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- calendar_today November 10, 2026
JLARC Study Highlights Challenges in Assisted Living and In-Home Care
A recent report from Virginia’s Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission (JLARC) has raised significant concerns about the state of assisted living and in-home care services for older adults in Virginia. Presented to lawmakers in Richmond, the findings point to inadequate oversight, escalating costs, and regulatory shortcomings affecting the state's most vulnerable populations.
Affordability Remains a Central Issue for Virginia Seniors
The JLARC study emphasizes that affordability is a critical concern for the majority of Virginia’s older adults. Individuals 65 and over, who make up 17% of the state’s population, often lack sufficient income to afford either assisted living arrangements or more than limited hours of in-home care each week. The financial burden is particularly acute for those aged 85 and above, who are three to five times more likely to require support services than younger seniors.
Costs for Assisted Living and In-Home Care Continue to Rise
Data from the study reveal that assisted living consumes over 90% of most older adults’ income. The average monthly cost of assisted living in Virginia reached nearly $7,000 in 2025—a 32% increase since 2021. In-home care services displayed similar affordability challenges, further exacerbating the strain on seniors who require help to maintain their independence.
Regulatory Oversight Called 'Abysmally Weak'
JLARC staff director Hal Greer criticized the current regulatory environment, specifically the Virginia Department of Health’s (VDH) management of in-home care organizations. Greer stated, “The state’s regulation of in-home care by the Department of Health is abysmally weak and needs to be much stronger.” The situation is compounded by systemic under-staffing and outdated inspection procedures. Chief Legislative Analyst Joe McMahon highlighted that “the licensure process allows ill-prepared businesses to operate,” with inspections for most home care organizations years overdue. According to JLARC, 90% of home care organizations have not been inspected in the past two years, and several have gone more than a decade without regulatory review.
Recommended Improvements for Oversight and Affordability
To address these deficiencies, McMahon suggested a combination of increased funding for local care services, more frequent direct outreach to clients, and in-person evaluations of care quality. He noted that some operational improvements at the VDH could be implemented within months, while comprehensive, long-term changes would require legislative support during the next General Assembly cycle.
Future Steps and Legislative Involvement
The JLARC report underscores an urgent need for intervention at both the regulatory and legislative levels. With the Virginia Department of Health beginning work on operational efficiencies, the path forward will likely depend on additional funding and legislative reforms aimed at protecting older adults and improving both affordability and care oversight statewide.
Source: wric.com.
