The Virginia Beach Mayor's Commission on Aging assists the Mayor in planning actions to meet the needs of the senior citizens of Virginia Beach.
The members:
- assist in identifying and defining the needs of seniors;
- assist in reviewing the nature and priorities of services necessary to meet the needs of the aging;
- articulate the functions of the Commission with other commissions, committees and agencies;
- assist with public information, legislative and education efforts regarding the needs of seniors; and
- represent the Mayor's Office.
Membership
Members are appointed by the Mayor and serve for a three year term without compensation. Membership application forms are available through the Mayor's Office. Members must be Virginia Beach Residents.
Meetings
Meetings are open to the public and are held on the last Wednesday of each month except in December. Meetings are usually held in the City Council Conference Room, second floor of Building #1, City Hall Building, Virginia Beach Municipal Center, from 2 - 4 p.m. Confirm meeting dates by calling 385-4581.
Awards
Each year, the Commission presents awards for exceptional accomplishments in service to senior citizens. Nominations may be made for individuals or organizations who have made significant contributions to promote change or provide new services for senior citizens of Virginia Beach. Contributions must have been made within the past year and must benefit a large segment of the senior community. Nominations can be submitted electronically by choosing the form located under "Related Links" or available through the Office of the Mayor.
Special Projects
From time to time the Commission will undertake special projects affecting seniors. For example, we recently co-sponsored a "Grandparents as Parents" conference and a state conference on Elder Abuse. This past November we sponsored a conference titled "Celebrate Aging Choices".
Committees
The members of the Mayor's Commission on Aging work in committees as they explore issues concerning seniors.
Committees include:
- Community Concerns
- Health
- Housing
- Legal and Legislative
- Public Relations
- Transportation
- Special Programs
- Citizens Committee
Members
Members of the Mayor's Commission on Aging:
Carey Raleigh Kalvig, Chair
Drew Lankford, Vice-Chair
Michael Aschkenas
Margie Barnes
Sarah Burke
Larry Garletts
Martha Gnilka
Buck Heffernan
Pat Mahoney
Allen Perry
Alexia Pittman
Lindy Casale-Rinaldi
Kenneth Taylor
This document is prepared annually by the Mayor's Commission on Aging, and it includes a listing of Independent Living Facilities (e.g., senior apartments), Assisted Living Facilities, Continuum of Care Facilities, and Nursing Facilities. See "Related Documents".
Department of Human Services
The City's Department of Human Services sponsors two programs which can help families caring for older adults and adults with dementia. The in-home Respite Care program provides in-home adult sitting that allows the caregiver to take a break from their responsibilities without having to leave the older adult or individual with dementia unsupervised. This program also offers support groups for family caregivers and referrals to other needed services. For further information, please contact Nancy Allan at 385-4135. Southside Geropsychiatric Services can assist families that are dealing with wandering and/or behaviors common with dementia that make caregiving more challenging. Staff can do a free home visit/consultation to assess the home situation and suggest services and strategies that might help with safety and daily care needs. For further information, please contact Wendy Swallow at 385-4202.
Provides home visits to homebound elderly citizens who are at-risk for being institutionalized.
- Monitoring and socialization services
- Conduct regular community-based blood pressure clinics
Housing Changes
In 1997, the City Council changed the zoning ordinance to make it possible for people to modify their houses to include flex-suites, which some people refer to as "in-law quarters". The City Council has also approved several new senior housing developments, including Holland House that opened last year; and Silver Hill, on Bonney Road. Please call 385-5750 for more information.
Department of Housing and Neighborhood Preservation
Administers a program through which seniors, or permanently and totally disabled residents, receive zero percent deferred loans to correct code violations, make their homes more energy efficient, improve the exterior of their homes to reduce maintenance, or to make the house more accessible. Gives highest priority for free home repairs to seniors and disabled homeowners with limited incomes. Call 385-5750 for information.
Gives highest priority for free home repairs to seniors and disabled homeowners with limited incomes. Call 385-5750 for more information.
Virginia Beach Public Library
Senior Film Series runs from mid-winter through mid-spring at the Central Library. Library Special Services furnishes Large Print books and magazines and audio books. Mail a book program available to homebound citizens. Close Circuit TV Enlargers - available for in-house demonstrations and one, which is lent to citizens for 30-day period. The camera enlarges the print onto the TV screen.
Parks and Recreation
Virginia Beach has the only accredited parks and recreation department in the Commonwealth. There are senior centers at each of the recreation centers offering exercise, early morning walk programs, water exercise for arthritis, a Masters Swim Club, ballroom dances, square dancing, bridge groups, craft activities and special events. Tax preparation is offered in partnership with the American Association for Retired People (AARP). Health screenings and outings are also offered. The Princess Anne Recreation Center has a Passport to Health - a medically managed wellness exercise program co-sponsored by Sentara. The Senior Olympics is held annually this year at the Great Neck Recreation Center. Persons 60 years old and up are entitled to an annual senior membership card at a reduced rate.
WHRO
Call 889-9400 for services offered to the blind.
Fire Department
Free smoke detectors are offered free to any senior citizen. They come with a 10-year battery. Call Keith Arnold, Fire and Safety Specialist at 385-4228.
TRIAD
The American Association for Retired People (AARP), the Sheriff's Office and the Police Department work together to prevent seniors from becoming victims of crime. Please call Bill Chamber at 563-1338 for more information.
PASS Program
The Sheriff's Department offers a program where seniors and shut-ins are called to check on them. Call 385-8446 to enroll.
Grandparent As Parents (GAP) Support Group
Are you raising your grandchildren? The GAP Support Group, offered through Catholic Charities of Hampton Roads, meets the first Wednesday of each month from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m. at the Gerard Center, located at 243 Clearfield Ave in Virginia Beach. Call 533-5217 for more information.