Caring for an aging loved one is one of the hardest jobs there is — and you shouldn't have to do it alone. Below are 29 verified Virginia programs offering emotional support, respite, training, financial help, peer groups, and legal planning — most of them completely free.
Last updated July 2026
Start here in Virginia
Virginia Division of Aging Services — Area Agencies on Aging
One call connects Virginia family caregivers to free counseling, respite, training, and support groups through their local Area Agency on Aging.
Virginia Division of Aging Services — Area Agencies on Aging
Free
Statewide — 25 Area Agencies on Aging covering all 133 jurisdictions
Virginia's primary caregiver entry point. Free information, referrals, and connection to all caregiver services through 25 regional AAAs. Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS) administers caregiver programs. VirginiaNavigator.org is VA's statewide resource portal.
Call 804-545-1644 or visit vda.virginia.gov. Also: VirginiaNavigator.org is Virginia's unique online platform for finding local aging, disability, and caregiver services statewide
Statewide — four chapters: Greater Richmond (grva), Central & Western VA (cwva), Southeastern VA (seva), National Capital Area (nca)
Around the clock emotional support, crisis assistance, and care consultations for dementia caregivers. Four chapters serve all of Virginia. 165,000+ Virginians living with Alzheimer's; 346,000 caregivers providing 670 million hours of unpaid care annually.
Greater Richmond: www.alz.org/grva | Central/Western VA: alz.org/cwva | SE VA: alz.org/seva | Northern VA: alz.org/nca. Call 800-272-3900 to be connected to the right chapter
Virginia's dedicated caregiver coalition committed to improving the caregiving experience through education, advocacy, and resource access. Administers the Virginia Lifespan Respite Voucher Program. Meets every other month for networking, training, and resource sharing.
Call 804-662-7650 for Virginia Caregiver Coalition resources and Lifespan Respite Voucher Program — key statewide partner with DARS and 25 AAAs
Free 24/7 confidential emotional support for caregivers experiencing burnout, distress, or crisis. Available by call or text. Virginia's 1 in 5 residents serves in a family caregiving role — one of the highest rates nationally.
Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week — call or text
Free 24/7 connection to local health and human services including emotional support, crisis intervention, and caregiver resource referrals across all Virginia jurisdictions.
Call or text 211 anytime — also available online at virginia.gov/agencies/department-of-social-services. Available in English and Spanish
Statewide — through Virginia Caregiver Coalition and DARS
Virginia's Lifespan Respite Voucher Program offers financial reimbursement to caregivers for short-term, temporary relief. Caregivers who reside full-time with the person they care for may qualify for a one-time reimbursement. Administered by Virginia Caregiver Coalition.
Apply through VCC at 804-662-7650 — one-time reimbursement voucher for qualifying caregivers. Contact your local AAA as additional respite funds may be available through NFCSP
NFCSP-funded temporary respite care for family caregivers of adults 60+ or any age with Alzheimer's through Virginia's 25 AAAs. In-home and adult day respite options available statewide. Contact your local AAA through DARS.
Contact DARS at 804-545-1644 or local AAA — respite availability and types vary by region across Virginia's 25 AAA service areas
Alzheimer's Association VA — Respite Care Scholarships
Free
Statewide — through four Virginia chapters
Respite care scholarships available through Virginia ALZ chapters for qualifying dementia caregivers who cannot afford respite. Contact your regional chapter to inquire about current scholarship availability and eligibility.
Contact your regional ALZ chapter — scholarship availability varies by chapter and funding cycle. One of the most unique Virginia-specific caregiver respite resources
At least 30 days annual respite for caregivers of eligible veterans enrolled in VA healthcare. Virginia has major VA facilities in Richmond, Hampton, Salem, and multiple CBOCs serving Virginia's large military and veteran population.
Must be caring for veteran enrolled in VA healthcare — Richmond VAMC: 804-675-5000 | Hampton VAMC: 757-722-9961 | Salem VAMC: 540-982-2463
Alzheimer's Association Virginia — Education Programs
Free
Statewide — four chapters and virtual
Free education programs for dementia caregivers across all Virginia jurisdictions. Four chapters deliver ALZ Talks webinars, Savvy Caregiver workshops, and care consultations statewide. Alzpossible — Virginia's comprehensive virtual dementia resource center — also available.
Virtual options available statewide — call helpline or visit chapter website. Also visit Alzpossible through the Virginia Navigator for Virginia-specific dementia resources
Virginia's unique statewide online platform for older adults, people with disabilities, veterans, and caregivers. Searchable directory of local services by zip code, caregiving resources, and connection to all 25 AAAs. Includes Alzpossible dementia resource center.
Free 24/7 online access — search by zip code for local caregiver resources anywhere in Virginia. VirginiaNavigator is one of the most comprehensive state caregiver portals in the Southeast
Virginia Cooperative Extension — Caregiver Education
Free
Statewide — Virginia Tech and VSU Extension offices in all localities
Evidence-based caregiver education through Virginia Cooperative Extension (Virginia Tech and VSU). Family caregiver programs, aging resources, and Powerful Tools for Caregivers workshops statewide including rural Southwest and Southside Virginia communities.
