If your parents are anything like ours, they've poured their hearts into creating a better life for you and their community. Now that they're in their golden years, they deserve to relax and savor the fruits of their labor.
However, as our loved ones age, the need for extra support around the home becomes evident, whether it's preparing meals or managing medications. When they can no longer care for themselves as they once did, worries about their safety and well-being arise. It's natural to think about their quality of life and how you can give back to them while balancing your own responsibilities.
Most seniors -94%, according to Forbes- prefer to remain in their homes as they age. If the senior in your life wants to stay at home as they get older, what's the best way to make that happen? For many families, non-medical home care offers a compassionate and affordable solution. In-home care is quickly becoming the first choice for older seniors because it supports your family while allowing your loved one to age gracefully in the familiar, safe surroundings they're used to.
If you're committed to keeping your mom, dad, or senior relative safe and happy at home, working with a home care agency might be the best way to achieve that goal.
When it comes to maintaining good senior health, early intervention is often key. Unfortunately, many adults with senior parents are stretched too thin to notice signs that their mom or dad needs help around the house. Wondering whether you really need to consider home care for you, your parents, or your loved ones? Keep these warning signs in mind.
As men and women get older, it's perfectly natural for them to have some aspects of mental decline. Age-related memory loss doesn't affect everyone, but when it involves your loved one, it can be a lot to digest. When forgetfulness begins to impact your parents' quality of life, it's time to take action.
Commonly referred to as mild cognitive impairment (MCI), this forgetfulness often arises from reduced blood flow to the brain, a phenomenon frequently associated with aging. Other contributing factors can include typical neural lapses and a decline in hippocampal function, which is a crucial area of the brain responsible for memory. These changes can lead to frustrating side effects, such as
Seniors showing any of these signs can greatly benefit from non-medical home care providers who can help them with their daily tasks. This support can include reminding them of scheduled appointments, preparing meals, light housekeeping, and assisting with reading and other essential activities. Professional caregivers can also incorporate healthy memory practices into your loved one's daily routine. Strategies may include social interaction, engaging in simple strategy games, maintaining a nutritious diet, and participating in light exercises like slow walks around the block.
As your parents or senior loved ones get older, they often have trouble completing dayto-day tasks that are fundamental to living a normal life. There are several activities of daily living, or ADLs, that senior citizens struggle with and include
A reliable caregiver from a trusted senior care agency in Richmond, VA, can help make daily life much easier for your elder relative. If they have trouble putting on or tying their shoes, your caregiver is there to help them choose their shoes and put them on correctly.
If your senior citizen isn't eating healthy food, your caregiver can help create a nutritious meal plan and assist them in preparing the food they need for energy and daily activities. When searching for a home care agency, make sure they offer tailored care plans that address your loved one's needs, not someone who has similar issues.
If you notice that your loved one can't keep themselves clean and groomed, it could be a sign that their health is on the decline. It could also be a red flag that your senior may be experiencing the early stages of dementia. Other signs include:
The best non-medical caregivers are trained to attend to your loved one's needs and quality of life as they move through the Functional Assessment Staging test of Alzheimer's Disease, also known as the FAST Scale. If you believe your parent or relative might be in the early stages of dementia, it's absolutely critical to work with a home care business like ameriCARE that specializes in dementia care.
There's a reason why almost 12 million people in the United States rely on some type of non-medical home care. Working with the right home care agency and team caregivers can be life-changing for seniors who need help but don't want to live in a nursing home. Here are just a few of the most effective services that help older adults stay happy, healthy, and active as they age.
If you notice that the senior in your life can't or won't maintain their hygiene and health, hiring an experienced caregiver can help. They'll assist with daily tasks like:
Companion home care is a unique type of in-home support tailored for individuals who require help with daily living tasks while also benefiting from meaningful social interaction and emotional support. Unlike other care options that primarily focus on medical or personal needs, companion and lifestyle home care helps form strong personal bonds and improves the overall quality of life.
People who benefit the most from companionship and lifestyle home care include:
Veterans are a special breed. They're service members who have made sacrifices for our country and deserve dignified, respectful attention. In-home care gives Veterans customized, compassionate care when they need it most. Whether they have new health challenges after returning from combat or need an extra hand throughout the day, home care can make a meaningful difference for those who deserve the utmost respect and compassion.
