Assisted living is for seniors who may need help with daily living tasks but don't require the level of care a nursing home offers. In Washington, D.C., the average monthly cost of assisted living is $6,282, matching the average for the District of Columbia as a whole. However, this figure is almost $2,000 more than the national average of $4,459, making Washington an expensive location for older adults seeking long-term care.
AssistedLiving.org spent dozens of hours researching the top assisted living communities in the Washington, D.C. area to allow seniors and their families to find the community that’s right for them. Click through the facilities listed below to read in-depth reviews, what residents are saying, and details such as base pricing, room types, and more.
Delivering the unparalleled peace of mind that comes with daily on-site visits from Johns Hopkins care teams,…
3.88
Average of 29 reviews
Reviews gathered from around the web
Sunrise on Connecticut Avenue
5111 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20008
Assisted Living
Memory Care
Hospice
Respite
Sunrise on Connecticut Avenue is a well-appointed continuing care community with assisted living, memory care and respite…
4.29
Average of 42 reviews
Reviews gathered from around the web
Chevy Chase House
5420 Connecticut Ave. NW., Washington, DC 20015
Assisted Living
Independent Living
Respite
With a unique blend of spacious, sunlit suites and luxurious amenities, this assisted living facility is known…
3.85
Average of 26 reviews
Reviews gathered from around the web
The Methodist Home of the District of Columbia
4901 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 48242
Assisted Living
Memory Care
Day Services
Respite
Skilled Nursing
Established in 1889 as The Methodist Home, Forest Hills has provided seniors with a safe, loving environment…
4.12
Average of 25 reviews
Reviews gathered from around the web
The Residences at Thomas Circle
1330 Massachusetts Ave. NW., Washington, DC 20005
Assisted Living
Independent Living
Memory Care
Respite
Skilled Nursing
Located in the heart of historic Washington, D.C., a stone's throw from Thomas Circle Park, this upscale…
3.84
Average of 25 reviews
Reviews gathered from around the web
Sunrise of Arlington
2000 N. Glebe Rd., Arlington, VA 22207
Assisted Living
Memory Care
Hospice
Respite
Sunrise of Arlington is an award-winning senior living community located close to the Virginia Hospital Center, local…
4.31
Average of 38 reviews
Reviews gathered from around the web
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In order to find the top assisted living communities in the Washington D.C. area, our team of researchers:
Sorted through 53 communities using our unique methodology
Spent over 80 hours researching assisted living communities in Washington D.C.
Read more than 420 reviews left by residents and their family members
After filtering out facilities that didn’t meet our high standards, we were left with 10 assisted living communities that earned our seal of approval. Through this process we discovered that the average cost of assisted living in the city of Washington D.C. is $5,948, which is considerably higher than the national average of $4,500.
Jonathan Frank
Licensed Social Worker and Certified Dementia Practitioner
Jonathan Frank
Licensed Social Worker and Certified Dementia Practitioner
Jonathan Frank is a Licensed Social Worker with over 10 years experience working with the geriatric population in a variety of different settings. He received his Masters degree from Rutgers University with a certificate in Aging and Gerontological Services. Additionally, he is a Certified Dementia Practitioner accredited by the National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners. Jonathan also has Bachelors degree in psychology and worked as an Emergency Medical Technician for 14 years. His passion lies with the elderly and ensuring they age with dignity.
Read on for in-depth information about the top assisted living facilities in Decatur, a brief dive into our methodology for determining the best assisted living communities, and a searchable directory of 30 communities in the Decatur area.
ow to Pay for Assisted Living in Washington, D.C.
Determining how to finance assisted living often starts with the question, “What’s the cost?” In today’s economy, where inflation plays a significant role, having current data is crucial for senior living financial planning. AssistedLiving.org has gathered cost information from its expansive network of over 75,000 senior living providers. This data offers a glimpse into the average expenses for assisted living in Washington.
How Inflation Has Impacted the Cost of Assisted Living in Washington, D.C.
Assisted living costs experienced significant increases due to inflation. In Washington, D.C., and nationwide, monthly expenses rose 10% in 2023 to reach $6,282 and $4,459, respectively. Assisted living was, on average, $8,840 in the District of Columbia in 2022. However, it fell 29% to $6,282 and will likely rise 7% to $6,691 in 2024. A 7.5% increase is projected in 2024 for Baltimore, MD, ($6,064) and Williamsburg, VA (5,060) and Falls Church, VA ($3,769).
In 2024, monthly estimates will be $6,765 in Washington, D.C., and $4,802 across the U.S. These projections should urge seniors to plan ahead for long-term care.
Location
2022 Cost (Historical)
2023 Cost (Current)
2024 Cost (Estimated)
Washington
$5,734
$6,282
$6,765
U.S. Average
$4,070
$4,459
$4,802
District of Columbia
$8,840
$6,282
$6,691
Baltimore, MD
$5,139
$5,631
$6,064
Falls Church, VA
$3,195
$3,500
$3,769
Williamsburg, VA
$4,289
$4,699
$5,060
Assisted Living vs. Other Types of Care in Washington, DC
Senior communities’ expenses differ due to location and nature of services. Assisted living, which provides personal care, costs an average of $6,282 monthly in Washington, D.C. However, older adults requiring cognitive support will pay around $7,213 for memory care. At just $4,163 monthly, independent living suits seniors who don’t need help but would enjoy the amenities of a residential community. Older adults must consider these differences and their budgets when shopping for long-term living options.
