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Council on Aging stresses rapid growth in older-adult needs; asks Indian Trail to consider partnership for in-home services
Summary
The nonprofit Council on Aging told the town council April 8 that Union County's 60-plus population is growing rapidly and the agency is struggling to meet demand for in-home care, medical equipment, and safety services. Council on Aging asked for partnership opportunities after using town ARPA funds to expand programs.
Andrew Friend, executive director of the Council on Aging for Union County, told the Indian Trail Town Council on April 8 that the county's older-adult population is growing sharply and the nonprofit is expanding services to meet rising demand.
Friend said state data show the county's population ages 60 and older is projected to grow dramatically over the next 20 years (he cited 93 percent growth for ages 60+, 20 percent for ages 65+, and 264 percent for ages 85+ in his slides). He said the Council on Aging serves as a trusted, nonprofit resource for older adults and families and listed programs that are funded in part by county and federal grants and by donations.
What the agency provides
- Medicare counseling and benefits navigation: free, unbiased counseling on Medicare plan options and prescription drug plans. - Family caregiver support and respite vouchers: consultations and limited financial respite support for unpaid family caregivers. - Next Door Clubhouse: a day program for adults with memory loss; fee is $50 per day but the agency makes no one pay if they cannot afford it. - Durable medical equipment redistribution: wheelchairs, walkers, bedside commodes and other items given at no cost; donations accepted. - Incontinence supplies: provided at no cost; usage has more than doubled in recent years. - Home safety and medical alert distribution: staff install grab bars, give out medical alert buttons and stovetop fire-suppression devices; the agency said 25 people have used the buttons to summon life-saving help since the program began. - In-home care: largest program; nurses and caregivers provide personal care and household chores at no cost to many clients. The agency reported a waiting list of 90 people and said about 30'35 Indian Trail residents are currently waiting for in-home services.
Funding pressure and ask
Friend said federal and state funding for older-adult services has been essentially flat or decreased in real terms while the aging population continues to grow. The council heard that Council on Aging served more people in the past two years and projects continued growth; the in-home program is projected to deliver roughly 23,000 hours of care this fiscal year but staff said the agency still maintains a waiting list because demand outpaces available funding.
Friend thanked the town for previous ARPA-funded support (the town provided ARPA interest funds to the nonprofit) and asked the town to consider partnership or additional support to help the agency clear the waiting list and sustain programs. He also invited the town to publicize the agency's services and to connect residents to donation and volunteer opportunities.
Ending
Councilmembers expressed appreciation and asked about donation and volunteer channels. Friend said Council on Aging accepts donations through its website, has annual fundraisers such as a November breakfast and a wine-and-food festival, and welcomes volunteer help for home repairs, ramp building, grab-bar installation and the day program.
