abc-logo
Taking care of your Loved One Is What We Do BEST!

It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.

Please submit form to schedule a

Personal Care Consultation

Local Magic Personal Care Consultation

Please submit this form below and we will chat shortly!

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Home Care In Richmond, VA

Home Care Richmond, VA

They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.

Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.

Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Richmond, VA is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.

 In-Home Care Richmond, VA

location Service Areas

The Always Best Care Difference

Since 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.

Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.

The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.

×
TESTIMONIALS

“They say it takes a village and it truly does. I don’t know how I would have gotten through many days without you. Thanks for the good care you gave my husband and the visits spent with me. Please keep caring for folks, you make a difference.”

RW
×
TESTIMONIALS

“What I loved most about the services provided by Always Best Care is the fact that the caregivers showed up, freed me up for grocery store or yardwork. The caregivers gave me advice to help me care for my husband. I was new to this and needed any advice, I appreciated that.”

AW
×
TESTIMONIALS

“Always Best Care is so awesome! As a Caregiver, I will always recommend them. The professionalism and care for their caregivers goes above and beyond. They are always there to help if needed, they are always there to answer any questions, and they make you feel proud to be a team member! Thank you ABC!????”

Gena M.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“I am a current client of this provider We chose Always Best Care of Richmond South because they were able to get us, somebody, as quickly as we needed. Right now, they're providing help with bathing, meals, and light housework. They're also keeping an eye on my mom during the day. With regard to billing and scheduling, so far, so good. We're on a second caregiver just because of some issues on our behalf because we had to switch locations, but both caregivers seem okay. This will be our third week now.”

Wendy
×
TESTIMONIALS

“Joan is awesome and does everything to make things right for her clients & employees”

Brenda H.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“All of the employees at Always Best Care enjoy helping their clients and are so wonderful to work with!”

Amanda A.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“They are a wonderful home care service and all the staff is excellent and so caring and loving they go out there way for there workers and clients and appreciate there hard working workers”

Nateshia B.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“What an amazing company to work and serve for!”

Shane W.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“I am a current client of this provider My father uses Always Best Care of Richmond South. They help with bathing, bed making, washing linen, washing clothes, they wipe and keep the floors clean, the bathtub and the bathroom area, fold clothes after they wash them, tidy up his room, and make sure that his meds are in the right place. The caregivers have been good and I'm satisfied. It's easy to contact them and they respond quickly.”

Marvin
×
TESTIMONIALS

“I highly recommend Always Best Care for their care, compassion and professionalism. They participated in the care of my mother as she lived out her life in her own home. The staff was always willing to answer questions, they communicated clearly, and responded to my requests with patience. The staff and caregivers made a significant contribution to my family and a huge difference at a time when I needed it the most.”

Judy K.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“I highly recommend Always Best Care. Eva was wonderful with my mom. They always worked with my schedule. Great people!”

Ginger S.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“ABC works with our schedule and does their best to provide quality care for my elderly mother-in-law. The caregivers are conscientious and take care of her needs.”

Annette K.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“The owner Joan is kind, compassionate and does not use unsupervised contractors. Office staff of Always Best resolve issues quickly and genuinely care. This is a quality organization with great caregivers.”

Steven S.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“My first time experience was awesome! Emily Ferguson was very helpful and compassionate to the needs of my family.”

Sharon M.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“Always Best Care provided very good care to my aunt while she was in Assisted Living at The Towers and Memory Care at Elmcroft. CNA assigned to provide personal care was great. She was able to get my aunt to cooperate with assisting in personal hygiene where others were not as successful. NP Ashley was the best. I was concerned about her being receptive to a Chaplin visiting on a regular basis. Chaplin Ed was able to get her respond and was excellent with her. He looked forward to their visits. He always had good reports of each visit. My overall experience with Always Best Care was excellent. I would recommend them to anyone who is in need of additional care for their loved one. Thanks to all the staff at Always Best Care for all you do.”

Livingston R.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“Awesome staff and great caregivers!”

