Area Agencies on Aging in Virginia

Complete Guide to Area Agencies on Aging in Virginia (2026)

Last updated: January 05, 2026

If You Need Emergency Help

Call 911 immediately if you or someone you know is in immediate danger, experiencing a medical emergency, or being abused or neglected.

For urgent aging or disability assistance:

• Virginia Division for Aging Services: 1-800-552-3402 – Statewide information and assistance hotline
• Adult Protective Services: 1-888-832-3858 – Report elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation
• Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 – Free, confidential support
• National Suicide Prevention Lifline: 988 – Mental health crisis support

For immediate assistance:

• 211 Virginia – Dial 2-1-1 for local emergency resources and crisis intervention
• Contact your local Area Agency on Aging for immediate support coordination

Key Takeaways

• Virginia has 25 Area Agencies on Aging serving all cities and counties through Planning and Service Areas (PSAs)
• All core services are free or low-cost for seniors 60+ and their family caregivers
• Call 1-800-552-3402 to connect with aging services from anywhere in Virginia
• CCC Plus Waiver provides comprehensive home and community-based services with no waiting list
• Consumer-directed care allows participants to hire and manage their own caregivers, including family members
• Virginia Navigator provides online resource directory and information portal
• Cardinal Care Managed Care coordinates all Medicaid services through single health plans

What Are Virginia’s Area Agencies on Aging?

Virginia’s Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) are local organizations designated under the federal Older Americans Act to plan, coordinate, and deliver essential services for older adults and their caregivers throughout the Commonwealth. Each AAA serves as the aging services hub for their designated Planning and Service Area (PSA), working closely with the Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS) to ensure comprehensive service delivery.

Virginia’s system is built on the principle that aging services should be locally planned and delivered while maintaining statewide coordination and standards. This approach allows each AAA to tailor services to meet the unique needs of their communities—from the urban corridors of Northern Virginia to the rural counties of Southwest Virginia.

The Commonwealth’s 25 AAAs work together through the Virginia Association of Area Agencies on Aging (V4A) to advocate for older adults, share best practices, and ensure consistent service quality across the state. This collaborative approach helps leverage resources and expertise while maintaining local responsiveness.

Virginia’s aging network emphasizes “aging in place”—helping seniors remain in their homes and communities for as long as possible. This philosophy drives service design and resource allocation throughout the state’s aging services system.

Virginia’s 25 Area Agencies on Aging

PSA 1: Senior Services Coalition of Alamance County, NC

Note: This PSA also serves adjacent Virginia localities

PSA 2: Crater District Area Agency on Aging

Counties/Cities Served: Cities of Colonial Heights, Hopewell, Petersburg; Counties of Charles City, Chesterfield, Dinwiddie, Greensville, New Kent, Powhatan, Prince George, Surry, Sussex
Service Population: Approximately 180,000 seniors
Contact Information:

• Phone: (804) 722-9366
• Address: 21 E. Cawson Street, Hopewell, VA 23860

PSA 3: Capital Area Agency on Aging

Counties/Cities Served: City of Richmond; Counties of Goochland, Hanover, Henrico
Service Population: Approximately 150,000 seniors
Contact Information:

• Phone: (804) 343-3000
• Address: 24 E. Cary Street, Richmond, VA 23219

PSA 4: Agency on Aging for Rappahannock Area

Counties/Cities Served: Cities of Fredericksburg; Counties of Caroline, King George, Spotsylvania, Stafford, Westmoreland
Service Population: Approximately 85,000 seniors
Contact Information:

• Phone: (540) 371-3375
• Address: 460 Lendall Lane, Fredericksburg, VA 22408

PSA 5: Northern Virginia Area Agency on Aging

Counties/Cities Served: Cities of Alexandria, Fairfax, Falls Church; Counties of Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun, Prince William
Service Population: Approximately 400,000 seniors
Contact Information:

• Phone: (703) 324-5411
• Address: 12011 Government Center Parkway, Suite 530, Fairfax, VA 22035

PSA 6: Jefferson Area Board for Aging

Counties/Cities Served: City of Charlottesville; Counties of Albemarle, Fluvanna, Greene, Louisa, Nelson
Service Population: Approximately 75,000 seniors
Contact Information:

• Phone: (434) 817-5222
• Address: 674 Hillsdale Drive, Charlottesville, VA 22901

