History
In 2001, the Fairfax Long-Term Care Task Force recommended 21 objectives and approximately 90 strategies for improving the system of long-term care services in Fairfax.
The strategies were organized into four themes:
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Increasing Public Awareness
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Connecting People to Services
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Promoting Independent, Supportive Living
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Improving and Expanding a Qualified Long Term Care Workforce
In addition, the Task Force recommended a structure for ensuring the accomplishment of the objectives it recommended. That structure is the Fairfax Long-Term Care Coordinating Council (LTCCC).
The LTCCC was chartered by the Board of Supervisors in 2002 and is a citizen body comprised of 45 members representing a cross section of community organizations and groups (agencies, businesses, boards, authorities, faith communities, and interested individuals) and confirmed by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. Representatives of the Commission on Aging, Community Services Board, Disability Services Board and the Health Care Advisory Board also participate which enhances communication, strengthens partnerships and avoids duplication in the establishment of priorities and services.
In 2002 LTCCC released the Fairfax County Long-Term Care Strategic Plan, "Toward a Lifetime of Independence," which was adopted by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. It seeks to address three long-term care challenges:
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Gaps in long-term care services for seniors and adults with disabilities
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Shrinking federal and state funding for long-term care
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Shortage in a trained and competent workforce to provide assistance to these seniors and adults
The LTCCC continues to provide leadership and serves as a catalyst in accomplishing its Long-Term Care Strategic Plan, to educate funders and policy makers on long-term care needs and to advocate for solutions.
In 2007 The LTCCC created CareFaxLTC a private, nonprofit organization to raise funds to implement the Strategic Plan's initiatives, programs and priorities. In 2010, CareFaxLTC changed its name to LifeCircle AlliancesSM to better communicate the mission of the organization.
In 2012, the Board of Directors for LifeCircleAlliances determined that the fundraising environment for the forseeable future in the Washington Metropolitan Area is not likely to be able to sustain the cost of operating LCA with professional staff. The LCA board has determined that in order to achieve the mission of LCA requires the organization to currently be directed and operated totally by volunteers. The relationship of LCA to the LTCCC membership along with the needs of seniors and adults with disabilities suggests that this is a viable avenue to pursue.
Over the last five years LCA has become more and more visible within the community through the Kudos to Caregivers events, the Haywood grant programs and through specific fundraising requests posted on a comprehensive LCA website. A volunteer organization can continue these activities as well as assist in developing three board initiatives developed in the second half of 2011: Assistive Technology for Wounded Warriors; Community projects for Aging in Place; and Community Programs for young adults with Autism and Developmental Disabilities.
We need your help, either through your volunteered time or your pocketbook, to become the catalyst between the private sector, local government, and non profits to help us improve services to our seniors and adults with disabilities.
