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AARP Commits Thousands of Dollars to Strengthen Eight Communities Across Virginia

6/18/2025

 
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AARP announced eight organizations throughout Virginia will receive 2025 Community Challenge grants. The grants are part of AARP’s $4.2 million commitment to fund 383 quick-action projects aimed at making communities more livable for people of all ages, with a focus on the needs of older adults. The funds will support efforts to improve public places, transportation, housing, digital connections, and other key areas.  
Now in its ninth year, the Challenge has awarded $472,915 through 44 grants in Virginia since 2017 to nonprofit organizations and local government entities across the state. Grant projects will be funded in all 50 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
“AARP Virginia is proud to partner with communities across the state to make them more livable for people of all ages,” said Jim Dau, AARP Virginia State Director. “These projects bring smart local ideas to life and create real on-the-ground improvements that make everyday life easier and safer, especially for older Virginians.”
Here in Virginia, projects funded include:
  • City of Lynchburg - Dunbar Schoolyard Wayfinding (Lynchburg):
    Adding clear signage to help residents navigate a shared schoolyard, making it easier for older adults to walk safely, find gathering areas and stay engaged in community events.
  • City of Richmond - 2nd Street Transit Upgrades (Richmond):
    Installing level boarding bus platforms and curb extensions to make public transit safer and easier for older riders, especially those with walkers, canes or balance challenges.
  • Friends of Ferrum Park - ADA Trail at Ferrum Park (Ferrum):
    Building the first section of an accessible walking trail so older residents can enjoy safe outdoor activity, reduce isolation and maintain physical health on stable, level paths.
  • Friends of the Chesapeake Public Library - Hurricane Preparedness Outreach (Chesapeake):
    Hosting storm-readiness sessions and creating bilingual emergency displays at public libraries to help older adults understand how to shelter in place, stay informed and protect themselves during severe weather.
  • Habitat for Humanity of Franklin County - Home Modifications for Safer Living (Rocky Mount):
    Completing essential safety upgrades in homes of older residents, including ramps and grab bars, so they can age comfortably and independently without risk of injury.
  • OmniRide - Fellowship House Bus Stop Improvements (Woodbridge):
    Moving a bus stop closer to a senior apartment complex and adding a new shelter with seating, giving older adults safer, more comfortable access to transit for errands and appointments.
  • Shenandoah County - ADU Design Competition (Woodstock):
    Launching a competition to develop ready-to-use backyard cottage designs that provide affordable, age-friendly housing for older residents who want to stay close to loved ones or downsize in their own community.
  • White House Farm Foundation - Leopold’s Preserve Trail Enhancements (Haymarket):
    Adding benches and native plantings along trails to create calm, restful spaces where older adults can pause, socialize or enjoy nature at their own pace.
Some pedestrian safety initiatives will be funded with support from Toyota Motor North America.
“AARP Community Challenge projects may be quick to launch, but their impact is long-lasting,” said Nancy A. LeaMond, AARP Executive Vice President and Chief Advocacy & Engagement Officer. “We’re proud to support communities nationwide to advance solutions that make neighborhoods and towns of all sizes better places to live where everyone can thrive. And this year, we’re particularly proud to invest in projects benefiting often overlooked rural areas.”
View the full list of grantees and their projects at aarp.org/communitychallenge. Learn more about AARP’s work to support livable communities at aarp.org/livable.