In-home care can be very helpful for Veterans suffering from:
Taking care of someone with Alzheimer's can be quite challenging, as it involves managing a mix of complex and changing needs. Those living with the disease may face memory problems, mood swings, and difficulties in communicating. Alzheimer's care includes various services aimed at providing a supportive environment that helps maintain both physical and emotional well-being, even as the disease evolves.
Common Alzheimer's care services include:
Giving the older adult in your life the gift of in-home care can be a hugely positive decision on multiple levels. It not only gives them access to high-quality care in a place where they feel comfortable - it gives them the independence they crave and have earned over their lifetime.
Some of the most significant advantages of hiring a home care agency to help your senior loved one include:
Great in-home caregivers support your loved one's independence while providing the necessary assistance to ensure their safety and well-being. When you choose an agency that creates tailored care plans, your loved one can continue to live their lives on their terms, making choices about their daily activities and routines with the support of caregivers.
Receiving care at home offers a unique set of benefits that facility settings just can't match. Home care companies like ameriCARE offer personalized care services designed to cater to specific needs while allowing seniors to stay in the comfort and familiarity of their own homes.
Choosing non-medical home care in Richmond, VA, can be a cost-effective solution, especially when compared to long-term, residential options like nursing homes. Care provided in facilities typically incurs significant costs for lodging and extra services. On the other hand, home care enables clients to receive tailored support at a much lower price.
Having you and other members of your family involved in your loved one's care process is integral. If you're on the hunt for a home care agency to work with, make sure to choose one that encourages your involvement. This collaborative approach allows for care that aligns with your family values, expectations, and overall goals.
When you work with a senior care agency that carefully selects caregivers and provides ongoing training to provide a range of services, your parent or relative benefits greatly. ameriCARE caregivers are seasoned professionals, dedicated to serving others in ways that often go unnoticed.
We know that choosing the best senior care agency for your loved is a top priority. Some key factors to consider include:
The agency you choose should have a proven track record and should be transparent when talking about caregiver credentials, training, and programs.
Working with a home care company that pushes open communication, transparency, and responsiveness keeps everyone in your circle informed about care plan updates and adjustments.
Look for a company that offers a robust range of senior care services and provides custom care plans that meet your senior's unique needs.
Inquire about the agency's caregiver recruitment process, including background checks, screening procedures, and ongoing training.
By taking these factors into account, you can make a well-informed choice when selecting a home care agency that provides the quality, compassion, and support necessary to improve the well-being and comfort of yourself or your loved one.
At ameriCARE, we understand that in-home care should reflect the individuality of those we assist. Our guiding principle focuses on creating a caregiving experience that is tailored, uplifting, and impactful. We aim to broaden and strengthen your care circle.
Our dedication to conscientious in-home care has helped establish our reputation for outstanding service. We believe that non-medical in-home care holds the potential to sustain and enrich one's quality of life, regardless of the challenges a person faces. By adopting a holistic perspective on care, we ensure our services are thorough, nurturing, and beneficial to our clients' overall wellness.
At ameriCARE, our goal is to deliver caregiving that is reliable, compassionate, and respectful. We are committed to positively influencing the lives of those we assist by making certain that our care is more than just a service - it's a source of comfort and empowerment. We aim to foster an atmosphere where each person feels appreciated, supported, and honored, thereby enhancing their capacity to live while improving their quality of life.
Our agencies are at the forefront of a new kind of in-home care that extends beyond traditional services. Unlike some home care companies, we believe in addressing the needs of the whole person.
To that end, we see care as a collaborative effort. Our caregivers are dedicated professionals who serve others in often unrecognized ways. We honor their commitment by providing top-notch training and career opportunities, ensuring they have the skills and support necessary to deliver exceptional care.
By going above and beyond to provide care that exceeds your expectations, we help ensure the best possible outcomes for you and your family. Seniors, their adult children, and other relatives choose ameriCARE because we're committed to:
Our care plans are customized to address the specific requirements of every individual and their family. We consider personal preferences, health issues, and family relationships to deliver care that is both personal and impactful.
We utilize cutting-edge technology to enhance your home care experience. With straightforward booking and payment methods, along with real-time updates and feedback, our technological solutions simplify and optimize care management.
If you're looking for help after surgery, a break from caregiving, or just someone to keep you company, our trustworthy caregivers are here for you. We provide a free care assessment with no strings attached to help you develop a home care plan that's just right for you.