PSA 7: Piedmont Area Agency on Aging

Counties/Cities Served: Counties of Amelia, Buckingham, Charlotte, Cumberland, Lunenburg, Nottoway, Prince Edward
Service Population: Approximately 25,000 seniors
Contact Information:

• Phone: (434) 767-4346
• Address: Multiple service locations

PSA 8: Central Virginia Alliance for Community Living

Counties/Cities Served: Cities of Lynchburg; Counties of Amherst, Appomattox, Bedford, Campbell
Service Population: Approximately 65,000 seniors
Contact Information:

• Phone: (434) 385-9070
• Website: cvacl.org

PSA 9: Lord Fairfax Area Agency on Aging

Counties/Cities Served: Cities of Winchester; Counties of Clarke, Frederick, Page, Shenandoah, Warren
Service Population: Approximately 55,000 seniors
Contact Information:

• Phone: (540) 635-7141
• Address: 4274 Ridgewood Center Drive, Winchester, VA 22602

PSA 10: Valley Area Agency on Aging

Counties/Cities Served: Cities of Harrisonburg, Staunton, Waynesboro; Counties of Augusta, Highland, Rockbridge, Rockingham
Service Population: Approximately 80,000 seniors
Contact Information:

• Phone: (540) 885-5174
• Address: Multiple office locations

PSA 11: Area Agency on Aging of the Rappahannock-Rapidan

Counties/Cities Served: Counties of Culpeper, Fauquier, Madison, Orange, Rappahannock
Service Population: Approximately 45,000 seniors
Contact Information:

• Phone: (540) 829-7450
• Address: 328 Willis Lane, Culpeper, VA 22701

PSA 12: New River Valley Agency on Aging

Counties/Cities Served: Cities of Radford; Counties of Floyd, Giles, Montgomery, Pulaski
Service Population: Approximately 50,000 seniors
Contact Information:

• Phone: (540) 980-7720
• Address: 143 Third Street NW, Pulaski, VA 24301

PSA 13: District Three Governmental Cooperative

Counties/Cities Served: Counties of Alleghany, Bath, Botetourt, Craig, Roanoke; City of Roanoke
Service Population: Approximately 85,000 seniors
Contact Information:

• Phone: (540) 345-0451
• Address: 1969 Roanoke Boulevard, Salem, VA 24153

PSA 14: Southside Area Agency on Aging

Counties/Cities Served: Cities of Danville, Martinsville; Counties of Brunswick, Halifax, Mecklenburg, Pittsylvania
Service Population: Approximately 60,000 seniors
Contact Information:

• Phone: (434) 447-7661
• Address: Multiple service locations

PSA 15: Southern Area Agency on Aging

Counties/Cities Served: Cities of Danville, Martinsville; Counties of Franklin, Henry, Patrick, Pittsylvania
Service Population: Approximately 45,000 seniors
Contact Information:

• Phone: (276) 632-6442
• Website: southernaaa.org

PSA 16: Mount Rogers Area Agency on Aging

Counties/Cities Served: Cities of Bristol, Galax; Counties of Carroll, Grayson, Smyth, Washington, Wythe; Town of Hillsville
Service Population: Approximately 70,000 seniors
Contact Information:

• Phone: (276) 783-8157
• Address: 1021 Terrace Drive, Marion, VA 24354

PSA 17: Cumberland Plateau Area Agency on Aging

Counties/Cities Served: City of Norton; Counties of Buchanan, Dickenson, Lee, Russell, Scott, Tazewell, Wise
Service Population: Approximately 55,000 seniors
Contact Information:

• Phone: (276) 328-2302
• Address: 1925 West A Street, Wise, VA 24293

PSA 18: Eastern Shore Area Agency on Aging

Counties/Cities Served: Counties of Accomack, Northampton
Service Population: Approximately 18,000 seniors
Contact Information:

• Phone: (757) 787-4564
• Address: 5432 Bayside Road, Exmore, VA 23350

PSA 19: Peninsula Agency on Aging

Counties/Cities Served: Cities of Hampton, Newport News, Poquoson, Williamsburg; Counties of James City, York
Service Population: Approximately 125,000 seniors
Contact Information:

• Phone: (757) 873-0541
• Address: 739 Thimble Shoals Boulevard, Suite 1006, Newport News, VA 23606

PSA 20: Senior Services of Southeastern Virginia

Counties/Cities Served: Cities of Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Suffolk, Virginia Beach
Service Population: Approximately 300,000 seniors
Contact Information:

• Phone: (757) 461-9481
• Address: 6350 Center Drive, Suite 101, Norfolk, VA 23502

PSA 21: Bay Aging

Counties/Cities Served: Counties of Essex, Gloucester, King and Queen, King William, Lancaster, Mathews, Middlesex, Northumberland, Richmond, Westmoreland
Service Population: Approximately 40,000 seniors
Contact Information:

• Phone: (804) 758-2386
• Address: 5694 Richmond Road, Warsaw, VA 22572

PSA 22: Senior Connections

Counties/Cities Served: City of Richmond; Counties of Chesterfield, Goochland, Hanover, Henrico, New Kent, Powhatan
Service Population: Approximately 200,000 seniors
Contact Information:

• Phone: (804) 343-3000
• Address: 24 E. Cary Street, Richmond, VA 23219

PSA 23: Alexandria Division of Aging and Adult Services

City Served: Alexandria
Service Population: Approximately 25,000 seniors
Contact Information:

• Phone: (703) 746-5999
• Address: 2525 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22301

PSA 24: Arlington County Department of Human Services

County Served: Arlington County
Service Population: Approximately 40,000 seniors
Contact Information:

• Phone: (703) 228-1700
• Address: 2100 Washington Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22204

PSA 25: Fairfax Area Agency on Aging

Counties/Cities Served: City of Fairfax; Fairfax County
Service Population: Approximately 200,000 seniors
Contact Information:

• Phone: (703) 324-5411
• Address: 12011 Government Center Parkway, Suite 530, Fairfax, VA 22035

Note: Contact information may change. Always verify current details by calling 1-800-552-3402.

Core Services Provided by Virginia AAAs

Information and Assistance

Every AAA provides comprehensive information and assistance services to help Virginia seniors and their families navigate available resources and make informed decisions.

Services Include:

• Complete information about local, state, and federal programs
• Benefits counseling for Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, and SNAP
• Long-term care options counseling and planning
• Referrals to appropriate service providers
• Crisis intervention and emergency assistance coordination
• Healthcare navigation and insurance counseling

Virginia Navigator: AAAs utilize Virginia Navigator, a comprehensive online resource directory that provides detailed information about services throughout the Commonwealth.

Nutrition Programs

Virginia’s nutrition programs address food insecurity while promoting health, social interaction, and community engagement.

Congregate Meal Programs: Nutritious meals served at senior centers, community centers, churches, and other locations throughout Virginia. Programs provide social opportunities, health education, wellness checks, and access to other services. Suggested donation is typically $3-5 for seniors 60+.

Home-Delivered Meals: For seniors who cannot attend congregate meal sites due to illness, disability, transportation barriers, or caregiving responsibilities. Volunteers deliver hot, cold, or frozen meals directly to homes, often providing vital social contact and safety checks.

Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program: $50 in vouchers annually for eligible seniors to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables at participating farmers markets, promoting healthy eating and supporting local agriculture.

Nutrition Education and Counseling: Programs addressing special dietary needs, cooking for one or two people, food safety, and managing nutrition for chronic conditions common among older adults.

Transportation Services

Transportation services are essential for maintaining independence and accessing services throughout Virginia’s diverse geographic regions.

Medical Transportation: Priority service for healthcare appointments, including transportation to major medical centers in Richmond, Norfolk, Charlottesville, and Northern Virginia. Services accommodate wheelchairs and other mobility devices.

General Transportation: Scheduled service for shopping, banking, social activities, and essential errands. Urban AAAs typically offer more frequent service while rural areas operate on scheduled route days.

Volunteer Driver Programs: Community volunteers provide transportation, especially important in rural areas where commercial services are limited. Many programs reimburse volunteers for mileage and provide liability coverage.

Public Transit Partnerships: AAAs coordinate with local transit authorities to provide reduced-fare programs, route information, and transportation training for seniors unfamiliar with public transit.

Legal Services

Free legal assistance for seniors addressing civil legal issues that affect their safety, security, and independence.

Legal Issues Addressed:

• Medicare and Medicaid problems, appeals, and eligibility
• Social Security and SSI benefit issues and appeals
• Consumer protection against scams and predatory practices
• Housing issues including landlord-tenant disputes and home repairs
• Estate planning basics (wills, advance directives, power of attorney)
• Healthcare decision-making and patient rights
• Family law issues affecting seniors
• Public benefits applications and appeals

Virginia Senior Legal Helpline: Some AAAs coordinate with legal aid organizations to provide telephone-based legal consultations and advice.