Fairfax County Intrinsic Capacity for Older People Study

6/9/2025

 
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The Virginia Fairfax Intrinsic Capacity for Older People (VFICOPE) Study is looking for volunteers living in Fairfax County to help us understand how aging affects physical and mental abilities. ICOPE is a framework developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) to promote healthy aging by preventing, slowing, or reversing declines in physical and mental capacity among older adults. It emphasizes person-centered, community-based care and is designed to support older adults in maintaining their independence and quality of life.
Requirements to Participate:
  • 65 years of age or older
  • Living independently (no care assistance)
  • Living in Fairfax County
What will participation look like?Participants will take part in a one-hour session where we’ll assess different aspects of their health, including mobility, balance, vision, and hearing, as well as gather information on their diet, self-care abilities, and social interactions. We can come to your preferred location for the assessment and have great flexibility in scheduling. There is no follow up after the initial assessment. Participation is voluntarily and participants can withdraw at any stage.
Why participate?We hope that the results from this study are going to provide useful information to the local and regional public health authorities regarding older adult’s intrinsic capacity status (i.e. mental and physical ability) and related risk factors so they can enhance long-term healthcare intervention and prevention planning in Virginia and the rest of the US states. The data collected will help build the first U.S. database on intrinsic capacity, contributing to better aging policies and interventions. Previous studies showed that intrinsic capacity impairment limited self-care, increased dependence, and increased hospitalization visits. However, how intrinsic capacity is connected with other factors like dietary habits and psychosocial well-being (such as loneliness or social engagement) remains unclear not only for the USA but on a global level. So, there is an urgent need to measure intrinsic capacity and its determinants among older adults, through studies like this.
If you are interested in participating or would like further information, please contact:
  • Stefanos Tyrovolas, PhD, Associate Professor
    Department of Nutrition and Food Studies, College of Public Health, George Mason University
    [email protected]
  • Bri Schuh, Graduate Student 
    Department of Nutrition and Food Studies, College of Public Health, George Mason University
    [email protected]

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITY: The Northern Virginia Dementia Care Consortium - 39th Annual Dementia Caregivers Conference

5/9/2025

 
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The Northern Virginia Dementia Care Consortium announces sponsorship opportunities again this year at our 39th Annual Dementia Caregivers Conference. The one-day conference will be held in-person at the Fairfax County Government Center on Saturday, November 22, 2025. This year’s conference will again present the same quality speakers and information you have come to expect from over 30 years of NVDCC conferences. The conference is a wonderful opportunity for you to showcase your services and products and how you support people with dementia, family members and caregivers. There will be ample time and encouragement for conference participants to visit with you in the conference exhibit hall.
The Northern Virginia Dementia Care Consortium consists of public and private organizations whose mission is to serve older adults and their caregivers. Founded in 1986, the Consortium is solely focused on bringing the latest in education and research to those coping with issues related to dementia in their daily lives. The
Consortium exists to present an annual educational conference with presenters whose expertise is in the medical, research, social, and caregiving dimensions of the different dementias. The conference brings together approximately 350-400 family caregivers and professionals who deal with caregiving issues related to dementia.
How can you help? Become a conference sponsor and take advantage of this opportunity for you to showcase your services and products and how they can support persons with dementia, family members and caregivers.

The Northern Virginia Dementia Care Consortium Members
  • AARP Virginia
  • Alexandria Department of Community and Human Services Division of Aging and Adult Services
  • Arlington Aging and Disability Services
  • Fairfax Area Agency on Aging
  • Goodwin Living
  • Inova ElderLink
  • Inova Parkinson’s and Movement Disorders Center (IPMDC)
  • Insight Memory Care Center
  • Loudoun County Area Agency on Aging
  • Prince William County Area Agency on Aging

“Putting the Pieces Together in Dementia Caregiving”
2025 CONFERENCE SPONSORSHIP & BENEFITS
Saturday, November 22nd , 8:30 am – 4:00 pm

Fairfax County Government Center, 12000 Government Center Pkwy, Fairfax, Virginia
To secure your conference sponsorship, email [email protected].
For more information, questions or concerns please contact Ashley Johnson at 703.746.3389

nvdcc_2025_sponsorship_opportunities_and_benefits_final5.9_edits.pdf
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AARP Virginia is now accepting nominations for its 2025  Andrus Award for Community Service

