In order to fulfill our mission, Council on Aging in Union County provides the following programs and services:
Senior Outreach
Health Promotion Classes & Programs - Matter of Balance
Annual Senior Wellness Expo
Union Senior Outreach Programs
Community Outreach Information
Council on Aging outreach workers work to inform older adults and their family members of available services through The Senior Voice, COA's quaterly newsletter, and Union Seniors Programs.
Union County seniors are invited to attend monthly programs that offer information, fellowship and recreation. Meetings are usually from 9:30 am to 2:00 pm in Waxhaw, Indian Trail, Wingate, Monroe, Marshville, and Unionville.
Specific program and lunch information is published in The Senior Voice and The Enquirer Journal or call COA at (704) 292-1797 for more information.
Information and Assistance
Assistance in accessing services
Referrals for services
Equipment Loan
SHIIP Counseling
COA serves as a source for older adults and their families to get answers to their questions. COA explores options for solving problems and serves as an advocate for older adults. This includes but is not limited to public benefits, housing and alternatives to institutionalization, and Medicare counseling. COA staff and volunteers are trained Seniors' Health Insurance Volunteer counselors and staff are available for individual counseling on Medicare, supplemental insurance and prescription drug plans, as well a group presentations.
Donated medical equipment is loaned to seniors in need. We also accept donations of medical equipment such as walkers, wheelchairs, shower stools and canes to be loaned out.
When the need arises, family members may seek to employ a caregiver. The Caregiver Referral Program refers screened caregivers for employment by families.
COA is often able to help older home owners who need repairs connect with volunteer community groups who are willing to do the work.
In-Home Services
Chore/Household Management
Personal Care Assistance
Errands
Respite/Caregiver Relief
Services are provided in the home for adults 60 and older to help maintain their independence and dignity.
COA has chore, personal care and respite programs where aides assist with bathing and dressing, and household management tasks as related to the health and safety of the client. This program assists when an older adult is no longer able to perform such tasks, or there is no other to provide this care.
Respite care provides relief time for an unpaid caregiver of an older adult who cannot be left alone because of cognitive decline or physical illness. Respite can be provided for up to eight hours per week.
Family Caregiver Support Program (FCSP)
A family member or an unpaid caregiver for someone 60 or older, or a grandparent or relative over 60 caring for a child 18 or younger is eligible for services through this program. The FCSP offers caregivers information and referral, assistance with emergency/temporary respite, care planning and limited supplemental supplies. Caregiver classes are also available.
Employment Program
Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) is a federal training and employment program for adults age 55 and older who meet financial eligibility guidelines.
What we do:
- Provide information regarding programs and services for persons sixty years of age and older
- Assist older adults and family members in accessing services
- Provide information concerning all issues related to aging and/or concerns of older adults
- Mail quarterly newsletter, The Senior Voice, to senior adults
- Senior Law Project site
- Offer assistance which includes counseling regarding housing options, public benefits, Social Security, living wills, etc.
- Help seniors understand Medicare, Medicare supplements and prescription drug plans through SHIIP (Seniors’ Health Insurance Information Program) counseling
- Provide in-home aide services - household chores, shopping and personal care assistance
- Provide in-home respite (caregiver relief)
- Provide caregiver support and training
- Offer classes: Caring for You: Powerful Tools for Caregiving and Making Sense of Memory Loss
- Offer monthly Caregiver Support Group & Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Support Groups
- Offer health promotion classes - Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program & A Matter of Balance fall prevention classes
- Accept donations of assistive equipment such as walkers, wheelchairs, shower stools, etc.
- Loan assistive equipment – walkers, wheelchairs, shower stools, etc.
- Offer monthly informational programs or health screenings at six Union Senior sites
- Provide fans to seniors through the Fan/Heat Relief Program
- Collaborate with Community Health Services to offer Flu Clinics each fall
- Offer part-time employment for financially eligible individuals 55 years of age and older through the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP)
- Offer volunteer companionship and assistance
- Participate in the Union County Older Adult Interagency Council and Multidisciplinary Team
- Serve as backup for the Nursing Home and Adult Care Home Community Advisory Committees
- Offer annual events - annual meeting, picnic, Senior Wellness Expo and Christmas party
- Coordinate with volunteers to construct wheelchair ramps and make small home repairs
- Use volunteers to deliver commodity foods, work in the office, offer SHIIP counseling, etc.
- Accept monetary donations and memorials gratefully