According to the Virginia Department for the Aging, over the next 30 years the Commonwealth’s share of population over 60 will increase from the current 14.7 percent to more than 25 percent. Also, this population will become increasingly frail as they age in place, and research shows that today more seniors want to “age in place, “ which means choosing to remain at home or in a supportive community as they grow older rather than having to move each time their needs increase.
With 2007 nursing home care costs in Virginia averaging $61,000 annually per resident, a 5.5 percent increase from 2006, VHDA wants to facilitate the wishes of seniors to remain at home longer. Through REACH Virginia, the authority tackles the challenges of providing affordable and accessible housing for the elderly, especially those who are frail or disabled.
To promote successful aging and fulfillment of the federal Olmstead mandate that people with disabilities—seniors included—are entitled to “the most integrated setting appropriate to their needs.” We work with organizations, developers and other stakeholders statewide to provide information and resources that encourage solutions to these long-standing and increasing needs.
These solutions can include:
- Supportive housing.
- Universal Design.
- Assisted living communities.
The ultimate goal of REACH Virginia senior outreach is to think about new ways to enhance the independence of older Virginians so they may remain at home or in assisted/supported living communities for as long as it is safe and responsible for them to do so.
