These guides are organized around the moments that push families into a decision. Each one points to the local agencies and state rules that apply in Richmond, Henrico, Chesterfield, Hanover and the Tri-Cities.
Who can help a Richmond family in a senior care crisis for free?
The local Area Agency on Aging is the first free call -- Senior Connections - The Span Center (804-343-3000) for Richmond, Henrico, Chesterfield, Hanover, Goochland, Powhatan and New Kent, or the Crater District Area Agency on Aging (804-732-7020) for the Tri-Cities -- along with the local Department of Social Services for benefits and Adult Protective Services.
If someone is being abused, neglected or exploited, call APS at (888) 832-3858; if they are in immediate danger, call 911.
What should Richmond families do first in any senior care situation?
Write down what changed, who is involved and what the person wants, then get a medical opinion on care needs, find out which locality's social services office and aging agency serve the person's address, and only then compare settings -- a sequence that keeps a crisis from turning into a rushed placement.
Each guide below follows that order and names the local offices for Richmond, Henrico, Chesterfield, Hanover and the Tri-Cities.
When should a Richmond family call an advisor?
Call when you need a short list of licensed options that fit care needs, budget and location; an advisor's help is free, and the guides here will tell you which public agencies to call for benefits or protective services.
Situations
When a Richmond hospital says your parent can't go home
A parent is leaving VCU, Bon Secours or an HCA hospital and can't go home safely. Rehab vs assisted living, the LTSS screening, Medicare observation status and choosing a facility fast.
Read →After a fall
What a fall usually signals, how to get a reassessment, home safety and home care options, and when Richmond families should consider assisted living.
Read →We just got a dementia diagnosis
After an Alzheimer's or dementia diagnosis: legal paperwork, safety at home, caregiver support from The Span Center and Crater District, and when to look at special care units.
Read →I can't keep doing this alone
Signs of caregiver burnout and where Richmond-area caregivers find relief: adult day health, CCC Plus respite hours, The Span Center and Crater District programs.
Read →Caring for a Richmond-area parent from out of state
Managing a parent's care in Richmond from out of state: local contacts, checking VDSS licenses remotely, benefits paperwork and avoiding two moves.
Read →When the money runs out
Private funds are running low in a Richmond-area assisted living facility. The Auxiliary Grant, Medicaid nursing home coverage, VA benefits and the questions to ask before you move in.
Read →| In a crisis | When you have time | |
|---|---|---|
| First call | Hospital case manager or APS | Area Agency on Aging |
| Records to check | CMS ratings for available beds | VDSS inspections, multiple tours |
| Risk | Taking the first open bed | Waiting too long |
