Department of Family Services – Older Adults

CONTACT INFORMATION: Monday–Friday 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
703-324-7948 TTY 711
12011 Government Center Parkway, Suite 708
Fairfax, VA 22035
Trina Mayhan-Webb
Director

Family Caregiver Support Programs


older adult and their parent smilingAre you a family caregiver for an older adult and/or an adult with a disability? A family caregiver can be a spouse, a partner, an adult child, any relative, friend, or neighbor who provides care and assistance to a loved one due to aging, chronic illness, or a disability, and they are usually not paid for what they do. There are a variety of support and respite programs available. Need more information? Please call us at 703-324-7948, TTY 711.

 
Monthly Caregiver Webinars

Caregiver webinars are free and virtual, and can be accessed from a computer or telephone. Please join us to get helpful information and resources. Check out the upcoming webinars.

Most webinars are recorded. If you're unable to join us live, please register anyway and, if a recording is available, it will be sent to you. Check out past recorded caregiver webinars.

Caregiver Panel Discussions

Virtual panel discussions are free and for family caregivers for an older adult and/or an adult with a disability.

Check out upcoming panel discussions.

Caregiver Webinars in Spanish

Helpful information in Spanish for older adults, adults with disabilities and family caregivers. 

Check out upcoming caregiver webinars in Spanish

Health and Wellness Workshops

The free health and wellness workshops are free and for family caregivers for an older adult and/or an adult with a disability.

Check out upcoming health and wellness workshops.

Dementia Caregiver Series

The Dementia Caregiver Series are free and for family caregivers who are caring for a loved one living with dementia.

Check out upcoming dementia caregiver webinars.

Dementia Friendly Fairfax

Dementia Friendly Fairfax envisions our community as a place where people living with dementia and their care partners will be able to engage in a variety of activities, be supported in the highest quality of life, and can live independently for as long as possible. Dementia Friendly Fairfax initiative started through a partnership with Goodwin House, Insight Memory Care Center, Fairfax Area Commission on Aging, and Fairfax Area Agency on Aging.

Checkout upcoming sessions. Learn more about Dementia Friendly Fairfax

ElderLink - affordable care management for older adults in Northern Virginia

ElderLink Caregiver Telephone Support Call

ElderLink Caring For You and Caring For Me Program

Caregiver Consultations are free and provided Monday-Friday between 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Call 703-324-5374, TTY 711 and ask for a one-hour caregiver consultation.

Caregiver Respite allows family caregivers to take a well-deserved break. Call 703-324-7948, TTY 711 to discuss two county programs that provide up to six hours of respite monthly.

Information and assistance is provided by calling 703-324-7948, TTY 711 or complete the Online Service Request Form.

Dementia Capable Virginia is an initiative of the Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders Commission and the Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS) with the support and collaboration of the Virginia Department of Health. This initiative provides training materials and other resources to support family caregivers caring for loved ones experiencing cognitive changes. Learn more and access resources Dementia Capable VA (virginia.gov)

Virginia Lifespan Respite Voucher Program provides reimbursement vouchers to Virginia primary caregivers for the cost of temporary, short-term respite care provided to individuals, of any age, with a documented disability or medical condition. Get more information about the program, eligibility, reimbursement, and how to apply.

Family Caregivers Are Invited to Sign Up for the Virtual Social Visitor Program
The Virtual Social Visitor Program is provided by the Department of Family Services' Volunteer Solutions Program. Our vetted volunteers provide support through regular phone calls made to family caregivers, many of whom are or have been caregivers themselves. A few benefits from this program include:

  • Alleviation of loneliness/isolation.
  • Opportunity to chat with a volunteer about lighthearted topics as well as share journeys/stories.
  • Development of a supportive relationship with a volunteer.
  • Provision of an informal listening ear/sounding board.

Sign up today by sending an email or calling 703-324-5406, TTY 711. We’ll match you with a volunteer.

Newsletter – Access Fairfax (Disability Rights and Resources)

Newsletter– Golden Gazette (Information and news for older adults and caregivers.)

Newsletter – The Update (Northern Virginia Long-Term Care Ombudsman)

Videos – Older Adults Services Videos Playlist

Fairfax Virtual Assistant