Services
Information & Assistance
This program helps older individuals and their families obtain information about available services. Our staff helps connect older adults with local, state and national programs.
Contact the Eastern Chatham Senior Center at 919-542-4512 or the Western Chatham Senior Center at 919-742-3975.
You may also obtain information in our Caregiver Resource Guide.
SHIIP and VITA
The Seniors’ Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) counsels Medicare beneficiaries and caregivers about Medicare, Medicare supplements, Medicare Advantage, Medicare Part D, and long-term care insurance. The counselors offer free and unbiased information regarding Medicare health care products. Open enrollment is October 15-December 7 every year. Call for general information and appointments at 919-742-3975.
The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program offers free tax help to people who generally make $64,000 or less, persons with disabilities and limited English speaking taxpayers who need assistance in preparing their own tax returns. IRS-certified volunteers provide free basic income tax return preparation with electronic filing to qualified individuals. January through April only.
Pharmacy Assistance Program
NC Med Assist 1-866-331-1348
Needy Meds 1-800-503-6897
Partnership for Prescription Assistance 1-888-477-2669
Healthcare Ready-This site can help locate open pharmacies during disasters.
Home-Based Programs
Aide Service
We assist older adults in maintaining their independence by providing sub-contracted, State-certified nursing assistants to assist with personal care, perform in-home tasks and meal preparation.
Meals on Wheels
Volunteers provide a brief visit and a hot meal for home-bound older adults who are unable to attend congregate meals at one of our senior centers.
Frozen Meals are also available in certain situations. If someone doesn't live on one of our regular meal routes, family members may come by the designated Senior Center to pick up frozen meals.
Shelf-stable meals are provided (when available) when there in an emergency situation or weather disaster.
Assistive Equipment Loan Program
We provide assistive devices, such as canes, walkers, wheelchairs, shower transfer benches, bedside commodes and hospital beds. The Council gladly accepts donations of equipment.
Please contact Wynne Fields at 919-542-4512 or [email protected] for more information.
Minor Home Repair
We install assistive devices, such as grab bars and make minor home repairs including repair of steps and constructing railings.
Please contact Wynne Fields at 919-542-4512 or [email protected] for more information.
Incontinence Supplies
Our partnership with the Diaper Bank of NC allows us to better supply adult incontinence supplies. Pull-ups, tab diapers, personal pads and bed pads, and wipes. We gladly take donations for both programs. "Pull-ups" are preferable. Contact Wynne Fields at 919-542-4512 or [email protected].
Friendly Phone Caller
The Friendly Phone Caller Program is one more way the Council on Aging is able to keep in touch with those in the Community who live alone or are alone during the day. This service would be provided at no charge to you. Your friendly phone caller would be one of our trained volunteers. For more information contact Linda Saum, Volunteer Coordinator at 919-542-4512 ex. 226.
Wellness Programs
Senior Center Meals
A nutritious noontime meal and community fellowship is provided daily, Monday through Friday, at both Senior Centers. You may sign up to join us for lunch for an optional donation or $5.50 for guests.Call a day ahead to let us know if you are coming.
Activities
Click Here to see the full list of activities offered at our Senior Centers. A variety of programs and activities are offered, such as health screenings, games, nutrition education, and art classes. Tell us about yourself by clicking the registration button below to print a participant information sheet.
Exercise Classes and Fitness Rooms
Establish a regular exercise routine with low impact aerobics, Tai Chi, Yoga, and chair aerobics classes. Senior Centers house equipment including weight stations, treadmills, free weights and stationary bicycles. Donation-based membership is available to the general public aged 60 and older. Tell us about yourself by clicking on the "Registration" button below, print and fill out the form and bring with you to your orientation.
Health Education & Disease Management
Nutrition education, health screenings, healthy lifestyles and diabetes support are some examples of the education and disease support programs offered at the Centers. Please check the calendar for the specific support groups (Diabetes, Parkinson's, Caregivers) and their meeting times.
Caregiver Support
Caregiver Support
This program provides respite and support for 24-hour caregivers.
For information about our Caregiver Support groups, contact William Riggsbee at [email protected] or 919-542-4512.
Sitter List
Companion sitters typically work for sick or elderly clients who need custodial supervision and possibly care in the home. They provide many services, such as cleaning and meal preparation, that the client can no longer perform herself/himself. Some who are appropriately certified can also provide personal care. In offering this list of private sitters, the Chatham County Council on Aging is not endorsing any of these individuals, nor guaranteeing the quality of their services, nor overseeing their work. These individuals are not employees of the Council on Aging nor are they acting on behalf of the Council. We offer this list merely as information on persons who have indicated that they are available for employment in the home caring for older adults. Before listing an individual, the Council only requires that a State criminal background check has been completed and indicated no prior criminal record.
If you are looking for a local caregiver to provide assistance and caregiver relief, please take a look at our sitter list below. We also have provided a Cleaner List. The same disclaimers for our Sitter List apply.
- Conduct interviews with several potential sitters;
- Ask for references, including other clients who have used their services [these other clients should have given their permission to be contacted];
- In checking with references, ask about the sitter’s reliability (e.g. Do they show up as promised? Do they do what is appropriately asked of them?), trustworthiness, caring attitude, and other traits and areas of performance important to you;
- If you are seeking someone to provide personal care, you may want to double check with the State’s Health Care Personnel Registry at http://www.ncdhhs.gov/dhsr/
hcpr/index.html. The Health Care Personnel Registry Section operates under state and federal laws for unlicensed health care workers and their employers. It is designed to list certified nursing assistants (CNAs) and indicate if there are any pending investigations or substantiated findings related to them ; and - Explore the internet for additional tips on assessing and using a companion sitter or caregiver in the home.
Transportation
The Council on Aging provides transportation to and our from Senior Centers forcongregate lunches, activities and grocery shopping.
We also have a Medical Transportation program where we can provide rides to and from medical appointments for a reduced fare. Click here for the medical transportation guidelines. Or call 919-542-4512 ext.222 to speak with our medical transportation coordinator.