How to Find the Best Aging Resources in Charleston, SC

General

Jan 18

Written By

Written by:

Jeffrey Grossman

Published:

January 18, 2021

Are you a South Carolina resident wondering about senior citizen advocacy organizations? Are you aware of all the aging resources Charleston, SC has to offer?

Caring for elderly parents can be exhausting. You can find yourself easily burned out. Hands-on elder care can add extra strain on adult children providing care to aging parents and begin to take a toll on the caregiver's relationships. Are you an adult child who needs a helping hand with a mom or dad? Fortunately, there are many eldercare resources to help on national and local levels.Read on to learn more about national resources, South Carolina eldercare resources, and premium home care assistance for seniors in Charleston, SC.

National Aging Organizations and Resources

There are many helpful national resources to help family caregivers and their aging loved ones. Here’s a list of some national resources and the benefits these organizations offer.

1. American Association for Retired Persons

Perhaps the largest organization for aging seniors is the American Association for Retired Persons (AARP). AARP is a nonprofit organization that offers member benefits such as discounts at popular restaurants, leading retailers, pharmacies, and more. Adults 50 years and older can enjoy the perks of an AARP membership as they move towards retirement.

2. National Council on Aging

The National Council on Aging (NCOA) is a government organization that partners with nonprofits, businesses, and other organizations to provide older adults with resources and a voice.For instance, NCOA is actively fighting to advance legislation that will fund the Elder Justice Act. To report elder abuse in South Carolina, you can visit the South Carolina Department of Social Services’ website.As a senior citizen advocacy organization, the NCOA hosts an Age and Action Conference every year. Attendees can listen to over 100 presentations and get involved in discussions about healthy living, business acumen, public policy, and advocacy.

3. Medicare

Medicare is the federal health insurance program for seniors aged 65 and older. Medicare operates in three parts: Part A, Part B, and Part D.Medicare Part A covers expenses like inpatient hospital stays, some in-home health visits, and hospice care.Medicare Part B covers medical insurance. This means coverage for preventative care, outpatient care, medical supplies, and certain physician's services. Many Part B benefits are subject to a deductible and coinsurance.Medicare Part D covers the cost of prescription drugs, including many vaccines.If you’re wondering where Part C is, that refers to Medicare Advantage. We’re not experts on Medicare, so we encourage you to research what’s covered by Medicare based on your unique situation and needs.

Eldercare Resources in Charleston, SC

National resources are great, but what about when you or your loved one needs help locally? South Carolina eldercare resources are plentiful. Cities like Charleston offer eldercare services through home care agencies and other programs for aging adults.

Charleston Area Senior Citizens

Charleston Area Senior Citizens (CASC) is a nonprofit organization that serves Berkley, Charleston, and Dorchester counties. Its programs and services target low-income seniors to enhance the lives of seniors in the local community.One of CASC’s more prominent services is Meals on Wheels of Charleston. Meals on Wheels provides free, nutritious meals to homebound senior citizens.

Lowcountry Senior Center

Lowcountry Senior Center (LSC) is a facility in Charleston, SC that exists to empower adults aged 50 and older through physical, emotional, and intellectual wellness activities.LSC promotes healthy living, social connection, independence, and learning. It offers a large number of fun classes and gatherings every month for seniors. They include French, photography, and accessible yoga, as well as group golf outings and discussions on dealing with grief.

The Charleston, SC Office on Aging

At the local government level, the Charleston Mayor's Office on Aging (MOA) develops public policy for South Carolina seniors. The MOA strives to improve the lives of older residents and seniors living in Charleston, SC. A unique offering from the MOA is seminars and workshops provided to neighborhood groups, assisted living communities, and care providers. These seminars and workshops are a great way to spend time with the elderly and receive aging sensitivity training.In 2016, the MOA received the Ending Abuse in Later Life grant to better train law enforcement officers to handle elder abuse cases.National and local resources are great, but what if you need immediate assistance caring for an aging loved one at home today?

In-Home Care Assistance in Charleston, SC

Asking for help when you need it is one of the most powerful things you can do. As your parents age, their abilities to complete daily activities will decrease. If they undergo a major injury or surgery, they may need more extensive day-to-day assistance.Managing your own life and your elderly parent’s care can be an ongoing challenge for adult children. When your aging parents need hands-on care, and you can’t provide it, consider contacting an in-home care company. Commonwise Home Care in Charleston, SC sets a new standard for elderly care at home. At Commonwise, we’ll work with you to develop a personalized care program for your aging loved one. A highly trained and deeply compassionate caregiver will then provide support to your parent at their home or place of residence.Commonwise’s flexible eldercare services enrich the lives of our clients. Our Care Team is ready to answer your questions about in-home care for your elderly parents. Read more about our at home care services or call our Care Team today at 434.202.8565.