Community Leaders Unite to Support Front Royal’s Seniors

A dedicated group of local leaders in Front Royal is working hard to connect seniors and caregivers with the resources they need to thrive. During a recent interview, Pete Lawrence from Right at Home, Holly Goode of Keller Williams Realty, and Michelle Smeltzer from the Department of Social Services shed light on their collaborative efforts through the Senior Alliance Team, a community initiative operating under the Front Royal-Warren County Chamber of Commerce.

The Senior Alliance Team was formed in mid-2024 to address the growing needs of the area’s aging population. Holly Goode, an associate broker and senior living specialist with Keller Williams Realty, explained that the team meets monthly to pool their knowledge, share resources, and tackle challenges faced by seniors.

“There’s a tremendous need here in the county to get resources to our aging population,” Goode said. “Our goal is to create a network of professionals and services that seniors and their families can rely on when they don’t know where to turn.”

A Network of Support

Pete Lawrence, whose company Right at Home provides in-home care for seniors and disabled adults, emphasized the importance of collaboration. “We’re all about making sure seniors have the support they need, whether it’s help with errands or personal care,” Lawrence explained. “By working with the Alliance, we can connect our clients to other services, like assisted living or healthcare, that might be outside our scope.”

Right at Home offers two levels of care: companion care, which helps seniors with everyday tasks like housekeeping, errands, and meal preparation, and personal care, which provides additional assistance with bathing, dressing, and hygiene. Lawrence noted, “Sometimes all it takes is a little help to keep seniors feeling independent and safe in their homes.”

The partnership has already proven to be a game-changer for the community. Goode recounted a recent story of a senior in crisis. After being discharged from the hospital, he had no safe place to stay due to mental health challenges. Thanks to the Alliance’s connections, the nonprofit “A Safe Haven for Seniors” stepped in and secured housing for him within 24 hours.

“This is what the Alliance is all about,” Goode said. “We’re here to make sure no one slips through the cracks.”

Education and Resources

Beyond connecting seniors with services, the Senior Alliance Team is committed to educating the community. Recently, they hosted an estate planning seminar led by attorney Doug McCarthy, which drew 30 attendees despite the cold weather. “These free events are a great way to get crucial information into the hands of those who need it,” Goode said.

Looking ahead, the group is launching a five-month dementia education series. The virtual Lunch and Learn sessions will provide essential information for families and caregivers dealing with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. The series will culminate in a fundraising drive to support Alzheimer’s care.

“Dementia doesn’t just affect the senior—it impacts the entire family,” Goode explained. “Our goal is to provide caregivers with the tools and knowledge they need to navigate these challenges.”

Michelle Smeltzer of Social Services highlighted another important focus: helping seniors access financial assistance programs. “Even if you’ve never needed social services before, retirement can bring new challenges,” she said. “We encourage seniors to apply for programs like Medicaid or fuel assistance, even if they think they won’t qualify. You might be surprised what resources are available.”

Smeltzer also recommended that seniors or their families contact Social Services for screenings. “If you need long-term care or help paying your Medicare premium, there might be a program that fits your needs,” she said. “And if we can’t help you directly, we’ll connect you with someone who can.”

Spreading the Word

The Senior Alliance Team relies on platforms like Facebook, the Chamber of Commerce, and local media to inform the community about upcoming events and available resources. “We want people to know help is out there,” Goode said.

With a growing senior population, the need for these services will only increase. The Senior Alliance Team is committed to expanding its outreach and ensuring every senior in the area feels supported.

As Pete Lawrence said, “We’re here to make life easier for our community’s older adults, and we’ll keep working together to meet that goal.”