Upcoming Events

Guardianship in Virginia: Progress, Practice, and Possibilities

August 26 | 10 a.m.-11:30 a.m.(via Zoom)

Register: https://bit.ly/Guardianship26

Virginia’s guardianship system has experienced significant transformation in recent years, driven by legislative changes and a growing emphasis on person-centered care. Join Ellie Rest with the Virginia Departmentfor Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS) as we discuss the legalfoundations of guardianship in Virginia, the roles and responsibilities of court-appointed guardians, recent legislative changes such as the new mandatory training for guardians and enhanced protections for adults served under guardianship. Whether you are new to guardianship or seeking to stay current with policy and practice updates, this session will equip you with the knowledge and tools to better support individuals navigating this complex system — and to help shape its future.

Past Events

Webinar Recording: Supporting the Journey - Family Caregivers of an Older Adult with Dementia

Hosted by VCU - Virginia Center on Aging and VCPEA

Caring for a loved one with dementia involves a multitude of challenges-often difficult, yet rewarding and intricate. Through an engaging presentation style and real-life case studies, the speakers will explore the issue of caregiver burnout and provide practical resources. Participants will discover both regional and statewide initiatives designed to support caregivers, along with personal strategies to foster resilience.

Webinar Recording: Dementia and Elder Abuse: Understand the Increased Risk

Hosted by VCU - Virginia Center on Aging and VCPEA

Individuals living with dementia are particularly susceptible to elder abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation. This abuse often goes undetected due to challenges with memory, communication, and judgement. Along with highlighting dementia as a significant risk factor for elder abuse, this session will provide attendees with an understanding of dementia and how it affects judgement, language, and memory. Participants will gain strategies for successfully communicating with individuals living with dementia in interviews. Finally, this session will discuss the RAFT Dementia Support Program, a regional project serving older adults living with dementia and their caregivers.

Webinar Recording: Let’s Chat - Conducting Person-Centered Interviewing with Older Adults

Hosted by VCU - Virginia Center on Aging and VCPEA

This webinar provides practical guidance on conducting trauma-informed interviews with older adult victims and witnesses of crime. Attendees will explore how aging, trauma, cognitive changes, and generational factors impact communication and brain health. The session offers strategies for building rapport, reducing re-traumatization, and gathering accurate, usable information through thoughtful, respectful approaches. Ideal for law enforcement, prosecutors, and allied professionals, this webinar will equip participants with the tools to support older adults who have been victimized.