Local Office on Aging

06/22/2026

Do you know someone who has been diagnosed with dementia who could benefit from extra support services?

📣We are excited to announce that LOA can assist you or your loved one in enrolling in Medicare's GUIDE dementia care support program! (Based on eligibility.)

GUIDE (Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience) is a Medicare-funded program for diagnosed dementia patients who participate in Medicare Parts A & B health coverage. GUIDE supports patients with dementia and their unpaid caregivers as they navigate the challenges of living with dementia. Patients keep their current physicians, and the additional GUIDE personnel provide care in between physician visits.

GUIDE goals:
• Improve quality of life for people living with dementia
• Enhance support for their unpaid caregivers
• Enable people with dementia to remain in their homes and communities longer

What GUIDE Includes:
• Care Navigator provides care for patients, assists caregivers & coordinates with care team
• No cost, copay or deductible for patients
• Focused dementia caregiver education, support and $2,560 of annual respite services
• Personalized care plan including social services and medication recommendations

To find out more or to get enrolled, call Delaine Caldwell at (540) 345-0451 Ext. 3041.

06/19/2026

In observance of Juneteenth, LOA offices and operations will be closed on Friday, June 19. We recognize and celebrate this important historic day of freedom, reflection, and equality.

We will reopen Monday, June 22 at 8:00 am.

06/18/2026

Update: Issues with our website have been resolved.

We are currently experiencing a technical issue on our website. If you are trying to purchase Let’s Give Lunch Raffle Tickets, we apologize for the inconvenience and are working to resolve the issue. We will now accept Raffle Ticket Orders through Monday, June 22nd. You can order using the direct link below.

Thanks for supporting LOA!

06/17/2026

The Local Office on Aging will hold a Virtual Public Hearing on the Fiscal Year 2027 Area Plan for Aging Services for the 5th Planning District of Virginia (counties of Roanoke, Botetourt, Craig, and Alleghany, and the cities of Roanoke, Salem, and Covington). This public hearing will outline the Area Plan for the 2026-2027 fiscal year, covering the programs and services provided to older adults who reside in the 5th Planning District. Public input is encouraged and will be considered.

Register by June 19th: To register to attend the virtual public hearing, please contact Teresa Bennett at [email protected] no later than June 19th. A link to the virtual hearing will be emailed to you.

📣Virtual Public Hearing: Area Plan for Aging Services
📆Wednesday, June 24, 2026
⏲️10:00 AM to 11:00 AM

The FY27 Area Plan documents are available by request. Requests and comments can be sent to Teresa Bennett at [email protected] no later than Wednesday, July 8, for consideration by the LOA Advisory Council and Board of Directors.

06/15/2026

Today, June 15th is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. It serves as a global call to action to raise awareness about the abuse, neglect, and exploitation of older adults, and to promote dignity, safety, and strong support systems for elders.

Forms of Elder Abuse that affect about 1 in 10 older adults include
Financial Exploitation, Physical & Emotional Abuse, and Neglect.

LOA's efforts to protect older persons from abuse, neglect and exploitation include our Ombudsman Program which advocates for residents of long-term and nursing care facilities, and the Elder Justice Alliance, a group of local professionals and agencies who work together to address cases of elder abuse and exploitation in the Roanoke Valley.

To report suspected abuse, contact the Adult Protective Services in your area. To get their information, call the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116 or visit https://Eldercare.pulse.ly/b4qwtlwigr.

Learn more at the National Center on Elder Abuse website - link in comments below.

06/11/2026

In May, through a partnership with the Alleghany Highlands Arts Council, members of the Sharon and Covington Diners Clubs participated in the workshop made possible by the Arts Council Lighthouse Project.

The workshop was conducted by Lula Washington Dance Theatre (LWDT), one of Los Angeles’s longest-running touring dance companies. Centered on one of Lula Washington’s signature works, "Search for Humanism", the workshop encourages participants to share their stories and ideas as they explore themes of transformation, healing, resistance, empathy, and compassion. Through guided activities, movement creation, and group discussions, participants will engage with the question, “What is the future of humanity if we can’t find common ground?” This exercise that integrates mind, body, and creative expression, will inform and inspire a new dance piece to be presented to the Alleghany Highlands community in 2027.

The seniors loved it and really responded very interactively! It was definitely a unique experience for them. The LWDT will be coming back in the fall to do a performance based on all the workshops they do and all the seniors will be invited!

06/09/2026

Many older adults rely on nutritional drinks to supplement their diets and maintain their health, especially those facing illness, limited mobility, or food insecurity. We are seeking donations of nutritional drinks such as Ensure, Boost, Glucerna, or similar products to support local seniors in need.

Nutritional drinks are one of the top items we are asked for when seniors have emergency food needs to supplement their grocery budget.

Your donation can make a meaningful difference by helping older adults stay healthy, strong, and independent. Every bottle counts!

Donation is easy through our convenient Amazon Wish List (link in comments) or you can just drop off donations at LOA's Main Office at 4932 Frontage Rd. NW, Roanoke, 24019. Call 540-345-0451.

Thank you for helping care for our seniors. ❤️

06/08/2026

Highlights from Let’s Give Lunch 2026
Roanoke County Sheriff's Office
Atlantic Union Bank

06/05/2026

Let’s Give Lunch is Live!

06/05/2026