Department on Aging logo, "Endless Possibilities" text, url, and older couple canoeing.

Oct. 21 - Nov 3, 2022

Topics in this Edition

  • Upcoming Programs

  • Announcements

  • Resources & Services

  • Volunteer Opportunities

  • Contact Us

UPCOMING PROGRAMS

Sample Medicare Card

Medicare’s Open Enrollment Period is
October 15 - December 7

Medicare plans change each calendar year.  Your medication costs can increase significantly if your plan changes their drug list and pricing as of Jan 1.  Many people save hundreds and even thousands of dollars by switching plans, but most can only change during Medicare’s Open Enrollment Period.   The Orange County Seniors’ Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) provides free and unbiased assistance with choosing the best plan for your needs.

Meet with a certified counselor for an Annual Medicare Review.   We will be offering in-person appointments at the Seymour Center in Chapel Hill and the Passmore Center in Hillsborough as well as online using Zoom Video Chat.  Schedule online at www.orangecountync.gov/Medicare or call 919-245-4274. 

Are You Confused by all the Medicare Advertisements?   Join our special presentation to get the facts.

Medicare Myth Busters!

1:00 – 2:00 pm
Friday October 21 at the Passmore Center (Register at 919-245-2015)
Monday October 31 at the Seymour Center (Register at 919-968-2070)


older Asian man

Solo Agers Interest Group

Solo agers are adults making decisions about their future independently. Come meet other solo agers, share resources and learn together. All who might consider themselves a 'solo ager' are invited to join!  This month, Steve Lackey, Attorney, will share on advance planning and crafting your legacy as a solo ager. For questions or information, contact Lydia Arnold at larnold@orangecountync.gov.

Date: Wed, Oct 26; Time: 4 – 5:30 pm. 
Fee: Free; Register by: Fri, Oct. 21; Phone: 919-968-2070


Day of the Dead Carnival
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graphic day of the dead decorated skull and roses

Carnaval del Día de los Muertos

Traiga su familia, amigos, y niños para celebrar la memoria de nuestros seres queridos. Disfrute comida y la famosa película de Disney-Pixar, COCO.

  • Perro calientes, palomitas y raspados
  • Decore marco para la foto de la Ofrenda (altar) y traiga una foto del familiar que quiere recordar
  • Decore calaveras de azúcar
  • Oportunidades de fotos divertidas
  • Bolsitas de dulces
  • Educación para niños sobre el final de la vida

Evento GRATIS!

Jueves, Octubre 27 • 5:30pm-8:30pm (Película a las 6pm)
Passmore Center, 103 Meadowlands Dr., Hillsborough
Registre antes del 21 de Octubre, llamando 919-245-2015 (código 243089-01)
Ver el folleto aquí.
person - arms up - birds - hearts

Future Life Goals

At this event, participants will create a vision board. This board is a visual representation of how someone might see him/herself in the next few years.  This event is a great way to connect with your crafty side while socializing with others.  The event will be led by Sauleah Wilkinson, Recreational Therapy Intern, OCDoA Wellness Program.

Date: Tue, Nov 1; Time: 9:30 - 11 am
Location: Passmore; Phone: 919-245-2015
Code: 257021-01; Register by: Tue, Oct 25; Cost: FREE


graphic - 2 people - conversation - speech bubbles

Dementia – Let’s Talk About It: 
Holidays with Dementia

Join OCDoA’s dementia care specialists for a conversation around topics related to dementia education, living with cognitive change, and being a dementia caregiver. We will provide 15-30 minutes of education at the start of the hour, and the remaining time will be spent in conversation, Q&A, and resource-sharing around the day’s topic. Contact the Aging Helpline (919-968-2087) for more information and registration.

Topic: Holidays with Dementia
Fee: FREE; Date: Tue, Nov 1; Time: 10:15 - 11:15 am
Location: Virtual; Register by: Mon, Oct 31
Contact: The Aging Helpline (agingtransitions@orangecountync.gov or 919-968-2087). You will receive the meeting link/phone# after registration.


film + projector + rainbow

LGBTQ+ Fall, Friends, Films & Dinner Series 

Fall, Friends, and Films!  Join us as we continue our dinner and movie series and embrace our opportunities to share good films and great company, not to mention a delicious dinner.  Each month will feature a new movie that celebrates the joys, struggles, and journeys of the LGBTQ+ community.  Dinner will be served at 5:30 pm.

Date: Wed, Nov 2; Time: 5:30 – 8:30pm Location: Seymour Center
Fee: Free; Register by: Fri, Oct 28


Caregiver Day of Care
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man silhouette + puzzle pieces

Dementia Basics: What Can We Expect?

