Aug. 28--A kind of one-stop shopping is in the works for older North Carolinians and people with disabilities who need social services.
A trek from agency to agency, either in person or on the phone, is a common frustration for older people. Centers like the one planned for Raleigh, to be known as Community Resource Connections for Aging and Disabilities, are being developed across the state and country with grants from the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
"Our overarching goal is that people of all ages and their families have the opportunity to live in inclusive, responsive communities where they have choices and control over the services they receive," said Jackie Sheppard, assistant secretary for long-term care and family services for the state Department of Health and Human Services.
These programs are designed to coordinate such services as locating housing and tax-supported benefits, making it easier for older or disabled people to live in the community instead of institutions.
Gail Holden, director of senior and adult services for Wake County, said Wake is fortunate. "The pieces are all there," she said. "We have to figure out how to put them together."
Ten other centers serving 28 counties across North Carolina are also planning one-stop facilities for seniors, using $400,000 in federal grants during a three-year period.
A center is being planned for Chatham and Orange counties.
Wake County elected not to apply for grants, partly because the nonprofit agency Resources for Seniors already offers many of the functions of a one-stop agency and could eventually get funded as the county's official center.
"We were ahead of the game on this," said David Cottengim, president of Resources for Seniors.
Members of the Gold Coalition, an umbrella organization of groups and businesses that work with the elderly, will meet next month to work out details with county agencies and other potential partners in the center.
According to the Department of Health and Human Services, centers are to provide information on subjects including the Medicare Part D prescription drug plan, programs such as Meals on Wheels and employment options.
thomas.goldsmith@newsobserver.com or (919) 829-8929
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