Senior benefits in Alexander County, North Carolina

The Western Piedmont Area Agency on Aging serves older adults age 60 and older and their caregivers in Alexander County. Services include congregate and home-delivered meals, family caregiver support and respite, the Seniors' Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) for Medicare counseling, options counseling for long-term care, the long-term care ombudsman, and links to in-home aide and adult protective services. Call the Area Agency on Aging to find out what is offered locally.

Estimated service value: $1,000–$6,000 a year

North Carolina's Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) gives a one-time payment toward heating costs, and the Crisis Intervention Program (CIP) helps when a household faces a heating or cooling emergency. Both are run by the Alexander County Department of Social Services. Households with an older adult (60+) or a person with a disability can apply starting December 1; other eligible households apply starting in January, until funds run out. Apply online through ePASS at epass.nc.gov, by phone, or at the county DSS office.

Estimated bill savings: $300–$1,500 a year

Alexander County does not have its own acute-care hospital. Most residents use hospitals in nearby counties, such as Catawba Valley Medical Center and Frye Regional Medical Center in Hickory (Catawba County) or Iredell Health System in Statesville. These hospitals offer financial assistance (charity care) for emergency and medically necessary care based on household income and family size. Ask the hospital where care is received for its financial assistance application.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

In this county: Alexander: no in-county hospital. Catawba Valley Medical Center (Hickory) financial assistance uses a scale based on the federal poverty guidelines; each hospital used has its own policy and household-income test.

Foothills Service Project makes minor repairs and safety improvements to the homes of Alexander County residents age 60 and older who have no one able and willing to do the work for them. Depending on what the local provider offers, help can include security improvements, minor home repairs, ramps, grab bars and other accessibility changes, and repair or replacement of basic furnishings and appliances. Renters can qualify with written permission from the landlord. Help is limited to $7,000 per person each program year. Call Foothills Service Project at 828-879-8400 to apply.

Estimated service value: $0–$7,000 a year

Greenway Public Transportation provides bus service to Alexander County residents. Service includes demand-response and ADA paratransit trips serving Taylorsville and the rest of Alexander County, with connections toward Hickory. Riders age 65 or older ride at a reduced fare (about $0.60 per trip) by showing a Medicare card or a half-fare card, and riders with a disability can use ADA paratransit and demand-response rides. Call Greenway dispatch at 828-464-9444 to schedule a trip or ask about fares and passes.

Estimated service value: $200–$2,000 a year