Your Guide to Senior Services in Winston-Salem & Forsyth County

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In a search for senior services in Winston-Salem, I was looking for solutions to problems, answers to questions, and suggestions for socializing that seniors might be seeking. The first place I considered looking was the Forsyth County Department of Senior Services, which does not exist. After some digging, I found that seniors fall under “Adult Care” at Forsyth County Department of Social Services, where you can find information about in-home care, obtaining guardianship, and protection for the elderly. Other senior services, however, are facilitated through the Piedmont Triad Regional Council: Area Agency on Aging, and local organizations it helps fund. Winston-Salem does offer many excellent services to senior citizens, and we have made it easy for you to learn about them in this article.

What Is The Piedmont Triad Regional Council: Area Agency On Aging

The Piedmont Triad Regional Council (PTRC) is a voluntary association of local governments that has serving members from a 12-county area, including Forsyth. The Area Agency on Aging is a division of the council that oversees the delivery of services to the aging population and their families. They also administer the allocation of government funds to agencies providing services to seniors, advocate for senior issues, share information with the aging and disabled, the media, the public, and service providers, and provide training in service delivery. Adrienne Calhoun, Area Agency on Aging Director for the Piedmont Triad Regional Council, graciously gave her time to explain the agency’s function and how it operates, the services provided through them, and the organizations that receive funding from them. She also emphasized the agency’s sincere desire to see that the needs of the Triad’s senior population are being met. Below are the organizations and services available to seniors.

Senior Services, Inc

• 2895 Shorefair Drive, Winston-Salem, NC
• 336-725-0907

Senior Services is the main service for senior organizations in the county. Established in 1962, it is a 501 (c) (3) charity whose mission is to help older adults remain at home for as long as possible and to help them live with dignity. Their concern extends to caregivers of the elderly, with services and education that benefit them. Individuals who can’t afford to pay for services may receive assistance. This organization covers all aspects of elder living and addresses many of the issues seniors face physically and emotionally. It is primarily run by dedicated volunteers and funded by donations.

These are the eight major programs Senior Services offers.

Senior Services – 8 Programs

1. The Elizabeth & Tab Williams Adult Day Care Center – A safe environment and fun, structured day program for those living with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. The award-winning Williams Center provides meaningful activities, nutritious meals, and socialization for participants, as well as peace of mind and personal time for their caregivers. See the Website for more information.
2. Meals On Wheels – For seniors aged 60 and over who are homebound and unable to obtain or prepare healthy meals. There are three programs: hot meals, groceries, and frozen meals. There may be a waiting list for this service in certain county areas if the route is full. For more information or to sign up, call the Help Line at 336-724-2040.
3. Help Line 336-724-2040 – A service available to seniors and their caregivers who need answers about issues in their daily lives, such as transportation for medical care or to shop for food, help in the home for personal care, housekeeping, and sitter services, home modification and home repairs, housing options, including nursing home placement, or recreation and volunteer opportunities. Simply call with any questions, and specialists will provide information, referrals, and options. There is also a Directory Of Services available.
4. Home Care – For seniors in need of help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, eating, and toileting, a nurse develops a care plan for a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) to visit Mon-Fri for 1-2 hours for personal care or 3-4 hours for respite care. This service allows older adults to remain at home, living with dignity, and caregivers receive a break. See the Website for payment options and information.
5. Senior Lunch – Seniors can become isolated. The lunch program for county residents over 60 provides a friendly atmosphere and hearty lunch Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at four sites around the county when space is available: Shorefair Senior Lunch Site (at the Generations Center) in Winston-Salem, Sprague Street Community Center, in Winston-Salem, Koerner Place Apartments, in Kernersville, and Sunrise Towers, in Winston-Salem. Call Sarah Slater, Monday – Friday, 8:30am – 1:30pm at 336-721-6936, for information and to see if space is available at a location.
6. Living At Home – this program through the Community Alternatives Program for Disabled Adults (CAP/DA Or CAP/Choice) is available to individuals 65 and older and disabled adults 18 and older who are Medicaid eligible and need assistance at home with daily activities such as dressing, bathing, walking, toileting, and other routine tasks. The individual must require a level of care equivalent to a skilled nursing facility and have a home where their health, safety, and well-being can be assured. To learn more about this program, CAP/DA, and CAP/Choice enrollment, see this Website.
7. Elder Care Choices – is a consulting and referral service for employees of companies who have contracted with the service. More than 20 corporate clients, representing more than 20,000 local employees, have subscribed to the service, making it part of their employee’s benefit package, saving them time in identifying and locating resources. Employers interested in learning more about the service can see “What Can Elder Care Choices Do for Your Employees” for more information.
8. Creative Connections – The arts and creative activities promote healthy aging – they have been shown to lower the risk of dementia, decrease stress, improve mood, and provide meaning and purpose. Forsyth County adults age 60+ can participate in art classes at the Intergenerational Center For Arts & Wellness, 114 W 30th Street, Winston-Salem. Professional artists invite you to try something new, meet friends, and discover new talent. Programs include visual art classes, acting lessons, creative writing, pickleball, and drumming instruction. See what interests you. All classes are free of charge. Visit the Creative Connections Website.