This four-part is designed to provide basic information about dementia to individuals with memory concerns, caregivers, family members, friends, and interested community members. Each week will focus on a different topic related to dementia. The series is designed to be taken all together, but you are welcome to register for individual sessions.
 
Location: Passmore Center; Fee: FREE
Register by: Thursday, November 3 via phone or email: agingtransitions@orangecountync.gov; 919-968-2087

  • Monday, November 7 - Session 1: Brain Health, 1-3 pm
  • Monday, November 14 - Session 2: Types & Stages of Dementia, 1-3 pm
  • Monday, November 21 - Session 3: Communication, 1-3 pm
  • Monday, November 28 - Session 4: Preparing for the Journey Ahead, 1-3 pm

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Hillsborough Caregiver Support Group

Note: The Hillsborough Caregiver Support Group will now meet once a month on the second Thursday of the month beginning November 10. Meeting with other caregivers to share experiences, learn new skills, and get answers to questions about dementia and other long-term disabilities.

Date: 2nd Thursdays; Time: 1 - 2 pm
Location: Passmore Center; Contact: Keisha Andrew to join - kandrews@orangecountync.gov or 919-245-2022.

Adultos Mayores Activos, Martes y Jueves, 9am-1pm, Seymour Ctr., 919-245-2010 (espanol)
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Job Seeker Workshop
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ANNOUNCEMENTS

Advance Directives 101 with notary service
Click to Enlarge >>
Get a Flu Shot + COVID-19 Booster today!
Vacuna contra la influenza y una de refuerzo contra el COVID-19!
Chinese Caregiver Support Program - Call 919-245-4275
Click to Enlarge or Download the Flyer
OCDOA podcast for blind/print-impaired. www.orangecountync.gov/AgingPodcast  Woman-computer-headset
Listen to the current OCDOA Upcoming Events Podcast >>
FREE Nutrition Supplements for qualifying Medicaid beneficiaries, call 919-968-2087 for info and referral.
Email the Aging Transitions Team to see if you qualify.

Medicare’s Open Enrollment Period is October 15 - December 7

Medicare plans change each calendar year.  Your medication costs can increase significantly if your plan changes their drug list and pricing as of Jan 1.  Many people save hundreds and even thousands of dollars by switching plans, but most can only change during Medicare’s Open Enrollment Period.   The Orange County Seniors’ Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) provides free and unbiased assistance with choosing the best plan for your needs.

Meet with a certified counselor for an Annual Medicare Review.   We will be offering in-person appointments at the Seymour Center in Chapel Hill and the Passmore Center in Hillsborough as well as online using Zoom Video Chat.  Schedule online at www.orangecountync.gov/Medicare or call 919-245-4274. 

RESOURCES & SERVICES

smart phone - internet signal - signal tower

Affordable Connectivity Program

The Affordable Connectivity Program is a Federal Communications Commission program that helps connect families and households struggling to afford internet service.  Eligible households can enroll through a participating broadband provider or directly with the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) using an online or mail in application. You can learn more about the benefit, including eligibility and enrollment information, by visiting www.fcc.gov/ACP, or by calling 877-384-2575.

Office setting-desk-computer- smiling Hispanic woman on phone.
Aging Services

Aging Transitions Services

Talk to trained staff about any aging-related issue. Call the Aging Helpline at 919-968-2087 or email Aging Services. We try to find answers to your age-related questions and link you to the services that you need. Helpline hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Chinese & Spanish Language Helpline
Call 919-245-4275 to speak to our staff in Mandarin.
Call 919-245-2010 to leave a message in Spanish.

Aging Transitions, Senior Center programming and Volunteer Connect 55+ staff are available to meet individually by appointment, phone, or email. For more information call the Passmore Center at 919-245-2015, Seymour Center at 919-968-2070, or the Aging Helpline at 919-968-2087.

Caregiver Supports

Support groups, educational programs, Memory Café, and Care Partner Collaborative; gather and stay connected with us online or in-person, depending on the program.  For upcoming programs download our Current Caregiver Programming flyer.  For more caregiver resources, sign up for the monthly Community News for Caregivers e-newsletter.

Do You Need Help Finding Transportation?
The Transportation Specialist provides information on transportation, travel training, the volunteer driver program, and advocacy. 
Call the Transportation Help Line: 919-717-1853 (Mon – Fri, 9 am – 5 pm).

illustration - house with arrow to $

Emergency Housing Assistance (EHA)

The EHA was created to help Orange County residents with low incomes prevent eviction and homelessness and secure and maintain stable housing. Assistance is available to households  in Orange County that:

  1. Earn no more than 30% of the area median income 
  2. Have an urgent need for housing assistance that is related to the COVID-19 pandemic, and 
  3. Do not have adequate resources to cover the cost of their housing need.

