Nonprofits Are the Backbone of Senior Care — But They Need Support

Elder Law Attorney at Parks Zeigler, PLLC and Board President of Primeplus Senior Centers

Originally published in The Virginian-Pilot

As the senior population in Hampton Roads continues to grow, so too does the strain on the nonprofits that care for our most vulnerable neighbors. At Parks Zeigler, we see this firsthand through our work in Elder Law—and through our direct involvement with community organizations like Primeplus Senior Centers.

In a recent column published in The Virginian-Pilot, I joined Robert Batcher, Executive Director of Primeplus, to spotlight an issue that isn’t getting enough attention: the mounting financial, regulatory, and staffing pressures facing nonprofits serving older adults.

Shrinking Resources, Rising Need

Federal support is shifting—sometimes quietly, sometimes drastically. For example, Primeplus’ Adult Day Services program has lost between $3,000 and $5,000 per month due to a simple change in how service units are defined. What used to be a reimbursable “daily” unit is now an “hourly” one, cutting funding in ways that directly impact care.

Simultaneously, operational costs are rising. From utilities once covered by local government to inflation-driven vendor price hikes, many nonprofits are struggling just to keep the lights on—literally. Philanthropic funding is also tightening as economic uncertainty causes some donors to pull back.

Yet the need for services is only increasing. Primeplus’ food pantry, run by seniors for seniors, is bracing for higher demand with fewer resources. And programs like the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP), which provides part-time jobs for older adults, are facing elimination. For us, this means the loss of vital team members who support our adult day services.

The Bigger Picture — and the Path Forward

These challenges aren’t unique to Primeplus. At a recent Provider Summit, nonprofit leaders from across the region reported the same systemic issues: chronic underfunding, staff burnout, a lack of collaboration, and failure to involve seniors themselves in shaping services.

But there is hope—and opportunity.

We can:

• Promote collaboration between nonprofits, government, and private sector organizations.
• Engage seniors as part of the solution, not just as service recipients.
• Advocate for policy changes that prioritize real-world impact over rigid bureaucracy.
• Communicate with seniors in honest, accessible ways that build trust.

At Parks Ziegler, we don’t just advise clients on legal matters like long-term care planning, Medicaid, and guardianship—we also champion the broader systems that support seniors. Our commitment to Elder Law is both personal and professional.

Partnering for a Stronger Future

Nonprofits like Primeplus are the glue holding the senior care ecosystem together. But without greater recognition and investment, that ecosystem is at risk.

Let’s stop viewing seniors—and the organizations that serve them—as burdens. Instead, let’s treat them as essential partners in building a healthier, more resilient community for all.

If your loved one needs help navigating legal options for aging with dignity, or if you’re part of a nonprofit seeking guidance on elder care issues, we’re here to help.

Contact Parks Ziegler today to schedule a consultation.