Emily F.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“The company provided a thorough evaluation of my parents and then worked very hard to find the right match as a caregiver. The person they found was perfect and became a part of the family.”

Sharon E.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“Other We have used Always Best for several years They have been friendly and professional. The caretakers they have sent have always been extremely helpful as well as caring. Our present caretakers is exceptional Highly recommend Always Best Care”

marshmellow2
×
TESTIMONIALS

“I am a past client of this provider I called late Friday afternoon and had a caregiver set up for Saturday evening. My mom was in good hands with ABC”

mmason
×
TESTIMONIALS

“I am a past client of this provider I highly recommend Always Best Care. When my mom had a stroke last year, Joan Shifflett and her team did an outstanding job helping during her recovery. They were always responsive, understanding, and most importantly, caring, during a very challenging time for me and my family. If you need similar help, contact Always Best Care.”

mark-deutsch
×
TESTIMONIALS

“I highly recommend Always Best Care. When my mom had a stroke last year, Joan Shifflett and her team did an outstanding job helping during her recovery. They were always responsive, understanding, and most importantly, caring, during a very challenging time for me and my family. If you need similar help, contact Always Best Care.”

Mark D.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“I highly recommend Always Best Care. When my mom had a stroke last year, Joan Shifflett and her team did an outstanding job helping during her recovery. They were always responsive, understanding, and most importantly, caring, during a very challenging time for me and my family. If you need similar help, contact Always Best Care.”

Mark D.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“OMG I swear we have the BEST caregiver ever! Aysia is like a part of the family � Jessica Thomas and Always Best Care Senior Services always provide us with the best and it makes my life so much easier. If you are ever in the need of In home care I highly recommend this group.”

Jessica M.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“Wonderful, caring staff who ensures the patients and their families are happy with services provided. They will fight for coverage for their clients from the insurance company, which is something other senior care companies don't seem to have much time to do. This company really cares about their clients, and treat them like family.”

Danielle H.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“I am a past client of this provider The staff at Always Best Care truly cares about their clients. They look at them as extended family and do everything possible to meet their needs and wants. They also have someone on call 24/7, which was a huge benefit! I would definitely recommend this company.”

MAndrews
×
TESTIMONIALS

“Free opportunity to toot our own horn! Always Best Care is all about family and spreading compassionate senior care through our outstanding caregivers, staff and community members. Need help with senior care, give us a call. 804-912-5688”

Jessica T.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“They work with you. I love working for them. They communicate well and they also are like family. I definitely recommend anyone looking for a job to work here.”

Tiffany W.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“They work with you. I love working for them. They communicate well and they also are like family. I definitely recommend anyone looking for a job to work here.”

Tiffany L.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“Love ABC and all they offer. Great company to work for!”

Always B.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“I love my job. I don't see it as work. Its more like a 2nd home.”

April L.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“Always best care is the best job to work for!!!!!!!”

Erica W.

What is Non-Medical Senior Care in Richmond, VA?

lm-check

Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.

lm-check

When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.

lm-check

The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.

lm-check

At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.

 Senior Care Richmond, VA

Types of Elderly Care in Richmond, VA

To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:

Personal Care

Personal Care Services

If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.

Common personal care services include assistance with:

  • Eating
  • Mobility Issues
  • Incontinence
  • Bathing
  • Dressing
  • Grooming

Respite Care Richmond, VA
Home Helper

Home Helper Services

Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.

Common home helper care services include assistance with:

  • Medication Reminders
  • Meal Preparation
  • Pet Care
  • Prescription Refills
  • Morning Wake-Up
  • Walking
  • Reading
 Caregivers Richmond, VA
Companionship Services

Companionship Services

Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors.

Common companionship services include:

  • Grocery Shopping
  • Transportation to Appointments
  • Nutritional Assistance
  • Conversation
  • Planning Outings
  • Completing Errands
  • Transportation to Community
  • Events and Social Outings
Home Care Richmond, VA
Respite Care

Respite Care Services

According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.

At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.

If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.

