The following list provides a guide to caregivers and those who would like to learn more about caring for their loved ones:
Disability services
– Federal Relay Service (FRS) for the deaf, hard of hearing (HOH), or those with a speech disability:For customer service, call 800-877-0996.
To initiate calls, phone 800-877-8339.
Federal Online Directory TTY (Text Telephone) & ASCII only, 800-877-8845.
– N.C. Division of Services for the Blind:Programs offered through the Rowan County Department of Social Services, 1436 W. Innes St. Salisbury, 704-216-8351.
This service offers low vision screening, orientation and mobility services, talking book machines, adaptive aids and appliances.
Also, the agency authorizes vision exams for low-income people, regardless of whether or not the person is legally blind.
Educational opportunities- Elizabeth Hanford Dole Chapter of the American Red Cross, 1930 W. Jake Alexander Blvd., Salisbury, 704-633-3854:Offers training for caregivers on a variety of subjects including: moving/positioning; exercise; blood pressure, pulse, respiration; bathing in a tub or bed; CPR/AED/First Aid; nutrition; dental care; legal and financial issues; Alzheimer’s and dementia care; activities and entertainment for seniors and more.
www.ehdoleredcross.org.
– Rowan Regional Medical Center, 704-210-5412:Cardiovascular health education classes: 4th floor, Sophia Clay classroom, Rowan Regional Medical Center Patient Tower; held monthly from 9 a.m.-11 a.m.
Learn about the risk factors for heart disease and what cardiac rehabilitation options are available.
Also, “Look Good, Feel Better,” offered in the 3rd floor Rowan Regional Medical Center’s patient tower, large classroom, second Mondays from 12 p.m.-2 p.m.
This class teaches cancer patients techniques to address the cosmetic side effects of treatment. For information, call 239-5563
– Hospice of Rowan County, 704-637-7645:Offers training for those who wish to become Hospice volunteers.
– Rowan Public Library:Offers a vast supply of reading, video and audio materials.
Valuable resources include: “The Complete Eldercare Planner-Where to Start, Which Questions to Ask, How to Find Help,” by Joy Loverde, and “Caring for Your Parents: Complete AARP Guide, How-to-do and How-to-Think,” by Hugh Delehandy and Elinor Ginzler.
Headquarters: 201 W. Fisher St., Salisbury, 704-216-8228.
East Branch: 110 Broad St., Rockwell, 704-216-7838.
South Branch: 920 Kimball Road, China Grove, 704-216-7727.
– Rowan County Senior Services Department, 1120-A S. Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave., Salisbury, Senior Employment, 704-216-7700:This program helps seniors 55 and older to earn additional income while continuing to search for regular employment.
In order to be eligible, seniors must meet income requirements.
– NC Vocational Rehabilitation Services, 205 Guffy St., Salisbury, 704-639-7575.This state service provides people with disabilities with counseling, training, education and other support services to help them become independent, job-ready or both.
Emergency assistance
– Elizabeth Hanford Dole Chapter of the American Red Cross, Disaster Services, 1930 W. Jake Alexander Blvd., Salisbury, 704-633-3854:
This organization offers help to families who have suffered losses due to fire, those who have an emergency need to contact overseas military personnel, and others in distress.
Also, the Red Cross provides shelter in emergency and disaster situations.
www.ehdoleredcross.org.
– Rowan County Senior Services, “Are You OK?” safety check program, 1120A S. Martin Luther King Jr. Ave., Salisbury, 704-216-7700:This service provides a daily telephone safety check.
After volunteers enroll a subscriber, 911 initiates daily computer generated calls. Law enforcement responds if no one answers.
– Rowan Regional Home Health and Hospice, Lifeline, 720 Grove St., Salisbury, 704-210-5964:This wrist or neck-worn waterproof button works in the home and yard.
It operates through a speaker plugged into a standard phone jack.
However, the system doesn’t require removal of a telephone in order to function.
When the button is pressed for an emergency, Lifeline calls the house.
If there is no answer, Lifeline contacts the people on your emergency list first.
In the event that emergency contacts cannot be reached, the system dials 911.
This device is recommended for the elderly or disabled who live alone, and can also be used by caregivers in the event of an emergency.
