14 de enero de 2025

Family caregiver resources

“According to SeniorLiving.org, about 53 million U.S. adults are family caregivers, assisting their older relatives, spouses, friends, or neighbors with daily tasks like cooking and dressing. This means one in five Americans is a caregiver. As the population ages, with projections showing that by 2030, people aged 65 and older will outnumber children, the need for family caregiving is expected to grow even more.” (Shuman, 2024)

Regardless of what caregiving looks like for you and your loved one, you may need help from community support groups and agencies. Take a look at the caregiver resources below.

Search agencies and organizations

Connect with caregiver services, such as support groups, or access resources and online communities that may be able to provide support.

Administration for Community Living (ACL): The ACL was created so older adults and people of all ages with disabilities could live where they choose, with the people they choose, and partake in their communities. acl.gov

Advanced Care Planning: Sentara Healthcare and the Sentara Center for Healthcare Ethics are offering the community the opportunity to complete their Advance Care Plan (Advance Directive) and register it, free of charge, with our national Advance Directive Registry through the U.S. Living Will Registry. sentaramedicare.com/advance (757) 252-9550 (TTY: 711), Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Alzheimer’s Association: The Alzheimer’s Association performs global research to end Alzheimer’s and all forms of dementia. They offer support and events through local chapters across Virginia. alz.org 1-800-272-3900 (TTY: 711), 24/7

Area Agency on Aging (AAA): Your local Area Agency on Aging can address the needs and concerns of all older adults in their homes and communities. Find your local AAA details and phone number at: vaaaa.org/25-area-agencies-on-aging

Caregiver Action Network (CAN): Caregiver Action Network is the nation’s leading family caregiver organization working to improve the quality of life for the more than 90 million Americans who care for loved ones with chronic conditions, disabilities, disease, or the frailties of older age. CAN provides education, peer support, and resources to family caregivers free of charge.caregiveraction.org 1-855-227-3640 (TTY: 711), Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired (DBVI): DBVI provides resources to empower Virginians who are blind, vision impaired, or deafblind to achieve their desired levels of employment, education, and independence. dbvi.virginia.gov 1-800-622-2155 (TTY: 804-371-3140), Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Eldercare Locator: Eldercare Locator is a referral service that connects you with a range of services and resources for seniors and caregivers in your area.
eldercare.acl.gov 1-800-677-1116 (TTY: 711), Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Family Caregiver Alliance (FCA): FCA provides services to family caregivers of adults with physical and cognitive impairments, such as Parkinson’s, stroke, and dementia. Caregivers can locatea wide range of local resources to support their quality of life as well as the people who receive their care. caregiver.org

Finding a Nursing Home: You can find and compare nursing homes and other long-term care services like paying for nursing care, nursing home residents’ rights, and nursing home care alternatives. cms.gov/nursing-homes/patients-caregivers/finding-home

Meals on Wheels America: Meals on Wheels offers home delivery of fresh, warm, and nutritious meals by friendly volunteers. mealsonwheelsamerica.org 1-888-998-6325 (TTY: 711), Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

National Academy of Elder Law (NAELA): NAELA attorneys are experienced and trained in working with the legal problems of aging Americans and individuals of all ages with disabilities. naela.org

National Alliance for Caregiving: The National Alliance for Caregiving was created to conduct research, analyze policy, develop national programs, increase awareness of family caregiving issues, and represent the caregiving community. caregiving.org

National Family Caregiver Support Program (NFCSP): vda.virginia.gov/familycaregiversupport.htm

National Institute on Aging (NIA): NIA leads the scientific effort to understand the nature of aging and to extend the healthy, active years of life. It is the primary Federal agency supporting and conducting Alzheimer's disease research. nia.nih.gov/health/caregiving 1-800-222-2225 (TTY: 1-800-222-4225)

Office for Aging Services of the Division for Community Living: This office helps older Virginians live as independently as possible by providing services to help them maintain their dignity and security. vda.virginia.gov 1-800-552-3402 (TTY: 711), Monday through Friday, 8:15 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman: Ombudsmen advocate for older persons receiving long term care services, whether provided in a nursing home or assisted living facility, or through community-based services to assist persons still living at home. Ombudsmen also advocate on behalf of Medicare and Medicaid recipients to assist them with challenges in navigating health coverage. elderrights.virginia.gov 1-800-552-3402 (TTY: 1-800-464-9950), Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

