Senior Services, Inc.: Behind the Scenes of Winston-Salem’s Most Trusted Senior Resource

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In Forsyth County, 16% of the population is over 65, and 9.3% live below the poverty level. The average age of these seniors is 72.9. Many have physical limitations or health issues, a good number of them live alone, some have no support system, and some feel lonely, a risk factor for early mortality. It isn’t easy to imagine what would happen to these senior citizens if it were not for Senior Services Inc.

This Winston-Salem 501(c)(3) tax-deductible charitable organization has assisted seniors in Forsyth County since 1962. Their mission is to help older adults live at home for as long as possible with dignity.

Who Is Senior Services Inc.

Senior Service Inc. is a nonprofit with a dedicated staff that depends on more than 2,000 community volunteers and funding that has not kept pace with the need and demand for their services. The support they give seniors and their families helps people stay at home and out of costly nursing homes and other facilities. They provided direct, hands-on care to 2,411 Forsyth County older adults in 2023-24, as well as connection to resources and innovative programming for many others.

Individuals who cannot afford to pay for services are of special concern and receive assistance to every extent possible. Unfortunately, 400 people were placed on waiting lists for services at some point over the last year – a 20% increase over the previous year. This is due to an aging population increase and insufficient resources to meet their needs.

What Programs Does Senior Services Inc. Offer

Senior Services currently has 8 major programs that respond to the needs of older adults age 60 plus.

Meals-On-Wheels

For many seniors, obtaining food and preparing healthy meals is very difficult. Meals-On-Wheels provides one full hot meal a day to these individuals, Monday through Friday, delivered by volunteers. The meals are hearty and restaurant-quality, and the volunteers brighten the day for the seniors they visit. They are often the only visitor the meal recipient has each day. In 2023-24, Senior Services Meals-On-Wheels served 1,639 participants 234,810 meals. Of the individuals served the meals, 51% live alone, and 39% live below the poverty line.

Forsyth County residents aged 60 and over who are home-bound and unable to obtain and prepare a nutritious meal for themselves are eligible for this program. There may be a waiting list in certain parts of the county if the route in that area is full.

Meals-On-Wheels also has Groceries and Frozen Meals programs for special cases where no route is available or a medical condition prevents someone from receiving a hot meal. Call 336-724-2040 for information or visit the Meals-On Wheels website. If you wish to become a Meals-On-Wheels volunteer, call 336-721-6961.

Senior Lunch

Socializing becomes complicated for seniors. Many of their friends are gone or have lost contact with them; they no longer have a spouse and feel uncomfortable going out by themselves; they feel isolated and alone, not even speaking to anyone for days. They become lonely, which is more than just sad; it’s a health risk. Studies show loneliness is as bad as smoking 15 cigarettes a day*.

The free Senior Services Senior Lunch Program meets the needs of older individuals seeking a safe, friendly, comfortable place to find companionship, activity, and a hearty lunch. Three days a week, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 10am-1pm, at four sites throughout the county, seniors enjoy arts & crafts, exercise, games, bingo, music, conversation, health information and screenings, and a meal. Forsyth County residents over the age of 60 are eligible as space becomes available. The four Senior Lunch sites are:

• Shorefair Senior Lunch Site and Generations Center, 114 W 30th Street, Winston Salem
• Spargue Street Community Center, 1350 East Sprague Street, Winston-Salem
• Koerner Place Apartments, 812 Birch Lane, Kernersville
• Sunrise Towers, 801 N Martin Luther King Jr Drive, Winston-Salem

You must register to attend the lunch; at this time, no space is available at any of the sites. Call Sarah Slater at 336-721-6937 between 8:30am and 1:30pm, Monday through Friday, to add your name to the waiting list so they can call you when space becomes available.

Home Care

Daily routines we take for granted, such as bathing, dressing, brushing teeth, and fixing hair, become more challenging as people age. These simple things can become impossible for them to do without assistance. A registered nurse works with seniors and their families through the Home Care program to develop a care plan.