– Rowan Helping Ministries, Crisis Assistance Network, 226 N. Long St., Salisbury, 704-637-6838:This ministry helps to provide food, clothing, non-narcotic prescriptions, and shelter.
A “no questions asked” soup kitchen is open from 12 p.m.-1 p.m.
The office is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
If deemed eligible, persons may receive food, clothing or financial assistance.
Persons seeking assistance are asked to provide a Social Security number, proof of income and photo ID for all in the home over 18.
There are no special additions for the elderly or disabled, except that if one is homebound, they may write, sign and date a permission note for someone to come in their stead.
www.rowanhelpingministries.org.
– Salvation Army assistance program, 620 Bringle Ferry Road, Salisbury, 704-636-6491 or 470 N. Broad St., Mooresville, 704-660-3066:This agency provides assistance with rent, utilities, clothing and food.
To receive aid, persons must provide a current N.C. driver’s license and Social Security numbers for all in the household, as well as copies of the bills and proof of income for all in the home.
Government agencies
– Rowan Regional Medical Center, Community Alternative Program (CAPCARE), 720 Grove St., Salisbury, 704-210-5626:CAPCARE is a program that offers the elderly and disabled an opportunity to continue living in the comfort and security of their own homes.
Patients must qualify for nursing home level of care, intermediate care, or skilled care in order to participate.
CAPCARE utilizes local agencies to provide in-home services such as bathing, dressing, walking, assisting with paperwork, light meals and telephone assistance.
The aides cannot administer medications or transport clients to doctor’s appointments.
– Rowan County Department of Social Services, Adult Services Unit, 1436 W. Innes St., Salisbury, 704-216-8330:This agency provides a variety of services designed to protect and enhance the lives of disabled adults and elderly adults.
The Adult Protective Services program evaluates and serves disabled adults who may have been abused, neglected or exploited.
For those clients needing assistance, the program offers placement services to assist adults who are going into an adult care or nursing home.
Social Services offers information on guardianship procedures and acts as guardian for adults who have been declared incompetent and have been assigned to DSS through the court system.
The agency is also responsible for licensing, monitoring, and investigating complaints in adult care facilities.
Social Services can make referrals to other county resources for housing, food, transportation, long-term care facilities.
– Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS):For general information, call 1-800-633-4227.
For TTY access, 1-877-486-2048.
To determine eligibility, or to have cards issued or replaced, call 1-800-772-1213.
For general information about bills, claims or drug coverage, 1-800-633-4227.
– Rowan County Senior Services Department, Family Caregiver Support Program, 1120 S. Martin Luther King Jr. Ave., Salisbury, 704-216-7700:This program helps those caregivers with the greatest social and economic need, with particular attention to low income individuals and to those providing care and support to children or those with disabilities.
Other Senior Services programs include caregiver support, adult day care, information about Medicare or Medicaid, prescription drug plans, equipment loans, congregate lunches and more.
There is no charge for this assistance.
– Social Security Administration, Salisbury, 1816 E. Innes St., Salisbury, 704-633-9432 or 704-636-4394:The Social Security Administration helps people file for retirement, disability, survivor benefits, Medicare or Supplemental Security income benefits.
They also maintain the records of people who receive payments or benefits under these programs.
– W.G. Bill Hefner Veterans Administration Medical Center, 1601 Brenner Ave., Salisbury, 704-638-9000 Ext. 4956:Veterans who are enrolled for health care at the VA Medical Center and who are assigned to a primary care provider at the VA Medical Center may be eligible for in-home assistance, home health aide service and in-home respite.
These programs are designed for veterans who need help with bathing, dressing, feeding, ambulation or transfers.
While in the home, in-home aides can prepare a meal and do light housekeeping essential to the cleanliness and health of the patient.
Veterans may also receive a variety of adaptive equipment (hospital beds, bedside commodes, wheelchairs or ramps) as ordered by their VA Medical provider, as well as a “Guardian 911” medical alert system. Any interested veterans or caregivers should contact the social worker in their VA Primary Care Clinic for further information and referrals.
Veterans not already receiving VA health care may call the Medical Center for enrollment information.
