Columbus County Department of Aging

I’m Almost 65 — How Should I Prepare for Medicare?

IN HOME SERVICES

In Home Care for Adults - one has to receive Medicaid and have a medical condition that requires the direct and ongoing care.  In Home Aides are placed in the homes by the R.N at the agency after Carolina Center for Medical Excellence in Raleigh has made a home assessment to determine eligibility. Referrals have to be made by a Physician. Service is to assist and not to replace the help available from family members and community resources. This program serves the needs of 50 or more clients daily.

Title III B is an in home aide service program for 60 years or older persons who are not Medicaid recipients who have personal care needs.  Funds are limited and the referral waiting list is very long. The program has a waiting list. Caregiver’s Respite Program – relieve caregivers – limited funds.  

Community Alternatives Program CAP/DA- Medicaid in home service designed for persons who are nursing home level of care.  The aim is to allow the individual to return to or to remain in the community and live as independently as possible. Private Insurance (Private Pay) the in home services may be provided under some private insurance companies and by private payment.   Veterans Administration and Hospice contract with the Dept. of Aging for these services. 

INFORMATION/ ASSISTANCE AND OPTIONS COUNSELING

Information and assistance, as well as options counseling is provided to seniors age 60 and older. The information service includes informing people about programs and services, identifying the types of assistance they need and connecting them to appropriate service providers.  Assistance is for people who require additional help with the service delivery system.  This includes planning, referral, coordination of services, follow-up and advocacy. Options counseling provides guidance to individuals as they make informed choices about long term services and supports.  This service is directed by the individual or his/ her legal representative. 

SENIOR CENTER OPERATIONS

There are seven senior centers in the county which operate 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM Monday through Friday. These centers provide community involvement and opportunities for older adults to become physically active, mentally challenged, emotionally supported and socially involved.  Each center has a nutrition site for congregate nutrition.  There’s Exercise Equipment available for the seniors to use with a physician's permission.  They are always planning trips and outings for the seniors with minimum cost.  The craft, etc. classes are offered to the seniors 65 or older without charge.  The local Community College provides instructors. 

 Medical Equipment is available for loan to our seniors at each center with no charge if returned undamaged.  (RX required from physician) 

NUTRITION

Congregate Meals are hot meals provided at noon hour in 7 sites in the county, 70,000 meals are served in the program year.  These meals are 1/3 the daily recommended dietary allowance for older adults 60 years or older. Persons 60 years or older may attend any of these sites for a nutritious meal and nutrition education and appropriate supportive services to enhance their independence.

 A registration form must be completed and signed on the first visit. There is no charge for the meal but a contribution is suggested to share in the cost and help serve additional persons. No one will be denied a meal because they are unable to share in the cost.  This program supervisor is Sucreal Jackson.  Home Delivered Meals are served out of four of the nutrition sites. Meals are delivered to homebound persons by volunteers. Routes established only in areas with available volunteers.  Persons who are 60 years old or older, home bound and only able to go out for medical appointments are eligible.  A home assessment is made on each individual, eligibility is determined   by the Nutrition Supervisor, Sucreal Jackson sjackson@columbusco.org There is no charge but a consumer contribution would be appreciated, the service will not be denied if failure to share in the cost.

SITE LOCATIONS:  Whiteville, Bug Hill, Tabor City, Fair Bluff, Bolton and Chadbourn.

MEDICATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (MAP)

The Medication Assistance Specialist will assist uninsured individuals with obtaining medications free or reduced price by applying through the drug companies for discounts. Income is a factor in eligibility.  Monday through Fri 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM    *Medicare D recipients in “Coverage Gap” can be assisted also.  Funds made possible by the Office of Rural Health and Community Care

827 W Washington St (PO Box 1327)
Whiteville,  NC  28472

We are committed to provide services that promote wellness, encourage independence and enhance quality of life for all persons 60 years or older. 

Office Hours: 
Monday - Friday
8:30am - 5:00pm

Senior Centers

Bolton Senior Center
Bug Hill Senior Center
Chadbourn Senior Center
East Columbus Senior Center
Fair Bluff Senior Center
Tabor City Senior Center
Whiteville Senior Center

Forms

Referral for Services Form

Ramps and Rails Referral Form

LEGAL SERVICES TAX ASSISTANCE

Legal Aid of NC assistance is available by referral.  TAX ASSISTANCE – Jan-April – Public Library - call for information – 910-640-3116

REVERSE MORTGAGE INFO: www.nchfa.com/Homebuyers/HOreversemortgage.aspx  910-733-0440 ext.206  

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

All programs have a need for volunteers.   Anyone willing to give their time can call 640-6602 and will be directed to program coordinators. Delivery of Meals, serving meals, friendly visits, instructor for craft classes, some office duties, etc.  

Volunteers are always welcome at all Senior Centers. Collaboration with RSVP – Alice Paul 910-788-6294

HOME SAFETY- RAMPS & RAILS

This program is designed to assist persons 60 years or older with conditions which are a risk to their health and safety.  Materials only (not labor) are furnished for this program while funding is available, (grab bars, hand rails, ramps, smoke detectors, etc.)  A home assessment is required and registration form signed and completed.  No charge for this service but contributions accepted. All contributions are put into the program to help with materials. This is not a Home Repair Program.   

Ramp and Rail Requests

In order to receive a ramp or rails through our program, the following requirements must be met:

1. Medical Documentation:
   A signed doctor’s note or order is required. This document must state the reason for the referral and the medical necessity for the ramp or rails.
2. Eligibility Criteria:
   • The client must be 60 years of age or older.
   • The client must reside in Columbus County.
   • The client must own their home.
     • If the client rents, a signed letter from the homeowner/landlord is
     • required. This letter must:
       • Grant permission for a ramp to be built.
       • State that rent will not be increased as a result of the home improvement.
3. Wait list Notice:
   Due to high demand, there is currently a long wait list for ramps and rails. Clients will be contacted once they are next on the list. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to serve everyone in need.

Requests that do not meet the above requirements will not be processed. Please ensure all documentation is submitted in full to avoid delays.

Important Notice: Ramp and Rail Program Wait list

Thank you for your interest in our Ramp and Rail Program. We want to inform you that due to an overwhelming number of requests, our current wait list has grown to over 100 individuals, and the estimated wait time is now up to one year.

We are still accepting referrals and will gladly place new clients on the wait list once all eligibility requirements are met. However, please be aware that services may not be available immediately, and it could take several months—possibly up to a year—before we are able to assist.

We understand that this may be difficult news, and we appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to serve our community as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Notice Regarding Home Repair Assistance

At this time, our program does not have the funding to cover bug eradication services or major home repairs, including but not limited to:

• Window replacement
• Flooring repairs
• Roof work
• Heating and air conditioning (HVAC) repairs

Due to limited resources and extremely high demand, our focus remains on providing ramps and rails to improve mobility and accessibility for eligible clients.

We understand that other home repair needs are important, and we regret that we are currently unable to provide financial support for those services. We encourage individuals in need of additional assistance to contact local housing organizations or community development programs that may offer broader repair support.

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