Chesterfield Council on Aging

Meetings

CCA meetings are held on the fourth Thursday of every month from 9-10:30 a.m. at the Lifelong Learning Institute (13801 Westfield Road, Midlothian, VA 23113). 

All CCA meetings are open to the public and senior groups are welcome! Most meetings include a guest speaker on topics relevant to older adults, updates from council committees and a time of informal networking.

Adverse Weather Policy: If Chesterfield County Public Schools are closed, this meeting will be canceled. For a delayed opening or early dismissal, please check this page for updates, or call 804-768-7878 to verify the meeting status.

Membership

CCA seeks county residents and professionals from all industries who are dedicated to actively supporting the enhancement of the quality of life for older adults and adults with disabilities. We invite you to explore our committees and CCA-sponsored events to find where you can best contribute in terms of volunteering your time, resources or leadership. To join CCA, complete our online membership application. You will be contacted by committee leadership to welcome you into your selected areas of interest.

Committees

Caregiving

The Caregiving Committee supports caregivers, including family and professionals, in Chesterfield County and surrounding areas through educational workshops and resources. Our goal is to offer at least two educational workshops or seminars during the calendar year. Evaluations and suggestions for future offerings are requested to improve our programs and prepare for future events. We seek sponsors for our events to assist with the cost of refreshments, door prizes and/or other resources provided to attendees. Sponsors are invited to attend and to bring promotional materials for their products or services for distribution to attendees. For additional information, contact Rachel Lawson.

Christmas in July

Conduct semi-annual visits to homebound isolated adults in our Christmas in July program. The committee helps to seek referrals and secure donations for these programs. For additional information, contact Aging and Disability Services.

_{Christmas in July 2019}

Disability Awareness

This committee educates the community on barriers to optimal aging related to disability and aims to provide events and programming related to disability awareness for older adults, people living with a disability, family members and providers. For additional information, contact Aging and Disability Services.

Events

Help with the various programs and events throughout the year that are sponsored by the council. This could include set-up, take down items after the event, providing refreshments or working the event as a greeter, etc. For additional information, contact Julie Shallow.

Legislative

Inform citizens of legislative issues that affect older adults and adults with disabilities. This occurs through the coordination of the Senior Advocacy Training, Legislative Forums, and/or a visit to the General Assembly. For additional information, contact Lee Biedrycki.

Membership

Attract new members, encourage involvement in council activities and enhance member experience. For additional information, contact Dave Bodman.

Santa Party

Plan and host a December Christmas Party for our isolated adults. The committee helps to seek referrals and secure donations for these programs. For additional information, contact Aging and Disability Services.

_{Santa and elf giving gifts}

Senior Home Services

Connect volunteers with qualified Chesterfield seniors and residents in need of minor home repairs and services to enable them to better live in place as they may be unable to perform some home maintenance tasks. Volunteers assist with minor home services which include: debris and leaf removal, deck repairs, door alignment, home infrastructure issues, home interior, minor electrical and plumbing, painting, sheetrock repairs, smoke alarm replacement, storm damage cleanup, tree and shrub trimming or removal, and yard work. For additional information, contact Alexa van Aartrijk.

Senior Volunteer Hall of Fame

Honor and celebrate outstanding Chesterfield County volunteers age 60 and older. The Senior Volunteer Hall of Fame committee meets monthly from January through June, and the ceremony is held in May. For additional information, contact Rachel Ramirez.

_{2019 Hall of Fame inductees}

Chesterfield Age Wave

Chesterfield Age Wave works to develop a Chesterfield County plan specific to the needs and opportunities for our community, while still operating in cooperation with the surrounding localities and agencies, both private and public. Learn more by viewing the age wave presentation (PDF), the summary of age wave coalition (PDF) and an executive summary (PDF) of Chesterfield’s age wave readiness plan.

Awareness and Access to Resources

Our mission is to provide a universal resource for positive aging in Chesterfield County. Our objectives are the following:

• Community Education
• Heavy involvement with the Council on Aging
• How to get information into the neighborhoods
• Resources available and gaps
• Seniors as a resources
• Website

Housing and Community Living

Our mission is to ensure that communities are inclusive, accessible and sustainable for living across the lifespan. Our objectives are the following:

• Connect residents with affordable and accessible housing options.
• Identify communities throughout Chesterfield County who are interested in becoming an Age Wave partner.
• Mobilize diverse, active, healthy and safe communities by creating networks and partner-ships that connect residents to resources.
• Encourage innovative public-private partnerships that support affordable and accessible transportation.
• Promote healthy living programs and events for all ages.
• Utilize an assessment tool to be used in communities interested in positive living and aging throughout Chesterfield County.