Family Caregiver Support

Comprehensive support for family caregivers recognizing their critical role in Virginia’s long-term care system.

National Family Caregiver Support Program Services:

• Information and education about caregiving resources and techniques
• Caregiver skills training and educational workshops
• Support groups (in-person and virtual options)
• Respite care services to give caregivers temporary relief
• Limited financial assistance for respite and support services
• Specialized programming for caregivers of people with dementia

Powerful Tools for Caregivers: Evidence-based education program helping caregivers develop self-care skills, reduce stress, and improve their own health while providing care.

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: Specialized support for grandparents and other relatives providing full-time care for children, including kinship navigator services.

Health Promotion and Disease Prevention

Evidence-based programs designed to help seniors maintain health, prevent disease complications, and avoid injuries.

Chronic Disease Self-Management Programs:

• Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (CDSMP)
• Diabetes Self-Management Program
• Chronic Pain Self-Management Program
• Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program

Fall Prevention Programs:

• A Matter of Balance
• Stepping On
• Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention
• Home safety assessments and environmental modifications

Other Wellness Programs:

• Bingocize® (exercise combined with bingo)
• Depression awareness and screening
• Medication management education
• Health insurance counseling (VICAP)

Virginia’s Medicaid Long-Term Care System

Virginia operates an innovative Medicaid system through Cardinal Care Managed Care, which includes comprehensive home and community-based services through the CCC Plus Waiver.

Commonwealth Coordinated Care Plus (CCC Plus) Waiver

CCC Plus is Virginia’s comprehensive Medicaid waiver serving over 260,000 individuals who need nursing home or hospital level care but prefer to remain in their communities.

How CCC Plus Works:

• Mandatory managed care program for all eligible Virginia Medicaid recipients
• Services delivered through contracted Managed Care Organizations (MCOs)
• Integrated medical, behavioral health, and long-term care services
• No waiting list—services available to all who qualify
• Both agency-directed and consumer-directed care options

Services Provided:

• Personal care assistance with activities of daily living
• Adult day care and adult day health programs
• Private duty nursing and skilled nursing services
• Personal emergency response systems
• Home modifications and assistive technology
• Non-medical transportation
• Respite care for family caregivers
• Transition services (nursing home to community)
• Case management and care coordination

Consumer-Directed Services: CCC Plus offers robust consumer direction options allowing participants to:

• Hire their own personal care attendants, including family members (except spouses and legal guardians)
• Manage their own care schedules and services
• Train and supervise their chosen caregivers
• Receive support from Services Facilitators for employer responsibilities

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be eligible for Virginia Medicaid (Cardinal Care)
• Must need nursing facility or hospital level of care
• Age 65+ or under 65 with qualifying disability
• Must be able to live safely in community with services
• Income limit: $2,901/month for individuals (2025)
• Asset limit: $2,000 for individuals, $3,000 for couples

Managed Care Organizations (MCOs): CCC Plus participants choose from several MCOs that coordinate all their Medicaid services:

• Aetna Better Health of Virginia
• Anthem HealthKeepers Plus
• Molina Healthcare of Virginia
• Optima Health Community Care
• UnitedHealthcare Community Plan
• VaCare (Virginia Premier)

Dual Eligible Special Needs Plans (D-SNPs)

For individuals eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid, Virginia offers D-SNPs that coordinate benefits from both programs through a single health plan, simplifying care coordination and reducing administrative burden.

Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE)

PACE provides comprehensive medical and social services for individuals 55+ who need nursing home level care but want to remain in the community. PACE operates in select Virginia locations and includes:

• Primary care and specialist services
• Adult day health centers
• Home care services
• Transportation
• Social services
• Medication management

Money Follows the Person (MFP)

Virginia’s MFP program helps individuals transition from nursing homes back to community living by providing:

• Transition planning and coordination
• Home modifications and accessibility improvements
• Temporary rental assistance during transitions
• Connection to ongoing community services
• One-time transition expenses

Special Population Services

Northern Virginia Seniors

The Northern Virginia region (Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun, Prince William) serves a diverse, high-income population with unique needs.

