Supportive services are community-based programs that help South Carolinians aged 60 and older remain safe, healthy, and independent in their homes and communities. The South Carolina Department on Aging (SCDOA) provides these services through the state’s 10 Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) and their networks of local community organizations.
Funding is provided through the federal Older Americans Act and South Carolina state appropriations.
Assessments
Older adults requesting services funded through the Older Americans Act or state appropriations receive an assessment. The assessment helps determine eligibility, identify individual needs, and prioritize services fairly and consistently.
Information and Referral/Assistance
Information and Referral/Assistance connects older adults, people with disabilities, caregivers, and families with services and resources in their communities. Assistance may include:
- Providing current information about available programs, services, benefits, and assistive technology.
- Discussing the individual’s needs, concerns, abilities, and available support.
- Connecting the individual with appropriate community resources and services.
- Helping the individual access needed services.
- Following up, when appropriate, to determine whether the individual received assistance.
Home Care Services
To qualify for home care services, an individual generally must be:
- Age 60 or older; and
- Have limitations in at least two Activities of Daily Living (ADLs).
Available home care services may include:
- Chore: Assistance with heavy housekeeping, yardwork, or other tasks needed to maintain a safe home.
- Homemaker: Assistance with light housekeeping and household activities. Services may include meal preparation, shopping for personal items, managing money, and using the telephone.
- Home Devices: Assistive technology and other devices that support an older adult’s ability to live safely and independently at home.
- Minor Home Repair: Limited repairs needed to help maintain a safe, sanitary, accessible, and structurally sound home.
- Personal Care: Hands-on assistance, standby assistance, supervision, or reminders for Activities of Daily Living and health-related tasks. Services may also include help with meal preparation, shopping, managing money, using the telephone, and light housekeeping.
- Pest Control: Services that manage or eliminate pests that may negatively affect an individual’s health, safety, or property.
Outreach
Outreach activities provide information and education about aging-related programs, services, and resources throughout South Carolina. These activities may include community presentations, educational events, and participation in resource or vendor fairs.
Transportation Services
To qualify for transportation services, an individual generally must be:
- Age 60 or older; and
- Lack of access to reliable transportation.
Transportation services may include:
- Congregate Meal Transportation: Curb-to-curb transportation to and from a congregate meal site.
- Medical Transportation: Curb-to-curb transportation to and/or from medical appointments.
- Essential Transportation: Curb-to-curb transportation to and/or from essential destinations other than medical appointments or congregate meal sites.
- Assisted Transportation: Transportation that includes an escort or other appropriate assistance for an individual who has physical or cognitive difficulties using regular transportation.
Finding Supportive Services in Your Area
SCDOA contracts with and oversees 10 Area Agencies on Aging that coordinate supportive services for older adults, people with disabilities, and caregivers throughout South Carolina.
Contact your designated AAA serving your county to learn more about supportive services, local programs, or to request assistance.