– Veteran Services Department, a division of the Rowan County Senior Services Department, 1120-A. Martin Luther King Jr. Ave., Salisbury, 704-216-8138:This department provides direct services to military veterans and their families, including compensation, medical care, education benefits and burial honors for eligible veterans.
Home Care Services
“Home care” is a broad term describing a wide variety of health care services provided in the home to restore health and well-being.
They may include nursing care, various therapies, medical supplies and equipment, and other services.
Home care services offer “non-skilled” care.
Care provided by companies licensed by the Department of Health and Human Services should be covered by most long-term care policies.
These do not accept Medicare or private (in-network) insurance policies.
However, many do accept Medicaid and CAP (Community Alternative Program).
Local providers may be found in the telephone directory.
Hospice and Palliative Care
– Rowan Regional Medical Center Home Health and Hospice, 720 Grove St., Salisbury, 704-637-7645; Landis, 704-210-5990:This program cares for people facing end-of-life illnesses and helps families with the grieving process.
Available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, the service provides access to professionals such as social workers, nurses, chaplains and more.
These services can be provided in the home or in an assisted or long-term facility.
Payment options and assistance are available.
The bereavement services helps family members with grief through support, education and community resources.
– Bayada Nursing, 130 Arlington Ave., Salisbury, 704-797-8000 or 704-797-2993:Provides in-home care for infants to elderly, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Services for any level include companionship and sitter care through skilled nursing, as well as ventilator and tracheotomy care.
Home health aides are supervised by a registered nurse, are insured, have had background checks and have been assessed in both a lab and in-home environment for competency.
Bayada is a Medicaid provider and accepts most insurance.
Home-delivered meals
– Meals on Wheels of Rowan County, 1918 W. Innes St., Salisbury, 704-633-0352:This service delivers a hot, nutritious, balanced lunch, including a safety visit, to homebound clients Monday through Friday.
Deliveries are provided by volunteers and cooked at one of the three preparation sites.
Payment is prorated according to income, but no one pays more that $3.75 per meal.
www.mowrowannc.org.
Nutrition sites
“Lunch-n-More” Sites:Recipient must be 60 years of age or older and must be a Rowan County resident.
For more information, call Rowan County Senior Services at 704-216-7700.
– Calvary Lutheran Church, 303 5th St., Spencer, 704-636-2152.
– China Grove Community Center, 400 S. Myrtle St., China Grove, 704-857-0514.
– Geneva Oglesby Community Center, 663 Dunns Mountain Road, Granite Quarry, 704-279-5837.
– Grace Lower Stone Church, 2405 Lower Stone Church Road, Rockwell, 704-209-3009.
– John Calvin Presbyterian Church, 1620 Brenner Ave., Salisbury, 704-633-6374.
– Lafayette Community Center, 617 Lafayette Circle, Salisbury, 704-636-7758.
– Southern City AME Zion Church, 940 Long St. E. Spencer, 704-637-0514.
– Third Creek AME Zion Church, 415 E. Main St., Cleveland, 704-278-2581.
Soup kitchen
– Rowan Helping Ministries Soup Kitchen, 226 N. Long St., Salisbury, 704-637-6838:Provides a nutritious noon meal to the hungry without qualification. Each Sunday, a meal and spiritual service are provided.
Support groups
(Includes support groups for caregivers, patients, and families and friends of those afflicted.)
– Lutheran Home at Trinity Oaks, Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support Group, 728 Klumac Road, Salisbury, 704-637-3784:Meetings are open to patients, their families and any community member. Some meetings are informal with open talk while others provide professional speakers on subjects such as behavior management and music therapy.
– Black Mountain Neuro-Medical Treatment Center, Alzheimer’s Respite Program, 932 Old U.S. Hwy. 70, Black Mountain, 828-259-6945:Provides temporary relief or rest up to 30 days to a year in increments convenient to the caregiver.
This six-bedroom program has 24-hour certified nursing assistant care supervised by professional staff.
Cost is $8 per day which includes meals; however, all of the client’s labeled medications must be provided.
Guests must be medically and behaviorally stable.
www.bmcnc.org
– Colon Cancer Support Group:For more information contact Eva White at 704-212-2362.
