RD185 - Annual Progress Report of the Department for the Aging on the Effect of the Aging Population on State Agencies


Executive Summary:
Projected changes in the demographic profile of Virginia into the early decades of the 21st century will impact every facet of life for both the young and old, particularly in the areas of health care, education, transportation, employment, and retirement. By the year 2030, 25% of all Virginians will be age 60 and older. Many -- but not all -- will be healthier, better educated, and more financially secure than their parents and grandparents and will be able to use their wisdom and experience to help the generations that follow. On the other hand, there will be three times as many Virginians age 85 and older, a group most likely to need community support at home or high quality, cost-effective care in long-term care facilities.

So what does the growth in the older population mean for the Commonwealth, particularly for those state agencies that provide services most often used by older and disabled citizens? The raw numbers suggest that an aging population will likely increase the demand and the cost of currently-provided state (as well as local) agency services. Yet today, state and local agency staff report being unable to meet even current levels of service demand much less an increase in future demands. And on top of that, agency staff as well as older citizens, characterize Virginia's approach to service delivery as a "patchwork" or fragmented system of care.

The following critical actions should guide Virginia's preparations to serve an aging Commonwealth:

• Virginia will implement a No Wrong Door approach to federal and state-funded long-term care services.
• Virginia will provide funding for local Area Agencies on Aging to address their waiting lists for critical services.
• Virginia will encourage all citizens to plan for their future to assure a healthy and financially secure old age.