Fairfax County 50+

08/18/2023

Northern Virginia Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program

The ombudsman program is part of a nationwide network established under the federal Older Americans Act to provide consumer information and help residents resolve problems related to care. Considering a long-term care facility? Need assistance with a care issue? Want to file a complaint?

Contact the Northern Virginia Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program
Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Call 703-324-5861, TTY 711 or visit http://bit.ly/3Rk6LLK.

08/17/2023

Volunteers Needed!

Fairfax County Volunteer Solutions offers meaningful opportunities to help support older adults, adults with disabilities, and family caregivers. The following volunteers are needed: drivers (for medical appointments, errands, grocery shopping), social visitors, household organizers, and more.

Volunteers are especially needed in the Alexandria, Springfield, and Annandale regions. Bilingual volunteers are needed, too. Senior Centers and Adult Day Healthcare Centers need activity assistants and skilled leaders. Form new connections and help decrease social isolation.

To learn more and register go to bit.ly/FXVSVOL, email [email protected], or call 703-324-5406.

08/16/2023

Thousands of Virginia children and youth are raised in kinship care, which is when relatives step in to raise a child for a relative or a friend. Whether these arrangements are formal or informal, short or long term, they come with unique challenges, and there are some supports available to families in this situation. DFS has a resource webpage for kinship families. Check it out at https://bit.ly/DFS-CYF-Kinship!

08/16/2023

August is National Immunization Awareness Month, an annual observance that highlights the importance of getting recommended vaccines throughout your life. Although immunizations are often associated with children, it is important to keep up with needed immunizations throughout adulthood. Immunizations protect not only us, but our family and friends too.

Learn more about what immunization you may need in the August issue of the Golden Gazette: https://bit.ly/43KsuBE

08/15/2023

Creating Support Systems for Family Caregivers
Friday, August 25, 2-3 p.m.

According to The National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP, an estimated 53 million family caregivers are providing care to a loved one. Their care and assistance enable their loved ones to live with dignity and remain in their communities. While many family caregivers find purpose and meaning in their journey, they often experience isolation and feelings of stress and burnout. In this panel conversation, we will explore the importance of creating and finding systems of support that will help them in the journey.

Join this webinar from 2-3 p.m. and learn about the different resources available to caregivers. Register at https://Bit.ly/AAAPanel to receive an email with access instructions.

08/14/2023

Looking for something fun to do, meet people and stay active? Connect with your peers, engage in a variety of activities, and discover useful resources through the Virtual Center for Active Adults (VCAA).

Join in a variety of fun activities such as fitness classes, special presentations, interactive games and much more! This week's activities include virtual travel to Australia, learn basic Spanish and chair yoga!

Check out the full schedule: https://bit.ly/2XK7AD1

To join any of classes on a computer, smartphone, tablet: bit.ly/VCAAzoom2
If you need technical assistance joining our virtual events, please email us at [email protected].

VCAA is a joint program offered by Fairfax County Neighborhood and Community Services, Fairfax City Parks and Recreation Senior Center, Prince William Area on Aging, ServiceSource, Town of Vienna Parks and Recreation, and Arlington Virginia

Fairfax County, Virginia - Older adults can connect to resources and activities through the Virtual Center for Active Adults.

08/11/2023

Mature Living

Animals are an integral part of our lives, and the roles they fill are varied. They can guide a blind person, serve on a search and rescue mission, work with police departments, or can simply calm an anxious person.

Watch the latest episode of Mature Living and learn about the difference between service dogs and therapy dogs. Host Anne Hall is joined by Wendy Mayer, Director of Communications for Fairfax Pets on Wheels, and Leslie Horton, Owner of Most Fine Canine who share how their organizations help people and how visits from animals benefit those in senior centers, hospitals, etc.

The Channel 16 crew also visited the Fairfax County Animal Shelter and met with Director Reasa Currier. She reveals the many opportunities for people of all ages to bond with the animals. Finally, Jodi Smith with Volunteer Solutions discusses the increasing popularity of robotic pets.

This program can also be seen on your computer: https://bit.ly/Ch16ML

You can find information on services for older adults at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/OlderAdults or call 703-324-7948, TTY 711, Monday-Friday.

08/10/2023

Access Fairfax
National Museum of the United States Army Offers At Ease-Low Sensory Afternoon
Saturday, August 12, 4-6 p.m.

Attend this free public program for visitors to enjoy late afternoon access to the National Museum of the United States Army with additional modifications to provide a more sensory-friendly environment. Anxiety coping devices will be available at the Welcome Desk. Service dogs and miniature ponies are allowed during this program as well as during normal operating hours. A hands-on special educational program and docent-led tours will be available.