– Cardiac Support Group at Rowan Regional Medical Center:Kiser Medical Building, second floor. Offered on the second Thursdays in February, June, and October at 6 p.m.
For information, call 704-210-5412.
– “Coping with Grief”:A support group for anyone coping with the loss of a loved one.
Offered at Rufty-Holmes Senior Center, Tuesdays from 3:30-5 p.m., 1120 S. Martin Luther King Jr. Ave., Salisbury: 704-633-7862.
Also offered at Rowan Regional Home Health and Hospice, 720 Grove St., Salisbury, from 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Mondays: 704-637-7645.
– Epilepsy Support Group:Offered at First United Methodist Church, 217 S. Church St., Salisbury.
Offered on second Thursdays at 7 p.m. from September to May.
For more information, call 704-639-0847 or e-mail youngcarol@hotmail.com.
– “Grief Share: Your Journey from Mourning to Joy”:First Baptist Church, 223 N. Fulton St., Salisbury, 6:30 p.m.-8 p.m. on Mondays, 704-633-0431.
This weekly seminar and support group is for those grieving the loss of someone close.
Cost is $13 for the program’s workbook.
– Diabetes Support Group:This is an education and support group for diabetics and their families.
Offered at Rowan Regional Medical Center, patient tower, Education Resource Center, fourth floor, on first Tuesdays at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m.: 704-210-5771.
Also offered at Faith Baptist Church fellowship hall, 203 North Main Street, Faith, first Mondays from 7-8:30 p.m.
Contact Freda Horne, RN, 704-279-2463.
– John Miller Colon Cancer support group:Meets at St. John’s Lutheran Church library, 7 p.m. on third Tuesdays
Contact Eva White, 704-212-2362.
– Multiple Sclerosis Self-Help Group:Offered at First United Methodist Church, 110 West Church St., China Grove.
Meets 7 p.m. on second Mondays.
For information, call Shelley DiDonato, 704-232-7386.
– Parkinson’s Support Group:This is a support group for Parkinson’s patients, their families and friends.
Offered at 308 W. Fisher St., Salisbury, on the first Tuesday of the month at 1 p.m.
The meetings are informal and may include family speakers or professionals such as doctors, speech therapists, nutritionists and social workers.
Contact Dee Williams 704-212-2938 or Peggy Wilson 704-633-3181.
Please use Fisher Street entrance.
– HIV Support Group:Sponsored by Rowan Regional Medical Center Home Health and Hospice, 720 Grove St., Salisbury.
Meets twice a month.
For more information, call 704-637-7645.
– Parent-to-Parent Program:Offered by The Arc of Cabarrus County.
Hosted by Family Support Network of Southern Piedmont, P.O. Box 1367, Concord.
This program offers support for parents of children with disabilities, chronic illness, emotional or behavioral challenges and premature infants.
For more information, call 1-800-650-6526 or 704-788-1616.
www.fsnsp.org
– Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD) support:Offered at Rowan Regional Medical Center’s cafeteria conference room.
Meets second Mondays of the month at 7 p.m.
For information, contact 704-637-1021.
– Surviving Stroke Support Group:Offered at Rowan Regional Medical Park, Diagnostic Imaging and Physical Rehabilitation Center, 541 Corporate Circle (on Julian Road)
Meets at 6:15 p.m. on the first Thursdays in March, June, September and December.
For more information, call 704-210-6918.
– Prostate Support Group:
Offered at Rowan Regional Cardiac Rehabilitation and Wellness Center, located in the second floor of the Kiser Medical Building.
Meets at 6 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month.
For more information, call 704-639-0942.
– Us Too International Prostate Cancer Education and Support Network:Offered at Rowan Regional Patient Tower, Clay classroom, fourth floor.
Meets at 5:30 p.m. on the third Thursdays in February, April, June, August, October and December.
For information, call 704-210-5104.
– Breast Cancer Support Group:Offered at Rowan Regional Medical Center, Women’s Health Education classroom, third floor, meets at 6 p.m., first Wednesdays, 704-210-6870.
