Senior benefits in Lee County, North Carolina

The Central Pines Regional Council Area Agency on Aging serves adults age 60 and older, adults with disabilities, and family caregivers in Lee County. Most of its work is funding and supporting the local organisations that actually deliver congregate and home-delivered meals, family caregiver support and respite, and SHIIP Medicare counselling — call the Area Agency on Aging and it will point you to the provider for your county. Four services come straight from the agency itself: the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, for people living in nursing homes, adult care homes and family care homes; information and referral; options counselling for long-term care, which is private pay; and the Veteran-Directed Service Program, currently a pilot.

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 Lee 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–$1,100 a year

Central Carolina Hospital in Sanford is the main hospital serving Lee County. It has a written financial assistance policy that covers emergency and medically necessary care for uninsured patients who meet its income guidelines, approving qualifying balances as charity care. Ask a financial counselor for a financial assistance application or call the billing office.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

In this county: Lee: Central Carolina Hospital decides financial assistance based on need and its written policy; uninsured patients who meet the income guidelines may have balances approved as charity care.

Lee County Senior Services makes minor repairs and safety improvements to the homes of Lee 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 Lee County Senior Services at 919-776-0501 to apply.

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

The County of Lee Transit System (COLTS) provides public transportation across Lee County, including the Sanford area. Its vehicles are ADA accessible for riders with mobility needs, and reduced fares are available for older adults and people with disabilities. Call COLTS to schedule a ride or to check whether you qualify for a reduced fare.

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

In this county: Lee: COLTS offers reduced fares for older adults and people with disabilities; the standard fare and reduced-fare amount can change, so confirm with COLTS.