Helpful Resources for Charleston’s Elderly Community

The elderly in Charleston may face a number of different issues, including trouble getting from place to place, medical needs, social needs and more. In addition, because of limited financial resources or a limited social network, these individuals may not be able to meet all of these needs on their own. To ensure that all members of the elder community in Charleston have the resources they need to live happy, healthy lives, a variety of programs and organizations in the area offer services to the elderly. From companion programs to elder abuse prevention, the elderly in this area can find a program to meet virtually any need.

Clubs, Groups, Social Meetups

The elderly have many of the same needs as the rest of the population, including the need to interact with peers and form lasting bonds. Clubs, groups, and social meetups in Charleston give members of the elder community opportunities to spend time with one another and form friendships with one another.

Companion Programs

One of the most serious concerns facing members of the elder community is loneliness. When an individual’s friends and family aren’t able to provide the level of companionship an elder needs, companion programs can make up the difference. These programs allow the individual to spend quality time with caring people.

Elder Abuse Prevention

According to the National Council on Aging, as many as one in 10 Americans over the age of 60 has experienced some form of elder abuse. This abuse puts elders at risk and diminishes their quality of life. Fortunately, Charleston is home to several organizations dedicated to the prevention of elder abuse.

Elderly Exercise Classes

Like people of all ages, members of the elder community need to engage in regular exercise to maintain their best level of fitness. However, because of physical concerns related to aging, elders must be careful to engage in exercise that is both effective and safe. Charleston offers several elderly exercise classes geared specifically toward this community.

Food and Nutrition Programs

Healthy food and good nutrition are important at all ages. However, the elderly may find it more difficult to obtain the food they need and/or maintain a proper nutritional status. For members of the elderly community who need assistance in this area, a variety of food and nutrition programs are available in Charleston.

Heating and Energy Assistance

Having heat in the home is essential, especially during the colder months of the year. If members of the elder community aren’t able to pay their energy bills on their own, heating and energy assistance programs in the Charleston area will help elders cover these expenses so they can be warm and safe.

Homemaker Assistance

When an elder reaches the point of needing extra help at home, a variety of options are available. In many cases, members of the elder community need only limited assistance and are not ready to enter full-time care. Homemaker assistance programs provide elders with the exact level of help they need so they can maintain as much independence as possible.

In-Home Care

When care in a hospital or nursing home isn’t appropriate, in-home care may be the best option. The purpose of in-home care is to provide the needed services to an elder in the comfort of his or her own home. Charleston offers a variety of in-home care programs to meet the needs of elders in the area.

Legal Aid

Members of the elder community often find themselves in need of legal representation, whether they are filing a discrimination claim or creating an estate plan. However, in some cases, the elderly may find it difficult to find effective, affordable legal representation. Charleston is home to several organizations that provide legal aid to the elderly.

Long-Term Care

When an elder is struggling with a disability or chronic illness, he or she may need long-term care. This type of care may be provided at home or in a long-term care residential facility. A variety of organizations and programs in the Charleston area offer long-term care services to members of the elder community.

Mental Healthcare

Members of the elder community can struggle with a variety of mental health issues, from depression to post-traumatic stress disorder. In order to prevent complications and maximize their quality of life, these individuals need to seek professional treatment. Several organizations in the Charleston area offer mental healthcare services to elders.

Senior Employment

When elders are still able to work, holding a job can provide many benefits, including more income and higher self-esteem. However, finding the right job in Charleston can be difficult for some members of the elder community. Senior employment services exist to connect elders with the right jobs for their needs.

Short-Term Care

In some cases, an elder may develop an illness or injury that requires specialized care on a short-term basis. In such cases, spending time in a hospital or long-term care facility isn’t appropriate. Short-term care services provide elders in Charleston with the medical care they need on a temporary basis.