Welcome to the Virginia Department for the Aging

Mission Statement:

The Virginia Department for the Aging fosters the independence and well-being of older Virginians and supports their caregivers through leadership, advocacy and oversight of state and community programs, and guides the Commonwealth in preparing for an aging population.

Virginia Easy Access

Virginia Easy Access is an easy to use and easy to understand resource available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to provide information about topics and programs of particular interest to seniors, adults with disabilities, and those who care for them. Virginia Easy Access provides a simple method to search for specific services anywhere in Virginia. Virginia Easy Access is a gateway to VirginiaNavigator (which lists over 21,000 programs and services throughout the Commonwealth) and to the 2-1-1 Virginia Call Center.

Click on the logo or this text link to access the site at easyaccess.virginia.gov.

No Wrong Door

“No Wrong Door” is the Commonwealth of Virginia’s approach to one-stop for adult health and human services.  The vision of the No Wrong Door System is to have Resource Centers in every community serving as highly visible and trusted places where individuals can turn for information on the full range of long-term support options and entry to public long-term support programs and benefits.

Own Your Future

No one ever said aging would be easy, but there are steps you can take to age well! Take time now to prepare for your long-term care needs. Long-term care refers to a broad range of supportive medical, personal, and social services required by people who are unable to meet their basic living needs for an extended period of time. Learn more about how you can Own Your Future by reviewing the resources available at www.vda.virginia.gov/oyf.

Project 2025: Enhanced Access to Legal Assistance for Older Adults in Virginia

According to various projections, there will be over one million more Older Adults in Virginia by the year 2025. We are preparing now to ensure that seniors and their caregivers have adequate access to legal information and legal assistance when needed. Click on the image at right or this link to visit the Project 2025 web site, or read more about it on our site in this PDF document. (07/17/2008)

Virginia GrandDriver

While most older drivers are good drivers, the physical changes associated with aging can ultimately affect our ability to drive safely. The Virginia GrandDriver web site provides information about aging and its effects on driving.

Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage

The Medicare Modernization Act (MMA) makes Prescription Drug Coverage available to Medicare beneficiaries. This prescription drug coverage (Medicare Part D) is designed to help individuals who qualify for Medicare pay for the prescriptions they need.

Other (Non-Medicare) Prescription Drug Assistance

In addition to Medicare Part D, there are other types of prescription drug assistance programs available, such as those offered by non-for-profit organizations, membership groups and pharmaceutical companies.

Aging News

The News page contains items of interest to Virginia's aging population, their families and caregivers, or to individuals who work or volunteer in the aging field. Click the "News" icon at right to see the latest updates.

What's New!

Governor Kaine Announces Precautions to Prepare Virginia to Respond to Swine Flu
 
Governor Timothy M. Kaine announced [4/27/09] that the Commonwealth is preparing for any outbreak of swine flu by increasing its communication with healthcare providers, and is preparing to receive additional antiviral medication from the Centers for Disease Control.
 
“I share the concerns of health officials at home and abroad regarding swine influenza,” said Governor Kaine. “Our 35 health districts across the state are working closely with their local communities.”
 
Virginia's Health Commissioner, Dr. Karen Remley, said that the current swine influenza outbreak is caused by a virus not previously seen in humans or animals. “Symptoms of swine flu are similar to those of seasonal flu and typically include fever, cough, sore throat, nasal congestion and runny nose. Additional symptoms may include diarrhea, vomiting, headache, chills and fatigue,” Dr. Remley said.
 
Persons with swine flu are contagious for up to seven days after the onset of illness and possibly longer if they are still symptomatic.
 
Virginians can monitor any developments regarding the swine flu on the websites of the CDC and VDH.
 
The Governor advised anyone with influenza like illness to protect themselves, their families and their fellow Virginians by following these standard guidelines:
 
• If you get sick, stay home and limit contact with others.
• If you feel you need medical attention, call ahead so health care providers can take infection control measures.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the used tissue in the trash.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water or alcohol-based hand cleaners.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth to prevent the spread of germs.