 In-Home Care Richmond, VA

Benefits of Home Care in Richmond, VA

Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:

Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.

Request More Information vector

Aging in Place: The Preferred Choice for Most Seniors

While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.

In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.

Here are just a few of the reasons why older men and women prefer to age at home:

How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?

A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.

With the help of elderly care in Richmond, VA, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.

Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.

Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.

For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.

More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.

In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.

With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.

 Elderly Care Richmond, VA

Affordable Care

In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.

Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.

At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.

In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:

If your loved one qualifies, Medicaid may help reduce in-home care costs. Review your VA's Medicaid program laws and benefits, and make sure your senior's financial and medical needs meet Medicaid eligibility requirements.
Attendance and aid benefits through military service can cover a portion of the costs associated with in-home care for veterans and their spouses.
Many senior care services like in-home care are included in long-term care insurance options. Research different long-term care solutions to find a plan that provides coverage for senior care.
Home care can be included as part of a senior's private insurance plan. Read over your loved one's insurance policy carefully or speak with their insurance provider to determine if in-home care is covered.
Depending on the life insurance plan, you may be able to apply your policy toward long-term care. You may be able to use long-term-care coverage to help pay for in-home elderly care.
 Senior Care Richmond, VA

Compassionate Care. Trusted Caregivers.

When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.

Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.

At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Richmond, VA understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.

Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.

Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.

Assisted Living Referral Services

While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.

Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.


Respite Care Richmond, VA

At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.

Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:

  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • Recreational Activities
  • Social Outings
  • Emergency Medical Response
  • Medication Monitoring
  • Family Visitation
  • Personal Care
 Caregivers Richmond, VA

At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.

Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.

Home Care Richmond, VA

For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.

 In-Home Care Richmond, VA

Taking the First Step with Always Best Care

The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:

A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way

lm-right-arrow
01

A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive

lm-right-arrow
02

Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider

lm-right-arrow
03

Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.

If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.

At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Richmond, VA 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.

When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.

 Elderly Care Richmond, VA

Latest News in Richmond, VA

Richmond, VA – Multi-Vehicle Injury Crash on I-95 North at MM 75.2 Causes Major Delays

Richmond, VA (April 16, 2025) – Emergency personnel responded to a serious multi-vehicle crash involving injuries along the northbound lanes of Interstate 95 near mile marker 75.2 in the City of Richmond on Tuesday afternoon.The collision occurred at approximately 4:18 p.m. on April 15, 2025, triggering a major incident alert due to the number of vehicles involved and the severity of the situation. Emergency responders from Richmond were quickly dispatched to the site, where they provided immediate aid to those hurt in th...

Richmond, VA (April 16, 2025) – Emergency personnel responded to a serious multi-vehicle crash involving injuries along the northbound lanes of Interstate 95 near mile marker 75.2 in the City of Richmond on Tuesday afternoon.

The collision occurred at approximately 4:18 p.m. on April 15, 2025, triggering a major incident alert due to the number of vehicles involved and the severity of the situation. Emergency responders from Richmond were quickly dispatched to the site, where they provided immediate aid to those hurt in the crash. A variety of injuries were reported among the individuals involved, with paramedics assessing and treating victims at the scene.

According to the Virginia Department of Transportation, the northbound right lane and shoulder were closed following the crash, causing significant traffic disruptions in the area. The lane closures remained in place while crews worked to clear debris and safely remove the damaged vehicles. Although traffic was heavily congested during the response, all lanes have since been reopened.

At this time, authorities have not disclosed how many individuals were injured or the full extent of their conditions. Investigators are working to determine the events that led to the crash, and further details may be released as the inquiry continues.

Our thoughts are with all those who sustained injuries in this collision, and we extend our sincerest wishes for their swift and complete recovery.

Multi-Vehicle Accidents in Virginia

High-speed corridors like Interstate 95 are often the site of serious traffic collisions, particularly during peak travel hours. The crash that occurred Tuesday near mile marker 75.2 on I-95 North is a troubling reminder of the risks posed by sudden congestion, driver inattention, or unpredictable traffic flow.

