Dementia Care Resources in Virginia: Programs, Agencies, and Support

A dementia diagnosis splits your life into "before" and "now." The first thing most families do is search for help — and in Virginia, the resources exist but they're scattered across half a dozen state agencies and nonprofits that don't talk to each other. Here's the consolidated directory.

State-Funded Dementia Care Programs

Virginia runs several dementia-specific initiatives through the Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS):

Dementia Care Management Programs. Virginia funds four regional dementia care management centers that provide free care coordination and navigation services to families:

• UVA Memory and Aging Care Clinic (Charlottesville/central Virginia)
• Riverside Martha W. Goodson Neuroscience Center (Hampton Roads)
• The Span Center (Martinsville/southern Virginia)
• Roanoke Local Office on Aging (Roanoke Valley/western Virginia)

These programs assign a dedicated care coordinator who helps families navigate diagnosis, legal planning, care settings, and public benefits — at no cost. If your parent was recently diagnosed, this is the first call to make.

Virginia Dementia State Plan (2024–2027). Virginia's statewide plan sets policy goals for improving dementia care, including expanding Dementia Care Specialists across all 25 Area Agencies on Aging. The Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders Commission advises the governor on implementation and tracks progress across state agencies.

Key State Agencies

Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS) — Oversees Virginia Medicaid, including Cardinal Care managed care plans and the CCC Plus Waiver. The agency that determines whether your parent qualifies for public-funded long-term care.

Department of Social Services (VDSS) — Licenses assisted living facilities (including memory care units), processes Medicaid applications through local county offices, and manages the Auxiliary Grant program.

Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS) — Administers caregiver support programs, respite vouchers, and the Area Agency on Aging network. DARS runs Virginia's "Dementia-Capable Virginia" initiative to train professionals and communities.

Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) — Virginia's 25 AAAs are your local point of contact for options counseling, caregiver training, support groups, Meals on Wheels, transportation, and the Virginia Insurance Counseling and Assistance Program (VICAP) for Medicare questions.

Early-Stage Planning Resources

If your parent is in the early stages of Alzheimer's or a related dementia, the planning window is critical — and shorter than most families realize.

Legal documents to execute while your parent still has capacity:

• Durable Financial Power of Attorney — under Virginia law, a POA is durable by default (survives incapacity)
• Advance Medical Directive — combines a healthcare POA and living will; requires two adult witnesses
• HIPAA authorization — so you can communicate with your parent's medical providers

Financial planning actions:

• Request a long-term services and supports (LTSS) screening through your local DSS — this determines nursing facility level of care eligibility and unlocks CCC Plus Waiver access
• Review five years of financial statements for Medicaid lookback compliance
• Identify and preserve exempt assets (primary home, one vehicle, pre-paid burial)

Safety measures:

• Enroll in Project Lifesaver through your local sheriff's office
• Register with the Virginia Senior Alert system
• Evaluate driving safety and consider a DMV Medical Review referral

Caregiver Support Services

Alzheimer's Association Central and Western Virginia / Southeastern Virginia chapters — 24/7 helpline (800-272-3900), local support groups, educational workshops, and care consultation services.

Virginia Lifespan Respite Voucher Program — Administered by DARS through local AAAs, provides up to $595 per household per year for temporary caregiver relief. Prioritizes caregivers of people with dementia and those in rural areas.

Caregiver training programs — Evidence-based programs like REACH II (Resources for Enhancing Alzheimer's Caregiver Health) and Powerful Tools for Caregivers are available through local AAAs and Alzheimer's Association chapters.

Consumer-Directed Services — Through the CCC Plus Waiver, adult children can be hired and paid as their parent's caregiver, providing both financial relief and continuity of care.

Putting It Together

The gap between having a diagnosis and having a plan is where most families lose time and money. Virginia has the programs — the challenge is knowing which agency does what and in what order to engage them.

The Virginia Dementia and Memory Care Guide organizes all of these resources into a step-by-step timeline, from the week of diagnosis through long-term care placement and Medicaid planning.

See more Virginia guides →