Long-Term Care
With nearly two million Virginians over the age of 60 — a number expected to rise to 2.2 million by 2030 — the Commonwealth is taking action to strengthen long-term care. Executive Order 52 directs the Virginia Department of Health and the State Health Commissioner to improve nursing home oversight by expanding workforce capacity, modernizing complaint processes, and increasing transparency and accountability.
Key Initiatives Under Executive Order 52:
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Increasing inspector workforce capacity at the Office of Licensure and Certification, including filling vacancies, launching robust recruitment efforts, and establishing a dedicated Northern Virginia inspection team.
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Accelerating training and onboarding initiatives through dedicated staff, formal partnerships with peer states, and stronger orientation programs.
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Redesigning workflows and complaint processes, including assessing opportunities for automation and creating a publicly accessible nursing home information portal.
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Establishing an Advisory Board on Nursing Home Oversight and Accountability to elevate standards, advise on policy improvements, and ensure transparent, resident-centered care.
Advisory Board on Nursing Home Oversight and Accountability
This Advisory Board brings together providers, geriatricians, advocates, and other experts to protect Virginia’s seniors. Members advise on quality initiatives, recommend policies to enhance resident care, and help strengthen oversight, transparency, and accountability across nursing homes statewide.
October 23, 2025 Meeting
Supporting documents:
Agenda - 10.23.25 Advisory Board Meeting
Roster - 10.23.25 Advisory Board Meeting
9.15.25 Advisory Board Meeting Minutes DRAFT
Handout - Proposed Workstreams Based on Member Discussions
Presentation - Dignity for the Aged
Presentation - DMAS Nursing Home Advisory Board Updates
Presentation - Long Term Services and Supports and Program of All-Inclusive Care
Presentation - Office of Licensure and Certification Transformation Updates
Presentation - Overview of Nursing Home Licensure, Certification and Inspection
September 15, 2025 Meeting
Supporting documents:
Agenda - 9.15.25 Advisory Board Meeting
Roster - 9.15.25 Advisory Board Meeting
Presentation - The Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program A Brief Overview
Presentation - Update on Office of Licensure & Certification Staffing Efforts
The Virginia State Plan for Aging Services
As required by the federal Older Americans Act (OAA) and state law, the Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS) is tasked with developing the State Plan for Aging Services, which sets the framework for the Commonwealth’s long-term care initiatives. The plan outlines the following goals:
- GOAL 1: Provide high-quality, innovative core OAA programs.
- GOAL 2: Deliver evidence-based programs that encourage healthy, active, and engaged lives.
- GOAL 3: Promote access to aging and community services for older Virginians with the greatest economic and social needs.
- GOAL 4: Bolster awareness of and increase access to person-centered long-term services and supports (LTSS).
- GOAL 5: Improve access to resources and services that support all caregivers.
The Role of DARS as the State Unit on Aging
DARS plays a crucial role in supporting older adults, individuals with disabilities, and their families by advocating for resources and services that enhance independence, security, and quality of life. As Virginia’s State Unit on Aging (SUA), DARS administers programs funded by OAA, federal grants, and state funding. These programs are delivered through partnerships with 25 local Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs), which provide services tailored to meet the needs of Virginians aged 60 and older, as well as their caregivers.
Through collaboration with community partners, DARS ensures that older adults can live and thrive in the communities of their choice while preparing the Commonwealth for its growing older population.
Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs)
Virginia’s 25 AAAs serve designated Planning and Service Areas (PSAs) that can include a single locality or multiple cities and counties. These agencies are responsible for delivering community-based services, with 14 AAAs operating as private nonprofit organizations, and the remaining 11 functioning as part of local government entities. The AAAs, supported by DARS, ensure that older Virginians have access to a wide range of services, from nutrition programs and transportation assistance to caregiver support and in-home care services.
Find your AAA and learn more about its programs and services
Why Long-Term Care Matters
With Virginia’s aging population expected to account for nearly 19% of the state’s total population by 2030, the modernization of long-term care services is vital to ensuring that all older Virginians, regardless of geographic location, have access to high-quality care and support.
DARS plays a critical role in guiding these initiatives, alongside the AAAs, which provide community-based services tailored to meet the needs of older residents.
By improving quality of life and enhancing service delivery, Virginia’s long-term care initiatives ensure that older adults receive the care they need in a way that respects their independence and personal preferences. These efforts will continue to evolve as the state collaborates with community partners and local agencies to address the diverse needs of its older population.