Virtual Meetings

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Chesterfield Council on Aging meetings were held virtually. View the Aging and Disabilities Services YouTube playlist.

• Lifelong Learning Institute - Thursday, March 24, 2022
  Lifelong learning is the use of formal and informal learning opportunities throughout life for personal fulfillment. Join Rachel Ramirez from the Lifelong Learning Institute in Chesterfield to learn more about lifelong learning, why it’s important, how it combats social isolation, and how you can navigate your lifelong learning journey right here in Chesterfield County. For more information about the Lifelong Learning Institute in Chesterfield, you can visit LLIChesterfield.org or call 804-378-2527.
• Virginia Department of Veteran Services - Thursday, Feb. 24, 2022
  Virginia Department of Veteran Services (DVS) connects Virginia’s veterans and their families to federal and state benefits, support quality of care and recognition they have earned. The goal of Virginia’s Veteran Family Support assists veterans and family members with access to behavioral health, rehabilitative and support services. The presentation will cover benefits provided by Veterans Affairs as well as Virginia Department of Veteran Services to include healthcare, compensation, pensions, survivor, caregiver and burial benefits.  Presented by David Ringle, a Veteran Services Representative and Ben Shaw, Central Virginia’s Regional Director of VA Veteran & Family Support.
• Chesterfield Fire and EMS: Mobile Integrative Health - Thursday, Jan. 27, 2022
  Lt. David Bigelow with Chesterfield Fire and EMS Mobile Integrated Healthcare gave a presentation on the basics of the Mobile Integrative Health program, including what it does and how MIH works with other agencies. Several case studies were reviewed. The MIH program has many strengths, including relationships with other agencies and organizations, all with the common goal of helping citizens in their time of need, increasing their quality of life and reducing unnecessary calls for service.
• Pivoting During a Pandemic: The Longevity Center for a Greater Richmond - Thursday, Oct. 28, 2021
  View Jay White, director of outreach and education at the Longevity Project for a Greater Richmond, give a brief presentation on the results of the Longevity Project for a Greater Richmond’s strategic update. Additionally, White provides updates on new hybrid programming at the Longevity Center in downtown Richmond.
• Joyful Voices: Defying Dementia, One Song at a Time - Thursday, Sept. 23, 2021
  Joyful Voices is a local Community Chorus for Singers with Alzheimer’s or other Dementias and their Caregivers. Participants attend weekly rehearsals and present two major concerts a year. This presentation focuses on the positive impact this chorus is having on singers with dementia and their loved ones and includes information about upcoming events and opportunities for community involvement. Presented by Dr. Mark Patterson, co-founder of Joyful Voices.
• The 411 on 211 Virginia - Thursday, Aug. 26, 2021
  Have you ever needed assistance but didn’t know where to turn? Well, who you going to call? No, it’s not Ghostbusters. It’s 211 Virginia. Learn about the services of 211 Virginia and find out how they assist our community. Presented by Altise Street, CIRS, 211 Virginia community engagement manager, United Way of Greater Richmond and Petersburg.
• What’s the Chew? – Oral Health: Key to Healthy Aging - Thursday, July 22, 2021
  Oral health is an important part of overall health. The goal of the Lucy Corr Dental Clinic is to assist dentally uninsured older adults with achieving and maintaining oral health to aid with maintaining overall health and improve quality of life. Presented by Patricia Brown Bonwell, RDH, BSDH, MS, PhD, Dental Clinic Coordinator for the Lucy Corr Foundation’s Free Dental Clinic.
• Overview of Disability and Vocational Rehabilitation Services - Thursday, June 24, 2021
  Our program is presented by Asha Moses, counselor manager for the Chesterfield and Farmville offices of Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS) and John Allen, lead assistive technology specialist, DARS. The presentation provides a general overview of Social Security disability, information on vocational rehabilitation services and a general overview of assistive technology program and services.
• Senior Connections: The Capital Area Agency on Aging – Bridging the Gap - Thursday, May 27, 2021
  This program is presented by Matt Jones, Senior Connections Care Coordination Manager. Senior Connections assists older adults with many needs across the community. Whether it’s providing in-home meals, making critical home repairs, helping find ways to engage with others or something more, the staff work diligently to find a way to support residents with all aspects of life. Jones will review services available and how they have been adapted and used during the pandemic.
• Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS) Division for Community Living - Thursday, April 22, 2021
  An overview of the Virginia Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS) Division for Community Living is presented by Kathy Miller, Director of Aging Programs and Services.
