Virginia Has Authorized Programs in Anticipation of the Graying of the State
The latest population projections support researchers’ estimates that there will be more than 1.8 million people over the age of 60 residing in Virginia by 2030, an increase of 33 percent since 2000. Even more dramatic is the number of Virginians who will be over the age of 85 – a 40 percent jump in just ten years.
As part of efforts to deal with the “graying” of Virginia, the 2008 Virginia General Assembly mandated a multi-year planning process for the Virginia Division for the Aging in collaboration with a task force comprised of elder care advocates, educators, and service providers.
The jump in the number of older residents is expected to place an additional burden on senior resources; state offices are putting numerous programs in place in anticipation of future need:
The Virginia Department for the Aging has developed a Lifespan Respite Care Program, expanding their existing efforts to build a network which will offer respite services for caregivers statewide.
Connections gives practical, in-home training to family members caring for individuals with Alzheimer’s Disease or other dementia.
Virginia Parks and Recreation Society s Senior Resource Group is partnering with Senior Centers to focus on senior care best practices to help seniors stay healthy and independent.
There are numerous resources available in Virginia for seniors and their loved ones which are specifically in place to help support a productive, healthy, independent life.
The elder law attorneys at Hook Law Center assist Virginia families with will preparation, trust & estate administration, guardianships and conservatorships, long-term care planning, special needs planning, veterans benefits, and more. To learn more, visit https://api.hooklaw.net/ or call 757-399-7506.