PrimeplusCares: The caregiver support Zoom group hosted by PrimeplusCares meets the first and third Wednesday of every month at 7 p.m.primeplus.org or email crandolph@primeplus.org

Social Security Administration (SSA): SSA works closely with caregivers who serve as representative payees and oversee Social Security or Supplemental Security Income benefits for those who are unable to manage their own benefits. The Representative Payee Portal makes it easier for caregivers to manage direct deposit and reporting for their beneficiaries. ssa.gov 1-800-772-1213 (TTY: 1-800-325-0778), Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs: Veterans can access and manage their VA benefits and healthcare. va.gov 1-800-827-1000 (TTY: 711), Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.

USAging: Leaders in aging well at home, USAging helps older adults and people with disabilities live with optimal health, well-being, independence, and dignity in their homes and communities. usaging.org 202-872-0888 (TTY: 711), Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

VA Caregiver Support Program: Counselors can answer questions and provide information about resources and support for Veterans and their caregivers. caregiver.va.gov 1-855-260-3274 (TTY: 711), Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Virginia Association of Area Agencies on Aging (VAAAA): VAAAA’s mission is to enhance the quality of life for all Virginians by enriching the lives of older adults, individuals with disabilities, caregivers, and communities in need of supports and services. vaaaa.org (804) 644-2804 (TTY: 711), Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Virginia Board for People with Disabilities (VBPD): VBPD works for the benefit of individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. They identify needs and help develop policies, programs, and services that will meet these needs in a manner that respects dignity and independence. vbpd.virginia.gov (804) 786-0016 (TTY: 1-800-846-4464), Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS): DARS is designated by the federal government as the agency to oversee all state programs using funds provided by the federal Older Americans Act. DARS' mission is to improve the employment, quality of life, security, and independence of older Virginians, Virginians with disabilities, and their families. dars.virginia.gov 1-800-552-5019 (TTY: 711), Monday through Friday, 8:15 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Virginia Department for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (VDDHH): VDDHH supports persons who are deaf and hard of hearing with programs, services, and opportunities throughout the Commonwealth. vddhh.virginia.gov 1-800-552-7917 (TTY: 711), Monday through Friday, 8:15 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Virginia Department of Health (VDH): The VDH is dedicated to protecting and promoting the health of Virginians, while fighting chronic disease and educating the public about emergency preparedness. Find contact details for your local VDH online. vdh.virginia.gov

Virginia Lifespan Respite Voucher Program (VLRVP): This program 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. vda.virginia.gov/vlrv.htm

Virginia Navigator: The Virginia Navigator’s mission is to provide helpful, free local resources for aging, disabilities, post-military life, and overall well-being. virginianavigator.org

Download helpful resources

Consider adding Sentara Medicare to your support team

Securing the right healthcare coverage for your loved one may serve as additional support for you. Sentara Medicare can assist your loved one with Medicare Advantage plans including a dual-eligible special needs plan (D-SNP) and a chronic condition special needs plan (C-SNP).

Many plans include Part D prescription drug coverage and extra benefits for no extra cost, including:

Up to $350 monthly grocery allowance*
Up to $200 over-the-counter (OTC) quarterly allowance
In-home support services
Transportation
Dedicated care coordinator
Monthly premiums and copays starting at $0

You can talk with a Licensed Plan Advisor at 1-877-550-3285 (TTY: 711). We’re available October 1 through March 31, 7 days a week, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., or April 1 through September 30, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Or visit sentaramedicare.com.

Sources: acl.gov, caregiving.org, cms.gov, dmas.virginia.gov, medicare.gov, seniorliving.org

*Members with chronic condition(s) that meet certain criteria may be eligible for this special supplemental benefit. Sentara Medicare has an HMO and HMO D-SNP with a Medicare contract. Our HMO D-SNP also has a contract with the Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services’ Medicaid program. “Cardinal Care” is the brand name of Virginia Medicaid. Enrollment in Sentara Medicare depends on contract renewal. Y0174_0125_SHPFC_310004_M