Care Type
Cost
Assisted Living
$6,282
Memory Care
$7,213
Independent Living
$4,163
Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Washington, DC
Other Ways to Pay for Assisted Living in Washington, DC
Since not everyone can afford to pay for assisted living out-of-pocket, it’s important to find alternative methods to help make assisted living more affordable. Some of these options include:
Free and Low-Cost Assisted Living Resources for Seniors in Washington, DC
Numerous resources are available in Washington, D.C. to support seniors during their retirement. AssistedLiving.org has gathered data on local groups, initiatives, and agencies, and organized them according to care categories for convenient access.
For details about resources across the state and in neighboring cities, please visit the District of Columbia state page on assistedliving.org.
Food Assistance Programs
In Washington, D.C., various local initiatives are dedicated to promoting senior health through balanced nutrition. They offer services like meal delivery, communal dining, and food banks, ensuring elderly residents have access to affordable, nutritious food.
The Capital Area Food Bank in Washington, D.C. supplies nutritious food to over 400 local partners, including food banks, pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, and senior centers. They offer programs like Senior Brown Bag, Grocery Plus, and My Groceries to Go, providing senior-specific grocery items and nutritious groceries to D.C. seniors aged 55 and older.
The Department of Aging and Community Living in Washington, D.C., provides nutritional programs for seniors and individuals with disabilities. Seniors aged 60+ and those with disabilities can access nourishing meals at over 40 community dining sites. Homebound adults can receive meal delivery to their residences. Dietitians offer nutritional counseling and education programs to support the health and well-being of seniors with chronic illnesses.
TEFAP is a federally funded program that provides free food to low-income seniors through local food banks. Eligibility is based on income, and seniors enrolled in certain assistance programs are automatically eligible. To sign up, seniors can visit their nearest TEFAP food bank and present an ID and proof of address.
Home Repair and Modifications
In Washington, D.C., numerous programs are available to aid seniors and individuals with disabilities in financing home modifications and repairs. These programs, offering grants or loans, have diverse eligibility requirements specifically designed for retirees.
The Safe at Home program, offered by the Department of Aging and Community Living in Washington, D.C., offers home modifications to reduce the risk of falling. These adaptations include handrails, grab bars, stair lifts, and shower seats. The program is open to individuals aged 60 and above, as well as adults with disabilities, who meet the financial eligibility criteria.
Legal Resources
In Washington, D.C., numerous agencies provide affordable or complimentary legal assistance to the elderly. They offer counsel on matters like estate management, living wills, and power of attorney. Some even serve as advocates for seniors’ rights in long-term care facilities.
The Safe at Home program, offered by the Department of Aging and Community Living in Washington, D.C., offers home modifications to reduce the risk of falling. These adaptations include handrails, grab bars, stair lifts, and shower seats. The program is open to individuals aged 60 and above, as well as adults with disabilities, who meet the financial eligibility criteria.
Senior Centers
In Washington, D.C., senior centers serve as a hub for older adults, providing recreational activities, events, and valuable resources. These centers also offer wellness programs, nutritional guidance, and assistance with senior-related concerns.
The Hayes Senior Wellness Center in Washington, D.C., offers a range of social, educational, and recreational programs for adults aged 60 and older. Seniors can participate in classes covering fitness, art, and technology to acquire new skills and hobbies. Located in Ward 6, the center also provides lunch, nutritional counseling, health education, and medication management to support seniors’ overall well-being. Open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Discover a wide range of activities at our senior center, designed to promote physical, recreational, and social well-being. From health screenings and yoga classes to cooking seminars and book discussion clubs, there’s something for everyone. DC residents aged 60 and up can enjoy these offerings completely free of charge. Additionally, we offer driver safety courses and massage therapy sessions. Join us and enhance your overall quality of life.
Discover a wide range of activities at our senior center, designed to promote physical, recreational, and social well-being. From health screenings to yoga classes, cooking seminars to book discussion clubs, there’s something for everyone. DC residents aged 60 and up can enjoy these offerings completely free of charge. Additionally, we offer driver safety courses and massage therapy sessions. Join us and enhance your quality of life today.
Senior Engagement
In Washington, D.C., a variety of programs and resources are available for seniors to stay engaged and active. These include wellness initiatives, volunteering options, and support networks, all aimed at fostering community involvement and enhancing life quality.
UDC offers a Senior Tuition Program for adults aged 65 and above, providing the opportunity to attend classes without any tuition or fees. Additionally, seniors can benefit from the Bodywise Health and Fitness Program, which offers free access to instructor-led classes. This program focuses on low-impact cardio exercises, aiding in improving heart health and muscle flexibility.
Transportation Assistance
For seniors in Washington, D.C. struggling with private transportation, help is at hand. Community services are available to aid the elderly and disabled in their local travels, facilitating errands and appointments within the city.
The Yellow Cab project, in collaboration with the DACL, offers complimentary transportation to DC-area seniors for non-emergency medical purposes. This initiative is available to individuals aged 60 and above who require regular checkups and treatment for chronic, life-threatening conditions. Enrolled seniors can conveniently schedule same-day pickups through the program.
Assisted Living Laws and Regulations in Washington, DC
Assisted Living Communities in Washington, DC are required to follow a set of rules and regulations that are determined by the state. For an overview of those rules and regulations, see the information below. For more specific information, talk with your local community or Area Agency on Aging.