To learn more and register: https://www.thenmusa.org/public-programs/accessibility-programs/

Subscribe to Disability Rights and Resources' Access Fairfax for more news and events for people with disabilities: http://bit.ly/DFS-Access-Fairfax

08/10/2023

Maria helps our community as a Volunteer Solutions fitness instructor at two Fairfax County senior centers! She shared that she enjoys leading classes because she builds rapport with the participants, stays fit, and helps others do the same. It's a "win-win."

Do you enjoy staying active? Consider registering to become a volunteer instructor at a center. Go to bit.ly/VSROLES for the list of opportunities.

08/10/2023

How to Support a Loved One Living with Brain Injury
Wednesday, August 16, 12-1 p.m.

This session will educate caregivers on understanding brain injury and its effects on their loved one. Join this session from 12-1 p.m. as Jessica Johns, M.D., neurologist and assistant professor in the Vascular and Critical Care Division of Neurology at Virginia Commonwealth University, shares how to cope with a sudden and sometimes life altering injury where caregiving is unexpected and can affect relationships, finances, living environment and overall wellness. Register at https://bit.ly/2KE1aiB to receive an email with access instructions.

08/09/2023

What are furry, bark and meow, and don't require training to bring joy and companionship to older adults? Robotic pets are the answer!

These cute animals bring all the love of pet ownership without any of the pet care responsibilities to their owners. Cats and dogs are finding their fur-ever homes with older adults and adults with disabilities through Volunteer Solutions’ Companion Pet program, created to address social isolation and loneliness and bring joy to Fairfax residents.

Learn more about the program in the August issue of the Golden Gazette: https://bit.ly/3DtFtgl

08/09/2023

3-2-1… Lift off! 🚀 Enroll for Metro Lift – a new program offering 50% off bus and rail trips for customers who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.

In-person enrollment centers are open on weekdays at L'Enfant Metro Headquarters, Metro Center Station, and New Carrollton Metro Offices. Scheduling an appointment online or by phone is highly encouraged to avoid long wait times.

To schedule your appointment to enroll in-person, visit wmata.com/metrolift.

08/08/2023

Fairfax County Health Department is offering immunizations to all Fairfax County students as well those who are behind on their scheduled immunizations, need a booster, or to people who are new to country.

Appointments are required, call 703-246-7100. Learn more at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/health/immunization/locations.

08/08/2023

Have you checked out the 2023-2028 SHAPE the Future of Aging Plan for older adults? The purpose of the plan is to guide the Fairfax County area and community-based organizations in meeting the needs of older adults now and in the future.

Check out the plan: https://bit.ly/SHAPEtheFutureofAging

08/07/2023

US National Weather Service Baltimore/Washington has issued a Hazardous Weather Outlook for today, Monday, Aug. 7.

⛈Numerous severe thunderstorms are expected to develop this afternoon and evening. The storms are expected to reach our county during the rush hour window.

Details: https://bit.ly/47oVRMQ

08/07/2023

Senior Cool Care Program
Are you in need of additional cooling during the summer?

The Senior Cool Care Program is a program that helps low-income older citizens in our jurisdiction keep cool during summer months. This program does not provide financial assistance, but it provides additional cooling at home by providing fans for eligible older adults, age 60 and older. The program runs May 1 through October 31, 2023. If you are interested in learning more about the program, please call the Aging, Disability & Caregiver Resource Line at 703-324-7948.

The Senior Cool Care Program is a public-private partnership sponsored by Dominion Energy and administered by the Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services through the Fairfax Area Agency on Aging.

08/07/2023

Fairfax County and surrounding areas are at Level 4 out of 5 risk for severe storms late this afternoon into the evening. This is a rare occurrence, making it vital to stay informed.
Receive weather alerts directly to your phone and/or email ➡️ https://bit.ly/2PktkyQ?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social

08/07/2023

Looking for something fun to do, meet people and stay active? Connect with your peers, engage in a variety of activities, and discover useful resources through the Virtual Center for Active Adults (VCAA).

Join in a variety of fun activities such as fitness classes, special presentations, interactive games and much more! This week's activities include yoga, Tai Chi, and Zumba. Join in to get moving!

Check out the full schedule: https://bit.ly/2XK7AD1

To join any of classes on a computer, smartphone, tablet: bit.ly/VCAAzoom2
If you need technical assistance joining our virtual events, please email us at [email protected].

