Finding Services in North Carolina
You've determined that you need help. How do you find out what services are available and who provides them? North Carolina is trying to make finding services as easy as possible.
Services are provided by a number of different agencies. Some are specifically for seniors and others, like disability services, are not. A large number of the services specifically for seniors are funded through the Older American's Act. The Older American's Act also funds the Area Agencies on Aging. Additionally, the Act funds caregiver services and Information & Referral services. Consequently, if you contact your Area Agency on Aging, you will be able to find out about both services for seniors and other services more specific to your needs through the Information & Referral service.
Most Area Agencies on Aging in North Carolina do not provide direct services other than the Ombudsman Program that assists long-term care facility residents and their families. When you call, they will often refer you to a local aging agency such as a Council or Department on Aging. (Note: A Council on Aging is a local non-profit and a Department on Aging is a part of local government.) This agency will provide a number of Older American's Act services and may provide additional services. Almost all provide Information & Referral and many have a Caregiver Specialist on staff. Consequently, they should be able to tell you what services are available within the county - whether they provide the service or not. They should also be able to connect you to the appropriate agency and coordinate the services so that all the agencies are working together to provide you with comprehensive care.
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North Carolina is also transitioning to a system of local resource centers to assist residents.
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Senior Centers are another way to find out what is available in your county.
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Online Resources
For caregivers who work outside the home, being able to access service information online is very helpful.
Many agencies have their own website as do the Area Agencies on Aging and the NC Division of Aging and Adult Services.
North Carolina has also developed an online searchable database of services serving the entire state. It is called NC CareLink. Local agencies are able to update their agency information directly. The hope is that the information will be updated and current as a result. Access their telephone service, CareLine, at 1-800-662-7030 or 919-855-4400. Services listed are not senior specific. This service may be especially useful to Grandparents caring for grandchildren.
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The United Way has also developed an online searchable database for services. They also have arranged for the use of the phone number 2-1-1 for information and referral to services.
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Another resource for finding local services and assistance is the government Eldercare Locator Service. Developed by the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging, the service provides online information and a toll-free number for assistance at 1-800-677-1116.
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Remember that any online database services are only as good as the updates posted online. Local Area Agencies on Aging should have the latest updated information for your county. If you don't find what you need online, contact your Area Agency on Aging.