Multi-vehicle crashes often result in a chain reaction that can be difficult for drivers to avoid, especially on heavily traveled interstates where reaction time is limited. In urban centers like Richmond, dense traffic combined with high speeds and multiple lane changes increases the likelihood of major incidents. These collisions frequently involve more than two vehicles and often lead to complex investigations and extended delays.

The presence of injuries in these types of crashes makes emergency response and traffic management even more critical. First responders must balance providing medical assistance with maintaining safety for other motorists, especially when only one or two lanes remain open. In this case, the right lane and shoulder closures added to congestion but were necessary to ensure a safe response and investigation.

For victims involved in multi-vehicle incidents, the path to recovery often includes medical treatment, insurance coordination, and sometimes legal guidance. Navigating these steps can be daunting, particularly when multiple parties are involved and the cause of the crash is still under review.

If you were affected by this I-95 crash or a similar incident, know that you are not alone. Support systems are in place across Richmond to help individuals navigate their recovery—whether it’s seeking care for physical injuries, replacing damaged property, or understanding legal rights.

Confused about what to do after being injured in a major I-95 crash? Multi-vehicle accidents can leave you with more questions than answers. Local Accident Reports is committed to helping crash victims across Richmond connect with resources for medical treatment, legal recovery, and emotional support. We believe in making the aftermath easier to handle—reach out today to begin your recovery journey with confidence and care.

Board casts Gilpin Court transfer vote amid concerns: 'We need to lock in those protections'

UPDATE: VPM reports the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority Board of Commissioners voted down the proposed transfer.RICHMOND, Va. — Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority's Board of Commissioners voted Wednesday night on whether or not to move Gilpin Court under the leadership of Richmond Development Corporation (RDC).According to RR...

UPDATE: VPM reports the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority Board of Commissioners voted down the proposed transfer.

RICHMOND, Va. — Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority's Board of Commissioners voted Wednesday night on whether or not to move Gilpin Court under the leadership of Richmond Development Corporation (RDC).

According to RRHA CEO Steven Nesmith, RDC is a wholly owned subsidiary of RRHA, meaning it is still controlled by the Authority.

"The Richmond Development Corporation, the RDC, is not a private company. It is a 501c3," Nesmith explained. "It is used by all, most of the public housing authorities in the Commonwealth of Virginia for what it's a developmental arm to advance development. And so it is a very common practice and is used."

Nesmith said there's a reason why he's pushing for this change now: different funding streams under the nonprofit's name.

"We want to lock in what's called 'tenant protection vouchers' and funding, because at the federal level, with the volatility, we don't know if funding will be there. That's one. And we can also begin the process of leveraging that funding to go after other funding sources," Nesmith explained.

Nesmith said neighbors are on board, referring to a 179-page document including input from residents and planning processes that took place over the course of at least one year.

But not everyone is on board.

Third District Richmond City Councilmember Kenya Gibson wrote a letter to RRHA Wednesday morning, detailing her concerns.

“The affordable housing crisis in Richmond is as much about the fact that we aren't building enough as it is that we are tearing down the most affordable housing stock that we have in the city," Gibson said, citing falling enrollment in Richmond Public Schools because of people moving out of the city to find affordable housing. "Public housing is the most affordable housing stock we have as a city. It's a safety net."

Gibson said she worries about residents being potentially priced out of new housing due to the change.

“As a public piece of property, they're not paying property taxes if they move it into a private nonprofit entity. Now that the property could be subject to property tax, which is a huge amount of money that would have to get passed on to the residents in order to be able to incur it," she said.

She also shared concerns about residents no longer having the same protections that Public Housing Authorities must provide to their residents.

VIDEO VAULT 2017: The history of Richmond’s housing projects

Public housing, when there are public dollars, there are, there are systems in place that are there to protect residents. You know, there are democratic processes that don't exist in private housing complexes, right?" she said. “While I appreciate the benefits of mixed-income housing, of course, that's a goal but, but having that safety net is not something that we can easily replace. There are 2,000 residents at Gilpin Court. Where is the plan for those residents? And why would we make such a drastic decision without having a plan in place?”

