Senior benefits in Graham County, North Carolina

Older adults age 60 and over in Graham County, and adults with disabilities, can get help through the Southwestern Commission Area Agency on Aging (Region A). Services include caregiver support, free Medicare counseling (SHIIP), home-delivered and congregate meals, in-home aide help, and guidance on long-term care choices. Call 828-586-1962 to ask which services are open and how to start.

Estimated service value: $500–$6,000 a year

Graham County Department of Social Services runs the Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP), a one-time yearly payment toward heating bills, and the Crisis Intervention Program (CIP) for households facing a heating or cooling emergency. Households with someone age 60 or over, or a person with a disability who gets services through the Division of Aging, can apply starting December 1; all other households can apply January 1 through March 31 or until funds run out. Apply online through ePASS (https://epass.nc.gov) or contact the county DSS at 1-828-479-7911.

Estimated bill savings: $300–$900 a year

Graham County has no hospital of its own; residents travel to nearby hospitals such as Erlanger Western Carolina in Murphy or Harris Regional in Sylva. Erlanger Western Carolina offers financial assistance (charity care) for free or discounted hospital care for patients who qualify by income. Call the Financial Counseling Department at 828-835-3662 to apply.

Estimated bill savings: $500–$20,000 a year

In this county: Graham County has no in-county hospital; nearest serving hospitals are Erlanger Western Carolina (Murphy) and Harris Regional (Sylva). Erlanger's policy generally provides free or discounted care at or below 300% of the federal poverty guidelines; the hospital makes the final decision.

Home Care Independence lets Graham County residents age 60 and older hire a family member, friend or other person of their choice as a paid personal assistant. The assistant helps with personal care such as bathing and dressing, and with home tasks such as cooking, cleaning, laundry and shopping. A care advisor helps you plan and direct your own care, and a payroll service pays the assistant. Call Graham County Senior Services at 828-479-7977 to ask about openings.

Graham County Transit gives non-emergency rides to any county resident — to medical appointments, the senior center, shopping, and work. Wheelchair-accessible vans serve riders with disabilities. Request local rides at least 24 hours ahead and out-of-town rides 48 hours ahead. Call 828-479-4129 to schedule.

Estimated service value: $200–$1,500 a year