VCAA is a joint program offered by Fairfax County Neighborhood and Community Services, Fairfax City Parks and Recreation Senior Center, Prince William Area on Aging, ServiceSource, Town of Vienna Parks and Recreation, and Arlington Virginia

Fairfax County, Virginia - Older adults can connect to resources and activities through the Virtual Center for Active Adults.

08/05/2023

Have you seen the Department of Family Services' Community Corner newsletter? Get the latest news, upcoming events, parenting and wellness tips, programs and services, and more!

Check out this week's newsletter and subscribe for our weekly email conveniently delivered to your inbox: https://bit.ly/44Re5Fg

Share the helpful posts with your friends and family, too!

08/04/2023

Dementia Friendly Information Session
Wednesday, August 9, 12-1:15 p.m.

Learn how to become a dementia friend and turn your new understanding of dementia into a practical action that can help someone living in your community. After participating in a Dementia Friend Session, participants can:
• Describe dementia and know the most common type of dementia
• State the five key messages about dementia
• Explain one approach to effectively communicate with a person with dementia
• Commit to an action as a Dementia Friend in your community

Register to receive an email with login instructions: https://bit.ly/3mNoLQl

08/03/2023

Virtual Telephone Support Call for Family Caregivers of Older Adults
Tuesday, August 8, 7-8 p.m.

Please join us for an open forum on caregiving issues, questions you may have, as well as feedback and suggestions for the support call going forward. After registering for a support call, a Zoom link and phone number will be provided so that you can join virtually or by phone. Register: https://bit.ly/31MRCuj

08/02/2023

Jay Corwin has always been passionate about helping others. His drive to help even led him to pursue careers in public service – first as a firefighter and now as a school bus driver. It has also resulted in him mentoring a young boy, becoming a trusted adult in the child’s life. Corwin’s ability to recognize needs both big and small and his willingness to help in whatever way he can serves as inspiration to us all.

Learn more about Jay Corwin in the August issue of the Golden Gazette: https://bit.ly/3Y3j2Z7

08/01/2023

Are you comfortable communicating in ASL? Older adult participants in the Gum Springs senior program (Alexandria 22306) would like a volunteer ASL instructor to teach them. Have some time to spare weekly, during weekdays?

Here's the link to register:
https://volunteer.fairfaxcounty.gov/custom/1380/opp_details/187453

07/31/2023

Virtual Center for Active Adults
Looking for something fun to do, meet people and stay active?

Connect with your peers, engage in a variety of activities, and discover useful resources through the Virtual Center for Active Adults (VCAA).
Join in a variety of fun activities such as fitness classes, special presentations, interactive games and much more! This week learn about transportation options from TOPS, join fitness classes, and more!

Check out the full schedule: https://bit.ly/2XK7AD1
To join any of classes on a computer, smartphone, tablet: bit.ly/VCAAzoom2

If you need technical assistance joining our virtual events, please email us at [email protected].
VCAA is a joint program offered by Fairfax County Neighborhood and Community Services, Fairfax City Parks and Recreation Senior Center, Prince William Area on Aging, ServiceSource, Town of Vienna Parks and Recreation, and Arlington Virginia.

Fairfax County, Virginia - Older adults can connect to resources and activities through the Virtual Center for Active Adults.

07/27/2023

Aging in Place: Transitional Care from Hospital to Home
Friday, July 28, 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Often when a loved one is discharged from a hospital, family caregivers do not anticipate the challenges that can happen during this process. Care transitions involve the coordination and transfer of information between healthcare providers, community organizations, patients, and family caregivers. This session will explore what family caregivers need to know and be aware of before their loved ones are discharged from the hospital, so they can get appropriate care along the way. Register at bit.ly/AAAPanel.

07/27/2023

Looking for ways to beat the heat? Check out this article with ways you can beat the heat: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/news/heat-safety

The Fairfax County Heat Plan is activated. For resources, visit: www.fairfaxcounty.gov/topics/extreme-heat-resources

07/26/2023

If you experience hearing loss, you aren’t alone. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, nearly 30 million adults in the United States have some degree of hearing loss, but only a fifth of those who could benefit from a hearing aid seek help. However, a recent change to how hearing aids are regulated may prove to be a game changer.