Extension in every Virginia locality — reaching rural caregivers in Appalachian Southwest, Eastern Shore, and Southside Virginia
Caregiver training and education through DARS and Virginia's 25 AAAs. Covers dementia care, stress management, and navigating Virginia Medicaid programs. Virginia Caregiver Resource Guide available through DARS.
Contact DARS at 804-545-1644 — Virginia Caregiver Resource Guide downloadable free at dars.virginia.gov/aging/
Comprehensive caregiver education library including fact sheets, online programs, and Virginia-specific resource directory. Especially valuable for rural Virginia caregivers in Southwest, Southside, or Eastern Shore regions.
No registration required for most online resources
Free caregiver tools, guides, and education in English and Spanish. AARP Virginia reports nearly 1 million family caregivers (1 in 5 Virginians) providing $14 billion in unpaid care. AARP Care Guide available in English and Spanish.
AARP membership not required — AARP Virginia active on CCC Plus Waiver preservation and caregiver tax credit legislation in Virginia General Assembly
Virginia's primary Medicaid HCBS waiver allowing legally responsible relatives (including spouses in certain circumstances) to be paid as personal care providers. Consumer Direction option allows care recipients to hire and manage family members as attendants. Income limit $2,982/month January 2026.
Family members can be hired as paid caregivers — spouses and legal guardians are excluded — contact VA Medicaid at 804-786-7933. Income limit updated to $2,982/month effective January 2026. Consumer Direction option through Fiscal Agent Services
Virginia Personal Care Program — Consumer-Directed
Free
Statewide
Virginia Medicaid Consumer-Directed Services option allowing Medicaid recipients to recruit, hire, train, and supervise their own personal care attendants including adult family members. Legally responsible relatives (including spouses in most cases) eligible. Fiscal agent handles payroll.
Legally responsible relatives including spouses eligible — contact VA Medicaid at 804-786-7933. Fiscal Agent Services (FAS) handles payroll and employment compliance
Monthly stipend for caregivers of eligible veterans with 70%+ service-connected disability. Also includes CHAMPVA health insurance. VA legacy cohort protected through September 2028. Virginia has among the largest veteran populations on the East Coast.
Must be caring for veteran with 70%+ service-connected disability rating
National Family Caregiver Support Program — Virginia
Free
Statewide — through 25 Area Agencies on Aging
Federal program providing information, counseling, training, respite, and supplemental services to family caregivers of adults 60+ or any age with Alzheimer's. Grandparent kinship caregiver services also available statewide.
Contact DARS at 804-545-1644 or local AAA — no income limits for Older Americans Act programs in Virginia
Free caregiver support groups throughout Virginia from Richmond to Northern Virginia to Roanoke to Virginia Beach. Four chapters provide comprehensive statewide coverage. Spanish-language groups available in Northern Virginia. ALZConnected online 24/7.
Call helpline or visit chapter website to find group — virtual options available statewide. Spanish-language groups in Northern Virginia metro area
Bimonthly networking and resource-sharing meetings for Virginia caregivers and caregiver support professionals. Education sessions, peer connection, and advocacy updates. Open to all Virginia family caregivers.
Call 804-662-7650 — bimonthly meetings statewide for caregivers and professionals. VCC also hosts annual Virginia Caregiver Conference
Caregiver support groups through Virginia's 25 AAAs covering all 133 jurisdictions. Groups for general caregiving, Alzheimer's and dementia, and grandparent kinship caregivers. Contact DARS or local AAA to find groups near you.
Contact DARS at 804-545-1644 — groups vary by AAA region across Virginia's 25 service areas
Free online peer community of 25,000+ caregivers active 24/7. Especially valuable for Virginia caregivers in rural Southwest, Southside, or Eastern Shore regions where local groups may be limited.
AARP membership not required — virtual peer support 24/7. Spanish-language AARP community also available
Free civil legal services to low-income Virginians including elder law, advance directives, healthcare powers of attorney, Medicaid planning, housing, and consumer protection. Elder law services for adults 60+ statewide. Also visit LawHelpVA.org for online legal resources at no cost to you.
Income eligibility requirements — adults 60+ receive priority for elder law matters. Also: Central VA Legal Aid (804-648-1012) | Blue Ridge Legal Services (540-433-1830) | Legal Aid Society of Eastern VA (757-627-5423)
Virginia's SHIP program (called VICAP — Virginia Insurance Counseling and Assistance Program). Free, unbiased Medicare counseling for Virginia beneficiaries and caregivers. Help navigating Medicare, Medicare Advantage, Medigap, and Part D. Available in English and Spanish.
