Columbia Senior AdvisorWho is the Area Agency on Aging for Columbia?
The Central Midlands Council of Governments Area Agency on Aging, 220 Stoneridge Drive in Columbia, (803) 376-5390, serves Richland, Lexington, Fairfield and Newberry counties.
Its services include information and referral, assessments for in-home services, the regional long-term care ombudsman, family caregiver support, legal assistance and SHIP Medicare counseling.
Which aging agency serves Kershaw County?
The Santee-Lynches Regional Council of Governments Area Agency on Aging in Sumter, (803) 775-7381, serves Kershaw, Clarendon, Lee and Sumter counties.
Camden, Lugoff and Elgin families start there for in-home services and caregiver help.
Which aging agencies serve Calhoun and Saluda counties?
Calhoun County is served by the Lower Savannah Council of Governments Area Agency on Aging ((803) 508-7033, toll-free 1-866-845-1550), and Saluda County by the Upper Savannah Council of Governments Area Agency on Aging ((864) 941-8077).
Each also runs the regional ombudsman program for its counties.
Where do we report suspected abuse of an older adult at home?
S.C. Department of Social Services Adult Protective Services, 1-888-227-3487 (1-888-CARE4US); call 911 first if anyone is in immediate danger.
Abuse of a resident in most long-term care facilities goes to the regional long-term care ombudsman.
Where do we file a complaint about a licensed facility?
DPH Healthcare Quality, through its online complaint portal or at 1-800-922-6735.
Be specific about dates, times, staff on duty and what happened.
Who handles Community Choices referrals in the Midlands?
SCDHHS Community Long Term Care Centralized Intake at (888) 971-1637, or CLTC's online referral form.
CLTC schedules a level-of-care assessment; Medicaid applications go through apply.scdhhs.gov or (888) 549-0820.
Is there a statewide aging office?
Yes. The S.C. Department on Aging, (803) 734-9900 or 1-800-868-9095, oversees the regional Area Agencies on Aging and statewide programs for older adults.
Most families get faster help from their regional agency.
Is there free legal help for older adults in the Midlands?
Yes. The regional Area Agencies on Aging fund legal assistance for older adults, and the Central Midlands agency lists legal assistance and advance directives among its services; ask it for a referral when the question involves benefits, housing or a power of attorney.
For Medicaid planning involving a house, a spouse at home or assets near the limits, a private elder law attorney is usually worth the fee, because mistakes with transfers can trigger a penalty period.
Who helps veterans in the Midlands apply for benefits?
Each county's veterans affairs office, staffed by accredited officers who help veterans and surviving spouses with VA pension, Aid and Attendance and other claims at no charge.
Columbia is also home to the Dorn VA Medical Center and the state's Stone and Fewell Veterans Pavilions; the county office can explain the application for either.