See more detailed information in our article about about Senior Services Inc.

Financial Pathways Of The Piedmont

• 7820 North Point Boulevard, Suite 100, Winston-Salem, NC
• 336-896-1191 | 888-874-8015

Financial Pathways of the Piedmont provides services and resources to help people with their financial well-being. Their Senior Financial Care® (SFC) program helps adults 60 and older in Forsyth and surrounding counties with the unique financial challenges they face surviving on a fixed income. According to Shareka Williams, Financial Management and Education Director at Financial Pathways of the Piedmont, all seniors are taken through a Benefits Checkup to ensure they receive all the benefits they are eligible for. Then, trained, certified counselors can help with money management and other issues that affect older adults. If desired, other family members can attend these counseling sessions and often benefit from being able to access the aging adult’s finances. Most services are provided at no cost to clients. Appointments can be made in person, at home, or by phone. Call to schedule an appointment.

Here are four of the services Financial Pathways of the Piedmont offers:

1. Bill Pay And Account Reconciliation – counselors can assist seniors with writing checks for monthly bills, reconciling bank statements, and developing a budget. They can also help organize a system to keep up with paperwork. There is a sliding scale fee based on household income for this service.
2. SHIIP Insurance Counseling – counselors can provide up-to-date counseling on Medicare, Medicaid, and supplemental insurance, helping to make the information easier to understand. They can also assist with claims and payments and follow up with providers. There is no cost for this service.
3. Credit And Debt Counseling – seniors can easily find themselves in debt with credit cards or medical bills, with seeming no way out. Counselors can negotiate with creditors to reduce payments or develop a debt management plan to make payments manageable. There is no cost for this service.
4. Consumer Fraud, Identity Theft, Scams Education – seniors are favorite targets of financial scams and schemes. Counselors provide information to seniors on how to recognize and avoid becoming victims of fraud. There is no cost for this service.

Forsyth County Department Of Social Services

• 741 N Highland Avenue, Winston-Salem, NC
• 336-703-3800

Forsyth County Department of Social Services falls under the direction of the NC Department of Health and Human Services, which has a Division on Aging. Here are five of the services they offer to seniors and their families:

