Who We Are:

Area Agency on Aging promotes the highest level of well being of older adults and their families by partnering with organizations to provide a comprehensive system of opportunities, services, and protective services. The AAA is a leader and catalyst in helping older adults in our four county region lead more independent, vibrant lives. As part of a national network of aging agencies established by the Older Americans Act, we work to strengthen home and community care for older adults.

Mission:

The AAA is a regional leader and catalyst in supporting older adults to lead more independent, vibrant lives.

“Advocacy, Assistance and Answers”

Vision:

Everyone in our region can age with dignity, purpose and connection to community.”

What We Offer:

• Community Resource Connections (CRC) & Local Contact Agency (LCA) Options Counseling - Supports access to anyone looking for information about aging and disability services in the four-county area; and, assists residents of nursing homes in exploring options to return to the community.
• Family Caregiver Support Services - Provides services for family members or friends who care for a frail older person and to older relatives who are the primary caregivers of someone age 18 or younger.
• Foster Grandparent Program - Connects volunteers 55+ with at-risk children in schools, childcare centers, and Head Start programs.
• Health Promotion and Disease Prevention - Offers programs designed to keep community members healthy and active, with a focus on managing chronic health issues and preventing falls
• Long Term Care Ombudsman - Uses advocacy, conciliation, and mediation to assure the rights of people living in long term care settings are honored.
• Monitoring and Quality Assurance - Ensures quality aging services are being provided as intended by the Older Americans Act in Region B by providing day-to-day support and guidance to aging service providers and by performing periodic in-depth reviews of the aging service programs they offer.
• Project CARE (Caregiver Alternatives to Running on Empty) - Assists caregivers of people with dementia by providing a Family Consultant to help resolve caregiving issues.
• Regional and County Aging Planning - Coordinates long-range planning for older adult and caregiver needs in our region.
• Senior Companion Program - Involves volunteers ages 55+ in supportive services to keep older adults living independently at home.
• Senior Tar Heel Legislature - Provides information to older adults on the legislative process and matters being considered by the North Carolina General Assembly.

NORTH CAROLINA REGIONAL RESOURCES:

A: Southwestern Commission

Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Haywood, Jackson, Macon, Swain

Jeanne Mathews

828-586-1962 ex. 217

Jeanne@regiona.org

B: Land of Sky

Transylvania, Henderson, Buncombe, Madison

Stephanie Stewart

828-251-6622 ex. 1117

Stephanie@landofsky.org

C: Isothermal Planning & Development

McDowell, Rutherford, Polk, Cleveland

Danielle Williams

828-287-2281 ex. 258

Dwilliams@regionc.org

D: High Country

Ashe, Alleghany, Watauga, Wilkes, Yancey, Mitchell, Avery

Amber Chapman

828-265-5434 ex. 113

achapman@regiond.org

E: Western Piedmont

Burke, Catawba, Caldwell, Alexander

Sarah Stamey

828-485-4216

Sarah.stamey@wpcog.org