Northern Virginia Adaptations:

• Multilingual services (Spanish, Korean, Vietnamese, Chinese, Arabic, and others)
• High cost-of-living considerations
• Extensive public transit coordination
• Technology-enhanced service delivery
• Cultural competency for diverse immigrant populations
• Coordination with Washington D.C. metro area resources

Rural Virginia Seniors

Rural counties throughout Virginia face challenges including geographic isolation, limited transportation, and fewer service providers.

Rural Adaptations:

• Mobile service delivery to remote communities
• Volunteer driver networks covering large geographic areas
• Telehealth and virtual programming
• Coordination with faith-based organizations
• Seasonal service adjustments for weather conditions
• Emergency communication systems for isolated seniors

Appalachian Region Services: Southwest Virginia’s mountainous terrain requires specialized approaches:

• Understanding of Appalachian culture and values
• Coordination with coal mining heritage communities
• Economic transition support
• Health disparities intervention
• Traditional food and cultural programming

Urban Virginia Seniors

Cities like Richmond, Norfolk, Virginia Beach, and Newport News serve diverse urban populations.

Urban Adaptations:

• Public housing coordination
• Homeless senior outreach programs
• Violence prevention and safety programming
• Public transit accessibility training
• Community gardening and urban agriculture programs
• Environmental health considerations

Military and Veteran Seniors

Virginia has the fourth-largest veteran population in the nation, with major military installations throughout the state.

Military-Specific Services:

• VA benefits application assistance
• Transportation to VA medical centers
• Coordination between VA and state Medicaid programs
• Military family support services
• Deployment cycle support for military families caring for seniors
• Honor guard and burial assistance coordination

Key VA Resources:

• Hampton VA Medical Center
• Richmond VA Medical Center
• Salem VA Medical Center
• Multiple Community-Based Outpatient Clinics

LGBTQ+ Seniors

Virginia AAAs work to ensure LGBTQ+ seniors feel welcome and safe when accessing services.

LGBTQ+ Considerations:

• Non-discrimination policies in all programs
• Staff training on LGBTQ+ cultural competency
• Inclusive intake forms and documentation
• Support for same-sex couples in care planning
• Referrals to LGBTQ+ affirming providers when requested
• Pride programming and community engagement

African American Seniors

Virginia’s significant African American senior population receives culturally responsive services.

Culturally Responsive Programming:

• Partnership with historically black churches
• Cultural food preferences in nutrition programs
• Historical trauma-informed care approaches
• Health disparities intervention
• Civil rights era recognition and programming
• Extended family and community network integration

How to Access Services in Virginia

Step 1: Contact Your Entry Point

Primary Access Methods:

• Virginia Division for Aging Services: 1-800-552-3402
• Your Local AAA: Find through Virginia Navigator or DARS website
• 211 Virginia: Dial 2-1-1 for comprehensive resource information
• Virginia Navigator: Online resource directory at virginianavigator.org

Step 2: Initial Screening and Assessment

AAA staff will gather information about:

• Your location and PSA
• Type of assistance needed
• Current living situation and support system
• Urgency of needs and crisis factors
• Basic financial information (for Medicaid programs)
• Preferences for service delivery and providers

Step 3: Service Planning and Coordination

Based on your assessment, you may receive:

• Information about available services and programs
• Referrals to appropriate local providers
• Assistance with benefit applications (Cardinal Care, SNAP, etc.)
• Long-term care options counseling
• Scheduling for CCC Plus screening if appropriate
• Emergency assistance coordination

Step 4: Implementation and Follow-Up

For ongoing services:

• Service authorization and provider selection
• Care plan development (for CCC Plus participants)
• MCO enrollment and health plan selection
• Regular reassessments and plan updates
• Advocacy and problem-solving assistance

Costs and Financial Assistance

Free Services

Available at no cost to eligible participants:

• Information and assistance through AAAs
• Benefits counseling and application assistance
• Long-term care options counseling
• Legal consultations and advice
• Case management for Medicaid programs
• Health promotion and disease prevention programs
• Caregiver education and support

Donation-Based Services

Suggested donations help sustain programs, but services cannot be denied for inability to pay:

• Congregate meals ($3-5 suggested donation)
• Home-delivered meals ($3-6 suggested donation)
• Transportation services ($2-10 suggested donation depending on distance)
• Some recreational and educational programs

Cardinal Care (Medicaid) Funded Services

Long-term care services funded through Virginia Medicaid:

• CCC Plus Waiver comprehensive services
• PACE program services
• Nursing home care when appropriate
• Regular medical and behavioral health care

Cost-Sharing: Some CCC Plus participants may have small monthly cost-sharing based on income after allowing for basic living expenses.