5/2/2025

 
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AARP Virginia is now accepting nominations for its 2025  Andrus Award for Community Service, which honors Virginians age 50 and older who are sharing their experience, talent and skills to enrich the lives of their community members. 
“AARP Virginia is excited to shine a light on Virginians age 50-pluswho are using what they’ve learned in life to make a difference in the lives of those around them,” said AARP State Director Jim Dau
Nominations will be evaluated by AARP Virginia based on how the volunteer’s work has improved the community, reflected AARP’s vision and mission and inspired other volunteers. The award recipient will be announced in early fall.
AARP Virginia Andrus Award for Community Service nominees must meet the following eligibility requirements:
  • Nominee must be 50 years old or older.
  • The achievements, accomplishments or service on which the nomination is based must have been performed on a volunteer basis, without pay.  Volunteers receiving small stipends to cover the costs associated with the volunteer activity are eligible.
  • The achievements, accomplishments or service on which the nomination is based must reflect AARP’s vision and purpose.
  • The achievements, accomplishments or service on which the nomination is based must be replicable and provide inspiration for others to volunteer.
  • Partisan political achievements, accomplishments or service may not be considered.
  • Couples or partners who perform service together are also eligible; however, teams are not eligible.
  • Previous Andrus Award recipients are not eligible.
  • Volunteers serving on the Andrus Award selection committee are not eligible.
  • AARP staff members are not eligible.
  • This is not a posthumous award.
Please visit: www.aarp.org/andrus for more information and a nomination form.  The application deadline is July 15.
The AARP Andrus Award for Community Service is an annual awards program developed to honor individuals whose service is a unique and valuable contribution to society. Last year, AARP recognized 49 outstanding individuals and couples from around the country.
With 1 million members in Virginia, AARP is the largest organization working on behalf of people age 50-plus and their families in the Commonwealth.
To learn more about AARP Virginia, like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/aarpvirginia and follow @AARPVa on X at www.x.com/aarpva. Find AARP events in your community at aarp.org/nearme.

Join the Movement to Bridge the Generational Divide at Northern Virginia Intergenerational Summit

4/15/2025

 
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 The Northern Virginia Intergenerational Summit will take place on Tuesday, April 29, from 11:30 AM to 2:00 PM at the innovative Karter School of One Loudoun, located at 44799 Saranac St, Ashburn, VA 20147. This unique event brings together senior-serving professionals, educators, families, and community members to explore and celebrate programs that bridge the generational divide.
Summit Highlights:
  • Inspiring Keynotes & Program Spotlights: Hear from thought leaders and discover successful intergenerational initiatives, including the Intergenerational Walking School Bus, Chesterbrook Residences’ school partnerships, and ENDependence Center of Northern Virginia’s travel training program.
  • Real-Life Connections: Learn how informal networking can foster meaningful relationships, such as the story of Nicole Martin and YoYo Chang, whose connection led to valuable tutoring across generations.
  • Author Feature: Isabel Tom, author of The Value of Wrinkles, will share insights on the power of intergenerational relationships.
  • Closing Keynote & Panel: Herralink, founded by 19-year-old Isabella Solano, connects high school students with retirement home residents, including a panel discussion with program participants.
  • Networking Opportunities: Enjoy lunch, connect with like-minded individuals, and explore ways to replicate and expand intergenerational programs in your own community.
Draft Agenda:
  • 11:30 AM – 12:15 PM: Arrival, Networking & Lunch
  • 12:15 PM – 12:30 PM: Welcome & Introductions 
  • 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM: Program spotlights, author presentation, Herralink keynote and panel, open forum for questions and next steps
  • 1:30 PM - Networking, Tours of Karter School
Produced in partnership with Sencura Home Care, the Northern Virginia Senior Resource Network (NVSRN), and the Positive Aging Community, and the Loudoun Senior Interest Network (LSIN) the summit is expected to draw 80–150+ attendees from across the region.
Registration is FREE

Select Affordable Housing Property Waitlist In No. Virginia Applications Open Through January 19