The first step to seeing your loved one happy at home is to call ameriCARE for a free, no-obligation care assessment. Let us help you create a home care plan that brings your family peace of mind, comfort, and support. Request More Info today, and by tomorrow, you'll be closer to keeping your loved one safe and comfortable, no matter how many miles you may be apart.
Ready to learn more or need personalized support? Contact ameriCARE today! Our dedicated team is here to answer your questions, provide expert advice, and guide you through every step of the homecare journey.
Posted and last updated RICHMOND, Va. — Richmond's Commonwealth's Attorney is warning residents about a scam text message circulating that includes a fake court letter demanding payment for a parking or toll violation.The letter, signed "John Smith, Clerk of the Court," claims the recipient has made a "Parking Violation / Failure to Pay Electronic Toll" and must either appear in court by 9 a.m. Tuesday or pay a fine before the hearing date. A QR code at the bottom of the letter reads "scan...
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and last updated
RICHMOND, Va. — Richmond's Commonwealth's Attorney is warning residents about a scam text message circulating that includes a fake court letter demanding payment for a parking or toll violation.
The letter, signed "John Smith, Clerk of the Court," claims the recipient has made a "Parking Violation / Failure to Pay Electronic Toll" and must either appear in court by 9 a.m. Tuesday or pay a fine before the hearing date. A QR code at the bottom of the letter reads "scan your QR code to settle your unpaid balance."
McEachin said the letter is a scam and not how the court conducts business.
She pointed to several signs that the traffic violation notice is fake, including that both the judge and the clerk are listed as "John Smith," case numbers are not set up correctly, and the hearing date is set for the following day in order to pressure people into paying immediately. McEachin also noted that the General District Court clerk's office does not send texts regarding court dates.
McEachin said the clerk's office received over 200 calls within four hours Monday from concerned citizens.
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RICHMOND, Va. — Although widespread wind damage and power outages were reported Monday night, the atmospheric conditions needed to produce tornadoes failed to come together despite forecasters placing the region under a high-risk alert.CBS 6 Chief Meteorologist Zach Daniel said forecasters had expected two rounds of severe weather — one earlier in the day and a second with a line of storms moving in at night. The evening line did arrive as predicted, but the tornadoes many feared never developed."All of the dat...
RICHMOND, Va. — Although widespread wind damage and power outages were reported Monday night, the atmospheric conditions needed to produce tornadoes failed to come together despite forecasters placing the region under a high-risk alert.
CBS 6 Chief Meteorologist Zach Daniel said forecasters had expected two rounds of severe weather — one earlier in the day and a second with a line of storms moving in at night. The evening line did arrive as predicted, but the tornadoes many feared never developed.
"All of the data pointed towards a day where we would have tornadoes," Daniel said. "We'd have two episodes, one during the earlier part of the day and then a line moving in tonight."
Daniel explained that two key ingredients are required for tornado formation: rising motion driven by heat and humidity, and wind shear. While wind shear conditions were exceptionally strong, the heat and humidity needed to fuel storm development fell far short.
"The wind shear was a 10 out of 10 around here, but the rising motion part, the heat and humidity, it was only like a four, so it was very, very marginal," Daniel said.
Morning showers further complicated the setup. Daniel said the atmosphere partially recovered after those early showers, but not enough to generate the storms that would have tapped into the powerful wind shear already in place.
"The wind shear just didn't have anything to work with. It was there, but just no storms developed until tonight when the front came through, that gave us the lift," Daniel said.
The Storm Prediction Center, a top severe weather authority, had placed the region at a level 4 risk — a designation that reflects a significant threat of violent weather.
Despite the tornadoes not materializing, the evening was not without impact. A tornado warning was issued, and reports of damage emerged — though officials had not yet confirmed whether a tornado actually touched down. Daniel said the damage appeared consistent with straight-line winds rather than a tornado.
Daniel, who previously tracked tornadoes and storms in Oklahoma, said outcomes like this, while unusual for high-end severe weather setups, are not unheard of.
"There were some days, even there in Oklahoma City, that we ended up with full sunshine on days that we're supposed to have big tornadoes," Daniel said. "It happens."
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This story was initially reported by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy. To learn more about how we use AI in our newsroom, .
