Finding the right fit in Hampton Roads
Hampton Roads is a big, spread-out region, and families here often have relatives on both sides of the water. A parent may live in Hampton or Poquoson while adult children are in Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, or back in Richmond, which makes it hard to know where to even start looking.
We help Hampton Roads families narrow the search to the part of the region that makes the most sense for visits and medical care, then compare communities that fit their loved one’s needs and budget. Because so many families here have military ties, we also help you ask the right questions about VA benefits.
Care options we help Hampton Roads families compare
- Independent Living in Hampton RoadsFor active older adults who want freedom from home upkeep and more opportunities to socialize, with services close at hand.
- Assisted Living in Hampton RoadsFor seniors who need some daily help with things like bathing, dressing, or medications, while keeping as much independence as possible.
- Memory Care in Hampton RoadsSecure, specialized environments for people living with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia, with staff trained in memory support.
We also offer Senior Living Assessments in Hampton Roads, Community Recommendations in Hampton Roads, and Transition Support in Hampton Roads.
What Hampton Roads families should know
- Bridge and tunnel traffic can make visits harder than they look on a map. Choosing the right side of the water for family visits matters.
- Hampton Roads has one of the largest military and veteran communities in the country. Veterans who use the Hampton VA Medical Center should ask about benefits that may help with care costs.
- Which Area Agency on Aging to call depends on the city. Peninsula Agency on Aging covers Hampton and Poquoson; Senior Services of Southeastern Virginia covers the Southside cities.
- Some families decide to move a parent from Hampton Roads closer to children in the Richmond area. We can help with communities in either region.
We are not owned by any senior living community. We explain exactly how we are paid before you commit, and we only recommend communities that fit your loved one.
Local resources
Nearby hospitals
- Sentara Norfolk General Hospital
- Sentara CarePlex Hospital
- Hampton VA Medical Center
Peninsula Agency on Aging & Senior Services of Southeastern Virginia
Peninsula Agency on Aging serves Hampton and Poquoson; Senior Services of Southeastern Virginia serves Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Portsmouth, and Suffolk.
Virginia Department of Social Services(opens in a new tab)
Licenses assisted living facilities. Look up a community’s license and inspection history before you tour.
Virginia Department of Health(opens in a new tab)
Licenses nursing homes through its Office of Licensure and Certification.
SeniorNavigator.org(opens in a new tab)
A free statewide directory of aging and caregiving resources across Virginia.
Hampton Roads senior living questions
Our family is split between the Peninsula and Southside. Where should we look?
We usually start with who will visit most often and where your loved one sees doctors. Crossing the water can add real time to every visit, so choosing the right side of Hampton Roads up front can make a big difference for everyone.
Can you help a military family in Hampton Roads?
Yes. Many families we talk with have military or veteran ties. We help you think through VA benefits that may apply, point you to accredited veterans service officers, and compare communities that fit your loved one’s needs.
What is the difference between assisted living and memory care in Hampton Roads?
Assisted living helps with daily tasks like bathing, dressing, and medications in a residential setting. Memory care is designed for people living with Alzheimer’s or other dementia, with secured spaces, specially trained staff, and structured routines. Many communities offer both, and we help you decide which fits your loved one today and later.
Who licenses senior living communities in Virginia?
Assisted living facilities in Virginia are licensed by the Virginia Department of Social Services. Nursing homes are licensed by the Virginia Department of Health. You can look up a community’s license and inspection reports before you tour, and we encourage every family to do so.
Can Medicaid or the Virginia Auxiliary Grant help pay for care?
They may help some families. Virginia Medicaid long-term care can help eligible people with care costs, and the Virginia Auxiliary Grant helps some eligible residents pay for assisted living. Not every community accepts them, so it is important to ask before you tour. We can help you find communities that do.
How is Porchlight paid?
Some communities pay us a referral fee when a family we help moves in, and families can also hire us for paid advisory services. We explain exactly how we are paid before you commit, and we only recommend communities that fit your loved one.
How do we get started with Porchlight in Hampton Roads?
Call us at 804-713-6994 or send a message. We will listen to what is happening with your loved one, answer your questions, and talk through the next steps for your family in Hampton Roads.