Once the service begins, a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) from Senior Services provides regular care for seniors with essential daily activities. They also offer respite care, allowing a primary caregiver a break and time away to care for their needs. The nurse visits at least every 90 days to monitor the services provided.

The Home Care Services are available Monday through Friday, with visits varying from one to two hours for personal care and three to four hours for respite care. Forsyth County residents are eligible who can’t perform two or more tasks essential to the activities of daily living (bathing, dressing, grooming, eating, walking, and toileting), need help with these tasks to remain in their home, do not have a responsible or capable person available to perform these tasks, or do not have a primary caregiver in need of respite.

Limited funding is available for seniors needing assistance with Home Care.
Payment options include the following:

• Private Insurance (Long Term Care)
• Veterans Administration (VA) Benefits. Learn more here
• Medicaid
• Private pay (with a minimum of a two-hour visit once a week)

In 2023-24, the average age of those helped with Home Care was 81, and this program served 237 participants. For more information about Senior Services Inc. Home Care, call 336-724-2040.

Living-At-Home

Seniors 65+ (and disabled adults aged 18+) who are Medicaid-eligible and in need of nursing home-level care can remain at home and receive the care and assets they need to live with dignity, with help from the Senior Services Living-At-Home program through the Community Alternatives Program for Disabled Adults (CAP/DA or CAP/Choice).

To be eligible for either CAP/DA or CAP Choice, an individual must be Medicaid eligible, need a level of care equivalent to that of a skilled nursing facility, and have a home situation in which their health, safety, and well-being can be assured. Additional requirements must also be met.

If a senior meets the above qualifications and you want more information about Living-At-Home and CAP/DA/Choice, call 336-725-0907.

The Elizabeth And Tab Williams Adult Day Center

Caring for someone with memory loss, Alzheimer’s disease, or dementia can be exhausting. The stress, heartbreak, and juggling your other responsibilities can easily cause burnout. Those seniors suffering from memory loss avoid socialization and become isolated.

One of the incredible programs Senior Services Inc. provides is The Elizabeth and Tab Williams Adult Day Center. Now celebrating 50 years, this award-winning adult day center offers participants a stimulating and safe experience, and it allows caregivers to continue with work and other responsibilities, knowing their loved one is well cared for.

The Williams Adult Day Center was recognized as the best adult day center in the country in 2024 when it received the “Center of Distinction” award from the National Adult Day Services Association. It is also a Music and Memory-certified facility, and all staff have dementia training and experience. The staff and volunteers at the center are also caring, compassionate, kind, and knowledgeable, providing a nurturing environment for the participants.

The center has a structured program of meaningful activities for participants, including music, live performers, drumming, exercise—inside and outside—like volleyball, corn hole, and a daily walk around the main hall, arts and crafts, and mind-stimulating gameplay. Socializing is encouraged, and nutritious meals are provided. Optional services, such as barber/beautician and bathing, may incur additional fees.

The Williams Adult Day Center, located at 114 W 30th Street, Suite 400, Winston-Salem, operates Monday through Friday from 7am to 4pm, with extended care available from 4pm to 6pm. The cost is based on the level of an individual’s care needs as determined by a nurse’s evaluation; there are two levels.

• Level One Cost: $69 a day until 4pm or $81 for extended day services
• Level Two Cost: $79 a day until 4pm or $91 for extended day services

Some financial assistance is available for individuals with limited resources. Persons using these funds are encouraged to share in the cost of the service by giving what they can afford; however, no one is denied service due to the inability to contribute.

In 2023-24, of those who attended the Williams Adult Care Center program, 23% were veterans. If you are a veteran, your VA benefits may be able to help you with the cost of this program. Click here to learn more.

To schedule a tour, for more information, or to request a free day, call 336-724-2155.

Creative Connections

Research has demonstrated that arts and creativity-focused activities help promote healthy aging. At Senior Services, older adults are encouraged to engage in Creative Connections arts activities, as participation in the arts has been shown to lower the risk of the onset of dementia, decrease perceptions of pain, help relieve stress, and improve mood.

