VPAS to Offer Healthcare Scam Prevention Program
May 15, 2026- In an effort to protect local older adults from increasingly sophisticated scams, Valley Program for Aging Services (VPAS) will host a healthcare scam prevention program in collaboration with Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) on Thursday, June 4.
“Avoiding Common Healthcare Scams” will be held at the VPAS Waynesboro office from 10:00am -11:00am as well as online via Zoom, allowing attendees to participate remotely.
Seniors are bombarded daily with phone calls and mailings from scammers posing as legitimate healthcare entities. This presentation by SMP State Director Shawn Smith will break down the most common scams that have been impacting the nation. In addition, he will explain how to prevent, detect and report fraud.
“Fraud costs Medicare an estimated $60 billion per year. It also costs Medicare beneficiaries here in the Valley valuable time, stress, their medical identities, and potentially their health,” said Margie Ferguson, VPAS Certified Medicare Counselor and Virginia Insurance Counseling and Assistance Program Coordinator. “We are grateful to partner with SMP to help protect our neighbors.”
“Avoiding Common Healthcare Scams” is being offered in recognition of Medicare Fraud Prevention Week, observed during the week of June 5, or 6/5, because most people become eligible for Medicare when they turn 65. During this week, SMP encourages Medicare beneficiaries, families, caregivers, healthcare professionals, and community members to work together to prevent fraud and protect personal information.
To register for the healthcare scam prevention program, call 540-949-7141 or click here. Registrants will be prompted to select either in-person or virtual attendance, and will receive additional program details accordingly.
For more information about VPAS Medicare Counseling, click here or call 540-460-2744.
VPAS Awarded Groundbreaking Grant to Launch Respite Center
November 10, 2025 - Valley Program for Aging Services (VPAS), the local area agency on aging, was awarded a USAging seed grant of nearly $50,000 to fund a respite center for older adults living with dementia and their caregivers.
The Innovative Caregiver Services Grant was one of only eight awarded nationwide by USAging, the national association representing and supporting the network of Area Agencies on Aging.
VPAS will work with local partners to establish an 18-month pilot respite program called “The Gathering Place” in Waynesboro. The Gathering Place is a volunteer-driven program designed to provide caregivers much-needed respite while offering those living with dementia high quality engagement and person-centered activities.
This respite program is a collaborative effort between VPAS, Greater Augusta Coalition against Adult Abuse (GACAAA) and life plan/assisted living communities and similar organizations in the Staunton, Augusta and Waynesboro (SAW) area.
“This grant will allow us to create a win-win-win opportunity for those living with dementia, their caregivers, and local residents seeking meaningful volunteer work,” said VPAS Executive Director, Beth Bland. “The Gathering Place will provide caregivers with a much-needed break while their loved ones enjoy valuable social connection and volunteer-led activities, increasing their ability to age in place. And, it will give these families access to the education, resources and support they need on their journey,” she added.
The Gathering Place will be open on Wednesdays beginning in mid-November at VPAS Waynesboro Senior Services. Families do not need to reside in the SAW area to participate. VPAS staff will provide screenings to ensure eligibility. The cost to participate is $20 for up to two hours or $40 for up to four hours of respite. Scholarships may be available. For more information about how to register, contact Joyce Nussbaum, VPAS Program Director, at 540.615.5341.
This project is supported by the Administration for Community Living (ACL), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial award totaling $49,610.92 with 56% percentage funded by ACL/HHS and $38,964.80 and 44% percentage funded by non-government source(s). The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by ACL/HHS, or the U.S. Government.
VPAS 2025-2027 Strategic Plan Released
February 24, 2025 - VPAS' 2025-2027 Strategic Plan is now complete and available to the public. Producing this plan has involved much time and input from the VPAS staff, the Board of Directors and Advisory Council, and the clients VPAS serves. We look forward to seeing the further development and implementation of these plans and goals and welcome the community's support.