Social Work Services: Adult Services

Adult Services are provided to enable adults aged 60 and over, and adults with a disability to remain in the least restrictive environment, preferably their own homes, with dignity for as long as possible, thus avoiding more costly and restrictive institutional placement. Companion services include assistance with activities of daily living, meal preparation, light housekeeping, shopping, and companionship.

Adult Service workers perform nursing home screenings, community-based personal care screenings and Assisted living facility screenings. Assisted living facilities (ALFs) are non-medical residential settings that provide or coordinate personal and health care services, 24-hour supervision, care, and assistance to four or more adults who are aged, infirmed or disabled. ALFs are not nursing homes.

Who is eligible for services?

• Impaired, low income adults who are 18 years of age and older, adults who are 60 years of age and older and their families when appropriate.
• Impaired adult who needs pre-screening for nursing facility placement or community-based services, without regard to income.
• Impaired adult who needs an assessment for adult care residence placement.
• Impaired adults who are 18 years of age or older and adults who are 60 years of age or older who are abused, neglected or exploited - or at-risk of abuse, neglect or exploitation. These adults are eligible for adult protective services without regard to income.
• Impaired adults who are emancipated from a local department of social services' custody and who need services.
• Adults who need and request services to avoid institutionalization.
• Victims of domestic violence and their children.
• Adults eligible for services identified in the local department of social services' General Relief plan.

How do I apply for services?

You may obtain an application for services by visiting the Suffolk Department of Social Services located at 135 Hall Avenue, Suite B in Suffolk, VA 23434. You may also contact Suffolk DSS by calling 757-514-7450. The application can be completed by the person seeking services or by someone acting on that person's behalf. The applicant's eligibility for services will be determined based on need, the availability of the services and any financial eligibility requirements that apply.

Domestic violence services many be obtained by calling toll-free at 1-800-838-8238 or by asking for a referral from the Suffolk Department of Social Services.

For more information about Adult Services please visit the Virginia State Department of Social Services website: http://www.dss.virginia.gov/family/servtoadult.html

Social Security Administration