State and Local Programs

Virginia State Programs:

• Property tax relief programs (varies by locality)
• Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program
• Energy assistance programs
• Prescription drug assistance programs

Local Programs:

• Locality-specific property tax exemptions
• Utility assistance programs
• Emergency assistance funds
• Senior discount programs

Financial Eligibility for Virginia Medicaid Programs

2026 Income and Asset Limits

Cardinal Care (Regular Medicaid):

• Individual: $1,638/month income, $2,000 assets
• Couple: $2,208/month income, $3,000 assets

Long-Term Care Programs (CCC Plus):

• Individual: $2,901/month income, $2,000 assets
• Married couple (both applying): $5,802/month combined income, $4,000 assets
• Married couple (one applying): $2,901/month for applicant; non-applicant spouse protected up to $157,920 in assets

What Counts as Income and Assets

Countable Income: Social Security, pensions, wages, investment income, rental income, unemployment benefits Exempt Income: Limited amounts of interest, certain veteran benefits, some life insurance proceeds

Countable Assets: Bank accounts, investments, second homes, vehicles over $4,650 value, life insurance over $1,500 face value Exempt Assets: Primary residence (with equity limits), one vehicle, personal belongings, burial funds up to $1,500

Asset Protection Strategies

Virginia allows various legal strategies to protect assets while qualifying for Medicaid:

• Special needs trusts for disabled individuals
• Qualified income trusts (Miller trusts) for excess income
• Asset conversion to exempt resources
• Spousal protection strategies for married couples

Quality and Accountability

Program Standards and Oversight

Virginia’s aging services operate under comprehensive oversight:

• Federal Older Americans Act and Medicaid requirements
• Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services standards
• Cardinal Care Managed Care quality requirements
• Professional licensing requirements for service providers
• Consumer protection and rights enforcement

Monitoring and Quality Assurance

Regular Quality Reviews:

• Annual AAA performance evaluations
• Consumer satisfaction surveys and feedback systems
• Financial audits and compliance monitoring
• MCO quality assessments and report cards
• Provider quality monitoring and improvement

Consumer Protections:

• Background checks for all direct care workers
• Service provider certification and monitoring
• Emergency response protocols and safety planning
• Fraud prevention and investigation
• Consumer rights education and advocacy

Your Rights as a Service Recipient

Fundamental Rights:

• Receive services without discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or sexual orientation
• Have personal information kept confidential
• Participate in decisions about services and care
• File complaints and appeals without fear of retaliation
• Receive services that meet professional standards
• Choose your own providers (where applicable)
• Self-direct your care (in CCC Plus consumer-directed services)

Complaint and Appeals Process

For General AAA Services:

1. Contact your AAA case manager or supervisor
2. Contact the AAA director
3. Contact Virginia DARS Division for Aging Services
4. Contact federal Administration for Community Living if needed

For Cardinal Care/CCC Plus Services:

1. Contact your case manager or MCO member services
2. File grievance with your MCO
3. Request state fair hearing through DMAS
4. Contact Virginia Long-Term Care Ombudsman for advocacy

Key Advocacy Resources:

• Virginia Long-Term Care Ombudsman: 1-800-552-3402
• Disability Law Center of Virginia: (804) 225-2042
• Legal Aid Justice Center: Multiple locations statewide
• Virginia Poverty Law Center: (804) 782-9430

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do Virginia’s aging services differ between Northern Virginia and rural Southwest Virginia?

Northern Virginia offers more frequent services, extensive multilingual programming, and higher cost-of-living adaptations, while Southwest Virginia focuses on mobile service delivery, understanding of Appalachian culture, and coordination with faith-based organizations. However, core services like CCC Plus waiver benefits are available statewide with consistent standards, though delivery methods may vary based on local resources and geography.

Can I choose my own caregiver through Virginia’s CCC Plus program, including hiring family members?

Yes, CCC Plus offers robust consumer direction options. You can hire your own personal care attendants, including adult children and other family members (except spouses and legal guardians). You’ll receive support from a Services Facilitator who helps with employment responsibilities, and you maintain control over hiring, training, scheduling, and managing your caregivers.

What’s the difference between Cardinal Care and CCC Plus, and do I need both?

