The resources for seniors links the older population of Wake County with assistance. This includes help with things like food, shelter, and transportation. They can help the disabled in the community. There are many different types of programs available that can help individuals with a variety of needs, from Medication Education for Drug Safety Program to home repair and modifications and much more.
The RFS Information and Referral service provides links to other non-profit and government agencies that serve seniors, including the following.
There are retirement communities located all around Wake County. They were set up to be independent living sites, and there are also continuing care retirement communities. This means that the tenant must pay for the complex on their own, and cannot receive any financial help from the government.
Long term care facilities are an option for people who require constant care and assistance. These facilities provide care and assistance with activities of daily living such as eating, bathing, dressing and using the bathroom. It provides resources for seniors regarding long term care, how to properly evaluate a facility, and how to finance it. The agency provides a list of nursing homes, assisted living options, rest centers, and family care homes in Wake County.
The agency provides a list of apartment complexes that are limited to seniors and disabled adults. These complexes offer subsidized or affordable housing to help make life more affordable for those on a fixed income. The staff can help you find a place to live that is affordable and based on your income.
The goal of the MEDS program at RFS is to educate seniors about medication safety and how to take their medications as intended. There are several steps involved in this process.
When a senior citizen begins participating in the Resources for Seniors case management programs, a professional will screen the senior to see if there are any problems related to the improper use of medication. This means that if the initial screening process reveals any problems or challenges, the non-profit will carry out a more in-depth review of the medication. They will give them information on how to take their prescriptions wisely and safely.
The Medication Assistance Plan for Seniors is a program that helps people with the costs of prescription drugs. It was established before the Medicare prescription drug coverage became available. The main purpose of MAPS is to help seniors get free medications from patient assistance programs that are run by pharmaceutical companies.
Currently, the MAPS program from Resources for Seniors serves clients who are between the ages of 50 and 64. This means that they cannot get help from Medicare to pay for their prescription drugs. This means that if you have used up all of your Medicare drug coverage, you can still get help paying for your prescriptions.
RFS is a housing counseling agency that is approved by HUD. They offer a Reverse Mortgage Counseling Service to educate seniors in Wake County about this form of borrowing. Older homeowners can borrow money against their home’s value without having to make monthly payments. The loan can stay in place without any payments until the homeowner permanently leaves the home.
In order to be eligible for this type of government-approved mortgage, the borrower must be over the age of 62, have a significant amount of equity in their home, and also reside in the property against which they are borrowing. Homeowners in Wake County can go to Resources for Seniors to meet with a counselor who is experienced and has had extensive training. If someone is unable to leave their home, they can request a home visit.
Resources for Seniors is a HUD-approved housing counseling agency that also supports the federally-insured Home Equity Conversion Mortgage. This means that they give advice without being influenced by their own emotions or opinions. Some organizations may charge fees for their services, but they may waive the fees for low-income clients who qualify.
RFS also operates a number of home improvement and modification programs. The Wake County Senior Home Weatherization Program provides weatherization services to qualifying senior citizens in order to make their homes more energy efficient and improve their overall quality of life. The following services are included:
A contractor and a team of experienced workers will carry out the essential Home Modification and Repair Services. This work may include making minor repairs to improve health and safety, as well as installing devices to help with mobility. Homeowners who need assistance with home repairs will typically be asked to pay a portion of the cost, with the amount due based on their household income.
Other home repairs include the emergency program, which is done in partnership with the state of North Carolina, and more maintenance. Private companies may help with replacing windows, roofing, and adding rooms, at reasonable rates that customers pay.
There is another community development program available from Resources for Seniors. This non-profit provides home repairs to those who need it through a contract with the City of Raleigh and the Town of Cary.
Weatherization in Wake County is a program that helps seniors pay for energy-efficient home improvements. The program uses federal funds to pay for the improvements. Installing a smart thermostat, sealing air leaks, installing insulation in attic, walls, and floors, tuning and repairing heating and cooling systems, or replacing existing lighting with energy-efficient bulbs are all typical services that can be provided.
The RFS Senior Activity Centers in Wake County provide services for older adults that help them stay healthy and happy. It will also give them a lot of chances to interact with other kids their age. The staff will help the client find educational opportunities that will make them more independent and improve their life.
The program will be different at different times of the year, often depending on how much time is given to it by volunteers. The activities at the Senior Center include arts and crafts classes, free health and fitness programs, wellness and health screenings, opportunities to interact with other senior organizations, and educational programs.
RFS organizations provide transportation on a limited basis for various purposes. This service is only for people with medical appointments. A shared van service that provides door-to-door transportation for people without other means of traveling to and from medical appointments.
There are a limited number of times these short term trips are available each month. This means that it can’t help people who need to go to appointments frequently, such as dialysis or chemotherapy. You will need to book your ride a few days before your medical appointment, and fill out the enrollment form before your first ride.
There may not be enough transportation to Nutrition Sites in Wake County. The agency provides transportation to and from grocery stores and senior meal sites every day. To be eligible for this program, clients must be at least 60 years old, must not have a valid driver’s license or be physically able to drive safely, and must not be enrolled in Medicaid.
For more information on programs available from Resources for Seniors, call 919-872-7933.