the Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS) administers state-level aging services that serve Alexandria-area seniors and family caregivers. Programs typically include Virginia’s Commonwealth Coordinated Care Plus (CCC Plus) waiver (state Medicaid for long-term care), Lifespan Respite, state caregiver supports, Adult Protective Services, and oversight of state-licensed senior care facilities. Alexandria families access these through Alexandria’s Division of Aging and Adult Services and the state agency website.
Major programs from the Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS)
- Virginia’s Commonwealth Coordinated Care Plus (CCC Plus) waiver — state Medicaid for long-term care
- Lifespan Respite Program — additional caregiver respite funding
- State caregiver education and support programs
- Adult Protective Services for elder abuse
- Licensing oversight of senior care facilities (when state-administered)
- Ombudsman programs for assisted living and nursing facility complaints
- State-specific aging initiatives (dementia plans, caregiver coalitions)
How Alexandria seniors access Virginia programs
Three entry points:
- Alexandria’s Division of Aging and Adult Services — your local Area Agency on Aging, which administers many state programs at the local level
- the Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS)’s website — direct application for state programs
- Alexandria County Department of Aging or Social Services — county-level intake for state programs
Virginia Medicaid for Alexandria long-term care
Virginia’s Commonwealth Coordinated Care Plus (CCC Plus) waiver covers home and community-based services for income-eligible Alexandria seniors. Apply at https://www.dmas.virginia.gov/for-members/managed-care-programs/ccc-plus/ or call Alexandria’s Division of Aging and Adult Services for help. Processing takes 2–6 months. Eligibility tests apply to income (near SSI level), assets (under state limits, excluding home and one vehicle), and clinical need.
Lifespan Respite in Virginia
Most states operate a Lifespan Respite Care Program providing additional respite funding for family caregivers beyond the federal National Family Caregiver Support Program. Eligibility, hours covered, and provider networks vary by state. Virginia’s specifics are at https://www.alexandriava.gov/Aging or the Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS)’s website. Worth applying — many Alexandria families don’t realize state funds are available.
Adult Protective Services in Virginia
Virginia’s Adult Protective Services (APS) program responds to reports of elder abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation. Reporting is anonymous and protected by state law. APS investigates and arranges interventions when warranted. Alexandria family members concerned about a senior should call Virginia’s APS hotline directly — every state has one. Reports trigger fast response.
A 15-minute call with a Alexandria-area senior care advisor can map which Virginia programs your parent qualifies for. Talk to an ElderCareServicesNearMe advisor when you’re ready.
