Rappahannock Area Agency on Aging, Inc.

 

Emergency Assistance

Once a year you can be provided with assistance of up to $50.00 to help with a pending utility cut-off, the purchase of necessary prescription medication or other similar emergencies that arise.

 

Emergency Home Repair Program

Small repairs to household systems can be made to income qualified homeowners of any age. Need help with a plumbing leak, minor electrical problems or lack of heat, we may be able to help. With the addition of volunteer groups, roofs can be replaced and handicap ramps may be built.

 

Fan Care Program

Fan Care provides free fans to applicants 60 or older meeting income guidelines. Maximum income is 150% of the poverty level. This program runs June through September.

Homemaker Services

The Older Americans Act requires that agencies on aging develop service systems for older individuals who are capable of self-care, but need assistance in maintaining maximum independence in their home environments. Homemaker services can be provided on a weekly or biweekly basis to assist those who are frail, have disabilities and/or are at risk of premature institutional placement. Assistance includes light housekeeping, essential shopping and small meal preparation.

 

Information and Referral

RAAA is the leading area authority on aging issues and should be the first call made when questions arise. Staff is available to answer questions, explain programs and make referrals to other area agencies and businesses that can make aging with dignity a reality.

 

Insurance Counseling (VICAP)

The Virginia Insurance and Counseling Assistance Program (VICAP) offers confidential help and advice about medical and long-term care insurance. VICAP counseling is a free service provided by RAAA. Voluntary donations are accepted. Depending on your needs, counseling can be provided by telephone or in person. RAAA has trained counselors to help you with; Medicare (including disabled beneficiaries under 65), Medicare supplemental insurance (Medigap), long-term care insurance, Medicaid and finding financial help for Medicare premiums, deductibles and co-payments. VICAP counselors also assist seniors with complex medical bills and patients’ rights issues such as grievances and appeals.

 

Legal Services

Many older persons have legal problems of which they are unaware or unsure about how to proceed. By contract with the Rappahannock Legal Service, Inc., RAAA funds legal assistance for a limited number of elderly clients who do not qualify for legal aid assistance and cannot secure the services of a private attorney. RAAA's goal is to ensure that these older persons will have access to legal redress.

 

Nutrition Programs

A. Congregate Meal Centers

Congregate (group) meal centers are established for the purpose of providing persons aged sixty or older and the spouses of such individuals with low-cost, nutritionally-sound, hot noonday meals served in such strategically located group centers as churches, community centers and senior centers. Preference is given, as with all OAA funded programs, to those older persons with the greatest social and economic needs. Group meals aim to promote better health among older persons by improving nutrition. The program also aims to increase socialization and recreation opportunities thereby reducing the isolation of old age.

Congregate Meal Center Schedule

Site	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday
Caroline				Ladysmith
Fredericksburg
King George
Spotsylvania
Stafford

color indicates open days

B. Home Delivered Meals

Once a week 7 frozen meals with a fruit and a bread will be delivered to your door. You may qualify for this program if you are homebound, cannot prepare your own meals and have no one to do it for you.

 

 

Older Workers Employment Program

The Senior Community Services Employment Program (SCSEP) funded under the Older Americans Act provides part-time training of aproximately twenty-five hours per week for low-income persons, aged fifty-five or older. Older workers receive training at a variety of community service agencies which may provide opportunities for specialized training, skill enhancement and job counseling. This program can provide a foot in the employment door. A participant must continue an active job search while part of SCSEP.

 

 

Ombudsman Program

Ombudsman is a Swedish word meaning citizen representative or advocate. An Ombudsman is an advocate for resident's rights and is responsible for investigating complaints made by, or on behalf of nursing and adult care home residents. Ombudsmen work with residents, family members, concerned citizens, facilities, as well as public and private agencies to enhance the quality of care and quality of life for residents in long term care facilities.

 

 

SeniorNavigator Center

RAAA is a SeniorNavigator Center, making information for seniors and caregivers accessible to all. Computers are available to search SeniorNavigator.org or a staff person can search and provide the information to you. Visit SeniorNavigator.org for the latest on aging and caregiving.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Telephone Reassurance

Some elderly persons who live alone are without family or friends to determine that they are safe and well. A Rappahannock Area Agency on Aging representative will make a daily (Monday - Friday) telephone call to determine the senior's well being. Appropriate emergency provisions are in place should that need arise.

 

 

TRIAD

Triad began nationally in 1988 when AARP, the International Association of Chiefs of Police and the National Sheriffs’ Association signed a cooperative agreement to work together to reduce both criminal victimization and unwarranted fear of crime affecting older persons. In 2000, the TRIADS of Spotsylvania and Stafford merged to form one organization for the purpose of reducing criminal victimization of its seniors. TRIAD meets at alternating sites. Please call the RAAA office for the next meeting date and location.

 

Transportation

The Agency can provide transportation to medical appointments for a $3.00 round trip fee. For days available and more information, please see the SPECIAL TRANSPORTATION BROCHURE.

 

Virginia Food Stamp On-Line Application Assistance

The Food Stamp Program serves as the first line of defense against hunger. It enables low-income individuals and families to buy nutritious food with Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards. Food stamp recipients spend their benefits to buy eligible food in authorized retail food stores. RAAA is an authorized food stamp on-line application center. To schedule an appointment to apply for food stamps on-line call RAAA at 371-3375. An applicant will still need to meet with an eligibility worker at their local Department of Social Services. This process removes the "old paper application", therefore making it easier to apply for food stamps.

 

 

Weatherization Assistance Program

This program is designed to make your home more energy efficient. With standards set by the Virginia Department of Housing and Federal Department of Energy, your heating system is inspected for safety, air leaks are stopped and insulation is provided as required. In order to qualify you must meet income guidelines and be a homeowner.