Navigating senior resources in your area can feel overwhelming when you’re already managing a hectic schedule. Fortunately, community support can help you gain some breathing room while enhancing seniors’ quality of life.
In this post, we provide a curated list of local resources for seniors in the Asheville and Hendersonville area. We’ll look at caregiver support programs, centers that offer engaging activities, and more. With the help of this guide, take advantage of the wealth of senior care resources available in Western North Carolina.
Senior Centers
Hendersonville and Asheville senior services include a broad range of programs and activities. Here are a few centers with regular programming:
- Asheville Parks & Recreation offers active older adult programs.
- The Buncombe County Active Aging Center offers services and programs for seniors, including adult day care.
- Buncombe County has other adult day care options as well, and financial assistance may be available through state funds.
- MountainCare Adult Day Service in Henderson County provides adult day care. Financial assistance may be available through the Henderson County Department of Social Services or a block grant.
- The YMCA of Western North Carolina offers senior exercise classes and healthy aging support groups, along with senior membership discounts.
- Grove Street Community Center offers social dining and various other events.
These initiatives can help alleviate caregiver burnout while enriching seniors’ lives.
Government Programs
Let’s take a look at a couple of government programs that support seniors’ needs.
Home Care Independence Program
The NC Home Care Independence program provides funding for in-home care to qualifying seniors. It also allows seniors to choose their caregiver or care agency.
The program serves seniors in certain North Carolina counties, including Hendersonville. Contact the Henderson County Department of Social Services about enrollment, or contact Tailored Home Care for assistance in finding the right caregiver.
PACE Program
The PACE program (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly) supports seniors in living independently for as long as possible. Through community-based and senior services like adult day care, healthcare appointments, nutrition support, and medication management, it provides a comprehensive menu of support options.
Instead of just receiving services that Medicaid or Medicare will cover, the program aims to provide all services needed by participants as an alternative to nursing homes. Contact your local PACE center to inquire about enrollment.
Caregiver Support Groups
Let’s explore a few Asheville and Hendersonville caregiver support programs.
- The NC Family Caregiver Support Program offers funds for short-term respite care. The Council on Aging of Buncombe County coordinates distribution of the funds for Buncombe and Madison counties. Additionally, the agency offers a support group called Caring for Aging People Education & Support.
- The NC Lifespan Respite Program provides up to $750 for respite care per year, pending availability of funds.
- Project C.A.R.E. (Caregiver Alternatives to Running on Empty) provides consultations, education, guidance, referrals (and in some cases, respite funds) for caregivers of seniors with dementia.
Now, we’ll look at several other senior resources in the Asheville/Hendersonville area.
Community Aging Services
These nonprofits and county agencies offer additional services for seniors in Western NC.
- Mountain Aging Partners, a nonprofit, supports seniors and caregivers in Buncombe and Henderson counties. Services include adult day programs, meal delivery, and guidance for caregivers. You can call their helpline to get started.
- Meals on Wheels of Asheville Buncombe County provides hot, nutritious meals and visits on weekdays.
- The Council on Aging for Henderson County connects seniors and caregivers to a variety of services, like meal delivery, assistance in navigating care options, and heat relief. The Land of Sky Area Agency on Aging also helps seniors and caregivers in Henderson and Buncombe counties to navigate resources.
From Asheville senior services to Hendersonville caregiver support, Tailored Home Care offers a range of elderly care options. Transportation services enable seniors to access community resources. Our companion care aides can also accompany seniors to programs, assist in looking up activities and planning schedules, and help keep track of plans. In these ways, companionship care can encourage seniors to stay active and engaged in their community.
To learn more about how elder care could benefit your loved one, schedule a free nurse consultation call today.
