Aging & Adult Services

The Aging and Adult Services Division serves seniors and adults with disabilities with special emphasis given to those who have a low income and are most at risk of being institutionalized.  The office also serves as the Area Agency on Aging and provides staff support for the Alexandria Commission on Aging. To contact the office, please call 703.746.5999.

Highlights

• If you apply for Social Security or Supplemental Security Income benefits, you must receive your payments electronically. If you did not sign up for electronic payments when you applied for benefits, we strongly urge you to do it now. You must switch to electronic payments by March 1, 2013. If you don't, the U.S. Department of the Treasury may send your benefits via the Direct Express® card program to avoid an interruption in payment. If you are already receiving benefits, you can obtain a password and start or change Direct Deposit online. You can also sign up at your bank, credit union or savings and loan. Or call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).

• The Virginia State Bar Association has a new edition of the Senior Citizen’s Handbook. The Senior Citizens Handbook is a resource for seniors, their families, and their caregivers to provide an overview of and contact information for opportunities and choices facing senior citizens today, with a summary of how specific laws affect Virginia's elder citizens and practical advice on issues such as Medicaid, Alzheimer’s Disease, landlord-tenant relations, and much more. There is also an extensive list of community-service organizations that detail the various services available to senior citizens. You can find the handbook at: http://www.vsb.org/site/publications/senior-citizens-handbook

 

	Caregiver Resources If you are caring for a loved one, there are many resources available to help you provide care, gather information and support you as a caregiver.
	Employment and Volunteer Opportunities If you are seeking employment, job training or looking for volunteer opportunities, there are many programs available to help you in your search.
	Financial Assistance Many programs are available to assist those in financial need including rent relief, property tax relief, utility assistance and general relief.
	Housing  Information on subsidized housing, home modification programs, homeownership assistance programs and other housing related information.
	In-Home Services  The In-Home Companion Program provides in-home assistance for low-income adults over the age of 60 and/or who have severe disabilities that prevent them from performing these tasks themselves.
	Insurance Information to help unravel the complexities of Medicare and Medicaid, as well as resources for individualized insurance counseling.
	Information and Referral Resources for finding information about services and programs available in Alexandria as well as nationwide.
	Long Term Care and Assisted Living Long Term Care Long term care is generally defined as “Medical care received in a nursing facility or in a community setting that is expected to last at least 30 days”. Medicare generally does not pay for this type of care.
	Nutrition and Health Resources for finding information about services and programs available in Alexandria as well as nationwide.
	Recreation Opportunities to engage in recreation and social activities regardless of your age or ability. .
	Safety, Protection and Legal Services Are you at risk of physical abuse, financial exploitation or emotional abuse? Have you witnessed any of this? Are you living alone and need help in an emergency? Is your neighborhood safe?
	Transportation Programs are available to help you get to medical appointments, the grocery store and other destinations. Limited group transportation is also available.