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Editor’s note: The following story was submitted by Victoria Sheridan, project manager and marketing specialist for VirginiaNavigator.
The question of “where to start” is a common dilemma for many Virginians when confronted with new life phases, such as taking on the role of a caregiver for an aging relative, adjusting to post-military life, or navigating services for a disability.
Families in transition often seek assistance in locating resources, including transportation providers, housing options, caregiver support, or in-home care. Alternatively, some individuals require a more urgent need for information about vital services in their community. This is where the statewide, non-profit VirginiaNavigator Family of Websites steps in to provide help.
For more than two decades, VirginiaNavigator has diligently pursued its mission to serve Virginia’s older adults, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and care partners by delivering accessible, reliable, and comprehensive support and guidance. The VirginiaNavigator team takes pride in assisting families in navigating the intricate landscape of healthcare and community support services.
To continue to meet the growing needs of Virginians, the VirginiaNavigator team is excited to introduce a new and updated Family of Websites, designed with user feedback in mind. VirginiaNavigator made updates to improve the overall experience and facilitate connections with critical resources more seamlessly. Through collaboration with technology partners, they’ve integrated new and improved web capabilities including enhanced search options with faster speed, new Navigator Center locator, live chat functionality, and dedicated features for caregivers and providers.
The Family of Websites, which includes disAbilityNavigator. org, SeniorNavigator. org, and VeteransNavigator. org, encourages consumer direction by offering:
• A searchable resource directory encompassing 26,000-plus programs/services.
• Over 1,300 articles and 900 links that educate consumers and guide them through difficult decision-making processes.
• “Ask an Expert” that provides free, confidential, expert assistance from subject matter experts.
• A community calendar for local events.
• A chat feature for ‘on the spot’ support when visitors need it most.
• Award-winning digital tools like the Caregiver Tech Tool Finder and the Virginia Transportation Finder.
While VirginiaNavigator offers high-tech tools on its websites, it also prioritizes high-touch service through grassroots Navigator Centers and direct-service options via chat, “Ask an Expert” phone, and hundreds of community trainings and outreach events across Virginia annually.
For more information about VirginiaNavigator or to access local programs and services, visit the new and improved virginianavigator. org or call (804) 525-7728, toll-free at 1-866-393-0957.
