Programs & Initiatives

Looking for help?

If you are a senior or caregiver looking for services, please visit our resource site GetCareSC.com. This page describes the programs our state agency supports, but most programs in South Carolina vary by county. At GetCareSC.com, you can use your ZIP code to find local programs and services near you. 

Alzheimer's Resource Coordination Center

The ARCC serves as a statewide coordinator for services, information, and educational programs that assist people with Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders (ADRD) and their families.

ElderCare Trust Fund

The ElderCare Trust Fund program awards grants to fund innovative programs that help seniors age in place, stay in their homes, and lead productive lives. For additional detailed information about the ElderCare Trust Fund and the application process, please click the link above.

Evidence-Based Disease Prevention and Health Promotion

Evidence-based programs are designed to help older adults prevent and/or manage chronic diseases, adopt healthier lifestyles, improve their health status, and reduce their use of hospital services and emergency room visits. 

Family Caregiver Support

Regional family caregiver advocates work one‐on‐one with caregivers, providing counseling, support, and help in gaining access to available community services. 

Geriatric Loan Forgiveness

There are not enough geriatricians in South Carolina to meet the demand. This program helps doctors repay their student loans if they agree to work in the field of geriatrics in South Carolina for at least five years.

Healthy Connections Prime Ombudsman

This program helps older adults who are enrolled in Healthy Connections Prime address any concerns or conflicts that may interfere with navigating and coordinating their health coverage through Medicare and Medicaid.

Legal Assistance for Seniors

Through partnerships with the SC Bar and the SC Bar Pro Bono Program, the Access to Justice Commission, SC Legal Services, and other agencies, the South Carolina Department on Aging provides legal assistance to seniors in need for non-criminal matters.

Medicare and SHIP

The State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) provides free, in depth, one-on-one insurance counseling and assistance to Medicare beneficiaries and their families, friends, and caregivers. 

Nutrition

Meal programs, services, and food options provide sustenance and human contact for frail or homebound older adults.

Long Term Care Ombudsman

The SCDOA Long Term Care Ombudsman Program advocates for residents in long term care facilities around the state.

Senior Centers

SCDOA provides funding for the creation and improvement of senior centers throughout the state.

Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) 

Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) is the only federal job training program focused exclusively on helping low-income seniors. 

Senior P.R.E.P.

SENIOR P.R.E.P. is a program designed to provide planning resources to aid South Carolina's senior population in emergency planning. P.R.E.P. stands for Planning and Resources for Emergency Preparedness.

SC Vulnerable Adult Guardian Ad Litem

This program provides guardians ad litem for vulnerable adults who have been abused, neglected, or exploited.