Aging Transitions Services

Aging Helpline: For more information or to register for an Aging Transitions programs, or to talk to trained staff about any aging-related issue, please call (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 am – 4 pm, Mon - Fri.

Chinese Aging Helpline: Call 919-245-4275
Spanish Aging Helpline: Call 919-245-4245

Caregiver Supports: Support groups, Memory Café, and Care Partner Collaborative have all gone online and most participants have been quick to adopt this new way to gather and stay connected. 

• Activity Engagement Coaching: As we all continue to spend a lot of time at home due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it can be challenging to find ways to keep loved ones with dementia engaged throughout the day.

  For caregivers connected to our various dementia support programs, we are now offering one-on-one consultations (via phone or GoToMeeting) where we can brainstorm together with you to identify enjoyable activities that are:

  • person-centered, i.e. tailored to your loved one’s current and past interests, likes, preferences
  • meaningful
  • appropriately modified to current level of cognitive ability, thereby reducing frustration and stress

If interested, please contact Lisa Meinert, certified Dementia Care Partner and Activity Professional lmeinert@orangecountync.gov or 919-245-4251.

• Care Partner Collaborative: A social gathering for care partners and their loved ones experiencing cognitive and/or physical challenges. Our group has moved online, coming together each Wednesday at 11 a.m. via GoToMeeting. We continue to create a flexible space for sharing and connection, with all participants welcome to join in simple, enjoyable group activities according to individual ability levels. To register, please call 919-968-2087 or email agingtransitions@orangecountync.gov. Contact Lisa for more information.
  
  
• Caregiver Support Group: Virtual meeting with other caregivers to share experiences, learn new skills, and get answers to questions about dementia and other long-term disabilities. Thursday, April 23 at 1pm. Available via GoToMeeting. To register, please call 919-968-2087 or email agingtransitions@orangecountync.gov. Contact Kim for more information.
  
  
•  Memory Cafe: A monthly opportunity for persons with dementia and their care partners to relax over a “virtual” cup of coffee and socialize.  Available via GoToMeeting. To register, please call 919-968-2087 or email agingtransitions@orangecountync.gov. Contact Kim for more information.

Durable Medical Equipment: Our occupational therapist is available should you need durable medical equipment, or a phone consultation.  

MyMobility Plan Presentation
Learn to use the CDC’s MyMobility Tool, a tool designed to help seniors plan their physical activity, home safety and transportation safety (driving independently, accessing public transit, or getting help from friends and family). Ellen Bailey, Coordinator of the NC Falls Prevention Coalition, and Lindsay Bailey, UNC Health Care Trauma Program Injury Prevention Coordinator, created the MyMobility Plan Presentation to help seniors access and utilize the MyMobility tool. In addition, Ellen and Lindsay will share several resources, national and local, that can help seniors to access rides and driver safety information. Access the presentation slides here.

Volunteer Driver Program continues to provide rides for older adults to essential services. This service has become even more important as Orange County Public Transit and Chapel Hill Transit have limited service.

For more caregiver resources, sign up for the monthly Community News for Caregivers e-newsletter.

To see all of the Department on Aging’s new and modified programs, visit our COVID-19 Resources for Seniors page.