Senior Living Apartments in Virginia Beach, VA

Senior apartments in Virginia Beach can be paid for through various methods, including private funds, public funds, and veterans benefits. Medicaid, Medicare, and long-term care insurance do not cover senior apartment rent, but they can help pay for in-home health care services. The following offers insights into private pay, Medicare, Medicaid, and benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for senior apartments.

You can find all private pay, housing assistance, VA benefits, and Medicare/Medicaid resources for seniors here.

Senior apartments follow the same safety laws and regulations as all other apartments.

Senior apartments must pass safety inspections

Virginia Beach requires rental properties to pass inspections to prove their living conditions are safe and sanitary.  The following are a few key things to know about Virginia Beach’s renal property inspections:

• For a property to pass the inspection, they must have no violations. Violations can range from holes or deterioration in doors to faulty electrical outlets to a leaky refrigerator. To see a full outline of all the areas that must pass inspection, view the Virginia Beach Code Enforcement Inspection Manual.
• Properties that pass inspection are given a Certificate of Compliance, which allows the property to be exempt from inspections for the next four years.
• If you’re searching for a list of violations at a specific address, you won’t be able to find it online. Instead, you’ll have to contact the Housing and Neighborhood Preservation’s Code Enforcement Division at 757-385-4421.

Senior apartments cannot discriminate against certain seniors

Under The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), senior apartments in Virginia Beach are forbidden to discriminate against individuals with a disability. The Act defines a disability as “a physical or mental impairment which substantially limits one or more of the major life activities of an individual.” The Act also states that seniors with disabilities may request modifications be made to their home and certain public areas in order to make it more accessible and livable. To read the city’s policy on their adherence to ADA provisions, you can view the Non-Discrimination on the Basis of Disability Administrative Directive.

Senior apartments must also adhere to The Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to home renters and buyers from discrimination based on race, sex, religion, familial status, and disability. Under the Housing for Older Persons Act, certain types of senior housing are exempt from discrimination claims based on familial status. Communities that meet the exemption criteria may refuse to sell or rent dwellings to families with minor children. Exemptions apply to the following types of housing:

• Any state or federal program determined by the Secretary of HUD to be specifically designed and operated to assist older adults (as defined in the state or federal program)
• Intended for and occupied solely by people aged 62 and up
• Intended and operated for occupancy by people aged 55 and up

Residents in Virginia can even go through their VA Tenant and Renter Resources guide. This includes tenant resources for Virginians, statements of tenants’ rights and responsibilities, a landlord tenant handbook, and more.

COVID-19 regulations for Virginia Beach senior apartments communities

Senior apartments aren’t required to follow any current rules for COVID-19, and any prevention methods will vary from facility to facility. For current COVID-19 CDC recommendations, you can read the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)’s general COVID-19 guidelines.

Everyone in Virginia older than six months is eligible for both the Pfizer and the Moderna Covid-19 vaccine booster shots. Visit the Virginia Department of Health’s COVID-19 Vaccination Response for updated vaccination recommendations.

Virginia Beach attracts seniors for many reasons. Whether they’re looking to move closer to their children and families or want to retire in a beautiful, coastal city, Virginia Beach can feel like a vacation all the time. With three miles of boardwalk along where the Chesapeake Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean, there are many family-friendly and accessible attractions and dining locations to choose from.

The right size

Whether you’re budget-conscious or looking for something more luxurious, Virginia Beach has senior apartments for everyone. Budget-friendly senior apartment options in Virginia Beach may be smaller, offering between 550 and 1,000 square feet depending on bedroom options. Some more expensive options can be up to 1,500 square feet and include more features, such as a larger kitchen or multiple bathrooms.

Various amenities and features

Affordable senior apartments in Virginia Beach offer planned social activities and fitness centers, as well as access to laundry facilities. Luxury apartments may come with a higher price tag but will also have more features and amenities. Some such communities include an on-site movie theater and salon, as well as a swimming pool and pickleball and bocce ball courts. Other amenities may include roof-top decks, fire pits, pet-washing stations, and concierge services. These apartments will also likely have higher-end interiors like granite countertops and walk-in closets. Covered and garage parking may also be offered for an additional fee.

Safety and security

Senior apartments in Virginia Beach provide their residents a layer of safety, independence, and convenience. Depending on the facility, senior apartments often offer gated access, intrusion alarm systems emergency call systems, or a combination of security systems. They also typically provide accessible entrances to the facility and to the apartments themselves. Locations for senior apartments may also be close to convenient areas for entertainment or daily activities, such as shops, pharmacies, parks, the boardwalk, or other attractions.

Health care for seniors in Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach is a city with access to high-quality health care. From specialty hospitals and clinics to home health care options, you’ll find the care you require to stay healthy and vibrant.

Transportation for seniors in Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach primarily relies on personal vehicles for transportation, but the city also offers public transportation via Hampton Roads Transit, including buses and light rail service that connects Virginia Beach and Norfolk.

In Virginia Beach, seniors aged 60 and above and disabled residents can utilize HRT’s Paratransit services for door-to-door transportation and take advantage of the city’s low-cost shuttle services through the Senior Services Transportation Program. The shuttle service requires advance registration and operates daily but with a first come, first serve service.

Virginia Beach has a population of 437,994 residents and ranks 45th among the most walkable large cities in the US. Although the city is not known for its overall walkability, some areas like the resort area and older neighborhoods such as Point O’Woods, Green Run, and Lake Smith Terrace, offer more pedestrian-friendly options.

The Walk Score results for Virginia Beach are based on public density, walking routes, public transportation options, biking trails, and other factors in the city. The scores are out of 100 and can assist you in locating a walkable or bikeable neighborhood.

Senior activities in Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach is a coastal city in Virginia’s southeastern region. Despite being very suburban, it’s the most populous city in Virginia.

Virginia Beach has numerous places to visit, including free activities such as parks and beaches. The First Landing State Park and the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge offer nature trails and wheelchair-accessible scenic overlooks. Even the Virginia Beach Boardwalk is fully accessible and offers ocean views. You can watch people walk by while sampling local food and drinks.

More activities in Virginia Beach include the following:

• The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center. This features exhibits of marine animals, touch tanks, and educational programs. It is completely accessible with ramps, elevators, and handicapped restrooms.
• The Military Aviation Museum. These are great choices for seniors who want to learn about aviation history.
• The Norfolk Botanical Garden. This is ideal for active seniors with accessible walking paths, flower displays, and special events. The sights and smells of the garden can be therapeutic and calming.
• The Virginia Beach Cultural Affairs Department. This provides seniors with various cultural activities such as concerts, theater performances, and art exhibits. Many of these events are free or inexpensive at the Sandler Center for the Performing Arts or the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art.
• Classes, concerts, and other creative endeavors. Seniors in Virginia Beach can take a cooking class, attend outdoor music concerts and festivals such as the Neptune Festival and the American Music Festival, or enjoy a day out on a fishing trip.
• Local wineries. Apart from Virginia’s wine country, wineries in Virginia Beach have many accessible seating areas for visitors looking to taste wine or partake in tours.