Rent, mortgage and utility payments, security deposits, application fees and other emergency housing-related expenses are eligible for reimbursement.


To learn more or to apply, call the Orange County Housing Helpline at 919-245-2655 or visit Emergency Housing Assistance (EHA) Program

The program is funded by Orange County and the Towns of Chapel Hill, Carrboro, and Hillsborough, along with state and federal funding.

illustration: colorful 2-story house - trees - scrubs

Financial Assistance for Housing Payments

The NC Homeowner Financial Assistance Fund is now accepting applications from North Carolina homeowners whose finances were impacted by the pandemic and who need assistance with housing-related expenses.

Homeowners can learn more and apply for help by calling 1-855-MY-NCHAF (1-855-696-2423) or by visiting NCHomeownerAssistance.gov.

adult incontinence supplies - bed pads - disposable pads - disposable underwear

In Need of Incontinence Supplies?

Thanks to generous donations, the Department on Aging has a supply of incontinence supplies including: Bed pads, pull up briefs, adult diapers, wipes, and adult booster pads. If you are in need of any of these supplies, we may be able to provide you with up to one pack per month (depending on availability of the items requested). Contact the Aging Helpline (919-968-2087 or agingtransitions@orangecountync.gov) to request supplies.

Mike Komives, Employment Specialist, OC Dept. on Aging
Mike Komives, Empl. Spc.

Looking for a Job? We Can Help You Succeed!


Looking for a job today is challenging. You need to know what employers, hiring managers and human resource professionals are seeking in candidates. 
 
We can help you succeed. We'll help you to develop a job search plan, compelling resume and cover letter. We'll show you how to network effectively, give you information about job seeker groups, guide you on how to answer interview questions including salary, and more. Enclosed is a list of job search subjects that we discuss in our Job Search Workshops as well as in individual meetings.
 
If you have questions or want more information, contact Mike Komives, by phone or text at 919-616-8778, or email: skomives@orangecountync.gov
 
Learn more at: www.orangecountync.gov/MatureJobSeekers


illustration - blue hand - splashing water

Low Income Household
Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP)

 LIHWAP is a temporary emergency program that will help eligible households and families afford water and wastewater services, providing a one-time payment for eligible low-income households paid directly to the utility company. LIHWAP runs through September 2023 or until the funds are exhausted. Apply online at www.epass.nc.gov or call/visit your local County Department of Social Services. Learn more download the LIHWAP flier.

Options Counseling, is it for you? Older Hispanic couple - smiling
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wallet - credit card - dollar bills

Senior Center Fee Payment and Financial Assistance

The Orange County Senior Centers strive to be accessible and welcoming to all seniors.  If you want to participate in senior center fee-based activities and are unable, or unwilling, to pay a required fee, you may still participate.

Furthermore, a selection of free activities and programs are available to seniors age 55 and over. Read more.

technology - tablet - laptop - monitor

Technology Classes: Available Through the  Seymour Tech Center


Seymour Tech offers FREE classes for older adults around personal computer, tablet, and smart phone use. See the full list of upcoming programs here and contact Mike Gilliom with questions.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Image: Older African-American - carpenter level; older Caucasian woman - phone. Text: If you are interested in becoming a Handy Helper or Telephone Reassurance Volunteer, call Alison Smith, VC 55+ Volunteer Coordinator at 919-245-4241, or email alsmith@orangecountync.gov.
"Volunteer" with colorful hands lifted.

Would you like to share your skills and gifts with older adults in Orange County?  To volunteer, please contact Orange County Department on Aging's Volunteer Connect 55+ (VC 55+) Volunteer Coordinator, Alison Smith by phone at 919-245-4241 or email alsmith@orangecountync.gov. 



For more information about ways to help during COVID, please visit:

  • Orange County Health Department - How I Can Help

  • UNC Health- Ways you can help

  • Duke Health - How you can help during COVID-19

CONTACT US

Jerry M. Passmore Center

Location & Hours

103 Meadowlands Dr. (PO Box 8181)
Hillsborough, NC 27278
Phone: 919-245-2015

Hours:
Monday - Friday, 8 am - 5 pm

Robert & Pearl Seymour Center

Location & Hours

2551 Homestead Road
Chapel Hill, NC 27516
Phone:919-968-2070

Hours: 
Monday - Thursday: 8 am - 9 pm
Friday - Saturday: 8 am - 5 pm

Orange County Department on Aging - Aging Transitions Services
Orange County Department on Aging - Senior Centers
Orange County Department on Aging - Volunteer Connect 55+
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300 W Tryon St, Hillsborough, NC 27278

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