Greenville Senior AdvisorWho is the Area Agency on Aging for Greenville, SC?
The Appalachian Council of Governments Area Agency on Aging at 30 Century Circle in Greenville (864-242-9733, toll-free 1-800-434-4036), which serves Greenville, Anderson, Pickens, Oconee, Spartanburg and Cherokee counties as their aging and disability resource center.
Help is available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Who serves Laurens County seniors?
The Upper Savannah Council of Governments Area Agency on Aging in Greenwood, which covers Laurens, Abbeville, Edgefield, Greenwood, McCormick and Saluda counties; its information and referral line is (864) 941-8077.
Upper Savannah also runs the regional ombudsman program for Laurens County at (864) 941-8070.
Is PACE available in the Upstate?
Yes, in Greenville, Pickens and Anderson counties: Prisma Health SeniorCare PACE-Upstate serves those three counties, according to SCDHHS; it does not serve Laurens County.
PACE is for people 55 and older who meet nursing facility level of care and can live safely at home with its help.
Where do I report suspected abuse of an older adult in South Carolina?
Abuse of an adult living at home goes to DSS Adult Protective Services at 1-888-227-3487; abuse of a facility resident goes to the regional Long Term Care Ombudsman; anyone in immediate danger needs 911.
You do not need proof to report.
Who takes Community Choices waiver referrals?
SCDHHS Community Long Term Care's Centralized Intake, at (888) 971-1637 or through its online referral form.
Have a list of daily needs, medications, recent hospital stays, income and savings ready.
Where can I check a facility's license?
On the S.C. Department of Public Health's Find a Facility map, which shows each licensed facility's license number, expiration date, licensed beds and administrator, or in our directory, built from the same data.
DPH's monthly enforcement reports show administrative and consent orders.
Is there help for family caregivers in the Upstate?
Yes. The Family Caregiver Program at the Appalachian Council of Governments (864-242-9733) serves Greenville, Anderson and Pickens counties, and Upper Savannah COG's family caregiver support program serves Laurens County, offering information, caregiver training and help arranging respite.
Adult day care centers licensed by DPH give caregivers a regular break, and the Community Choices waiver includes respite for eligible participants. Asking for help before exhaustion sets in usually keeps a parent at home longer.
Where can families get help with Medicaid applications?
From SCDHHS's Member Contact Center at (888) 549-0820 or apply.scdhhs.gov, from the Area Agency on Aging's information and referral staff, from nursing home and hospital business offices and social workers, and from elder law attorneys for complex cases involving trusts or a spouse at home.
A complete application with up to 60 months of financial records is the fastest one. Start before savings are exhausted so coverage can begin when it is needed.
