Seniors

It’s true that receiving exemplary medical services is a core element of living well. This is especially true for older adults. However, it is still only a part of what is really needed. To remain active and independent, older citizens need information, support and community services from a place they know and trust. CareSouth Carolina is that place.

We are the only community health center in the nation also designated as an Area Agency on Aging and an Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) by the State of South Carolina, the Administration on Aging and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Called Vantage Point, we are the first place to get accurate, unbiased information on all aspects of life-related to aging or living with a disability.

We pride ourselves on being a friendly and welcoming place where anyone — individuals, concerned families or friends, or professionals working with issues related to aging or disabilities — can go for information specifically tailored to their situation. From information and referral, help understanding Medicare, homebound meals, legal assistance, family caregiver support and other services, we are here to provide our older adults with whatever they need to remain an active and vital part of our community.

Information, Referral, and Assistance

It can be so frustrating to call an agency or organization needing information or assistance and get the wrong answer or no answer at all. It is even more frustrating to request information and to be referred to five or six sources only to be re-referred to the person you called first. We provide impartial and accurate Information and Referral Assistance to consumers in response to calls, walk-ins, or written requests. Vantage Point staff as well as Patient Advocates in each of CareSouth Carolina medical centers are available. If you or someone you know is in need of help and you do not know who to call — we can help.

Call us at 843-383-8632 or toll-free at 866-505-3331.

Regional Long Term Care Ombudsman

We serve as the safeguard and advocate for our residents living in long term care facilities like nursing homes. We seek to uphold their rights and improve their quality of care. We are who you contact if there is an issue related to the following at a long-term care facility: Admissions; Transfer/Discharge; Privacy; Quality of Life & Care; Food; Resident’s Rights; Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation; Medications. This is the only program of its kind that is totally devoted to the concerns of facility residents.

The Long Term Care Ombudsman

• Investigates complaints and works to resolve problems affecting residents
• Educates community and facility staff about residents’ rights
• Promotes resident, family and community involvement in long term care facilities
• Visits facilities to talk with residents and monitor conditions

Vantage Points Regional Long Term Care Ombudsmen provide services to the six counties in the Pee Dee Region: Chesterfield, Darlington, Dillon, Florence, Marion and Marlboro Counties.

• Individuals may contact the Regional Long Term Care Ombudsmen’s office by calling 843-383-8632 or toll-free at 866-505-3331.

Regional Family Caregiver Support Program

The Family Caregiver Support Program was created to help families care for an older relative who has a chronic illness or disability. The term “Family Caregiver” means an adult family member or an individual who is an informal provider of in-home and community care to an older individual (60 years or older). The Family Caregiver Support Program also includes services to grandparents (over 60) raising grandchildren 18 and under.

• Information about available resources such as adult day centers, in-home care providers, and support groups;
• Individual counseling and support
• Caregiver education and training
• Assistance locating and linking with services such as Community Long Term Care and local council on aging providers;
• Limited financial assistance for help with household modifications, short-term respite, health care supplies, nutritional supplements, etc.
• Call 843-383-8632 or toll-free at 866-505-3331.

The Senior Medicare Fraud Patrol

The Senior Medicare Fraud Project is a collaborative effort between the South Lieutenant Governor’s Office on Aging and CareSouth Carolina to help eliminate fraud in Medicare.

The goals of the program are:

• to increase public awareness
• to reduce the incidence of fraudulent practices
• to encourage self-monitoring and the reporting of fraud
• to encourage volunteer participation

In order to raise awareness about Medicare Fraud, Vantage Point Staff and volunteers give presentations at local Senior Centers, Nutrition Sites, Community Centers, Faith-Based Entities and Civic Groups as well as provide one-on-one assistance with individuals.

Call 843-383-8632 or toll-free at 866-505-3331.

Medicare Information Services

I-CARE is Insurance Counseling Assistance and Referral for Elders — Medical coverage for seniors can be very confusing. The I-CARE specialists at Vantage Point help seniors get straight answers to their questions concerning Medicare, Supplemental Insurance, Medicaid, Long Term Care Insurance and other health insurance questions. Counselors provide information about enrollment, benefits, billing and claims, and assist in screening applicants for insurance and financial assistance programs, Medication Management and Indigent Medication Assistance. These services are provided by telephone, in the home, in the office, at senior centers, and at health fairs — free of charge.

Call 843-383-8632 or toll-free at 866-505-3331.

Special Projects

Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Value Program

The voucher program is a collaborative effort between the Department of Social Services and CareSouth Carolina. This program provides fresh nutritiously locally grown fruits and vegetables from markets to our senior population.

Each eligible person receives $25 worth of coupons that may be used at participating markets from June until October 15. The coupons are issued on a first come first serve basis until the supply is exhausted.

The goals of the program are to supplement the diet of low-income seniors with fresh, nutritious produce and to support South Carolina’s small farmers. Over 5000 individuals are served in the Pee Dee Region each year.

Pee Dee Area Agency on Aging

As an Area Agency on Aging, Vantage Point works with other agencies throughout Chesterfield, Darlington, Dillon, Florence, Marion and Marlboro counties to provide community services that allow older adults to live at home with independence and dignity.

Community Services
Transportation	Enables individuals to get to necessary destinations
Group Dining	Nutritious meals and fellowship provided in a community setting
Home Delivered Meals	Balanced meals to the home-bound elderly
Health Promotion	Disease prevention, health education and physical fitness activities to encourage wellness
Home Care	In-home assistance with chores such as shopping, laundry, cleaning and meal preparation
Legal Services	Informing Elders of their legal rights and benefits, making referrals and providing community education

Local Councils on Aging

Vantage Point provides area services through its partnership with the following local contractors:

Chesterfield County
PO Box 45
Chesterfield, SC 29709
843.623.2280

Darlington County
402 Pearl Street
Darlington, SC 29532
843.393.8521

 

Dillon County
PO Box 1473
Dillon, SC 29536
843.774.0089

Senior Citizens Association
2685 South Irby Street
Florence, SC 29505
843.669.6761

Marion County
PO Box 728
Marion, SC 29571
843.423.4391

 

Marlboro County
P.O. Box 1195
Bennettsville, SC 29512
843.479.9951

Coordination, Planning, and Advocacy

As an Area Agency on Aging, Vantage Point also provides the following community-wide coordination services with stakeholders and partners to help meet the needs of seniors in the Pee Dee Region.

Coordination Services
Planning	Identify resources and develop a plan us use those resources to meet the needs of older adults
Coordination	Assist public and private organizations in providing unduplicated services
Technical Assistance	Provide training, grant applications, planning and needs assessment to help local communities respond to issues of aging
Resource Development	Generate public and private resources, including grants and donations
Advocacy	Raise public awareness and promoting the interest and needs of older persons in the community
Funding	Fund partners to meet the needs of older adults in the region