Home Aging Services Dementia Capable Virginia For Individuals & Families When Support is Needed

When Support is Needed

Find Your Area Agency on Aging

Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) connect you to local services, caregiver support, and information about aging well in your community.

They can help you find out more about all the programs and services listed below to help support your loved one.

Find Your Local Area Agency on Aging

Care Coordination and Navigation Services

Care Coordination options for families living with dementia are a priority of Virginia’ Dementia State Plan. These services help connect people living with dementia and their caregivers to the right medical, social, and community supports at the right time. These services reduce confusion, prevent crises, and make it easier for families to navigate care as needs change over the course of the disease.

Virginia supports Dementia Care Management Programs in four locations that serve many areas of the state at no cost to the participant:

Medicare’s Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience (GUIDE) Model operates in several locations across the state. Medicare beneficiaries with traditional Medicare (Parts A & B—not Medicare Advantage Plans) may be eligible for this program. Discuss this with your preferred healthcare provider or contact one of the participating programs directly:

No Wrong Door

No Wrong Door partners work together to connect you to the right services at the right time. No Wrong Door’s Easy Access site links you with services and supports across the state, or talk to your local Area Agency on Aging. 

Memory Cafés and Social Programs

Memory Cafés are friendly gatherings where people living with dementia and their care partners can connect with others in a relaxed, social setting. Activities may include music, art, conversation, or games—always focused on joy, connection, and inclusion. They are available in many areas of Virginia. Memory Cafés may request a donation but typically do not charge a fee.

Early stage programs offer education, peer support, and engagement opportunities for people recently diagnosed with dementia. They help participants stay active, plan ahead, and build confidence while adjusting to changes.  These programs are typically available at no cost, like caregiver support groups.

Social respite programs provide a safe, stimulating environment for people with dementia to enjoy time with peers while giving caregivers a short break. Activities often include crafts, conversation, and light exercise designed to match each person’s abilities. Programs typically require participants to be mobile and independent with things like eating and using the restroom.

There is typically a charge for these programs, but scholarships are often available.  You can also consider the Virginia Lifespan Respite Voucher Program.

Adult Day Programs

Adult day programs offer structured activities, meals, and supervision in a community setting during the day. They support independence and social connection for participants while giving caregivers reliable daytime respite. Programs typically provide a higher level of support and may be an alternative to assisted living facilities.

Paying for services: Adult Day Programs typically charge a fee that is not covered by private health insurance or Medicare. Medicaid, VA benefits and long-term care insurance may be accepted. You can also consider the Virginia Lifespan Respite Voucher Program.

Search the directory of adult day programs to find one near you.

PACE programs provide comprehensive medical and social services for adults age 55 and older who need a higher level of care but want to remain in their homes and communities. Each participant receives coordinated care through an interdisciplinary team that manages health, personal, and supportive services all in one program.

Paying for services: PACE program fees are fully covered if you have both Medicare and Medicaid, but you may be responsible for a monthly fee if you only have Medicare. You may also pay out of pocket, or contact your local PACE provider for other payment options.

In-Home Care Options

In-home care options vary by location, but these are typical services offered.  Find out what is available in your area by contacting your Area Agency on Aging.

Paying for services: In-home care services may be available at low or no cost through the Area Agency on Aging. Some services may be covered by Medicaid, but Medicare does not cover costs of long-term companion or personal care (only medically-necessary short-term rehabilitation services). Veterans may be eligible for financial assistance for services; contact your local VA to be connected with a social worker.  Long-term care insurance may often be used to pay for services. In-home care agencies can help you determine your payment options. You can also consider the Virginia Lifespan Respite Voucher Program or apply for a grant from HFC, the largest provider of in-home care grants to family caregivers in the country.

Provides social interaction and help with everyday tasks like meals, light housekeeping, and errands. Ideal for people who need company and a little extra support at home.

Helps with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, eating, and mobility. Caregivers offer hands-on assistance to keep individuals safe and comfortable.

Focuses on maintaining the home environment—cleaning, laundry, shopping, and meal preparation—so the person can continue living independently.

Delivers medical care at home from licensed professionals such as nurses or therapists. Services may include medication management, wound care, or rehabilitation after illness or injury.

Gives family caregivers short-term relief while ensuring their loved one is cared for safely. Can range from a few hours to several days of in-home support.

Residential or Long-term Care

Long-term residential care provides a safe, supportive place for people who need more help than can be provided at home. Choosing this option can bring peace of mind—ensuring your loved one receives around-the-clock care, social connection, and comfort in a community designed to meet their needs.

Paying for services:  Options counselors or caregiver support specialists at Area Agencies on Aging can help you understand payment options available to you. Medicare does not cover the cost of long-term residential care (only medical/y-necessary short-term stays in a skilled nursing facility after a hospital admittance). Medicaid can cover skilled nursing facilities, but not assisted living facilities. Long-term care insurance can cover both skilled nursing and assisted living, but typically not continuing care retirement communities.  These care settings can all be paid through private pay using personal savings, retirement benefits and asset sales.

These offer a residential setting where older adults receive help with daily tasks like bathing, dressing, meals, and medication, while still maintaining a level of independence. Dedicated memory-care settings are found in assisted living facilities in Virginia.

These provide 24-hour supervision by licensed nursing staff, rehabilitation services, and care for those who need more intensive medical or personal assistance.

These are communities that offer multiple levels of care (from independent living to assisted living to nursing care) in one location so residents can transition to higher levels as their needs change.

Smaller, home-style residential care settings for a few residents, offering personal care and supervision in a more intimate environment than large facilities.

Helpful Resources

  • Cover Virginia
    Cover Virginia provides information about Medicaid eligibility and coverage. Visit their website or call 833-522-5582.
  • VICAP
    Virginia Insurance Counseling Assistance Program is available at Area Agencies on Aging. It provides free assistance with Medicare coverage including Part D pharmacy plans.
  • Virginia Long-term Care Insurance Partnership
    This is an alliance between the private insurance industry and state government to encourage Virginians to plan ahead for their long-term care needs. The State Corporation Commission provides information about long-term care insurance in Virginia.
  • State Corporation Commission Senior Resources
    This page includes information about Continuing Care Retirement Communities, Medicare and Medigap insurance.
  • Virginia Veterans Network
    The VVN can help you navigate benefits including for long-term care services, and benefits for caregivers of veterans.

This program is managed by Dementia Capable Virginia.