Nesmith told CBS 6 that residents would be able to come back and keep the same rent rate.

"The rents here, after redevelopment, will be locked in for the tenants. That's another protection. At 30%. No more than 30% of what they're currently making," Nesmith said. "As we transfer phases into the nonprofit entity, RDC, each phase, we would then apply for tax relief to the city."

Nesmith said the development would be broken up into 10 different phases through the use of a "ground lease," noting that the title to the land would still be under RRHA's name.

Prior to the vote, Nesmith said that regardless, RRHA leaders will meet with tenants once again to discuss plans for Gilpin Court. There are currently 781 units.

CBS 6 compared the recent Creighton Court development, asking why that neighborhood's redevelopment did not involve moving Creighton under the nonprofit. In that case, out of the more than 200 residents who were living in the neighborhood being redeveloped, only about 20 returned.

"When we did Creighton Court, we were not in a volatile situation when it comes to funding for this going forward. But what we're going to do in this, we're not going to just rely on federal funding. We're actually just going to go out and do some traditional funding, like with Creighton Court. But here, because this is the oldest and the biggest, we need to lock in those protections for tenants now," Nesmith said.

CBS 6 is committed to sharing community voices on this important topic. Email your thoughts to the CBS 6 Newsroom.

????: CONNECT WITH US

Blue Sky| Facebook| Instagram| X| Threads| TikTok| YouTube

Copyright 2025 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Avery Point Residents Benefit from An Array of Outdoor Amenities

This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.Community CornerResidents can easily spend time outside at the pickleball court, the dog park, & the community garden.Petra Shaw, Community ContributorEvery Tuesday and Thursday in the spring, you'll find Joyce Fratki...

This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Community Corner

Residents can easily spend time outside at the pickleball court, the dog park, & the community garden.

Petra Shaw, Community Contributor

Every Tuesday and Thursday in the spring, you'll find Joyce Fratkin leading a group of residents on a walk around campus at Avery Point, an Erickson Senior Living community in Short Pump, Va.

"I think it's so good for everybody to walk. It's good for your health. It's good for everything! I really think it keeps you young," says Joyce. "My mother lived to be 100, and she walked every day. I feel like it's in my genes."

In fact, a growing body of research supports the fact that spending time outdoors results in improved health in older adults.

So whether you prefer dining alfresco, spending time with friends around the fire pit, or playing bocce, enjoying the fresh air in a serene environment is just one benefit of living at Avery Point.

"Being outdoors makes me feel better," agrees Joyce.

Find out what's happening in Richmondfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

So much to do

With amenities just steps from their front doors, Avery Point residents can easily spend time outside at the pickleball court, the dog park, and the community garden. Joyce especially likes to join neighbors for a friendly game of bocce.

Residents can also participate in the many events that take place outdoors throughout the year. In the past, community staff members have organized activities for National Dance Day, National Senior Health and Fitness Week, and the Senior Olympics.

"Fitness center team members have held demos of some of their classes outside, so that residents can see what they're about," says Resident Life Director Abby Fuller. "Anybody who comes by is welcome to join in. It's made the classes more accessible."

The community has also hosted a Walk to End Alzheimer's, in which residents and staff walk the "loop" around campus. In 2024, the walk raised more than $25,000 for the Alzheimer's Association.

Last September, Avery Point planned an outdoor carnival for Grandparents' Day, featuring big inflatables, food, and carnival games. "Many residents brought their grandkids, and others just came by themselves," says Fuller. "But everyone had a great time!"

Investing in amenities

Although Avery Point is a relatively new community in the Erickson Senior Living family, additions have already been made to support residents' interests and the community's growth.

The community garden--in which residents are assigned a personal space, either in the ground or in a raised bed, to grow their vegetables or flowers--has really taken off. As a result, Avery Point invested in adding more garden spaces for resident green thumbs.