1/16/2025

 
Older adults interested in applying for an opportunity to join a waitlist for select affordable housing properties have the opportunity to do so.
Affordable housing waitlist applications are open for select properties. Applications will remain open through Sunday, January 19, 2025 at 11:59 p.m.  Click here for more details
All household members must be ages 62+ to qualify for the following properties:
  • Autumn Willow, one and two-bedroom apartments, 13175 Autumn Willow Drive, Fairfax, VA 22030
  • Herndon Harbor House, one-bedroom apartments, Grace Street and Jorss Place, Herndon, VA 20170
  • Lindsay Hill, one and two-bedroom apartments, 8915 Pink Carnation Court, Lorton, VA 22079
  • North Hill Senior Residences, two-bedroom apartments, 7245 Nightingale Lane, Alexandria, VA 22306
  • Oakwood Meadow, one and two-bedroom apartments, 5815 South Van Dorn Street, Alexandria, VA 22310
The head of the household must be aged 62+ to qualify for the following properties:
  • Coppermine, two-bedroom apartments, 13395 Coppermine Road, Herndon, VA 20171
  • Lake Anne House, efficiency, one and two-bedroom apartments, 11444 North Shore Drive, Reston, VA 20190
  • One University, two-bedroom apartments, 4518 University Drive, Fairfax, VA 22030
  • Lincolnia Senior Apartments, efficiency /studios, 4710 N. Chambliss Street, Alexandria, VA 22312
How to Apply
Interested individuals must apply via Rent Café, which is an online housing application portal. The online application will be available on Monday, January 13, 2025, at 8:00 a.m., on the Fairfax County Housing and Community Development website, and will remain open until Sunday, January 19, 2025, at 11:59 p.m.
Instructions for using Rent Café are available in English and Spanish . Individuals who need assistance can call 703-246-5100 or come to the Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority (FCRHA) office at 3700 Pender Drive in Fairfax, VA.
Applications received through Rent Café will be randomly selected to be placed on a waiting list. All applications received have an equal opportunity to be selected. Once a unit becomes available, the households who were placed on a waiting list will be contacted, screened, and determined eligible based on income level, household size, and the size of the rental unit. Households cannot currently receive other federal rental housing assistance to qualify.
Federal Housing Funds Make a Local Impact in Fairfax
All properties are part of the Project Based Voucher program, which provides rental assistance to eligible households to live in rental units at specific properties. Through a contract with the owner of the unit, the FCRHA pays a portion of the monthly rent, while the household pays their portion of the monthly rent based upon 32% to 35% of adjusted gross income. The rental assistance is attached to the specific unit and remains at the property, even if the family moves. The FCRHA uses subsidies from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for the Project Based Voucher program.

Newsweek Sixth Annual America’s Best Nursing Homes Rankings in Northern Virginia

10/14/2024

 
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Newsweek, the modern global digital news organization, in partnership with Statista, a global leader in data and market analysis, has unveiled its annual ranking of America’s Best Nursing Homes 2025, recognizing the top 1,050 nursing homes in the United States. This comprehensive ranking is designed to guide families in their search for high-quality long-term care options.
With approximately 1.2 million Americans currently residing in nursing homes, the need for reliable information on nursing home quality has never been greater. The 2025 edition of Newsweek’s ranking marks the sixth consecutive year of bringing transparency and expert evaluations to an often-complex decision-making process for families and seniors.
This year’s list was compiled based on an analysis of over 14,000 nursing homes across the 25 states with the highest concentration of facilities. The rankings were determined by evaluating nursing homes across four key pillars, including Performance Data, Peer Recommendations, Accreditations, and Resident Satisfaction based on Google reviews. In the 2025 rankings, new features include an expanded selection of the top nursing homes with 50 to 99 certified beds.
  • America's Best Nursing Homes 2025 - 50-99 beds
  • America's Best Nursing Homes 2025 - 100-149 beds
  • America's Best Nursing Homes 2025 - 150+ beds​
Northern Virginia Nursing Homes Ranked 150+ Beds
  • Fairfax Rehabilitation And Nursing Center Fairfax
  • Birmingham Green Manassas
  • Heritage Hall Leesburg Leesburg
  • Dulles Health & Rehab Center Herndon
​Northern Virginia Nursing Homes Ranked 100-149 Beds
  • August Healthcare at Leewood Annandale
​​Northern Virginia Nursing Homes Ranked 50-99 Beds
  • Goodwin House Alexandria Alexandria
  • Greenspring Springfield

