Program Description
The Virginia Adult Services Program – sometimes referred to as Companion Services — is designed to allow seniors and disabled individuals who are at risk of nursing home placement to remain living at home, or the home of a caregiver, and receive services and care in those locations.
It is the program’s intention to both save the state money by preventing the unnecessary institutionalization of individuals, while at the same time increasing the quality of life of functionally impaired persons. This program achieves these dual goals by supporting family caregivers and providing home care services./p>
Did You Know? The areas of Virginia with the longest life expectancy are, in order, Fairfax, Alexandria, Falls Church, Arlington and Loudoun.
Eligibility Guidelines
General Requirements
To be eligible, Virginia residents must be at least 60 years of age, or 18 and older and declared disabled. They must also be assessed to have a need for significant care on a regular basis. The local social service staff will conduct an assessment for individuals who may be in the target population.
Financial Requirements
This program is designed for low-income families, although the exact criteria to be financially eligible remains unpublished. That being said, eligibility is based on the state’s median income, with each local social services office setting the percentage of median income used for eligibility purposes.
Benefits and Services
A variety of care services are provided to AS Program participants, all of which are intended to increase the independence of the individual and help them remain living at home or in their community. These include:
- Assessments / reassessments for assisted living facilities
- Screenings for nursing home placement / home and community based services (HCBS) Medicaid waivers
- Adult day care
- Adult foster care
- Case management
- Chore services, such as light home maintenance, painting, snow removal, and yardwork
- Companion services to assist individuals with transportation and shopping for essentials
- Homemaker services, such as laundry and meal preparation
- Nutritional counseling
The number of care service hours an individual can receive weekly is determined on a case-by-case basis and varies based on client needs and available funding. However, the maximum number of hours one can receive a week is approximately 20.
How to Apply / Learn More
The Adult Services Program is managed by the Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS) via the Adult Protective Services (APS) Division. To apply one can contact their local social services department here. Alternatively, more information is available on their website.
Virginia residents without mid to late stage Alzheimer’s, dementia or a related memory disorder might be interested in learning more about the Auxiliary Grant for Assisted Living.
