ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Wednesday, May 15, 1996 TAG: 9605160094
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV4 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
COLUMN: For Seniors
SOURCE: TRACY GALLIMORE
May is Older Americans Month. Area services for seniors will be highlighted again in the next column.
The New River Valley Agency on Aging offers services to people age 60 and older living in the counties of Montgomery, Pulaski, Giles and Floyd and the city of Radford. Some services are available to disabled people younger than 60.
The local service is one of Virginia's 25 Agencies on Aging. The organization receives funding from the Older Americans Act, the General Assembly, local governments and client contributions and fees. For more information, call the Agency on Aging at 639-9677 or 980-7720.
Home delivered meals provide a nutritionally balanced meal Monday through Friday to people confined because of health problems or who have difficulty preparing meals. For remote areas, frozen or prepackaged meals can be delivered once or twice per month. Meals cost from 40 cents to $4, with reduced rates for low-income people.
Free congregate meals provide hot, well-balanced meals three days per week in a group setting. Transportation is available. Transportation, meal delivery and meal site operations are subcontracted to Senior Services Inc.
Homemaker services include help with light housekeeping tasks and assistance with personal care or shopping. The service also can provide respite care for a caregiver.
Information and referral helps older people and their caregivers find services whether it is from the Agency on Aging or from another agency or program. There is no charge for this service.
Case management services: Human service professionals assess the older person's needs. They collaborate with the person and the caregiver to identify and obtain services, equipment and information. People who receive case management services are monitored through home visits and telephone contacts to determine if their needs are being met.
Legal services provides limited assistance to older people who may have problems obtaining public benefits. Limited legal advice may be available from a pro bono attorney. The service is free but contributions are welcomed.
An elder abuse specialist is available to answer questions and make appropriate referrals in cases of suspected elder abuse, neglect or an exploitation situation.
ID discount program issues ID cards to people 60 or older for discounts on merchandise and services offered by participating merchants. The program is offered twice a year, usually in the spring and fall, with schedules and locations published in local newspapers. A small contribution is requested to cover the cost of the card.
Employment services provide income-eligible people 55 and older the opportunity to acquire new skills or upgrade existing ones to people 55 years of age or older.
The Agency on Aging's subcontractor, Senior Services Inc., provides a medical transportation service to medical appointments. The service is also available for disabled people younger than 60. Fees are charged on a sliding scale after medical deductions are given. Senior Services is also a Medicaid transport provider. Call 639-9677 or 980-7720.
HERITAGE HALL NURSING CENTER, Blacksburg.
* Friday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Old Fashioned Spring Fling. Activities to celebrate National Nursing Home Week include quilt show and sale, antique and photo display and dulcimer music. Meal includes brown beans and cornbread, fried apples and more. Cathy Dehart, 951-7000.
RETIRED AND SENIOR VOLUNTEER PROGRAM, 1 Franklin St., Courthouse Annex, Christiansburg. Victoria Scott, 382-5775:
* Today, 10 a.m., both Christiansburg groups work at SHARE.
* Thursday, 10 a.m., Blacksburg groups works at SHARE.
* Friday, 10 a.m., meeting to plan Rock-a-thon, courthouse annex for volunteers and new members.
* Monday, 9 a.m., quilters meet, courthouse annex; 2:30 p.m.., Shawsville group visits Meadowbrook for Mother's Day reception.
* Tuesday, 10 a.m., Warm Hearth and McCoy groups do "Kids and Crafts."
BLACKSBURG SENIOR PROGRAMS, Blacksburg Community Center, 725 Patrick Henry Drive. Joy Herbert, 961-1134:
* Thursday, 9:30 a.m., coffee; 10-11 a.m., meet Dave Deshler and Mike Rosenzweig from the Seek Education Explore and Discover program.
* May 21, 6-9 p.m., senior dance.
* May 24 is the registration deadline for May 29 trip to Mountain Lake resort for brunch. Van departs at 11:30 a.m.
* Tuesdays, noon-2 p.m., Outdoor Art Class. $15. Sketching, painting and drawing for all levels. Bring lunch.
* Volunteers are needed to show the Senior Center and to work the exhibit booth for the Retire Blacksburg Expo '96, June 6-8.
CHRISTIANSBURG SENIOR CENTER, 655 Montgomery St. Sherry Kostric, 382-8173:
* Today, 10:30 a.m.-noon, hearing aid evaluation. Call for appointment.
* Thursday, 9 a.m., van departs for Walk-a-roo social.
* Friday, trip to Bluestone State Park, Hinton, W.Va. Transportation is $7.50 for seniors, $9.50 for ages 21-54 and includes lunch.
* Monday, 9:15 a.m., Book Club meeting.
* Tuesday, 10:30 a.m., Sun Exposure seminar.
RADFORD SENIOR CENTER, 27 First St. Mary Jane Harmon, 731-3634:
* Today, 5 p.m., AARP potluck dinner.
* Thursday, 12:30-4:30 p.m., Plastic Canvas Angel class.
* Friday, van departs at 9:30 a.m. for Snooper's Mall, Fort Chiswell outlets.
GILES COUNTY SENIOR CENTER,1320 Wenonah Ave., Pearisburg. Betty Letsinger, 921-3924:
* Thursday, 9:45 a.m., walking at Old Orchard; Bible study, 3:30 p.m.
* Friday, noon, AARP No. 502 meeting.
* Tuesday, 9:45 a.m., walking at Old Orchard.
PULASKI SENIOR CENTER, 106 N. Washington Ave. Carolyn Duncan, 980-1000:
* Fridays, 1-4 p.m., cards. Senior Shorts * Meadowbrook Nursing Home is holding a celebration of National Nursing Home week, May 12-18. Events include: Friday, 2-4 p.m., pie throwing contest and Saturday, 8 a.m.-3 p.m., gigantic yard sale. Proceeds go to the Resident's Fund for needy residents.
* Senior Employment Program: Job placement assistance and skills training for job seekers 55 years or older. New River Valley Agency on Aging, 980-7720 or 639-9677.
* Senior Centers: offer a variety of ongoing activities, trips and classes. Call for a newsletter and a calendar of events.er
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