Southern Area Agency on Aging

Mission:
Southern Area Agency on Aging (SAAA) is dedicated to promoting the health, quality of life, and independence of seniors, individuals with disabilities, and their caregivers. The organization aims to enable people to live with dignity and choice.

Service Area

SAAA serves Danville, Martinsville, and the counties of Franklin, Henry, Patrick, and Pittsylvania in Virginia. It is one of 25 Area Agencies on Aging in Virginia and operates as a private, nonprofit organization.

Services Provided

SAAA offers a comprehensive range of services, many of which are funded through the federal Older Americans Act. Services are designed both for relatively healthy older adults and for frail or disabled elders. Key services include:

• Information and Referral: Assistance in identifying and arranging services tailored to the needs of older adults, plus information on a wide variety of age-related topics.
• Job Training and Placement: For individuals aged 55 and older who meet federal income guidelines.
• Transportation: To senior lunch sites, medical appointments, and grocery shopping.
• Congregate Meals: Lunches at senior centers and other designated locations ("Senior Cafés").
• Health and Wellness Programs: Group exercise, walking clubs, health awareness programs, nutrition counseling, and chronic disease/diabetes self-management workshops.
• Home Repairs and Modifications: Small jobs and modifications for safety and accessibility.
• Insurance Counseling: Guidance on Medicare, Medicaid, Medicare Supplements, prescription drug plans, and long-term care insurance.
• Financial Assistance: Limited support for basic needs and stipends to help low-income individuals afford adult day care.
• Home Delivered Meals: Hot lunches delivered on weekdays, with shelf-stable and frozen meals available in some areas.
• Personal Care: Assistance with bathing, dressing, grooming, and ambulation (typically two hours per day, two days per week).
• Respite Care: Temporary relief for caregivers of individuals aged 60 and older, with additional hours for Alzheimer’s care.
• Heavy Chore Services: Help with heavy household tasks and general maintenance.
• Long-Term Care Ombudsman: Advocacy and problem resolution for individuals in nursing homes, assisted living, or receiving home health services.
• Legal Assistance: For older adults meeting federal income guidelines, covering civil matters such as consumer issues, housing, public benefits, and pensions.
• Mobility Management: Includes a voucher program for local non-emergency medical transportation, Miles 4 Vets for veterans, and a volunteer driver program for out-of-town medical transportation.

Eligibility

• Most services are available to individuals aged 60 and older.
• The Senior Employment Program is open to those 55 and older.
• Some programs, such as chronic disease self-management and mobility management, are open to individuals of all ages who meet specific criteria.
• Priority is given to low-income older adults who lack family or friends to assist them when resources are limited.

Additional Information

• SAAA is an information center for older adults and caregiving family members.
• Services are provided directly by SAAA staff or through subcontracted organizations.
• Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Some activities may occur outside these hours.
• SAAA is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Organization and complies with ADA and Civil Rights requirements.