FIRST EDITION • AUGUST 2026
The Home Sweet Home
Senior & Family Resource Guide
Helping families find support — close to home. ♥
Helpful resources, money-saving information, local programs, and practical tips for seniors, caregivers, and families across Hampton Roads.
At Home Sweet Home Care, we believe caring for seniors means more than providing assistance in the home. It means helping seniors and their families find the information, resources, and support they need to live safely, independently, and with dignity.
That is why we created The Home Sweet Home Senior & Family Resource Guide — a monthly collection of helpful resources and information designed specifically for older adults, caregivers, and families throughout Hampton Roads.
Whether you are looking for help with food, transportation, benefits, healthcare, caregiving, or simply finding ways to make life a little easier, we hope you will find something useful here.
RESOURCE OF THE MONTH
211 Virginia
A good place to start when you don’t know where to start.
Sometimes the hardest part of finding help is knowing where to start. 211 Virginia connects Virginians with local resources for food assistance, healthcare, housing, utility assistance, transportation, aging and disability services, caregiver resources, in-home assistance, and more.
LOCAL RESOURCE SPOTLIGHT
Helpful Places to Know
Local support, connection & community. ♥
Peninsula Agency on Aging
Programs can include meals and nutrition assistance, transportation, caregiver support, in-home assistance, information and referrals, and programs designed to help older adults remain independent.
739 Thimble Shoals Blvd., Suite 1006
Newport News, VA 23606
757-873-0541
Luter Family YMCA
The Luter Family YMCA in Smithfield offers opportunities for exercise, recreation, programs, and community connection. Contact the YMCA for current senior rates and programming.
259 James Street
Smithfield, VA 23430
757-365-4060
Arts Center @ 319
The Arts Center @ 319 offers local art, exhibits, working artists, classes, and arts-related programming — another way to stay active through learning and social connection.
319 Main Street
Smithfield, VA 23430
757-357-7707
Windsor Castle Park
This 208-acre park offers walking trails, picnic areas, scenic views, a fishing pier, and outdoor space for enjoying nature at your own pace.
705 Cedar Street
Smithfield, VA 23430
757-356-9939
MONEY-SAVING TIP
Don’t Assume You Don’t Qualify for Assistance
Many seniors don’t apply for assistance because they assume they won’t qualify. Programs may help with food, utilities, healthcare, housing, transportation, income support, and aging services.
If you’re not sure whether you qualify, ask.
It never hurts to ask. ♥
Eligibility varies by program. A phone call may help you discover assistance you didn’t know was available.
FOOD ASSISTANCE
Local Food Pantries & Food Resources
No one should have to wait until the refrigerator is empty to ask for help.
Food prices can put tremendous pressure on seniors living on a fixed income. If you or someone you know is struggling to keep enough food in the house, help is available.
Hours, eligibility, appointment requirements, and food availability can change. Please call or check with each organization before making a trip.
Looking for food help anywhere in Hampton Roads?
Our complete Hampton Roads Food Pantry & Food Assistance Guide includes resources throughout Newport News, Hampton, Yorktown, Williamsburg, Gloucester, Suffolk, Smithfield, Chesapeake, Portsmouth, Norfolk, Virginia Beach, and surrounding communities.
Open the Hampton Roads Food Assistance GuideA FEW FEATURED RESOURCES
Food Assistance Close to Home
THRIVE Peninsula — The Market at THRIVE
Free grocery-style pantry with fresh, frozen, and shelf-stable foods. Appointments are required.
12749 Nettles Drive
Newport News, VA 23606
757-877-6211
Virginia Peninsula Foodbank Community Pantry
Provides fresh, frozen, and shelf-stable food. Appointments are required.
3509 Chestnut Avenue
Newport News, VA 23607
757-271-4682
Isle of Wight Christian Outreach Program (COP)
Provides food and basic-needs assistance to eligible Isle of Wight County residents. Call ahead for current distribution information.
402 Grace Street
Smithfield, VA 23430
Isle of Wight County Department of Social Services
Can help eligible residents learn about SNAP/EBT and other assistance programs.
17100 Monument Circle
Smithfield, VA 23430
757-365-0886
MEDICARE REMINDER
Medicare Open Enrollment Is Coming
October 15 – December 7, 2026
During Medicare’s annual Open Enrollment Period, beneficiaries can make certain changes to their Medicare Advantage and prescription drug coverage.
Before automatically renewing your plan, ask:
- Are your doctors still in the network?
- Are your prescriptions covered?
- Have your premiums or other costs changed?
- Is your preferred pharmacy still covered?
- Have your medications changed?
Visit Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE for official information.
HELPFUL INFORMATION FOR LIFE AT HOME
Small Things Can Make a Big Difference
AGING AT HOME TIP
Look at Your Home Through a Different Set of Eyes
- Check for loose rugs and cords that could cause a fall.
- Make sure hallways and bathrooms are well lit.
- Keep frequently used items within easy reach.
- Consider sturdy grab points in the bathroom.
- Make small changes that help you remain independent.
FOR FAMILY CAREGIVERS
You Don’t Have to Do Everything Yourself
Caregiving can involve much more than bathing, dressing, meals, or medications. It can also involve appointments, grocery shopping, transportation, chores, coordinating family, communicating with doctors, companionship, and emergencies.
Asking for help does not mean you are failing your loved one.
TECHNOLOGY TIP
Make Your Smartphone Easier to Use
- Increase text size so messages and contacts are easier to read.
- Turn up the volume so calls and alerts are easier to hear.
- Add emergency contacts so family is easy to reach.
- Keep frequently used apps on the home screen.
- Use video calling to stay connected.
SCAM ALERT
If Someone Calls Asking for Money, Stop.
Be cautious if someone demands immediate payment, threatens you, asks for gift cards or personal information, tells you to keep the conversation secret, or says you must act immediately.
When in doubt, STOP. Hang up and independently verify who contacted you.
STAYING ACTIVE
You Don’t Have to Run a Marathon
Depending on your abilities and your doctor’s recommendations, activity might include walking, gentle stretching, chair exercises, gardening, dancing, swimming, light strength exercises, or community activities.
Just keep moving. ♥
Staying active can look different for everyone. Find something that works for your abilities and that you enjoy.
Caring for our community goes beyond care in the home. ♥
COMPASSION • COMFORT • FAMILY
A Final Note From Us
Growing Older Does Not Mean Giving Up Your Independence
Sometimes it simply means finding new ways to maintain it. We hope this monthly guide makes it a little easier for seniors and their families to find the information, programs, and support they need.
The Guide Is for Families, Too
Care decisions, benefits, food assistance, transportation, safety, and local programs often affect the entire family. Our goal is to make useful information easier to find.
Home Sweet Home Care • 757-356-0342
Please Note: This guide is provided for informational purposes. Programs, eligibility requirements, availability, hours, and services can change. Please contact each organization directly to confirm current information before making plans.