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Richmond was spared the potential worst on Monday, as an initial forecast that called for a 30-44% chance of tornadoes turned into a day with small bursts of rain.In parts of Western Henrico, a tornado warning was issued at 8:20 p.m., though it was not immediately clear if one touched down in the area. Dominion reported about 28,000 customers without power in the metro area, with crews dispatched across the area.The evening burst came after a relatively quiet day.Richmond Public Schools Superintendent Jason Kamras said h...
Richmond was spared the potential worst on Monday, as an initial forecast that called for a 30-44% chance of tornadoes turned into a day with small bursts of rain.
In parts of Western Henrico, a tornado warning was issued at 8:20 p.m., though it was not immediately clear if one touched down in the area. Dominion reported about 28,000 customers without power in the metro area, with crews dispatched across the area.
The evening burst came after a relatively quiet day.
Richmond Public Schools Superintendent Jason Kamras said he wished the district hadn't canceled school, but will always prioritize safety.
"When I make weather-related decisions, my top priority is always the safety of our students and staff," he wrote in an email to parents. "When there is clear evidence pointing to severe conditions—especially during arrival or dismissal times—I err on the side of caution.
"Much to my surprise, today turned out to be quite mild. In short, I made a bad call and apologize for the inconvenience it caused our families."
Neighboring school districts also made the decision to cancel school.
City and county offices and courthouses closed early, with Richmond city workers given the opportunity to work remotely beginning at 1 p.m.
Richmond's City Council canceled a meeting of the Finance and Economic Development Standing Committee.
Local meteorologist Matt DiNardo, with 8News, said that it's tough for nothing to happen but it remains important to take severe weather threats seriously.
"We really saw a lot of severe elements that were going to come together," he said in a Facebook video. "They didn't."
He referred to the situation as "a bust," as Richmond's severe weather watches were all lifted in the early evening hours.
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Andy Gneiting values his recycling job at the University of Virginia, but he wants his work — associated with waste and physical demands — to matter more by gaining a seat at the table to negotiate his labor rights.“My job at UVA is not undignified because of digging through used tissues, pouring out half-full cans of Bush Light, and scraping maggots out of TV dinner boxes,” said Gneiting. “My job is undignified because we are providing a clean learning and working environment on poverty wages.”...
Andy Gneiting values his recycling job at the University of Virginia, but he wants his work — associated with waste and physical demands — to matter more by gaining a seat at the table to negotiate his labor rights.
“My job at UVA is not undignified because of digging through used tissues, pouring out half-full cans of Bush Light, and scraping maggots out of TV dinner boxes,” said Gneiting. “My job is undignified because we are providing a clean learning and working environment on poverty wages.”
Gneiting’s message, demanding that representatives “invest in an adequate, equitable, and just Virginia,” is in response to state lawmakers’ current efforts to repeal a law banning collective bargaining for most public employees.
Those efforts are driven by House Bill 1263 and Senate Bill 378, which have advanced steadily but hit roadblocks when legislators attempted to combine the measures. Two significant differences between them: The House version excludes university employees and home health care workers from the Senate bill.
On Wednesday evening, students, staff and faculty from Virginia’s public colleges and universities gathered alongside home health care workers to hold a “Unions for All” vigil, calling on the General Assembly to pass legislation that includes all state employees, including workers like the rally goers, near the state Capitol in Richmond.
Supporters of the bills say removing the ban would help protect workers, raise wages and strengthen the middle class, while opponents — who were not present at Wednesday’s rally — say repealing the ban could lead to higher employer costs, reduced managerial flexibility and a shift in political power.
Some leaders, including Prince William County Supervisor Victor Angry, who are advocating to try to preserve local-decision making, are concerned the measure would “undermine” their authority by creating a mandatory, statewide collective bargaining system overseen by a new state board, and put smaller localities at risk financially.
“Virginia is strongest when it respects the diversity of its communities and allows solutions to grow from the ground up, not be imposed from the top down,” Angry wrote in an Op/Ed published in Cardinal News.
But between songs and chants Wednesday evening, speakers like medical student Jake Mikesell emphasized that collective bargaining also affects students at Virginia’s schools and patients in hospitals and in-home care.
“When we advocate for the right to unionize, we aren’t just bargaining for ourselves. We are bargaining for the better safety and patient outcomes that come with it,” Mikesell said, highlighting the broader impact.
Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell, D-Fairfax, and House Majority Caucus Chair Kathy Tran, D-Fairfax, both of whom introduced the proposals, were working to finalize the details of the legislation on Wednesday morning.
