Northern Virginia families face a particular kind of pressure: the cost of living here is among the highest in the country, the waitlists for home care are real, and yet there are more local programs — county-funded, nonprofit, and state-backed — than most families ever find out about. This guide is the shortcut.
Virginia Medicaid & Waiver Programs
CCC Plus Waiver (Commonwealth Coordinated Care Plus)
Virginia's main home and community-based waiver for seniors who need nursing-facility-level care but want to stay home. Unlike Maryland's infamous 24,000-person waitlist, Virginia's CCC Plus Waiver has no waitlist — if you're eligible, you get services.
- Must qualify for Virginia Medicaid (income up to $2,901/month in 2025)
- Must require nursing facility level of care (assessed via the Virginia UAI tool)
- Assets limit: $2,000 for a single applicant
- Covers: personal care, respite, home modifications, assistive technology, adult day care
How to apply: Start at CommonHelp.virginia.gov or call Cover Virginia at 1-833-522-5582. You'll also need a Community Based Screening — contact your local Department of Social Services to start that process.
No waitlist — but apply now anyway
Virginia's CCC Plus has no waitlist, but the eligibility assessment and Medicaid approval process takes weeks to months. Apply before a crisis, not during one. The earlier you start, the smoother the transition when care becomes necessary.
EDCD Waiver (Elderly or Disabled with Consumer Direction)
A simpler waiver focused on personal care and consumer-directed services. Allows the senior (or a family caregiver) to hire and direct their own care worker — including a family member in some cases. Contact DARS for current eligibility and enrollment details: dars.virginia.gov
Northern Virginia Area Agencies on Aging
Northern Virginia doesn't have one unified AAA — each jurisdiction has its own. Start with yours:
Fairfax Area Agency on Aging
Serves Fairfax County, Fairfax City, Falls Church
12011 Government Center Pkwy, Suite 708, Fairfax
Arlington Agency on Aging
Serves Arlington County
2100 Washington Blvd, 4th Floor, Arlington
Alexandria Division of Aging
Serves City of Alexandria
4850 Mark Center Drive, 9th Floor, Alexandria
Fairfax County Programs
Home Repair for the Elderly Program
Fairfax County sends a crew to install grab bars, handrails, and accessibility devices — free. Up to one week of labor and $1,000 in materials for qualified homeowners.
- Must own and live in a Fairfax County home
- Applicant or household member aged 62+ or has a disability
- Income limits: up to $66,750 (1 person) to $125,800 (8 people)
- Covers: grab bars, handrails, minor plumbing, window/door repairs
Apply at fairfaxcounty.gov/housing/home-repair-elderly-program or call 703-246-5179.
Rebuilding Together Arlington/Fairfax/Falls Church
Nonprofit that provides free accessibility modifications using skilled volunteers — grab bars, comfort-height toilets, wheelchair ramps, stairlifts. Serves Fairfax, Arlington, Falls Church, Herndon, and Vienna. Call 703-528-1999.
Arlington County Programs
Arlington's Aging and Disability Services (703-228-1700) coordinates referrals to home modification programs, personal care, and in-home services. They also fund Rebuilding Together-AFF for residents needing free accessibility modifications. Start with the ADRC (Aging and Disability Resource Center) for an intake assessment — they'll map you to the right programs.
City of Alexandria Programs
Alexandria's Division of Aging & Adult Services (703-746-5999) connects residents to in-home care, caregiver support, and local modification resources. They coordinate with Rebuilding Together-AFF and can provide referrals to Virginia HOME program funding for larger accessibility projects.
Transportation
- ART/CUE (Arlington): Arlington Transit paratransit — call Arlington Aging at 703-228-1700 for referrals
- Fairfax Connector / Fastran: Fairfax County paratransit for seniors and people with disabilities — 703-324-9042
- WMATA MetroAccess: ADA paratransit across the DC metro area — 301-562-5360 or wmata.com/accessibility
- GoGoGrandparent: On-demand rides via phone (no smartphone needed) — 1-855-464-6872
Meal Delivery
- Meals on Wheels of Fairfax: Through Fairfax AAA — call 703-324-7948
- Arlington Meals on Wheels: Through Arlington Agency on Aging — 703-228-1700
- Alexandria Senior Nutrition Program: Call 703-746-5999
- Jewish Council for the Aging: Serves Northern Virginia — 301-255-4200, jcagw.org
Home Modification Funding
Virginia HOME Program (DHCD)
Virginia's Department of Housing and Community Development funds accessibility modifications for low-income homeowners through the HOME Investment Partnerships Program. Administered locally — contact your county housing office or call DHCD at 804-371-7000.
Fairfax County Home Repair for the Elderly
As described above — free grab bars, handrails, and minor accessibility work for eligible homeowners. One of the best programs in NoVA for quick wins.
VA HISA Grant (Veterans)
Veterans with service-connected disabilities can receive up to $6,800 for home accessibility modifications through the VA's Home Improvements and Structural Alterations (HISA) grant. Non-service-connected veterans may qualify for up to $2,000. Contact the DC VA Medical Center: 202-745-8000.
Rebuilding Together (Free Modifications)
For income-qualified homeowners who need grab bars, ramps, or other accessibility work at no cost. 703-528-1999.
Emergency Assistance
- Adult Protective Services (Fairfax): 703-324-4600
- Adult Protective Services (Arlington): 703-228-3100
- Adult Protective Services (Alexandria): 703-229-3200
- Crisis line (statewide): 1-800-330-3947
- Immediate danger: 911
Ready to Find a Contractor?
Many of the programs above require a contractor to do the installation work. Our directory lists verified aging-in-place specialists across Fairfax, Arlington, and Alexandria who know these programs and can help you navigate the paperwork.
Find a Local Contractor
Browse verified aging-in-place contractors familiar with local grant programs and home modification funding in your area.