– North Carolina Vocational Rehabilitation Services, 205 Guffy St., Salisbury, 704-639-7575:This state service provides people with disabilities with counseling, training, education and other support services to help them become independent, job-ready or both.
– Better Breathing Support Group:Offered at Rufty-Holmes Senior Center, 1120 S. Martin Luther King Ave., Salisbury.
Meets the second Wednesday of each month.
For information, call 704-633-7714.
Transportation
– Rowan Transit System:New riders, call 704-216-7700 or 794-216-8899.
This is a non-emergency community transportation program for Rowan County residents.
The program is offered through Rowan County Senior Services.
System operates Monday through Friday with passenger assistance available from 7 a.m.-5 p.m.
The Rowan Transit System uses standard 14 passenger vans.
Nearly half of the fleet is handicapped accessible.
Transport is provided within Rowan County to doctors, drug stores, hospitals, nursing homes, grocery stores and dialysis centers.
Service is provided to seniors 60 years of age and older, and also to people with disabilities.
A $3 contribution is accepted.
For rural general public passengers of any age, a $3 required fare is charged.
– Rowan Individual şTransportation Assistance :Offered through Rowan County Senior Services, RITA provide transportation assistance to groups of residents to a number of destinations in the same day.
New riders, call 704-216-7700 or 704-216-8899.
– Out-of-town medical trips provided by Rowan Transit System:This system is for non-Medicaid county and city residents, strictly for trips to doctors and medical facilities.Offered only for services not available in Rowan County, or to persons who have a doctor’s order requiring care offered out of town.
For information, call 704-216-8899.
– Dialysis transportation:Rowan Transit System offers transportation to Salisbury and Kannapolis Dialysis Centers.
Contact Rowan County Senior Services at 704-216-7700.
– Medicaid Transportation, offered by Salisbury Transit:This system is provided for people who receive full Medicaid benefits and have no other transportation.
This system also provides trips to doctors and medical facilities for Medicaid-covered services.
Contact the Salisbury Transit Medicaid Transportation Coordinator at 704-638-8645.
– Salisbury Para-Transit, offered by Salisbury Transit:This is a handicapped accessible van service for residents of Salisbury, Spencer and East Spencer.
The rider must have a functional disability that prevents him or her from using fixed bus routes.
Services are provided by application only.
– Rowan Express, offered by Rowan Transit System, 704-216-7700:This service is a connecting route between two city transportation systems.
This Rowan Transit System service is provided for $1 for riders older than 5.
Riders can board at 215 Depot St., Salisbury; the Landis Town Hall, 312 S. Main St., Landis; China Grove Police Station, 333 N. Main St.; Food Lion, 1480 S. Main St. China Grove; or Kannapolis Town Hall, 201 S. Main St., Kannapolis.
For more information, call 704-216-7700.
Prevention and socialization services
– Abundant Living Adult Day Services:
1416-A South Martin Luther King Jr. Ave., Salisbury: 704-637-3940.
– North Carolina State University Cooperative Extension:Programs offered at Rowan County center, 2727-A Old Concord Road, Salisbury, 704-216-8970.
For more information, visit rowan.ces.nscu.edu
– Rowan County Senior Services Department:
1120-A Martin Luther King Jr. Ave., Salisbury, 704-216-7700.
– Rowan Parks and Recreation:Located at 6800 Bringle Ferry Road, Salisbury.
Offers a variety of programs for seniors. For more information, call 704-216-7800 visit www.co.rowan.nc.us/ parks.
– Rufty Holmes Senior Center, Rowan County Council on Aging:Meets fourth Thursdays of each month at 1120 S. Martin Luther King Jr. Ave., Salisbury, 704-216-7714.
This organization provides seminars on subjects such as the AARP tax program, legal assistance and blood pressure screenings.
This center provides information for Senior Savvy and Salisbury Post’s Prime Time.
www.ruftyholmes.org
– Salisbury Parks and Recreation: 132 N. Main St., Salisbury, 704-638-5294.
Offers a variety of programs for seniors. Contact www.salisburync.gov/pkrec.
– Salisbury-Rowan Senior Games and Silver Arts: 3541 Old Mocksville Road, Salisbury, 704-216-7783.