Collaborations with nonprofit partners and professional artists make Creative Connections accessible to adults 60+ in Forsyth County through in-person classes at the Intergenerational Center for Arts and Wellness.

The classes are designed for people of all artistic backgrounds, including those without experience. They are a great form of self-expression and help encourage socialization and decrease isolation. Classes include African Dance, Acrylic Pour, Acting, Creative Writing, and more. Classes are free, but registration is required. To view upcoming courses and register, visit the Senior Services website.

Help Line

A Help Line is available when seniors or caregivers need answers about issues or problems impacting their daily lives. Whether it be the need for home repairs, transportation to a doctor’s appointment, at-home personal care options, housekeeping, or other situations they are facing, Help Line may have the solution.

Seniors, caregivers, and professionals may call the Help Line for free assistance. Comprehensive assessments are done to determine clients’ needs and connect them with the appropriate resources. Aging Resource specialists are available to offer information, referrals, and options on various topics.

You can call the Help Line at 336-724-2040 or email helpline@seniorservicesinc.org. You can also search for information in a regularly updated online Directory of Services for Older Adults in Forsyth County. Here is the link for the Directory of Services.

Elder Care Choices

Elder Care Choices is a benefit program offered by subscribing companies to help employees manage their work and caregiving responsibilities. It is designed to help them save time identifying and locating resources such as Medicare options and long-term care for a loved one. The program has expanded as more employers realize the impact of caregiving on their staff and workplace efficiency.

There are many Elder Care Choices Corporate Clients in Forsyth County. If your company is interested in providing this benefit to your employees, see the Senior Services Elder Care Choices webpage.

Projects And Resources Of Senior Services Inc

The Intergenerational Center For Arts And Wellness (Generations Center)

The Generations Center is a project spearheaded by Senior Services and made possible by the collaboration and support of 21 organizations wishing to participate in a one-of-a-kind community space. It is founded on the belief that how we treat our older adults defines our community and that creating relationships between generations through meaningful moments helps our community thrive.

Designed for people of all ages, the Generations Center offers a wide range of services.

Arts & Creative Programs

• Intergenerational Classes & Workshops – in visual arts, acting, pottery, pickleball, and more
• Festivals & Events – like the “Blooming Together” arts festival, featuring music, performances, and hands-on arts experiences
• Ongoing Exhibits & Performances – by partners such as Sawtooth School, Winston-Salem Symphony, UNC School of the Arts, 40+ Stage Company, and Arts Council of Winston-Salem
• See here for upcoming classes & events

Wellness & Healthcare Services

• Adult Day Program – The Elizabeth and Tab Williams Adult Day Center is housed here
• Child Care School Readiness Program – Forsyth Family Services has a Private Child Care Center that uses Creative Curriculum and Teaching Strategies. The children also have opportunities to interact with the participants at the Williams Adult Day Center, building intergenerational relationships. See the website for information.
• WSSU Health Sciences Services – physical and occupational therapy in an indoor and outdoor space featuring daily living activities will meet patients’ needs while giving students experiential training
• Primary & Same Day Care Clinics – through Novant Health, this service is accessible to all regardless of ability to pay. Appointments needed. See this website for hours, information, and phone numbers.

Community Engagement & Amenities

• Collaborative Partnerships – with nonprofits and local institutions spanning arts, health care, social services, and education
• Support Group & Caregiver Resources – Alzheimer’s care, cancer, Parkinson’s, mental health, and more, coordinated by on-site partners
• Food Access Initiatives – Second Harvest Food Bank and Novant Health address local food insecurity through education and referral
• Generations Café – serves breakfast, lunch, snacks – a place to share meals and conversation
• Shared “Main Street” Space – a welcoming public area designed like a sidewalk café, encouraging drop-in visits, relaxation, and cross-generational interaction

See the website for more information about the Intergenerational Center for Arts and Wellness.