"We've had high resident interest," says Fuller. "We regularly hear from incoming residents that one of the big reasons they're choosing to move to Avery Point is because they don't want to do yard maintenance anymore, but at the same time, they love their outdoor space."

She continues, "The beautiful thing about living here is that you don't have to do any of the maintenance, but you still have access to all these outdoor amenities just steps away--you get to maintain the physical, mental, and social health benefits."

Joyce agrees. "If I feel a little stress or anything, I go outside," she says. "It always makes me feel better."

Time for family

While Joyce only leads a walking group two days a week, she makes sure to walk on the other five as well.

"I try to get 10,000 steps every day," she says. Having a community of like-minded neighbors makes it easy to find others to join you in the moment. "There's always somebody you can call and say, ‘Do you want to go take a walk?'"

And when she's not out walking, she's often busy hosting her two sons and her three grandchildren, who live in the Richmond, Va., area--and love Avery Point's outdoor amenities just as much as she does.

"They love sitting outside here. If it's a beautiful day but a little chilly, we can sit by the fireplace outside of Magnolia's Bar," she says. "But a lot of times, when they come for lunch and it's nice, we always sit outside."

"There's a lot of social engagement happening here," notes Fuller. "Spending time outdoors has proven to have mental health impacts for people, so it's great for our residents to have these spaces."

Invest in your future self at Avery Point. From top-notch amenities to affordable, maintenance-free residences, you are sure to live your retirement to the fullest. Request more information today!

Written by Michele Wojciechowski

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?

More from Richmond

United Blood hardcore music festival returns to Richmond after 5-year hiatus

RICHMOND, Va. — Richmond’s United Blood music festival made a triumphant return to Shockoe Bottom this past weekend after a five-year hiatus.Hundreds of hardcore, punk, and metal fans from across the country and overseas flocked to the Canal Club for over 30 sets of moshing, stage dives, and community.“I’m coming from California,” said Jennifer Baltazar. “Richmond has a really cool hardcore scene and I kinda wanted to see what it was all about.”David Foster and Colin Ackerman sta...

RICHMOND, Va. — Richmond’s United Blood music festival made a triumphant return to Shockoe Bottom this past weekend after a five-year hiatus.

Hundreds of hardcore, punk, and metal fans from across the country and overseas flocked to the Canal Club for over 30 sets of moshing, stage dives, and community.

“I’m coming from California,” said Jennifer Baltazar. “Richmond has a really cool hardcore scene and I kinda wanted to see what it was all about.”

David Foster and Colin Ackerman started United Blood in 2007. After the COVID-19 pandemic canceled the planned event for 2020, many were unsure if the festival would return.

“In that moment, after everything that had happened in the world and after the run that we had had as a fest,” said David Foster, one of the founders, “I felt like I had done and achieved everything we wanted to, and I said maybe that’s the last one. You know, 2019, and we decided not to do another fest.”

But to Foster, after spending the past few years traveling to other hardcore music festivals and seeing his friend’s bands, there was something deep in the pit of his stomach that didn’t love how United Blood ended.

“It felt like it was kind of taken from us,” Foster said.

“Basically, ever since we called it quits,” said Ryan Wall, a promoter of UB and member of Richmond hardcore band Bracewar, “Everybody in this music community has been in our ears begging us, ‘Guys, you gotta bring it back’.”

“The overarching theme that I heard from a lot of kids from here but also a lot of people that travel was that they really missed what United Blood did,” Foster said. “Just how it seemed like this perfect melting pot of all different types of punk and hardcore. But it was special because it was in Richmond and it was just special to the city, to the scene.”

With that confidence from the hardcore scene, United Blood 2025, the 14th festival of the series, was announced last December.

In-person tickets for locals sold out in a day at Vinyl Conflict Record Store, and online tickets sold out in less than 10 minutes, according to Foster.

“I immediately had to buy tickets. I had to be here. Virginia hardcore is the best in the country in my opinion,” said one attendee from San Francisco, California.