AARP Unveils Virginia’s 25 Top Livable Communities

10/14/2024

 
New 2024 AARP Livability Index™ tool finds that while every community identified can support residents of all ages, Virginia requires improvement to meet aging population needs
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AARP Virginia has announced the top 25 communities across the state that best support residents of all ages, according to the newly updated 2024 AARP Livability Index™ website. This comprehensive, data-driven tool evaluates the key factors that shape quality of life as people age, including housing, transportation, neighborhood safety, environmental quality, health services, and community engagement.
The latest data show that while some communities in Virginia have made significant strides in areas such as increasing access to health care, transportation, and civic engagement, every community still faces critical challenges in meeting the growing needs of older adults. Particularly, Virginia's top communities must focus on improving affordable housing options, clean air and water, and inclusion opportunities.
Based on the AARP Livability Index criteria, the top 10 communities in Virginia are:
  1. Falls Church – with a score of 68, ranks #6 on the national list of most livable small cities with populations of 5,000 to 24,999. Its highest measure is 82 for health, measured by metrics and policies that promote healthy behaviors including smoking cessation, and exercise opportunities. The city’s lowest score is 37 in housing affordability and access.
  2. Arlington County – with a score of 67, ranks #1 on the national list of most livable large communities with populations of 100,000 to 499,999. Its highest score is 84 for health while the lowest score was 47 in housing. The county is a member of the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities (NAFSC).
  3. Vienna – scores 65, with its lowest score at 32 for housing and its highest score is 84 in health.
  4. Alexandria – with an overall score of 64, its highest score is 75 in transportation convenience, safety and options. Its lowest score was 41 in opportunity, which measures job availability, government creditworthiness, and graduation rates. The city is a member of the NAFSC.
  5. Charlottesville – with an overall score of 63, it scored lowest in opportunity at 39 and highest in health at 77. The city is a member of the NAFSC.
  6. Herndon – with an overall score of 62, its highest score was a tie at 71 for both health and neighborhood proximity to key destinations, safety, and supporting mixed-use development. Its lowest score is 46 for housing.
  7. Fairfax City – with an overall score of 62, the city’s lowest score is 43 in housing while its highest score is 84 in health.
  8. Fairfax County – with a score of 62, ranks #9 on the national list of most livable very large communities, with populations of over 500,000. Its highest score is 80 in health and lowest is 43 in housing.
  9. Vinton – with an overall score of 61, its lowest score of 49 is in health while its highest score is 73 in environment, related to air and water quality, as well as energy efficiency, and hazard mitigation plans.
  10. Blacksburg – with an overall score of 61, its highest measure is 90 for transportation with its lowest score at 41 for opportunity.
"The AARP Livability Index website underscores that all communities in Virginia must continue to innovate and adapt to become more inclusive for people of all ages,” said AARP Virginia State President Joyce Williams. “AARP Virginia remains dedicated to collaborating with residents, advocates, and policymakers to ensure that our communities thrive for individuals at every stage of life.”
Other communities in Virginia ranking in the top 25 and their overall scores are:
11.  Salem – 59
12.  Purcellville – 59
13.  Lexington – 59
14.  Leesburg – 59
15.  Albemarle County – 58 NAFSC
16.  Staunton – 58
17.  Bridgewater – 58
18.  Roanoke County – 58
19.  Loudoun County – 57
20.  Warrenton – 57
21.  Montgomery County – 57
22.  Christiansburg – 57
23.  Roanoke City – 56 NAFSC
24.  Harrisonburg – 56
25.  Virginia Beach – 56
The AARP Livability IndexTM platform is the most comprehensive, web-based tool of its kind that scores every neighborhood and community in all 50 states and the District of Columbia for the services and amenities that affect people’s lives the most as they age. The platform scores livability by using more than 50 national data sources to measure each community against 61 indicators of livability. Users can search the website by address, ZIP code, or community to find an overall or category score, identify challenges in their community and compare their neighborhood to others across performance benchmarks.
To view the AARP Livability Index platform or see your community’s score, visit www.aarp.org/livabilityindex.