Caregiver Resources

Caregiving impacts every facet of a person’s and their family’s lives. Caregivers can easily become overwhelmed and stressed, burning out before they realize they need help. Senior Services is there for caregivers. They host events and provide free videos, materials, and referrals. Visit this website for more information.

Speakers Bureau

If your civic, faith-based, or service group is interested in having Senior Services speak on a subject related to aging or caregiving, they will gladly do that if staff schedules permit. Topics such as “Tips and Tools for Aging Well” or “Dementia 101” are available. See the Speakers Bureau webpage for more topics and information.

Age-Friendly Forsyth

Age-Friendly Forsyth is a community alliance housed within Senior Services that engages and informs aging adults and community partners to create a livable community through strategic collaborative planning. The AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities works to educate local leaders to implement changes that make communities more livable for people of all ages, especially older adults.

North Carolina is one of ten states to first join the Age-Friendly movement, and Forsyth County is 1 of 21 North Carolina communities designated as Age-Friendly.

Aging And Funding

Our community, state, and nation are aging, and services to support people to age well in their homes are critical. Forsyth County is ranked fourth in the state for the number of people living here who are over 65 years old.

In 2042, seniors ages 60+ will make up 46% of the Forsyth County population.
The ages in 2042 will include: Silent Generation – 97-114, Baby Boomers – 78-96, Generation X – 62-77, and older Millennials, 60-61

Fundraisers

Fundraisers are a crucial source of revenue that allows Senior Service Inc. to provide all the services for seniors that enable them to continue to live at home with dignity.

• Christmas In July & Remember In December Item Drives – Donate comfort, care, and/or shelf-stable food items during July and December to the big red boxes between 8am and 4pm at Senior Service, 2895 Shorefair Drive or any Forsyth County branch of Piedmont Federal Bank. See the Wish List for needed items
• 25th Annual Evening For Alzheimer’s Care – October 17, 2025, at 6:30pm, presented by Milner’s American Southern Restaurant at the Generation Center. This lovely evening to remember makes it possible for individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia to receive compassionate, nurturing care at The Elizabeth and Tab William Adult Day Center. See this page for information.
• Art Show & Sale Benefitting Meals-On-Wheels – March 7, 2026, from 10am – 2pm at the Intergenerational Center for Arts and Wellness, 114 W 30th Street, Winston-Salem. This year, nearly 900 visitors browsed and purchased one-of-a-kind art pieces from over 74 artists who helped provide nutritious meals for older adults. Don’t miss next year’s event!

Giving

Senior Services knows many seniors are alone, hungry, and struggling to meet basic needs. A gift from you could make all the difference in their life. Visit the Giving page for information on ways to give to Senior Services to help them help aging adults. You can also donate any amount online to the 2024-25 Annual Fund and choose a specific program to apply it to. Donate here.

Government Funding

Funding is not keeping up with demand or need. Nearly 48% of Senior Services Inc. funding comes from governmental funding sources, with about a third originating from the federal level and trickling down through the state and local government. Community and philanthropic support also play a significant role in their funding.

While needs are increasing and waiting lists are getting longer, there is major concern about losing support from the federal level. If you wish to advocate for Senior Services Inc. and let your representatives know how vital they are to seniors in our county, visit this website and scroll to the bottom.

Locally, on June 10, 2025, the County Commissioners voted 4-3 to approve the Community Grants. Senior Services is expected to receive $363,000. While this is not the $410,000 they requested and is a cut from the $385,000 they currently receive, it is better than the $0 proposed in the County Manager’s initial budget, and they are incredibly grateful to be receiving this grant.

More Winston-Salem Senior Services

While Senior Services Inc. is the primary provider of services to aging adults, other Forsyth County organizations offer seniors programs and benefits. See our article about senior services available in Winston-Salem.

Have you or a family member used a service from Senior Services Inc.? Tell us about it in the comments.

*source: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/health/loneliness-poses-health-risks-as-deadly-as-smoking-u-s-surgeon-general-say