• How to Live Your Best Life in Your Senior Years - Thursday, March 25, 2021
  Learn about ways to help seniors age in place and find resources to help them live their best life. Discussion will revolve around common issues such as dizziness, vertigo, raising stamina and safe ways to exercise, as well as engage in conversation about common diseases such as Parkinson’s and Dementia. Presented by Sheltering Arms.
• LeadingAge Virginia - Thursday, Feb. 25, 2021
  Dana Parsons, LeadingAge Virginia Vice President and Legislative Counsel will present updates on COVID-19 and current legislation to Senior Living Providers.
• The Psychologist’s Survival Guide for Long Term Caregivers - Thursday, Jan. 28, 2021
  Dr. Rodney D. Kibler is a licensed mental health professional, widely known for his innovative approaches to dementia care and regarded as one of the premier consultants to nursing homes, assisted living facilities and other highly regarded institutional settings. Dr. Kibler holds a Ph.D. from the University of Virginia in Counseling and Clinical psychology. He is licensed as a school psychologist, professional counselor, sports psychologist and long term care psychologist. He is an accomplished consultant, speaker, retreat facilitator and life coach.
• Person-Centered Care for Diverse Populations: The LGBTQ Experience and Aging - Thursday, Oct. 22, 2020
  Despite recent advances, LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer) older adults experience discrimination throughout the long-term care continuum. The research tells us that a holistic approach to care results in positive health outcomes. How do we give the most competent and sensitive care to diverse populations, especially in these challenging times? Please join us for an interactive presentation by Dr. Jay White, Director of Outreach and Education at the Longevity Project for a Greater Richmond.
• Social Security:  With You Through Life’s Journey…. - Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020
  Learn everything you’ve always wanted to know about Social Security, from how to qualify for benefits, to tips for surviving spouses, and how we can protect ourselves from frauds and scams, in one presentation.  In addition, updates on the COVID-19 virus will be offered. Presented by Jackie Weisgarber, Public Affairs Specialist for the Richmond Office of the Social Security Administration.
• Partnership for Housing Accessibility: Focus on Chesterfield - Thursday, Aug. 27, 2020
  Richmond Regional Housing Framework is an action plan to increase housing opportunities through policy. This presentation will examine regional housing needs at large- from rental to homeownership- and specific challenges in Chesterfield County. In addition to data, potential policy solutions for seniors, rental, housing instability, and many other topics will be discussed. Presented by Jovan Burton, Director of Implementation at Partnership for Housing Affordability.
• Looking for Love: A Seniors Guide to Online Dating - Thursday, July 23, 2020
  With the pervasiveness of social media in our daily lives, more and more seniors are connecting with others online, not just through dating websites and apps but also social media platforms like Facebook. Shannon Freeman, Director of Programs and Community Outreach for the Office of the Attorney General will look at some of the potential risks, red flags of fraudsters, and tips for protecting oneself from romance scams.
• Care Management in the Acute Setting - Thursday, June 25, 2020
  What is care management? What does an inpatient care manager do? Discover the difference between care management and case management. Care managers can arrange services and settings for all patients, whatever their level of need. Find out how to help patients be prepared for a trip to the emergency room. Why is it important to have an advanced care plan while in the hospital? Anita Lentz, Manager of Care Management at St. Francis Medical Center will answer these questions and more.
• Council on Aging Zoom Meeting: Aging into Elderhood - Thursday, May 28, 2020
  In this presentation, we will explore the phenomenon of ageism within all levels of society. We will discuss how the cultural narrative of aging as decline and the institutionalization of retirement as a stage of life has shaped our expectations and experiences and understanding of Elderhood as a unique development in the life cycle. Together we will examine what we think we know about Elderhood, what we know about Elderhood and what we have yet to discover about the unique period in our life. Presented by Dr. Tracey Gendron, Chair, VCU Department of Gerontology.
• Advance Care Planning: It’s About the Conversation - Thursday, April 23, 2020
  What if a sudden illness or injury left you unable to speak for yourself? Who would you want to speak for you? Advance care planning helps you think about health care choices you have to make in the future; talk about your choices with a doctor and your loved ones; and make a written plan for the future. Join us in this important conversation to help make your wishes known. Presented by Honoring Choices Virginia.