Senior benefits in Davidson County, North Carolina

The Piedmont Triad Regional Council Area Agency on Aging serves older adults age 60 and older and their family caregivers in Davidson 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 day services. Call the Area Agency on Aging to learn what is available 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. Davidson County Department of Social Services runs both. 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

Lexington Medical Center, part of Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist, is the hospital in the Davidson County seat; Novant Health Thomasville Medical Center serves the north of the county. Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist offers financial assistance for emergency and medically necessary care to North Carolina residents who show financial need, with eligibility based on household income compared to the federal poverty guidelines. Ask for a financial assistance application or call the customer service center. Novant Health Thomasville patients can apply through Novant Health's own financial assistance program.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

In this county: Davidson: Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist financial assistance is income-based against the federal poverty guidelines; Novant Thomasville has a separate program.

Davidson County Transportation System (DCTS) provides door-to-door and fixed-route rides across Davidson County, and there is no fare to ride DCTS. Davidson County Senior Services arranges transportation for residents age 60 and older who have no other way to get to medical appointments, pharmacies, grocery stores, and senior cafes. Wheelchair-accessible vans are available. Pre-register for senior rides at 336-242-2947, or schedule general demand-response trips at least two business days ahead at 336-242-2250.

Estimated service value: $200–$2,500 a year

In this county: Davidson: DCTS rides have no fare; senior-services transportation prioritizes riders 60+ with no other transportation.