For many seniors and adults with disabilities in Hampton Roads, the journey toward receiving long-term services and support begins with one essential step: the Uniform Assessment Instrument (UAI). In Virginia, the UAI is the statewide tool used to evaluate a person’s functional, cognitive, and medical needs. Whether a family is exploring Medicaid personal care, the CCC Plus Waiver, adult day services, or assisted living options, the UAI is the gateway to determining eligibility. At Seniors Helping Seniors® Hampton Roads, we regularly guide families through this process, helping them understand what to expect and how to prepare so their loved one receives the support they deserve.
The assessment process typically starts when a senior, family member, physician, or hospital discharge planner contacts their local Department of Social Services (DSS) or Area Agency on Aging (AAA) to request an evaluation. In Hampton Roads, this often means working with Virginia Beach DSS, Norfolk Human Services, Chesapeake DSS, or Senior Services of Southeastern Virginia. A trained assessor—usually a nurse or social worker—will schedule a home visit. During this visit, they review Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, eating, and mobility, as well as Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs) like meal preparation, housekeeping, and medication management. They also evaluate cognition, behavior, medical conditions, and social support. Our caregivers often play a key role here by helping families articulate day-to-day challenges that seniors may minimize or forget to mention.
Once the UAI is completed, the assessor determines whether the individual meets Virginia’s criteria for long-term services—such as nursing facility level of care for Medicaid waiver programs or assisted living level of care for the Auxiliary Grant. These results are shared with the family and, when applicable, the senior’s managed care organization (MCO). In Hampton Roads, that may include Anthem, Aetna, Molina, Sentara Health Plans, or UnitedHealthcare. The MCO then uses the UAI to authorize services and develop a personalized care plan. At Seniors Helping Seniors® Hampton Roads, we frequently collaborate with care coordinators to ensure a smooth transition into home-based support.
After eligibility is confirmed, families can begin selecting the right care provider. Many choose to remain safely at home with the help of a trusted agency. Our team of senior caregivers—who understand the culture, neighborhoods, and values of Hampton Roads—provides companionship, personal care, transportation, meal support, and respite for family caregivers. If a senior does not meet Medicaid criteria, we still help families explore private-pay options, veteran benefits, community programs, and local resources. Understanding the LTSS UAI process empowers families to advocate confidently and ensures that seniors across Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Portsmouth, and Suffolk receive the compassionate support they need to age with dignity.