Information and Assistance is a service designed to link persons with resources available to meet their needs and/or interests. The primary goal of the service is to provide a continuum of access services to facilitate informed decision-making about the range for long-term services and supports while serving as a key role in the streamlined access to supports. Access to information helps to prevent or delay premature instituionalization by offering options to help individuals spend resources wisely in the community.
To obtain information or schedule an appointment, call 828-631-8039. A list of resources fro Jackson County can be access by clicking the link below or by calling 2-1-1.
CLICK HERE - NC 2-1-1.ORG
The lending closet collects donations of durable medical equipment to loan to seniors in need. Typical items include: walkers, shower seats, bedside toilets, lift chairs, etc. All items are kept at the Department on Aging for loan.
If you are in need of durable medical equipment or you would like to make a donation call 828-631-8039.
Options Counseling is a person-centered, interactive and decision-support process. The Department on Aging has trained staff available to meet with individuals and families to explain all resources, and help create a roadmap of support services.
Options Counseling includes:
- listening to the individual express his/her preferences, values, service needs, and circumstances
- engaging in conversation for a joint exchange of information and possible options that are tailored around the stated needs and preferences
- providing support that leads the individual to make informed choices about long-term services and supports
- connecting the individual, when it is his/her choice, to public/private services and/or informal supports
- following-up with the individual with the ultimate goal to support the individual to live in his/her community of choice
Options Counseling involves building relationships with individuals and helping them to identify their goals and preferences and weigh the pros and cons of their options. The options counselors help individuals consider a range of possibilities when making a decision about long-term services and supports and encourage planning for future needs. Options Counseling can also help younger individuals plan ahead for their future long-term service and support needs.
For more information or to setup an appointment call 828-631-8039
Jackson County Project Lifesaver (JCPL) is a tracking program that provides timely response to save lives and reduce potential injury for adults who wander due to dementia or other related conditions. Our goal with this program is to help protect those in danger of becoming lost, while providing a peace of mind for their caregivers. JCPL is a collaboration with Jackson County Department on Aging and the Jackson County Sheriff's Office.
The tracking device, known as a personal locator unit is worn on the wrist or ankle of the participant. This device is lightweight and waterproof. In the event that your loved one is lost, Jackson County Sheriff's Officers are trained to use radio technology to track the personal locator unit. Recovery times for Project Lifesaver participants average 30 minutes; 95% less time than standard operations.
If you are caring for a loved one and are worried that they may wander, call 631-8039 for more information.
The In-Home List is for anyone searching for someone to hire to provide in-home services. This list can be beneficial for families or individuals who need to hire someone to provide in-home personal care/home management services, as well as caregivers looking for someone to hire someone for respite. Interested individuals can pick-up the In-Home List of private providers at the Department on Aging after signing a Memorandum of Understanding.
The Department on Aging continues to accept candidates to be listed on the In-Home List. Those wishing to work in the community providing home management, personal care, or Respite services are encouraged to sign-up to be on the list. Candidates will be required to sign a Memorandum of Understanding, purchase and pass a background check, and complete in-home training.
All payment arrangements for services rendered are made between the candidate and the employer. For more information call 631-8039.
