Robbinsville – Older people living on a fixed income have trouble making ends meet under normal circumstances, but with spiking prices for fuel, food and a lot of other things, it is becoming even more difficult.
The Graham County Department of Social Services assembled a group of about 20 services that can help. The department held its second Adult Services Resources Fair on June 15 at the Graham County Community Building.
About 40 people showed up at the fair, said organizer Michelle Williams.
Here are some of the services that are available:
* Four Square Community Action: This group gets its own bullet point because of its broad range of services. They include Head Start preschool, Community Services Block Grant Program services aimed at reducing poverty by helping people become self-sufficient, rental housing assistance, and home rehabilitation, weatherization and urgent repairs. Start by calling (828) 321-4475;
* Protection: Graham County Sheriff’s Office and Graham County Emergency Medical Services can help in ways that go beyond answering a 911 call. The Sheriff’s Office provides brochures to protect you from a variety of threats ranging from identity theft, frauds, cons and scams, to personal safety against elder abuse and other physical violence. Graham County EMS’s Community Care Program provides paramedicine services that expand the reach of primary care by using EMT/paramedics to go into homes to provide services and procedures such as checking and monitoring vital signs, glucose levels, medication compliance, medication reconciliation, fall risk assessment, and referral help to other medical and social services. Call (828) 735-4059;
* Transportation: Graham County Public Transit operates Monday through Friday from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturdays from 5 a.m. to 4 p.m. If you are covered by Medicaid, Graham County Public Transit has scheduled stops at two dialysis centers in Cherokee County, a mental health clinic, senior nutrition, and Industrial Opportunities Incorporated in Andrews. It provides transportation for medical appointments in Robbinsville, Andrews, Murphy, Hayesville, Bryson City, Sylva, Franklin, Waynesville, and Asheville. A staff mobility manager can help coordinate and verify appointments with scheduled routes. Call (828) 479-4129;
* Crisis line: Hope 4 N.C. provides a 24-hour crisis line for people undergoing stress related to COVID-19. Call (855) 587-3463;
* Home maintenance: The N.C. Homeowner Assistance Fund (nchaf.gov) was established through the American Rescue Plan of 2021 for homeowners in North Carolina to help prevent mortgage delinquencies, defaults, displacements and foreclosures due to COVID-19;
* In-home care: The State/County Special Assistance In-Home Program for Adults can help pay expenses for senior citizens over 65 or disabled people between the ages of 18 and 65. There are certain requirements, including Medicaid. Call (828) 479-7911 for more information. Community Alternatives Program for Disabled Adults provides adult day health, in-home aides, equipment, meal prep and delivery, respite services, specialized medical supplies, and more. Call (828) 479-7900 for information;
* Financial planning: The State Employees’ Credit Union including estate planning (will planning, durable power of attorney, advance health care directives), financial counseling, insurance services, investment services, and retirement planning. Call (828) 332-3023 for information;
* Nutrition: Five Point Center, 300 Five Point Road, Robbinsville, provides free meals every Wednesday from 5-7 p.m. at Grace Place. It also distributes Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) food boxes the second Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) food boxes twice monthly (second Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and fourth Wednesday from 5-7 p.m.).
Five Point Center also has a free resource center with computers, Internet and desk space.