Unbiased — not affiliated with insurance industry. Virginia calls it VICAP not SHIP. Same 800-552-3402 reaches VICAP and LTC Ombudsman through DARS
Free advocacy for caregivers with concerns about nursing home, assisted living, or specialty care facility quality. Investigates complaints and protects residents' rights across all Virginia jurisdictions. Toll-free complaint line available.
Complaint line: 804-565-1600 | Toll-free: 800-552-3402. Also accessible through local AAA. Virginia Ombudsman covers boarding homes — unique to Virginia
Free legal advocacy for Virginians with disabilities and their caregivers. Virginia's federally designated Protection and Advocacy agency. Covers disability rights, Medicaid/CCC Plus access, housing, and abuse/neglect investigations.
Toll-free: 800-552-3962. Free services for people with disabilities and their family caregivers — all Virginia jurisdictions. Active on CCC Plus Waiver access issues
Connects Virginia caregivers to elder law attorneys for advance directives, healthcare powers of attorney, guardianship, and Medicaid/CCC Plus planning. Initial consultation available at reduced fee.
Referral fee may apply — income-eligible Virginians should contact Virginia Legal Aid first for services at no cost to you. Also: LawHelpVA.org online legal information statewide at no cost to you
Honest answers to what Virginia family caregivers ask most.
Most free caregiver help in Virginia flows through Virginia Division of Aging Services — Area Agencies on Aging, which works hand-in-hand with the Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS) and the local Area Agency on Aging (AAA) network. Call 804-545-1644 to be connected to your county's AAA or Aging and Disability Resource Center — they provide free caregiver counseling, support groups, respite vouchers, and caregiver education statewide.
In many cases, yes. The primary pathway is Commonwealth Coordinated Care Plus (CCC Plus) Waiver. Virginia's CCC Plus Consumer-Directed services option lets Medicaid members hire family (other than a spouse, parent of a minor, or legal guardian) as paid attendants. The care recipient must meet Virginia Medicaid's financial and functional eligibility rules. To apply or confirm what's currently available, call 804-545-1644 and ask specifically about Medicaid self-direction or consumer-directed personal-care services.
Free or low-cost respite in Virginia comes from three main places: (1) Virginia Division of Aging Services — Area Agencies on Aging and your local Area Agency on Aging, which can issue respite vouchers under the National Family Caregiver Support Program — call 804-545-1644; (2) the VA Caregiver Support Program (1-855-260-3274) for caregivers of enrolled veterans; and (3) the ARCH National Respite Locator at archrespite.org, which lists licensed Virginia respite providers by ZIP code.
Virginia veteran caregivers can access two main VA programs. The Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) pays a monthly stipend of roughly $1,750–$3,200 for caregivers of post-9/11 and (now expanded) earlier-era veterans with a 70%+ service-connected disability who need help with daily activities. The Program of General Caregiver Support Services offers free training, peer mentoring, and REACH VA stress coaching for caregivers of any era veteran enrolled in VA healthcare. Call the VA Caregiver Support Line at 1-855-260-3274 or visit caregiver.va.gov to apply.
Yes. The Alzheimer's Association Virginia Chapter runs in-person and virtual support groups across the state and operates a free 24/7 helpline at 800-272-3900 in English and Spanish. Local Area Agencies on Aging also coordinate dementia-specific groups through Virginia's family caregiver support program — Virginia Division of Aging Services — Area Agencies on Aging can refer you. For broader caregiver support groups (not dementia-specific), the Family Caregiver Alliance and Well Spouse Association also serve Virginia families online.
Virginia Legal Aid Society / Legal Aid Justice Center is the main free civil legal aid resource for income-eligible Virginia residents. They can help with advance directives, financial and healthcare powers of attorney, guardianship questions, Medicare and Medicaid appeals, and consumer or housing problems facing aging adults. Virginia State Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program provides separate free advocacy specifically for residents (and their families) in Virginia nursing homes, assisted living, and other long-term care settings. Many Virginia bar associations also run lawyer-referral services with reduced rates for caregivers and seniors.
988 is the free, confidential 24/7 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline available to anyone in the U.S., including Virginia family caregivers who feel overwhelmed, isolated, hopeless, or in emotional distress. Call or text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org. For non-crisis support — finding food, transportation, rent help, or caregiver respite — dial 211 to reach a Virginia-trained United Way navigator who can route you to local programs.
Virginia's Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) and Area Agency on Aging (AAA) network is the single point of entry for county-level caregiver services. Call 804-545-1644 and you'll be routed to the ADRC or AAA serving your county. They handle benefits screening, options counseling, and direct connections to counseling, respite, training, transportation, and financial-help programs. Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS) oversees the network statewide and can also help if a local office is hard to reach.
Save these Virginia resources to your free care plan
Your care plan keeps every Virginia caregiver resource — phone numbers, eligibility, and next steps — in one calm, organized place.
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Source: LTCareNav.com research, updated on July 2026. Programs, phone numbers, and eligibility rules change frequently — please verify contact information directly with each organization before referral. This page is informational and not legal, medical, or financial advice.