The Older Americans Act
The Older Americans Act was passed in 1965, LOA receives the bulk of its funds through this legislation which declared that older Americans are entitled to:
- adequate income in retirement
- the best possible physical and mental health
- suitable housing
- opportunity for employment
- retirement in health, honor and dignity
- pursuit of meaningful civic, cultural and recreational activity
- efficient community services
- low cost transportation
- freedom, independence and the free exercise of individual initiative
Amendments to the Act in 1973 introduced the concept of a network of aging agencies. The Act called for each Governor to designate a “state unit on aging” to receive and administer Older Americans Act funds. The Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS) designates “area agencies on aging” to receive these funds. LOA is one of 25 in the Commonwealth to be so designated.
USAging
The USAging is a supporting agency for 670 Area Agencies on Aging in the United States. USAging advocates for the Older Americans Act, federal legislation and budgets affecting seniors. To contact USAging call: (202) 296-8130 or visit them online at https://www.usaging.org/
Eldercare Locator
The USAging administers a program call Eldercare Locator which is a public service of the U.S Administration on Aging established in 1991. The service is a toll-free number for identifying the information and referral services provided by the local Area Agencies on Aging.
Eldercare Locator 1-800-677-1116
Monday-Friday 9:00a.m.-8:00p.m.
Virginia Association for Area Agencies on Aging (V4A)
The V4A was established in 1976 with the purpose of supporting Virginia’s twenty-five Area Agencies on Aging through advocacy, communication, education and training services. The V4A administers the State Ombudsman Program. To contact V4A call: (804) 644-2804
Mission Statement
“We are dedicated to our mission of helping older persons remain independent for as long as possible.”
Since 1972, Local Office on Aging (LOA) has served as the designated Area Agency on Aging for the Fifth Planning District providing community-based programs to help aging residents remain independent for as long as possible. LOA is a member of a statewide network of 25 Area Agencies on Aging and a member of US Aging, a network of over 622 Area Agencies on Aging throughout the United States.
To effectively carry out our mission, LOA administers more than 30 community services providing nutrition, education, advocacy, and socialization on our mission to:
- Enhance quality of life in the home.
- Encourage aging in place to avoid early institutionalization.
- Provide caregiver support.
- Advocate for quality services, medical care, and housing for the elderly.
LOA is a non-profit, 501(c)3 governed by a Board of Directors. In addition, LOA has an Advisory Council that advises LOA on all matters relating to the development of the area plan, the administration of the plan, and operations conducted under the plan.
LOA is funded by federal, state, and local governments, corporate and private foundations, United Way, Foundation for Roanoke Valley, donations, and fundraising.
Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services is responsible for financial and programmatic monitoring of federal and state funds received by LOA.
LOA falls under the Single Audit Act of 1996 and therefore is subject to a high-level audit annually.
Service Areas
The LOA serves persons 60 and older and their families in the Fifth Planning District of Virginia, including:
- Alleghany County,
- Botetourt County
- Craig County
- Roanoke County
- Covington
- Roanoke City
- Salem
For a list of phone numbers to call for more information about care coordination at LOA, click here.
If you live in the Commonwealth of Virginia and want to find out what area agency on aging serves your area, please visit the Virginia Department of Aging and Rehabilitative Services website. Or you can also find details about services for seniors in Virginia at VirginiaNavigator.com.
If you live outside of Virginia call the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116 to be linked with a service.
LOA is an equal opportunity provider.