiene and grooming, and tasks such as making transportation arrangements for residents. Each resident must have a written, individualized service plan that supports personal dignity and freedom of choice. Medication management is included in those plans, and medications can be administered by licensed staff or medication aides who have successfully undergone a Board of Nursing-approved training program, have passed a competency evaluation, and are registered with the Virginia Board of Nursing.

These facilities are also required to have an administrator responsible for the general management and administration of the facility, as well as day-to-day operations. At all times, there should be a staff member in each building who has current CPR and first aid certifications. To provide oversight for residents needing health care services, a licensed health care professional must visit the facility at least every six months or one year if the community has a full-time licensed health care professional on-site.

One rule that often applies to both stand-alone and combined independent living communities is an age requirement, though it varies by location, so always check you are eligible before touring a facility.

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 independent living communities

While there are no COVID-19 mandates in place for Fredericksburg, the state of Virginia encourages all residents to follow the latest guidance from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

Fredericksburg might have fewer choices for independent living communities compared to other cities, but the options available receive top ratings for their elegant, upscale feel and wide variety of amenities. The city’s location and rich history and culture are also draws for those considering independent living in the area.

Upscale choices for active seniors

Our partner independent living options in Fredericksburg often include comfortable and luxurious housing options with a variety of floor plans and upscale design elements, such as quartz countertops, high ceilings, stainless steel appliances, and even private balconies.

The city’s independent living communities we partner with have common amenities like chef-prepared meals, housekeeping services, and outdoor and indoor common areas, but some also offer unique features like woodworking shops, beauticians, jacuzzis, and butterfly gardens. In addition, most of our partner independent living communities in Fredericksburg are pet-friendly.

Making friends and having fun

Independent living facilities in Fredericksburg are also good for those who want to take advantage of the social aspect of living in a community. Residents have access to a wide array of on-site activities at many of the facilities we partner with, such as scheduled happy hours, planned day trips, fitness classes, picnics, and more, all to encourage well-being and socialization. Many independent living communities in Fredericksburg have staff on-site to organize outings, so residents can enjoy all there is to do in the city without having to stress about planning.

Aging in place

One other benefit of our partner independent living options in Fredericksburg is that many are combined with assisted living and/or memory care facilities, which can give residents and families peace of mind in case they need more support in the future. These facilities are great options for people who want to age in place, as the level of care can change as residents’ health needs shift.

Conveniently located between Richmond and Washington, D.C.

One selling point of Fredericksburg for seniors is its location halfway between Washington, D.C., and Richmond, Virginia. For those who prefer not to drive into busy cities, both Washington, D.C. and Richmond are accessible by train, giving seniors even more attractions to choose from when planning a day out.

Fredericksburg’s location also means access to multiple airports, a desirable feature for retirees who love to travel. The proximity to airports also makes it easy for out-of-town family and friends to visit or vice versa.

Health care for seniors in Fredericksburg

Transportation for seniors in Fredericksburg

According to Walk Score, which measures the walkability and the level of public transportation in cities, Fredericksburg has a walk score of 46 out of 100. That means that most people rely on cars to get around.

However, there are other options for seniors who prefer not to drive or don’t have a personal vehicle:

• Fredericksburg Regional Transit: This is the public transport system for Fredericksburg and the wider area. Also known as FXBGO!, all buses are wheelchair accessible.
• Mobility Options: The Healthy Generations Area Agency on Aging offers a shared ride service for seniors 60 and older, as well as a number of other resources for transportation. Learn more in their Mobility Options guide.
• Private Transport: For private and nonemergency medical transport, the Fredericksburg area offers multiple services, including Bright Day Transit Services, LLC, Angel Rides Inc., and LifeCare Medical Transports.

Additionally, many of our partner independent living communities in Fredericksburg are located close to public transportation or even offer their own for free or at cost.

Senior activities in Fredericksburg

Thanks to its variety of attractions and plenty of senior-specific activities, independent living residents in Fredericksburg can always stay busy.

Fredericksburg is best known for its history, especially as a former home of our first president, George Washington. History lovers can tour Ferry Farm, Washington’s childhood home; the Mary Washington House, which George Washington purchased for his mother in 1772; and Historic Kenmore, the former mansion of George Washington’s sister, Betty Washington Lewis (and current location of Shakespeare on the Lawn).

Fredericksburg was also a key location in the Civil War, so visitors often tour battlegrounds and see other historical Civil War sites. Visit the city’s website, fxbg.com, for a full list of historic attractions, including the Trail to Freedom, where freedom-seeking enslaved people traveled from Fredericksburg to Stafford County, Virginia, in the late 1800s. Chatham Manor, built in 1771, has been the site of many historic events, including a slave rebellion in the early 1800s. It also served as the Union Army headquarters during the Civil War and a battleground. Additionally, Shannon Air Museum is home to unique and rare planes from the golden age of aviation.

In addition to its history, Fredericksburg is a great city for fans of the arts. It’s home to the Fredericksburg Symphony and the Riverside Center for the Performing Arts, which puts on musicals and plays throughout the year.

For hosting friends and family from out of town, Downtown Fredericksburg is the go-to spot for eating, shopping, and more. The city is home to plenty of restaurants, whether you’re simply looking for a cup of coffee or a fine dining experience. Residents and visitors to Fredericksburg also love its wineries, such as Eden Try Winery and Bacchus Winery, and distilleries, like A. Smith Bowman Distillery, which offers complimentary tours and bourbon tastings. Fredericksburg is also home to a number of breweries, such as 6 Bears & a Goat and Strangeways Brewing. The Fredericksburg Farmers Market at Hurkamp Park, open Saturdays from April to October, is another popular destination for locals and visitors alike.

For a walk on a nice day, Fredericksburg has multiple parks to choose from. Alum Spring Park has a beautiful footbridge and playground, ideal for entertaining grandchildren. Another popular spot is Motts Run Reservoir Recreation Area, which is great for hiking, biking, and picnics. If you’re looking for more adventure, Virginia Outdoor Center in Downtown Fredericksburg organizes excursions down the Rappahannock River by canoe, paddleboard, kayak, or tube.

Seniors looking to spend time with friends or make new ones go to the Spotsylvania Senior Center. Located at the Marshall Center in nearby Spotsylvania, Virginia, the senior center offers free membership as well as a variety of free activities, like line dancing, pickleball, and bingo. Spotsylvania Parks & Recreation also hosts free adult classes, including tai chi, tennis lessons, and drawing classes.

Other senior-specific activities in Fredericksburg include Senior Cafes organized by the Healthy Generations Area Agency on Aging. Centered around social and physical activities for seniors, you can find a calendar of upcoming Senior Cafe events online.