The Commonwealth of Virginia continues to strengthen its response to the growing needs of individuals living with dementia and their caregivers. Pursuant to Items 315 J, 315 M, and 315 Q of the 2025 Appropriation Act, the Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS) provides an annual update on dementia case management programs funded through state appropriations. These programs deliver interdisciplinary care planning, caregiver support, and coordinated access to services in partnership with health systems, Area Agencies on Aging, and community organizations.

Since the initial pilot program launched in 2021, Virginia has expanded dementia case management through four key sites: the University of Virginia’s Memory and Aging Care Clinic (MACC) in partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association; the Riverside Martha W. Goodson Center in partnership with the Peninsula Agency on Aging; The Span Center (Capitol Area Agency on Aging) in Richmond in partnership with VCU Health; and the Local Office on Aging (LOA) in Roanoke in partnership with Carilion Clinic for Healthy Aging. Together, these programs are building the foundation for a statewide network of dementia care management.

Key accomplishments in SFY 2025 include:

• Enrollment of more than 200 individuals and caregivers at UVA MACC, with measurable improvements in caregiver burden, depression, and quality of life.

• The Riverside program’s integration with community outreach through the Peninsula Agency on Aging, including expanded access to Spanish-speaking caregivers, home safety assessments, and personalized care planning.

• Establishment of new dementia case management capacity at The Span Center and LOA, with program guidelines developed, Memoranda of Agreement underway, and clinic partnerships secured.

• Work began on harmonized data collection tools in collaboration with the Virginia Memory Project to strengthen evaluation and demonstrate return on investment.

• Positive caregiver feedback, highlighting the value of consistent support, trusted guidance, and improved access to services.

The value of dementia case management can be seen through program outcomes. Results include reducing unnecessary emergency room visits and hospitalizations, providing families with tools to manage behavioral and safety challenges at home, and helping caregivers sustain their role while maintaining their own well-being. Equally important, they connect families to community resources and long-term care planning, promoting dignity and independence for people living with dementia.

Moving forward, DARS will continue to support program implementation at the new sites, ensure consistency in services across the Commonwealth, and partner with the Virginia Memory Project and the national State Alzheimer’s Research Support (StARS) Center to measure outcomes and inform future initiatives.