1. Adult Guardianship Service – this is a legal relationship where the Superior Court authorizes someone to be a substitute decision-maker for an incompetent adult to help with issues such as housing or placement to a facility, consent for medical treatment or procedures, monitoring and coordinating services with partner agencies, monitor services provided by facilities, work to assist in meeting general basic needs for one’s safety and well-being. If interested in this program, call 336-703-3501
2. Adult In-Home Services – This service provides assessment, counseling, case management, and supportive services to seniors 60 and older and their families. The hope is to allow seniors to stay in the home and live as independently as possible. Social workers work with agencies to coordinate and monitor services for older adults, such as Adult Day Care, Meals On Wheels, and In-Home Aids. In-Home Aid services include basic housekeeping, light meal preparation, laundry, bill paying, transportation for medical appointments, and essential errands. Due to the demand for In-Home Aid services, there may be a waitlist. Call 336-703-3501 for information.
3. Adult Medicaid – This provides healthcare coverage for qualified seniors 65 or older. Programs range from full to partial benefits based on income, age, health needs, resources, and other requirements. Medicaid may help pay for nursing homes, intermediate care, or long-term care in the home. The call center number is 336-703-3800.
4. Adult Protective Services – This service protects NC’s most vulnerable adults from being mistreated: those with incapacitating disabilities, those abused or neglected by caregivers, exploited or self-neglecting, and those with a current and continued need for protection. Social workers will make unannounced face-to-face visits, work with the adult, family, and providers to secure needed essential services for the adult, support the adult, family, and caregiver to see that problems are resolved, and report the mistreatment and ensure action is taken to protect the adult. For more information, 336-703-3503. Any person suspecting a disabled adult of being abused, neglected, or exploited is mandated to report it to Adult Protective Services. The reporter’s identity is kept confidential by law. To report, call 336-703-3503.
5. Assisted Living Services – This unit licenses and monitors facilities to ensure residents receive the care required by state standards. Social workers also help aging and disabled adults who have no one available to assist them in finding facility placement. They also serve adults 18 years and older who are physically and/or mentally disabled and need services to enable them to stay in their homes. For information, call 336-703-3501. Here is a listing of Licensed Care Facilities in Forsyth County.

Legal Aid Of NC Greensboro Office

• 122 N Elm Street, Suite 700, Greensboro, NC
• Senior Legal Helpline: 877-579-7562 | Mon-Fri, 9am – 11am & 1pm – 3pm

Legal Aid of North Carolina, Greensboro Office, is the local office of the statewide nonprofit law firm that provides legal services to low-income people in civil cases that involve basic human needs like safety, housing, income, and more. The organization handles cases for seniors ages 60 and over, giving priority to those with the greatest need. They have many more people applying for their services than they can serve, so there may be a waiting list.

Legal Aid of NC’s Senior Law Project program operates a Senior Legal Helpline where individuals can reach out for help with issues such as:

• Grandparent Guardianship
• Receiving Public Benefits (Medicaid, food stamps, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Social Security Disability)
• Abuse and Neglect
• Housing Problems (foreclosure, eviction, subsidized housing, repairs, utilities)
• Consumer Issues
• Wrongful Repossession

The Senior Legal Helpline, 877-579-7562, is available Mon-Fri, 9am – 11am & 1pm – 3pm.

The Shepherd’s Center Of Kernersville

• 636 Gralin Street, Kernersville, NC
• 336-996-6696

The Shepherd’s Center of Kernersville is an interfaith ministry and organization of volunteers that enriches the lives of older and disabled individuals and provides other essentials of life, allowing them to live their lives with dignity, respect, and purpose. The organization operates almost solely through the work of volunteers and offers many services, including:

• Senior Enrichment Center – The full-time center offers a variety of activities and services, including Arts Education, Fun and Games, and Health and Wellness. Most classes are free of charge; however, there are a few that require fees. Most programs are held during regular office hours, but some are offered in the evening or on weekends. Click here for a list of center activities, or visit their Website.
• Transportation – Volunteers provide transportation from the individual’s home to medical appointments in Kernersville, Walkertown, Winston-Salem, Greensboro, or High Point. Call the center for more information.
• Friendly Caller – Volunteers will call individuals who live alone or would enjoy a daily phone call, Monday through Friday. The calls are to ensure the individual is alright and to have a short “visit” by phone. Call the center if you or someone you know would benefit from this service.
• Visitation – Volunteers provide short visits for some companionship and socialization or longer visits to provide respite relief for family caregivers, allowing them to run errands or take a break. A home assessment will be conducted before the service is arranged.
• Personal Shopper – A volunteer shopper will pick up, fulfill, and deliver groceries, food pantry requests, and pharmacy orders to your home. Payment is arranged ahead of time or exchanged at drop-off.
• Project Joy – A ministry of the Shepherd’s Center to lift the spirits of those who need encouragement, care, sympathy, celebration, remembrance, appreciation, or acknowledgment. Each Thursday morning, volunteers make up bouquets from flowers donated by a wholesaler. On Thursday afternoon, other volunteers deliver them to individuals the Shepherd staff has identified.
• Handy Person – Volunteers provide free labor for minor home repairs and simple yard work other than mowing and tree removal. Jobs are screened to ensure they are within the capability of the handyman volunteers. Call the center office if you have handyman skills and could volunteer a few hours a month.
• Pastoral Counseling – A ministry program of the center is free counseling offered by a retired Methodist minister who is trained in grief, depression, family problems, addiction, and many other needs. He is easy to talk to, and sessions are confidential. To arrange a session, call 336-996-6696.
• Medicare/SHIIP & Financial Care Counseling – In partnership with other organizations, the center provides financial and insurance support by phone or in person with a Financial and certified SHIIP Counselor.
• Legal Aid Counseling – The center in partnership with Legal Aid of NC, provides legal support for civil matters for such needs as safety, shelter, income, and more through phone or in-person appointments.
• Elder Law Legal Aid – The center provides legal support through phone and in-person appointments with an attorney.
• Bill Radisch Computer Center – This service offers one-on-one Windows computer and other Android electronic device operation, education, and assistance. They will repair your device, install programs, and more. A $5 donation is requested for service. Appointments are required on Wednesday and Friday mornings, made a day in advance or the day of if available. Call 336-996-6696 to schedule.
• Caregiver Support Group – Monthly meetings are held for caregivers needing support.
• Equipment Loan Program – The center loans out medical equipment such as canes, walkers, and wheelchairs for short-term or long-term needs on a three-month renewable basis. Call the office for more information.
• Income Tax Preparation – The center offers free income tax return preparation appointments from February through mid-April in partnership with the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Program.
• Information & Referrals – The center provides various resources for aging and/or disabled adults.
• Advocacy – The center, along with local law enforcement, provides meetings and events to bring awareness to the issues of elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation.

The Shepherd’s Center Of Greater Winston-Salem

• 1700 Ebert Street, Winston-Salem, NC
• 336-748-0217

The Shepherd’s Center of Greater Winston-Salem is an interfaith ministry and volunteer organization that promotes and supports successful aging by providing services, volunteer opportunities, and enrichment programs for older adults. Volunteers are vital to the operation of the Shepherd’s Center and the many services they offer, which include:

• The Vital Living Program – This program provides fellowship, entertainment, recreation, learning opportunities, health, wellness, & exercise for adults 50 and older. The programs include:
  • Adult Coloring
  • Knitting & Crochet
  • Shepherd Center’s Singers
  • Tai Chi
  • Yoga
  • Cards & Board Games
  • Bridge
  • A Matter of Balance
  • Healing Touch Workshop
  • Meditation Training
  • Writing Workshop
  • Warm Water Exercise (Held at Salemtown)
  • See the center’s schedule of ongoing activities.
• The Faith In Action Program – provides the following services for seniors:
  • Transportation – Volunteers provide transportation for ages 60 and over from the individual’s home to medical appointments and grocery shopping.
  • Visitation – Trained volunteers provide 2-3 hour visits to provide respite relief for family caregivers, allowing them to run errands or take a break. Compassionate volunteers can offer weekly visits for those over 60 for some companionship and socialization. A staff member will visit to gather information and make a volunteer match for either type of visit.
  • Minor Home Repairs – Volunteers provide free labor for minor home repairs such as carpentry, plumbing, and simple electrical problems. Grab bars can also be installed in bathrooms to prevent falls. The only cost is for necessary supplies and materials.
• Powerful Tools For Caregivers – 6-week classes teach family caregivers to take care of themselves as they deal with the stress of caring for a loved one.
• Saturday Night Fellowship – This program collaborates with community congregations that provide a monthly meal and fellowship for older adults. For information, call Melissa Smith at 336-748-0217.

The Shepherd’s Center of Greater Winston Salem also has monthly activities: Alternative Health Talks, Arthritis Workshop, Wayback Wednesday, and Welcome to Medicare. A walking trail behind the center and its gazebo and gardening club offer outdoor recreational activities. