Local Office on Aging

10/14/2026

Medicare Open Enrollment begins October 15! Plan details change every year - make sure you're getting the coverage you need!

❓What mistakes do most beneficiaries make when they "automatically renew" their current plan?

Lower premiums do not always mean lower overall cost! Not looking at the changes in premium in your current plan while also reviewing any changes in coverage/price of current medications or anticipated treatments or procedures could mean ultimately paying more out of pocket.

Questions about your coverage? LOA's Medicare Open Enrollment Insurance Counseling Center is available October 15 through December 7, 2026! Located at the Valley View Mall, Roanoke, VA - upper level outside the former Sears space. Open Monday-Thursday except holidays and the week of Thanksgiving. Trained volunteer VICAP (VA Insurance Counseling Assistance Program) counselors will be available by appointment or walk-in. This service FREE. UNBIASED, and CONFIDENTIAL for seniors and their families and caregivers!

Call (540) 345-0451 Option 4 to make an appointment!

10/12/2026

Note there will be no Meals on Wheels delivery today. Delivery will resume tomorrow on regular schedule.

10/09/2026

Seniors, stay vigilant! The latest round of Medicare scam calls try to frighten you into handing over your information. Medicare will never ask for your number or cancel your coverage over the phone!

If you get a call saying your Medicare plan is at risk of being canceled, suspended, or you will be disenrolled if you don't confirm your Medicare number, hang up. This is not Medicare calling. Your plan is not at risk. Scammers are trying to scare folks into giving over their Medicare number. If you did give out your number, don't worry, the SMP can help.

Report it right away at smpresource.org/reportfraud.

10/08/2026

When you think of an empty plate, a lot of thoughts come to mind. Who's plate is it? Why is it empty? Who will fill it?

For us here at LOA, we see an empty plate ready for filling with not only a nutritious hot meal, perhaps also a ride to the doctor, help with housekeeping, or a bag of emergency food staples. These are just a few of the 30+ services we provide to seniors in our community every day.

LOA’s mission is to ensure seniors receive the services they need to live independently for as long as possible. Our large service area includes Alleghany, Botetourt, Craig, and Roanoke Counties, as well as the cities of Covington, Salem, and Roanoke.

Our task is immense, but you can help us in our mission! You can “Help Us Fill the Plate” for our seniors.

Please use the link in comments and help us fill the plate today!

10/06/2026

Thank you to this group of students from the Radford University Carilion RN program who spent time with our Thursday Star City Diners Club! They gave a presentation on the importance of dental/oral health as we age and also lead the group in Bingo.

10/01/2026

It's Cartober 🚗 An organization called CARS (Charitable Adult Rides & Services) started the event in 2003. Since then they have raised hundreds of millions of dollars for charity!

Did you know you can donate a vehicle to LOA? Our program makes it easy! Your donated vehicle can "go a long way" in helping area seniors😉!

• Donating is easy and the pick-up is free!
• Donating skips the costs and hassles associated with selling a car!
• It's better than a low trade-in offer!
• Vehicle donations are tax-deductible, and you could reduce your taxable income when taxes are itemized!

Call 844-411-5768 or follow the link 🔗 in the comments!

09/30/2026

Our deepest gratitude to the congregation of Fellowship Community Church North Campus for their delivery of a literal truck-load of non-perishable food this past Sunday! The church held a food drive event and generously donated part of their huge collection to the LOA Emergency Food Pantry! This donation comes at an important time. Food prices continue to rise and many needy seniors we serve look to us to supplement their monthly food budget. As we head into the Fall months, this donation will help many food-insecure seniors in our community!

09/28/2026

September is recognized as Hunger Action Month, during which the AARP Virginia and the AARP Foundation work to raise awareness and combat food insecurity among older adults.

Many thanks to our friends at Local AARP Chapter 4652 (Southwest Roanoke) who delivered a truck-load of non-perishable food for LOA's Emergency Food Pantry that was collected by the chapter this month. The chapter works closely with the AARP Virginia state organization and the SWVA Leadership team to coordinate community volunteer projects, social events, and advocacy efforts across the Roanoke region.

09/25/2026

As many seniors begin to age in place, having the proper home modifications is critical to maintain independence and prevent injury due to falls!

This guide from the National Council on Aging gives top tips for finding, hiring, and working with reputable contractors, including those who are certified aging in place specialists!