Burke is an affluent area of northern Virginia, with tree-lined streets, large parks, forests and golf courses, located around 9 miles southwest of Arlington. The population is approximately 60,000 as of the 2020 U.S. Census report, with around 9,000 seniors aged 65 and over. Locals have access to excellent medical care at Inova Fairfax Hospital in nearby Falls Church, which is ranked first in Virginia by U.S. News. The average household income in the area is more than double the national average and almost double that of Virginia. Living costs are quite high, however, particularly in housing and transportation.
Assisted living communities in Burke are also relatively expensive at $5,948 per month, according to Genworth’s 2021 Cost of Care Survey. The norm for Virginia overall is lower by around $700 per month, while the national average is lower by $1,448. This level of care generally includes accommodation, meals, activities, medication management and help with everyday tasks, such as dressing and bathing.
This guide provides more information on assisted living costs in Burke, financial assistance programs and the laws governing these communities. It also provides local contacts for information and helpful programs for seniors.
Hundreds of thousands of American seniors utilize assisted living, a figure that is only growing. For these seniors, assisted living combines residential housing,assistance in daily activities, and some healthcare. These communities also strive to provide an atmosphere that is comfortable and engaging for their residents… Read More >
COVID-19 restrictions and rules for Assisted Living Facilities are typically set by the state – to see the rules in your state, you can read our guide to Assisted Living in Virginia. Keep in mind that there may be other policies that communities put in place to protect their residents, so you should contact your local community for more information. Additionally, you can contact your local Area Agency on Aging to learn more. Find contact information here.
Assisted living care in Burke costs an average of $5,948 per month, which is relatively high due to its proximity to Washington, DC.
Seniors in Burke pay 11.7% more than the average Virginian for assisted living care, and 24% more than the norm for the United States as a whole.
At $5,015, assisted living in the closest surveyed city, Winchester, is priced lower by $933. Harrisonburg and Charlottesville are just slightly more affordable than Burke, with average monthly savings of around $240. Further to the southwest, Roanoke’s average cost for assisted living, $4,901, is roughly the same as in Burke. This level of care is substantially more affordable to the south in Richmond, where seniors save over $1,000 per month compared to those in Burke.
Note: Data for Burke was unavailable, so data for the nearest city, Washington, DC, was used instead.
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:
For more information about your options for making assisted living more affordable, visit our guide to Assisted Living in Virginia.
Resource | Contact | Service |
Fairfax County Older Adults Services | (703) 324-7948 | The Fairfax County Department of Family Services can provide answers, assistance and connections to over a dozen programs for seniors. Older Adults Services helps seniors apply to programs and benefits such as Medicaid, Medicare, nutrition, tax relief, transportation and care management. Requests for services can be submitted via the website, and the resource line is open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. |
Fairfax County Senior Transportation Programs | See website for details | Seniors and people with disabilities may be eligible for numerous free and discounted transportation programs in Fairfax County that include volunteer-run services providing rides for medical appointments, grocery shopping, banking and other errands, as well as discounted rates on fixed-route transit. Non-emergency and critical medical transportation, including paratransit options, is also available. |
Legal Services of Northern Virginia | (703) 778-6800 | You may qualify for free legal services, including representation in court and other proceedings, from this organization and its Elder Law Practice Group. Applicants for elder law services must be aged 60 and over. Low-income residents of any age can apply for similar services. Common issues include disputes over eligibility for Medicaid, Social Security and disability benefits, debt collection and powers of attorney. |
Burke/West Springfield Senior Center Without Walls | (703) 278-8605 | The Senior Center Without Walls program operates in partnership with public libraries, churches and senior centers in neighboring areas to bring programs and services closer to Burke. Alternatively, you can check the directory of all nearby senior centers in Fairfax County and, if necessary, find out if you’re eligible for transportation via the programs described above. |
Virginia Department of Veterans Services – Fairfax Office | (703) 359-1239 | Veterans and their eligible dependents are encouraged to contact the Veteran Service Officers for help dealing with the VA. All services are free, including help gathering the information needed to apply for various assistance programs, filing claims and appealing denied claims. Many helpful resources, guides and checklists for veteran seniors in northern Virginia are also available online from ServingTogether. |
Assisted Living Facilities in the Burke area are required to follow a set of rules and regulations that are determined at the state level. 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.