Office of Aging and Disability Services

The Office of Aging and Disability Services (OADS) offers referral assistance for older adults and individuals with disabilities seeking the following:

• Caregiver support and respite services
• Durable medical equipment
• Eligibility support with Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, and Supplemental Security Income
• Health and wellness programs
• Home-delivered meals
• Housing and home modification resources
• Transportation assistance

If you are in need of referral with any of the above, please call RVA 311 or the Seniors/Disabilities Helpline at (804) 646-1082. You may also submit a request by visiting RVA 311.

What else do we do?

Home Visitation for Care Coordination

As a follow up to calls, we offer in-home visits for older adults and persons with disabilities unable to visit our office. During home visits, we work with residents to assess what care needs they have and even help fill out applications for assistance. This could include Medicaid, Fuel Assistance, home repairs, real estate tax relief, coordination of home delivered meals, and identifying assisted or independent living facilities.

Community Outreach

In an effort to promote our services, we attend various public events throughout the city related to our target population. We also welcome invitations to come speak at events about currents issues and the work we do to serve aging adults and persons with disabilities.

Well-Being Checks

We conduct telephone and personal checks conducted during summer and winter months when temperatures are extreme or during weather emergencies to ensure safe environments and to identify any needs of older adults and persons with disabilities.

Interagency Council on Aging

A council composed of representatives from various City departments impacting the lives of seniors and persons with disabilities, such as the Department of Social Services, Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities, Richmond City Health District, Fire and Emergency Management, Police and others.

nnual Centenarian Luncheon

Every year OADS celebrates persons 100 years old or older living in the City of Richmond or have lived the majority of their adult years in the city. We take this opportunity to acknowledge those among us who have witnessed events of the past century. In addition to the honorees and their families several federal, state and local officials are in often invited for this special occasion.

Veterans and Families Resource Fair

In partnership with the Richmond Veterans Administration Medical Center and community stakeholders, we host a resource fair for veterans and their families. Vendors are on site to provide valuable information on services in areas such as healthcare, employment, housing and legal assistance. This event is free and open to the public.

Seniors Engaged in Active Lifestyles (S.E.A.L)

The SEAL program is designed for older adults age 55 years and older who would like to remain active and engaged in the community through programs offered by the city. 

Alzheimer’s Association Greater Richmond Chapter informs the community about signs & symptoms, stages, diagnosis, research progress, treatment and care of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) is a membership organization leading positive social change and delivering value to people age 50 and over through information, advocacy and service.

Capital Area Partnership Uplifting People (CAPUP) is the region's community action agency that provides a wide range of services for low-income, elderly persons. You can find out more about their Senior Services here.

disAbilityNavigator is an online resource providing disability-related information regarding health, housing, financial, and legal for individuals with a disability, caregivers and family members.

FeedMore is Central Virginia's core hunger-relief organization dedicated to providing neighbors in need with healthy meals and hope for a better tomorrow.

GRTC Transit System provides transportation services to the Richmond VA area and parts of Chesterfield and Henrico counties. These include fixed route and express route bus service, specialized services such as CARE and RideFinders.

Senior Navigator is an online service providing aging related information regarding health, housing, financial, legal & etc. for older adults, caregivers and family members.

The SPAN Center is the Area Agency on Aging for the Richmond Region. They offer a comprehensive range of home- and community-based services for seniors age 55 and older, caregivers and persons with disabilities in the City of Richmond and the surrounding counties.

Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services provides quality programs and services that empower individuals with disabilities to maximize their employment, independence and full inclusion into society.

Virginia Department for Behavioral Health and Developmental Services oversees the state’s system of care by operating state hospitals and training centers, licensing service providers, and funding community-based supports for individuals with mental health, substance use, and developmental disability needs.

Virginia Easy Access provides information on services for seniors and adults with disabilities and the providers that support them.

The City of Richmond's Aging and Disabilities Advisory Board was established by Ord. No. 2011-150-158 on September 26, 2011, with the charge to:

provide advice and recommendations to the Council on matters concerning senior citizens and persons with disabilities and provide a report of the Board’s advice and recommendations as required by [City Code Section 2-1106] and upon the request of the Council.  The Board shall also work with residents of the city, the City Administration, the Council and businesses to develop and increase access to consumer-oriented and community-based services for senior citizens and persons with disabilities.  In addition, the Board shall develop and make available for public comment an assessment of local needs and priorities for senior citizens and persons with disabilities and shall provide the assessment to the Council in the form of a report. The Board shall update such assessment in 2012 and every four years thereafter.  

In order to elevate the voices of older adults and individuals with disabilities, the board is composed of a diverse group of individuals nominated and appointed by City Council:

• 1 - representative of the business community providing services to persons age 55 or older or to persons with disabilities (reside or work)
• 2 - Residents of the city who are persons with disabilities, and age 18 or older
• 3 - residents of the city who are age 55 or older
• 2 - residents of the city who are past or current caregivers of at least one person with a disability or of at least one senior citizen
• 1 - Employee of the City (not required to reside)
• 1 - Attorney or paralegal whose firm or office routinely represents or handles cases for senior citizens or persons with disabilities; or who has experience addressing issues related to the Americans with Disabilities Act; (not required to reside or work)
• 1 - Employee of the City’s Office of the Deputy Chief Administrative Officer for Human Services with program manager duties

See the full Aging and Disabilities Advisory Board here and please contact us if you would be interested in serving on the Board.