As a department of County Government, the Project on Aging serves as the focal point for aging services in Watauga County. The agency encourages independence and promotes wellness by providing supportive services to the County’s older adults.
Some of these services include:
- In Home Aide Services
- Home Delivered Meals
- CAP/DA (Community Alternatives Program for Disabled Adults).
- The goal of CAP/DA is to enable individuals who are eligible for Medicaid to remain in their homes or to return to their homes from nursing facilities and live as independently as possible. Clients must be at least 18 years of age and certified in need of ICF or SNF Nursing Home Care, qualified by a physician, and meet Medicaid eligibility guidelines.
- Congregate Nutrition
- Transportation Services
- Medical Loan Closet
- Information and Referral
The Lois E. Harrill Senior Center serves the senior citizens of Watauga County and is located in the Watauga County Human Services Building at 132 Poplar Grove Connector, Suite A, Boone.
The Western Watauga Community Center serves the senior citizen population in the western part of the county and is located in the Cove Creek Community at 1081 Old Hwy 421, Sugar Grove.
The mission of both centers is to create an environment that encourages independence in older adults and promotes their active participation in all aspects of their lives.
Programs and Services at the two centers include:
- Arts and Crafts Classes and Guilds
- Trips and Picnics
- Support Groups
- Health Fairs
- Fitness and Health Promotions
- Educational Opportunities
- High Country Senior Games
- Medical Loan Closet
- Reserved Space for Community Activities
- Employment Information and Assistance
- Recreational Activities
- AARP’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance
- Seniors Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP)
- Volunteer Placement Opportunities
- Transportation
- Information and Referral
- Advocacy for rights and benefits of older adults
- Retirement Planning Information
- Intergenerational Activities
- Volunteer Services: chore, friendly visiting, telephone reassurance