Located on the James River at the tip of the Virginia Peninsula, Newport News is the commonwealth’s fifth-largest city. It’s home to nearly 200,000 residents, including some 24,000 seniors. Newport News has received numerous best-of awards. It’s been named one of the nation’s 100 most livable cities, and it ranks among the top in the country for diversity.
If you’re thinking about retirement, finances naturally come to mind. Newport News offers a competitive cost of living that’s almost 10% below the national average. Crime rates are similar to the national average; although, there’s a rising number of violent crimes and a slightly higher number of property-related offenses. However, southeast Virginia is a generally pleasant area for seniors. Summers are warm and balmy, with highs around 90. Winters are cold and rainy but tolerable, with just 5 inches of snow and average lows that hover right around freezing.
The area also offers residents excellent health care access if you have ongoing medical needs. More than two dozen hospitals are located in the greater Virginia Beach-Hampton Roads metropolitan area, including top-rated facilities like the Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, Virginia Beach General Hospital and Chesapeake Regional Medical Center. Residents can also choose from many home health care providers.
According to data from Genworth’s 2021 Cost of Care Survey, the median cost of in-home care in Newport News and Virginia Beach is $4,767 per month. Rates are the same whether you need nonmedical services, including help with errands and personal care, or medical support from a licensed nurse or physical therapist. This breaks down to a median rate of $25 per hour. Genworth assumes that seniors require 44 hours of weekly care; however, your needs may vary.
Home care prices in Newport News are close to the state and national average, but they’re competitive when compared to most regional cities. Statewide, the median cost of home care is $4,767 per month. Home health care costs about $200 more. Nationally, rates increase to $4,957 for nonmedical home care and $5,148 for medical support. Richmond’s rates are slightly higher. However, prices increase dramatically in Washington, D.C., to $5,339. If you move closer to the center of the state, you can expect to pay over $1,500 more for care in Charlottesville, where the going rate is $6,292 per month.
Seniors in Newport News have several long-term care options to consider depending on their needs, budget and personal preferences. If you want to stay in your home, you can have a home care aide visit for approximately $25 per hour or $4,767 per month. If you’re comfortable traveling to a community-based senior center, you can access meals, light medical care and companionship through a daytime health care program for around $1,700 per month. Seniors who don’t want to live alone may be better candidates for assisted living, which costs $4,690 per month, or skilled nursing, which costs just over $8,400 per month.
Finding a home care provider for yourself or a loved one can be a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. Below, we explain the process of how to find a home care provider in 5 simple steps. Use the infographic below to help guide your search for in-home care in Newport News, VA.
What You Should Know
The Peninsula Agency on Aging has been serving local seniors since 1974. It offers a variety of free and low-cost services to help you age in place while staying connected with the community. Nutrition and transportation services are particularly helpful for older adults who live on their own or need help with daily activities. The agency offers Meals on Wheels deliveries and operates several community dining centers. Thanks to federal funding and generous donations, all meals are free. Rides are available to non driving seniors who have difficulty accessing transportation. Carefully screened volunteer drivers can take you to medical offices, senior centers and daytime health care programs if you don’t have another way to get there.
Who Is Eligible?
PAA serves disabled adults and all residents aged 60 or older. Family members are welcome to call for general information. Staff members can provide eligibility information for specific programs, such as Meals on Wheels. Many services are available to all older adults who live in the agency’s multicounty service area.
How to Get Started
To request a ride, access services or learn more about the agency’s programs, call (757) 873-0541. Staff members are available to assist you Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. until 5 p.m.
What You Should Know
Habitat For Humanity, Peninsula and Greater Williamsburg, sponsors a Home Repair Program in cooperation with local cities, housing agencies and other partners. Volunteers and lead contractors can help with a variety of interior and exterior repairs, including carpentry, painting, pressure washing, junk removal, gutter repairs and installation of ramps or railings. It also organizes one-day Home Repair Blitz events in Newport News and several surrounding cities.
Who Is Eligible?
Home repairs are available to low-income homeowners in Newport News and communities across the area. Habitat for Humanity focuses on serving seniors, disabled adults and residents who have unmet needs. Clients are asked to make a contribution to cover the cost of materials.
How to Get Started
For help with home repairs or urgent safety-related issues, contact Habitat of Humanity at (757) 928-2657 or (757) 928-2654. Staff can also refer you to other agencies that offer repairs, grants and interest-free loans.
What You Should Know
If you’re struggling to pay for utilities, you may be eligible for financial assistance through local and federal programs. The Virginia Energy Assistance Program includes four components that cover specific expenses related to heating and cooling. Crisis assistance is available if you’re unable to pay your utility bills or you need emergency heating and cooling repairs. Families may also qualify for a monthly heating fuel offset. Additionally, households with seniors or young children are eligible for additional help with the cost of AC equipment and energy bills.
Who Is Eligible?
The Virginia Energy Assistance Program is open to low-income families who have immediate energy needs. In most cases, household income is limited to 150% of the federal poverty level. However, certain expenses may be deductible.
How to Get Started
To learn more, call the Commonhelp customer service hotline at (855) 635-4370, or contact the Newport News Department of Human Services at (757) 926-6300. Applications can be completed online.
What You Should Know
The Newport News Department of Human Services operates an Adult Services division that provides case management services, assessments and referrals to senior citizens and disabled adults in the city. These services ensure that residents have access to the most appropriate level of care, whether it’s provided at home or in an assisted living facility. It coordinates Medicaid preadmission screenings for nursing home placements and home care programs. Staff also perform intake assessments and annual reviews for individuals who receive auxiliary grants for assisted living. You may be available to receive up to 20 hours of weekly in-home assistance, including help with errands and household chores, through this agency.
Who Is Eligible?
Adult Services are available to disabled residents aged 18 and older and senior citizens starting at age 60.
How to Get Started
For questions about this program or to request a long-term care assessment, contact Adult Services at (757) 926-6329.
What You Should Know
Newport News offers a property tax exemption to low-income seniors and disabled adults. You must own and live in the home and meet certain financial requirements related to your income, assets and household expenses. If you earn too much to qualify for the full exemption, you can still have your property taxes deferred until you sell your home or move. Once you’re approved from these programs, you’ll automatically qualify for a grant-funded credit that offsets your solid waste fees, so there’s no need to apply for this program separately.
Who Is Eligible?
The city’s property tax exemption is available to low-income homeowners aged 65 and older and disabled adults. Household income is limited to $25,000 with $10,000 in assets, excluding the home. Additionally, you must spend at least 40% of your income on home-related expenses. You can have your property taxes deferred if your household income is $50,000 or less with up to $200,000 in assets.
How to Get Started
You can apply for the property tax exemption or deferral anytime from January through the end of August. For more information, call the Commissioner of Revenue at (757) 926-3535.