 Are you available on weekdays during school hours and enjoy working with kids? If so, this opportunity is for you! The Department of Family Services’ Body Safety Program needs volunteer classroom instructors to help empower elementary students with the tools they need to prevent or interrupt child abuse. Apply online at bit.ly/BodySafeVol or contact the Body Safety staff at [email protected] or 703-324-7459. We are continuously onboarding volunteers throughout the school year but help us reach our goal of 30 new volunteers! The next training is in person on Friday, August 8th.
 The Virginia Nurses Association (VNA) is thrilled to share that nine nurses from Virginia – eight of them VNA members – have been selected as Fellows of the American Academy of Nursing, including VNA’s Board Vice President, Dr. Jennifer Shepherd, DNP, MHA, RN, NEA-BC, NPD-BC. The Academy is a policy organization and an honorific society that recognizes nursing's most accomplished leaders in policy, research, practice, administration, and academia to advance equitable solutions to the nation’s most complex health care challenges. Academy Fellows hold a wide variety of influential roles in health care and induction into the Fellowship represents more than recognition of one's accomplishments within the nursing profession. Fellows contribute their collective expertise to the Academy, engaging with health leaders nationally and globally to improve health and achieve health equity by impacting policy through nursing leadership, innovation, and science. Congratulations to you all!
Virginia Inductees
The 2025 inductees will be recognized for their substantial, sustained, and significant contributions to health and healthcare at the Academy’s annual conference, in Washington, DC during the Induction Ceremony on the evening of October 18. About the Virginia Nurses Association The Virginia Nurses Association (VNA) is a professional organization furthering the interests of the more than 123,000 registered nurses throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia, inclusive of all areas of specialization, clinical settings and work environments. In concert with their national partner, the American Nurses Association, VNA is dedicated to advancing nurses and the nursing profession through advocacy. Connect with VNA on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube. About the American Academy of Nursing The American Academy of Nursing serves the public by advancing health policy and practice through the generation, synthesis, and dissemination of nursing knowledge. Academy Fellows are inducted into the organization for their extraordinary contributions to improve health locally and globally. With more than 3,200 Fellows, the Academy represents nursing’s most accomplished leaders in policy, research, administration, practice, and academia.  A recent national survey by Choice Mutual highlights growing concerns across the U.S. about the emotional and financial demands of caring for aging parents—and Virginia ranks in the middle of the pack when it comes to caregiver preparedness.
The study, titled “States Where People Are Least Ready to Care for Their Parents”, surveyed over 2,500 adults and ranked all 50 states based on how confident residents felt about stepping into caregiving roles. While states like Arkansas and Michigan topped the list with high preparedness, Virginia’s results reveal that many residents feel overwhelmed or unprepared for the challenges of elder care. Virginians Struggle with Caregiving Costs and Emotional ReadinessIn Virginia, just under 50% of respondents said they felt emotionally and logistically ready to care for an aging parent. Financial concerns loomed large—nearly two-thirds of Virginians surveyed expressed worry about how they would afford care-related expenses, such as home health aides, medical bills, or time off work. More than 40% of Virginians believed they might need to reduce work hours or leave their jobs entirely if a parent required full-time support. The stress of caregiving isn’t just financial—respondents also cited emotional strain, lack of guidance, and fear of making wrong decisions on behalf of a parent. Communication Gaps PersistDespite the looming responsibilities, only about a third of Virginians reported having discussed caregiving plans with their parents. This lack of communication leaves many families unprepared when a health crisis occurs. The report also found that only 1 in 4 Virginia respondents had researched long-term care options such as assisted living or insurance coverage. This gap in planning may further contribute to the anxiety caregivers experience when facing tough decisions. Virginia vs. the NationCompared to top-ranked states like Arkansas (66% prepared) and low-ranking Oregon (41%), Virginia’s preparedness level falls in the lower-middle range, signaling room for improvement. Interestingly, the study also found that residents in some Southern states—Virginia included—were more likely to express a strong emotional desire to care for parents personally, even if they weren’t logistically or financially ready. Women in Virginia, consistent with national trends, were far more likely to expect caregiving duties to fall on them. Millennials and Gen Xers expressed particular concern about balancing work, finances, and caregiving, often referred to as the challenges of the “sandwich generation.” What Virginians Can DoExperts recommend starting the conversation early. "Planning before a crisis gives families more options and less stress," said Anthony Martin, CEO of Choice Mutual. Virginians are encouraged to discuss care preferences, explore insurance options, and seek out community support resources well in advance. Explore the full report and see how Virginia compares to other states: https://choicemutual.com/blog/caring-for-parents-survey/  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:
“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.  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:
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:
  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
“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 
 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:
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 Summit4/15/2025
 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:
Select Affordable Housing Property Waitlist In No. Virginia Applications Open Through January 191/16/2025
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:
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, 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. Northern Virginia Nursing Homes Ranked 150+ Beds
Northern Virginia Nursing Homes Ranked 100-149 Beds
Northern Virginia Nursing Homes Ranked 50-99 Beds
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