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Department on Aging outlines dementia grants, workforce programs and consumer tools
Summary
Director Munn described the Alzheimer’s Resource Coordination Center, a long‑running competitive grant program that has awarded 378 grants since 1995, senior employment (CSEP) outreach, the Senior Center Permanent Improvement grant, the Elder Care Trust Fund, the geriatric physician loan forgiveness program, GetCareSC and the vulnerable adult GAL
Director Munn, director of the South Carolina Department on Aging, reviewed the agency’s portfolio of programs and said several remain active or expanding.
On Alzheimer’s services, Munn said the Alzheimer’s Resource Coordination Center — which she said is housed in the department and serves as the Dementia Registry Advisory Council — has awarded 378 competitive grants since 1995. Munn described the grant breakdown as roughly 128 educational programs, 239 respite‑care grants and 11 innovative projects; she said typical awards have been about $20,000 and some grants were structured as one‑year awards with a possible second‑year renewal.
Munn told senators the Senior Community Service Employment Program (CSEP), a Title V program tied to the Department of Labor, serves people age 55 and older and helps participants gain part‑time, community‑based work. She said a recent older‑worker job fair drew 83 participants, including 35 veterans.
On state grant programs, Munn said the Senior Center Permanent Improvement (PIP) program was established by the General Assembly in 1991 and amended in 1997; the program has funded 74 capital projects since inception, draws on state bingo and licensing revenues (the department said $948,000 per year was originally appropriated) and can award up to $350,000 per project. The department said emergency PIP funds are available for urgent repairs such as leaking roofs.
Munn also described the Elder Care Trust Fund, established in 1992, which awards grants only to nonprofit organizations. The department reported the fund has distributed more than $550,000 to over 40 nonprofits and that four recipients most recently received $20,000 each, including Anderson Interfaith Ministries, Piedmont Agency on Aging, the Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired, and Senior Resources. Munn said donations can be directed via line 28 on state income tax forms or by check to the fund.
On workforce and medical workforce incentives, Munn said the geriatric physician loan forgiveness program (created by proviso in February 2005) repays up to $35,000 of medical school debt in exchange for a five‑year South Carolina practice commitment; the department said a proviso would raise the award to $50,000 and that the program has distributed about $840,000 to 27 geriatric physicians since inception. Munn said the program’s advisory board includes representatives from the Medical University of South Carolina, the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education and the South Carolina Medical Association.
The department highlighted GetCareSC, a searchable online resource directory that lists more than 400 services and includes event calendars and provider listings; Munn said GetCareSC has been running for several years and helps families navigate local resources.
Finally, Munn described the department’s Vulnerable Adult Guardian ad Litem program, which uses volunteers advocated in court for adults alleged to be abused, neglected or exploited and who are in protective custody of the Department of Social Services.
Senators asked clarifying questions about program outreach, eligibility and timing; Director Munn and staff described outreach through AAAs, faith‑based partnerships, and public events such as “Soda City” demonstrations. The department agreed to supply the committee with the detailed grant list and regional award information already included in the handout.