Noticeable among veterans who have been part of this music scene for decades was a younger wave of showgoers. Joe Skinner said he enjoys sharing that experience with his son.

“I’m 52 years old, so I’ve been going to shows since the early 90s," Skinner said. "I’ve lived in Colorado for a bit, I’ve seen shows all over, but coming back to Richmond and Richmond having such a scene is huge. My son’s 19 and he’s playing drums in a few bands so he’s immersed in the scene, and he’s going to VCU, so it’s a lot of fun.”

“The coolest thing is when you see kids that are coming to this show like United Blood that have never been to a festival before,” Foster said. “We haven’t had a show in six years, and the last time there was a United Blood, somebody might have been 12 years old. Now they’re 16, 17, 18, and maybe they spent the last five years listening to this stuff and haven’t gotten to see it. So now they get to experience the excitement of seeing bands from all over the world and feeling stoked on it and feeling that energy, and then they say, 'I'm starting a band, I'm writing a demo, we're going to try and get on a show this weekend.' And that's the coolest part of hardcore. It's so tangible. You can go to a show, watch a band play in front of a thousand people. They get off the stage, and you can walk up to that singer and say, 'Thanks man, that was awesome,' and they say, 'Thanks for checking us out.' That's not reality for most music.”

“Hardcore has always been something that a lot of people will tell you it’s a youth movement. It started as a youth movement,” said Wall. “But what’s been really cool to see as time moves on in the greater hardcore scene, people are getting older and still choosing to stay around because they can still find some reason to connect with it. There’s a lot of us that have families, have real jobs, real careers that we work towards but we still find the value in being involved in this and we want to contribute to it and we want to leave it in a better place than we found it for the generation that coming up behind us to carry it forward.”

????: CONNECT WITH US

Blue Sky| Facebook| Instagram| X| Threads| TikTok| YouTube

Copyright 2025 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Trump administration cancels $12 million grant for planned repairs to Richmond’s water treatment plant

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — President Donald Trump’s administration has canceled a $12 million grant that Richmond was selected to receive for improvements to its water treatment plant in the aftermath of January’s water crisis.In an email sent by the Virginia Department of Emergency Management to the City of Richmond on Friday, April 11...

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — President Donald Trump’s administration has canceled a $12 million grant that Richmond was selected to receive for improvements to its water treatment plant in the aftermath of January’s water crisis.

In an email sent by the Virginia Department of Emergency Management to the City of Richmond on Friday, April 11, the department said the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) had canceled the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities Notice of Funding Opportunity for fiscal years 2020 through 2024.

The cancelation of funds came “in alignment with the President’s Executive Orders and under the direction of Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Noem,” the email said.

Richmond’s water treatment plant improvements were submitted for the fiscal year 2022, and funds would have been used to repair its feeder channel retaining wall and improve its pre-sedimentation berms, which redirect water flow.

Following the announcement, Mayor Danny Avula released a statement on social media.

“I’m disappointed to learn that FEMA will cancel a $12 million grant that the City was selected to receive,” Avula said. “We’d planned on using these funds to invest in the resilience of our water treatment plant.”

Avula added that the cancelation of funds will not impact immediate operations or delay improvements at the water treatment plant.

In addition, Avula urged FEMA to reissue the grant and said he plans to work with federal representatives.

“By cutting funding for critical infrastructure, the federal government is shifting significant costs directly onto our residents and ratepayers,” Avula said. “I urge FEMA to reissue these funds, and I will work with our federal reps to advocate for our residents.”

Sen. Mark Warner took to social media in the evening on Friday to call the cancelation of tens of millions of funds for resiliency projects across Virginia “unbelievable.”

This comes roughly three months after Richmond and nearby residents were left with little to no water and under boil water advisories for days in the beginning of January following a malfunction at the city’s water treatment plant.

Disclaimer:

This website publishes news articles that contain copyrighted material whose use has not been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. The non-commercial use of these news articles for the purposes of local news reporting constitutes "Fair Use" of the copyrighted materials as provided for in Section 107 of the US Copyright Law.