In August 2022, the FDA issued a rule establishing a regulatory category for over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids. This means that hearing aids, previously available only by prescription, are now available for purchase in store and online. Find out if an OTC hearing aid may be right for you in the July issue of the Golden Gazette: https://bit.ly/3JeY0Au

07/26/2023

The Fairfax County Department of Family Services is proud to support the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) 33rd Anniversary. Today we celebrate this important civil rights law that works to ensure all people with disabilities have the same rights and opportunities as everyone else. Celebrate with us by visiting: www.AdaAnniversary.Org

07/21/2023

Mature Living
Disability Rights and Resources

This episode explores disability resources for both older adults and adults with disabilities, as well as those who care for them. Host Anne Hall talks to Claudia Vila, Manager of Disability Rights and Resources in the Department of Family Services who provides an overview and discusses resources available for adults with disabilities, older adults, and caregivers. The Channel 16 crew visited the Wellness Center for Older Adults. It’s the first of its kind in Fairfax County and offers both virtual and in-person services for older adults and individuals with developmental disabilities. Rose Robinson, Division Manager, Long Term and Community Integration Services, talks about the benefit of this important resource. We round out the program with a conversation with Susan Shaw, Transportation Options, Programs, and Services Program Manager, better known as TOPS – a valuable Fairfax County resource.

This program can also be seen on your computer: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/cableconsumer/channel-16/mature-living

You can find information on services for older adults at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/OlderAdults or call 703-324-7948, TTY 711, Monday-Friday.

07/20/2023

Check out the County Conversation podcast and learn about the SHAPE the Future of Aging Plan. Tara Turner, director of the Fairfax Area Agency on Aging, explains how the plan was developed and the importance of developing a strategic plan to make Fairfax County a better place to age for older adults to live safely, independently, and with dignity.

Listen to Tara and Jim's conversation and find additional details at https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/topics/shape-future-aging.

07/19/2023

Has anyone ever told you to take a hike? Although the intent is rude, it is actually good advice! Hiking is an activity that nearly everyone can engage in, and it provides a host of benefits. Hiking is a great cardiovascular exercise that also works the muscles of your legs and hips, and because walking is a weight-bearing exercise, hiking can help build bone density. In addition to the physical benefits, hiking also provides psychological benefits.

Studies have found that walking in nature reduces stress, calms anxiety, and can lower the risk of depression. Learn more about hiking in the July issue of the Golden Gazette: https://bit.ly/3X7YWfJ

07/18/2023

Fairfax County Senior Centers need Skilled Volunteers to lead activities.

If you or someone you know has skills in Fitness, Tai Chi, Dance, Music (inc. piano or singing), Art, Cooking, or Languages (inc. ASL and ESOL), go to bit.ly/FFXVOLUNTEER and search by task or name of center.

If you can't help with one of these, you can still help by sharing this post.

07/17/2023

Understanding the Aging Process: How Aging Affects Your Nutritional Status
Wednesday, July 19, 12-2 p.m.

Join this free webinar as Diane Reinhold, MPH, MS, RDN from the University of Illinois, describes how the aging process, and its associated physiological changes, can impact one’s ability to meet their nutritional needs and ultimately age well. Participants will learn what steps one can take to navigate the nutritional changes associated with aging. Topics include nutrition basics, the impact of lifestyle on overall health, aging effects on nutritional needs, nutritional challenges and needs of aging adults, nutrient-rich foods, and strategies to navigate nutritional challenges. Register to receive an email with access instructions: https://bit.ly/2KE1aiB

07/17/2023

Virtual Center for Active Adults
Looking for something fun to do, meet people and stay active?

Connect with your peers, engage in a variety of activities, and discover useful resources through the Virtual Center for Active Adults (VCAA).
Join in a variety of fun activities such as fitness classes, special presentations, interactive games and much more! This week's activities include Gentle Yoga, Virtual Travel to the Netherlands, and much more!

Check out the full schedule: https://bit.ly/2XK7AD1
To join any of classes on a computer, smartphone, tablet: bit.ly/VCAAzoom2

If you need technical assistance joining our virtual events, please email us at [email protected].
VCAA is a joint program offered by Fairfax County Neighborhood and Community Services, Fairfax City Parks and Recreation Senior Center, Prince William Area on Aging, ServiceSource, Town of Vienna Parks and Recreation, and Arlington Virginia.

Fairfax County, Virginia - Older adults can connect to resources and activities through the Virtual Center for Active Adults.

07/15/2023

Did you know that there are several ways to renew Medicaid? When it’s time to renew your coverage, you will receive a renewal packet in the mail. You can renew your coverage in any of these ways:
• Talking to someone on the phone at the Cover Virginia Call Center: 1-855-242-8282.
• Visiting https://commonhelp.virginia.gov/ online and clicking “Renew benefits.” They even have a video that explains how to do it.
• Completing the paper renewal packet and mailing it back.

They can renew your benefits over the phone and provide help in many languages. Visit CoverVA.org for more information.