Pursuant to § 51.5-128 of the Code of Virginia, the Commonwealth Council on Aging (“Council") submits its annual electronic report regarding the activities and recommendations of the Council.

The Council is charged with promoting an efficient, coordinated approach by state government to meet the needs of older Virginians. With approximately 1.9 million adults in Virginia who are over 60 years old, the Council commends the Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS), the 25 local Area Agencies on Aging, and the array of public and private service providers, all of which provide crucial support to older Virginians and their caregivers.

I am happy to share that the Council had a busy and exciting year. This April, the Legislative Committee of the Council added an additional meeting focused on collaborating with stakeholder organizations within aging services. Twelve organizations representing various fields within aging services gathered to report on their legislative successes from 2025 and share their hopes for 2026. This meeting set the stage for the Council’s 2026 Legislative Recommendations which takes a coordinated approach to aging services’ legislation.

For your consideration and as you look ahead to the upcoming General Assembly Session, the Council has prepared its 2026 Legislative Recommendations, which focus on three primary areas:

1. Increase Funding for Home and Community-Based Services Through Area Agencies on Aging

2. Increase Funding for the Nursing Home Inspection and Enforcement Process

3. Establish a Prescription Drug Affordability Review Board

4. Strengthen Nursing Home Transparency, Data, and Oversight

5. Increase Funding of the Statewide Long Term Care Ombudsman Program

6. Increase Funding for Public Guardianship Program Slots

7. Provide State General Funds for the Ongoing Operations of the Virginia Memory Project

8. Extend the Sunset for the Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders Commission

9. Increase Funding for No Wrong Door’s Statewide Resource Database

More information about the 2026 Legislative Recommendations can be found in this report.

The Council was also pleased to celebrate its 2025 Best Practices Awards winners. With financial support from Dominion Energy and AARP Virginia, the Best Practices Awards honor model programs that improve the lives of older Virginians and support caregivers. This year’s winners highlight the importance of community connections and how arts and culture can create a sense of community and purpose. In addition to onsite recognition ceremonies, the Council partnered with DARS, the Virginia Association of Area Agencies on Aging (V4A), and the Steering Committee of the Virginia Governor’s Conference on Aging to showcase the winners at an evening reception at the Virginia Governor’s Conference on Aging on May 19, 2025.

Lastly, this summer, the Council was pleased to welcome two new members during the transition to a new structure that aligns with Chapter 583 of the 2023 Acts of Assembly. Vickie P. Runk of the Western Central Region and Donna F. Smith of the Eastern Region, the Council’s first Area Agency on Aging Director member to be appointed under the new membership structure.

The Council looks forward to partnering with policymakers in advocating for and supporting older Virginians. I have no doubt that the Council’s impact on the Commonwealth of Virginia will continue to grow. Together, we can make Virginia a great place for everyone to grow old.

Sincerely,

/s/ Carla Hesseltine, Chair