“They were telling us something, that our nation is invisible, but we are not invisible,” said Jeanne Robinson, a member of SEIU Virginia 512, at the rally.
Tim Gibson, president of the Virginia Conference of the American Association of University Professors, shared stories of how unions have impacted institutions’ decisions and why collective bargaining is necessary to give faculty and workers a voice.
“A university is researchers, it’s graduate assistants, it’s students, and that is the beating heart of a university,” Gibson said. “No one cares more about the university than we do. This is why faculty and graduate assistants need collective bargaining rights. We care. We are here for the mission.”
Prior to the vigil, Tran said she, Surovell, and members of the Virginia Public Sector Labor Coalition are focused on reaching a resolution in coordination with the governor’s administration. The proposals have also gained support from some members of the legislature and at least one member of the executive branch.
“We have an opportunity to make history and lift up our hard-working civil servants across Virginia at a time when (President Donald) Trump is disrespecting our federal employees,” Tran told the Mercury on Wednesday. “We’re working really hard to address the differences in the House and Senate bills and make sure as many public sector employees as possible have collective bargaining rights.”
Del. Charlie Schmidt, D-Richmond, and Sen. Kannan Srinivasan, D-Loudoun, spoke in favor of including all workers in collective bargaining at Wednesday’s vigil.
Schmidt said the measure “is a seat at the table,” and Srinivasan added “we need to include everyone… this is about fairness. This is about equity.”
Workers also have support from Lt. Gov. Ghazala Hashmi, a former educator, who described them in an earlier statement as the “backbone of local economies.”
“The people who teach our students, maintain the health, safety, and sanitation of dormitories and classrooms, prepare meals and feed the campus community, all deserve a seat at the table,” Hashmi wrote.
Lawmakers have until Saturday to wrap up any legislation before it heads to Gov. Abigail Spanberger for consideration.
RICHMOND, Va. — CoStar Group has conducted another round of layoffs at its downtown Richmond headquarters, impacting workers on the company's Homes.com platform, according to multiple sources with knowledge of the company's actions. The exact number of affected employees is not yet known.A CoStar Group spokesperson said the company was deploying advanced AI technologies designed to make the company more money, streamline processes, and improve the customer experience."To align our organization with these strategic ob...
RICHMOND, Va. — CoStar Group has conducted another round of layoffs at its downtown Richmond headquarters, impacting workers on the company's Homes.com platform, according to multiple sources with knowledge of the company's actions. The exact number of affected employees is not yet known.
A CoStar Group spokesperson said the company was deploying advanced AI technologies designed to make the company more money, streamline processes, and improve the customer experience.
"To align our organization with these strategic objectives and position the company for continued success, we have made the difficult decision to eliminate certain roles within the organization," the spokesperson told CBS 6 when asked to comment on the layoffs. "This was not a decision taken lightly, and we are deeply appreciative of the contributions that each affected team member has made during this transformative period."
This marks the second major round of layoffs for the real estate technology company in less than a year. In February 2025, CoStar laid off more than 100 people from its downtown Richmond offices, citing the use of artificial intelligence as one reason for the cuts.
On Tuesday, one day before the most recent layoffs, CoStar announced "the launch of a transformative home search experience on Homes.com AI, powered by Microsoft Foundry."
"This innovation signals a shift as significant as the emergence of online search itself," Andy Florance, founder and chief executive officer of CoStar Group, said. "Home shopping is no longer constrained by rigid filters and disjointed online experiences. Instead, it has become dynamic, consultative, and deeply personalized – mirroring the way people naturally research and evaluate a home. We've spent years building the industry's richest property data and Homes AI harnesses that foundation to transform the consumer experience in a way that feels intuitive, human and incredibly powerful."
At the time of the 2025 layoffs, the company reported more than 2,500 employees in the Richmond area and said it planned to hire around 500 new salespeople for Homes.com and 100 new market analysts.
Watch: CoStar leans into AI, lays off 100+ workers from Richmond office (Feb. 2025)
"The company will complete its major one million-square-foot campus development along the James River in May 2026," CoStar said in its 2025 statement. "Upon completion, the campus will be nearly full and house 3,500 employees."
CoStar has faced pressure from investors due to declining stock prices. The company, which was trading at $94 per share on Aug. 1, 2025, is priced at around $48 at the time of publication.
CoStar said it was "committed to supporting our employees through this transition and will provide resources and assistance."
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