Arlington and Alexandria No Wrong Door Advisory Council meetings.

10/11/2024

 
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If you are connected to an agency or organization that serves older adults in Arlington and Alexandria, we look forward to collaborating with you. As service providers and advocates, we all play an essential role in ensuring older adults have the opportunity to remain in the community of their choice as they age. Join both the Arlington and Alexandria Area Agency on Aging in this important Advisory Council and meet local home and community care providers for real conversations on how we can better serve the older adults in our communities. 

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Helen King
  • 703-228-1734
  • [email protected]
Christopher Moore
  • 703-746-5999
  • [email protected]
We welcome you to join us for the Arlington and Alexandria No Wrong Door Advisory Council meetings. If you are connected to an agency or organization that serves older adults in Arlington and Alexandria, we look forward to collaborating with you. As service providers and advocates, we all play an essential role in ensuring older adults have the opportunity to remain in the community of their choice as they age. Join both the Arlington and Alexandria Area Agency on Aging in this important Advisory Council and meet local home and community care providers for real conversations on how we can better serve the older adults in our communities.

Newsweek Honors Birmingham Green as Northern Virginia’s Premier Nursing Home for 2025

9/26/2024

 
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Birmingham Green, a senior living facility in Manassas, Virginia, has been recognized as the top nursing home in Northern Virginia by Newsweek Magazine. The center ranked #1 among nursing homes with over 150 beds in Northern Virginia and #2 statewide in Newsweek's "America's Best Nursing Homes" list for 2025.
This recognition reflects Birmingham Green's commitment to providing exceptional long-term care and maintaining high standards of service quality. The ranking is based on a comprehensive evaluation that considers various factors, including:
  • Quality metrics
  • A national online survey
  • Accreditation data
  • Google reviews
Denise Chadwick Wright, CEO of Birmingham Green, emphasized the facility's dedication to creating a supportive and respectful environment for residents. Under her leadership since 2017, Wright has implemented several initiatives to enhance resident care and staff engagement.
  • Some key achievements at Birmingham Green include:
  • Implementing wellness programs like Eden Philosophy training
  • Launching the Birdsong tablet initiative to combat resident loneliness
  • Achieving Bronze level Quality Awards from the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living
  • Earning a 4-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
Aaron Rebuck, Nursing Home Administrator at Birmingham Green, highlighted the facility's focus on personalized attention to residents' physical, emotional, and social needs. This holistic approach to care aligns with the vision set forth by the facility's founders over 90 years ago.
Birmingham Green's success can be attributed to its dedicated staff and leadership team's commitment to continuous improvement and resident-centered care. This recognition by Newsweek serves as a testament to their efforts in providing high-quality long-term care services to seniors in Northern Virginia.
Birmingham Green is deeply committed to serving individuals from all income levels, ensuring that high-quality care is accessible to everyone in the community. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, Birmingham Green has a long-standing tradition of providing affordable senior living options, allowing residents with limited resources to receive the care they need without financial burden. The facility offers various programs and partnerships, such as the Virginia Auxiliary Grant program, to support low-income residents. This commitment to financial accessibility aligns with Birmingham Green's mission to create a nurturing environment where all residents can thrive, regardless of their economic background. By prioritizing inclusivity and support, Birmingham Green continues to fulfill its founding vision of being a welcoming home for all seniors in Northern Virginia.

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