AARP Eye Center
En español | Caregiving may be one of the most important, and challenging, roles you’ll ever take on. No matter where you are in your caregiving journey — starting to plan; taking care of a family member in your home, in a facility, or from a distance; or managing end-of-life caregiving responsibilities — having resources at your fingertips will make the process easier.
AARP developed this family caregiver guide with you, the caregiver, in mind and as a starting point to help you find the services and support you might need throughout your journey.
To order a print copy of this online guide, call the toll-free AARP Family Caregiving Resource Line at 877-333-5885 and indicate which state(s) you would like to receive. A copy will be mailed to you.
Caregiver Support
Virginia Caregiver Coalition (804-662-7650)
Dedicated to improving the caregiving experience through education and resource accessibility, so caregivers feel valued, respected and supported.
Virginia Lifespan Respite Voucher Program (804-662-7650)
Offers vouchers to Virginia caregivers to pay for short-term, temporary relief for those who reside full- time in the home of the family member they care for. Caregivers who apply and are approved may qualify for a one-time reimbursement.
Finances
Energy Assistance Program (800-552-3431)
Helps eligible households with home energy expenses, which may include heating/cooling bill payment, crisis bill payment and/or heating/cooling equipment repair/replacement.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (800-552-3431)
Eligible households receive food assistance through an Electronic Benefits Transfer card to cover a portion of their food budget, as well as nutritional education.
Virginia Livable Home Tax Credit (804-371-7000)
Improves accessibility and universal visitability by providing state tax credits for the purchase of new residential housing units or the retrofitting of existing units.
Legal
Virginia Legal Aid (866-534-5243)
Provides services and support to low-income families with civil legal issues.
Health
Cover Virginia (855-242-8282; 888-221-1590 TDD)
Provides information on Medicaid programs and health insurance options available through the federal health insurance marketplace.
Virginia Insurance Counseling and Assistance Program (800-552-3402)
Provides counseling and assistance to Medicare-eligible people, families and caregivers. Helps residents understand health care options, file claims and obtain benefits.
Housing and Care Facilities
Long-Term Care Ombudsman (804-565-1600; 800-552-3402)
Provides consumer protection advocacy services to residents of long-term care facilities such as nursing homes, assisted living facilities, specialty care facilities and boarding homes. Anyone can use an ombudsman to report a concern and get help resolving problems, including residents, residents’ family members and friends, and long-term care facility employees.
Virginia Health Care Association | Virginia Center for Assisted Living (804-353-9101)
Provides a Facility Locator search tool for statewide long-term care locations, including nursing homes/ skilled nursing facilities and assisted living communities.
Information and Services
Area Agencies on Aging (804-545-1644)
Statewide network provides home- and community-based services and support for older adults and their caregivers. Services include information and referral, nursing home functional eligibility assessments, caregiver programs and information, home-delivered and congregate meals, and health insurance counseling.
CommonHelp (855-635-4370)
Convenient way to apply for health care coverage, food assistance, childcare, heating/cooling assistance and cash assistance.
LeadingAge Virginia (804-965-5500)
Serves residents and clients across the senior care continuum, including life plan/continuing care communities, senior housing, assisted living, nursing homes, adult day centers and home- and community-based services.
VirginiaNavigator (804-525-7728; 866-393-0957)
Online platform for information and services for older adults, people with disabilities, veterans, caregivers and their families.
End of Life
Veterans Affairs Hospice Care Program (800-698-2411)
Provides hospice and palliative care to veterans and their families at home, in an outpatient clinic or inpatient setting.