Cardinal Care is Virginia’s overall Medicaid managed care program that includes regular medical benefits. CCC Plus is the waiver component within Cardinal Care that provides long-term care services for people who need nursing home level care. If you qualify for CCC Plus, you automatically receive both regular medical benefits and long-term care services through the same MCO.

How does Virginia coordinate services for military families and veterans?

Virginia AAAs coordinate closely with VA medical centers and family support services on military installations. They provide specialized assistance with VA benefits, transportation to VA facilities, and coordination between VA and state Medicaid programs. Military families caring for senior relatives can access respite care and support services adapted to deployment cycles.

What happens if I move from one Virginia county to another—do my services transfer?

Yes, services can transfer when you move within Virginia, though you’ll need to contact the AAA in your new area to establish services there. For CCC Plus participants, your benefits continue but you may need to select new providers and potentially a new MCO if your current one doesn’t serve your new area. The transfer process is generally smooth within Virginia’s coordinated system.

Are there services specifically designed for Virginia’s diverse immigrant and refugee senior populations?

Yes, especially in Northern Virginia and urban areas. AAAs provide multilingual services in languages including Spanish, Korean, Vietnamese, Chinese, and Arabic. Cultural competency training ensures respectful service delivery, and specialized programs address unique needs including citizenship assistance, culturally appropriate meals, and navigation of complex systems for seniors unfamiliar with American healthcare and benefit systems.

How does Virginia’s system help seniors who are caring for grandchildren or other relatives?

Virginia’s Family Caregiver Support Program includes specialized services for “grandfamilies” and kinship caregivers. This includes kinship navigator services, support groups specifically for grandparents raising grandchildren, respite care, educational workshops on child development and behavior, and assistance accessing resources for children like educational support and healthcare.

What options exist for Virginia seniors who need more care than CCC Plus provides but want to avoid nursing homes?

Virginia offers several alternatives including enhanced adult day health programs, PACE (in select areas), assisted living with CCC Plus services, intensive case management, and family caregiver support. Some areas also have innovative housing options like senior cohousing or assisted living communities that accept CCC Plus for services while residents pay separately for room and board.

How does Virginia’s system address the needs of LGBTQ+ seniors who may have experienced discrimination?

Virginia AAAs provide non-discrimination training for all staff, use inclusive intake forms, and work to create welcoming environments. They can refer to LGBTQ+ affirming providers and services, support same-sex couples in care planning, and participate in Pride events and community engagement. Some areas have specialized LGBTQ+ senior programming and support groups.

What assistance is available for Virginia seniors facing financial abuse or scams?

Virginia AAAs coordinate with Adult Protective Services to investigate financial abuse and exploitation. They provide education on common scams, assist with identity theft recovery, offer legal consultations through legal aid partnerships, and help seniors establish protective measures like representative payees or guardianship when appropriate. Many AAAs also offer financial literacy programs and work with banks to implement protective protocols for vulnerable seniors.

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Disclaimer

Service availability, contact information, and program details can change without advance notice. While this guide uses the most current information available as of January 2026, we strongly recommend verifying all details directly with your local AAA or the Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services before making decisions or applying for services.

This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional legal, medical, or financial advice. Always consult with qualified professionals for advice specific to your situation.

For the most current information, contact:

• Virginia Division for Aging Services: 1-800-552-3402
• Your local Area Agency on Aging
• Virginia Navigator: virginianavigator.org
• 211 Virginia: Dial 2-1-1

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About This Guide

Researched and Compiled by Grants for Seniors

This guide has been carefully researched using publicly available government resources and official program websites. We systematically review federal and state program information to create comprehensive, accurate guides for older Americans seeking assistance programs.

Our Sources: All information comes from official sources including the Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services, Department of Medical Assistance Services, federal agency websites (HHS, Administration for Community Living, CMS), state government departments, official program documentation, and verified nonprofit organization resources.

Verification Process: Each program listing undergoes thorough verification by cross-referencing information across multiple official sources, checking current program status, verifying contact information, and confirming eligibility requirements and service availability.

Information Currency:
• Last Updated: January 2026
• Sources Verified: January 2026
• Next Review: April 2026

Important Note: Government programs can change without advance notice. While this guide uses the most current available information, we strongly recommend verifying all details directly with program administrators before applying.

Found an Error? If you discover outdated information or additional programs that should be included, please contact us at info@grantsforseniors.org.

Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Always confirm program details with official sources before applying.

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This resource is independently researched to help seniors access available assistance programs in Virginia.