Resources

Knowing and using resources is an essential caregiving skill. Many of the best resources may come from other caregivers.
The Resources page will be updated periodically.
Resource Name
Services
To improve the employment, quality of life, security, and independence of older Virginians, Virginians with disabilities, and their families.
Provides reimbursement vouchers to Virginia caregivers for the cost of temporary, short-term respite care provided to individuals of any age, with a documented disability or medical condition.
AARP Fooundation

Provide support services and education to individuals and families and caregivers affected by Alzheimers disease and related dementia nationwide.
Nationwide service that connects older Americans and their caregivers with trustworthy local support resources.
Develops and enhances comprehensive, coordinated home and community-based services for older adults and caregivers. "Senior Connections serves the citizens of Planning Service Area 15 (PSA15) which includes the counties of Charles City, Chesterfield, Goochland, Hanover, Henrico, New Kent and Powhatan, and the City of Richmond. Senior Connections is part of a nationwide network of Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) that provide information, advocacy, and direct services to seniors and their families. There are 25 AAAs in Virginia and more than 650 nationwide."
To improve the health and well-being of Virginians through access to high-quality health care coverage and services.
Manages the Social Security program. Main functions: Assign Social Security numbers, run Social Security programs and provide benefits.
Health insurance for people 65 and older
Provides health coverage to eligible low-income adults, children, pregnant women, elderly adults, and people with disabilities.
Non-profit guide to aging disability and veterans. servicwes in Virginia
Virginia Insurance Counseling and Assistance Program (VICAP) 804.662.9333
Offers counseling and assistaance on a variety of topics including: Medicare, Medicaid, Medicare Supplemental Insurance, long-term care financing options and other health insurance options.
"The Foundation for Rehabilitation Equipment & Endowment (F.R.E.E.) is a volunteer-led 501(c)(3) non-profit based in the state of Virginia. We collect, sanitize, and gift donated mobility equipment to low-come uninsured or under-insured adults in Virginia." See the "Find Equipment" link for an overview of various types of medical equipment and explanations - including the hoyer lift we also discussed. Sometimes, Durable Medical Equipment can be covered through your insurance company but requires a prescription from your medical provider.
"The Dogs on Call therapy dog program provides complementary therapy to enhance the wellbeing of patients, staff, and students through canine-assisted interventions. Dogs on Call teams visit many VCU Health and VCU campuses. Dogs on Call teams also participate in special university and hospital-supported events, such as Paws for Stress for students during mid-term and final exams."
"Massey's Integrative Health program combines cutting-edge medical care with evidence-based complementary therapies that address the physical, mental and spiritual needs of our patients. Integrative approaches can help ease treatment side effects, relieve stress and support overall well-being."
"GeroPartners is a private group practice in Metro Richmond offering a range of elder care services for older adults living in the community and in long-term care facilities. Families contact us to assist with concerns regarding a parent who may be needing extra assistance. Professionals call us to help evaluate a client and make recommendations for optimal care."
"We're a different kind of urgent healthcare. One that sends experienced medical professionals right to your door."
"The House Calls program is best considered a doctor’s office on wheels for people that are too sick to come to clinic. Criteria for enrollment includes accepting our providers for primary care, living within 15 miles from the hospital, being unable to leave home to be seen in clinic without great effort, being adult (no pediatrics currently), and having capacity in the program which is limited by the number of providers."
Commonwealth Catholic Charities Home Care Program 804.285.9130