Senior benefits in Haywood County, North Carolina

The Southwestern Commission Area Agency on Aging serves adults age 60 and older and family caregivers in Haywood County and the rest of Region A. Help includes home-delivered and congregate meals, the Family Caregiver Support Program, SHIIP Medicare counseling, options counseling for long-term care, the long-term care ombudsman, and links to in-home aide and legal services. Call 828-586-1962 to find the local senior center or service provider.

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

Haywood County DSS runs two energy programs for low-income households. LIEAP makes a one-time payment toward heating bills; households with someone age 60 or older, or a disabled person getting services through the Division of Aging and Adult Services, can apply starting December 1, and all other households starting January 1 until funds run out. The Crisis Intervention Program (CIP) helps households facing a heating or cooling emergency. Apply online at ePASS (https://epass.nc.gov) or through Haywood County DSS at 828-452-6620.

Estimated bill savings: $300–$1,100 a year

Haywood Regional Medical Center offers free or discounted emergency and medically necessary hospital care to uninsured and underinsured patients who qualify under its Financial Assistance Policy. A financial counselor helps with the application and supporting documents. This is the hospital safety net for Haywood County residents who cannot afford their bill. Call the financial counselor at 828-452-8938 to apply.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

In this county: Financial assistance is income-based and decided by the hospital case by case. Free or discounted care covers emergency and medically necessary services; elective services and balances covered by other funding are generally excluded. The hospital's policy did not publish a specific income/FPL cutoff, so confirm thresholds with the financial counselor.

Home Care Independence lets Haywood 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 Mountain Projects, Inc. at 828-356-2800 to ask about openings.

Mountain Projects, Inc. makes minor repairs and safety improvements to the homes of Haywood 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 Mountain Projects, Inc. at 828-452-1447 to apply.

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

Haywood Public Transit gives rides to seniors, people with disabilities, and the general public across Haywood County, with set loop routes and rides by reservation from Canton to Waynesville and connections toward Buncombe County. Buses have wheelchair lifts and driver assistance. The service is operated by Mountain Projects and funded in part by NCDOT and federal grants for older adults and riders with disabilities. Call 828-565-0362 to plan a trip.

Estimated service value: about $0 a year

In this county: Anyone may ride; older adults and riders with disabilities are a priority group for this NCDOT/Section 5310-funded service. Current fares and any reduced or sponsored-ride options are set by Mountain Projects — confirm by phone.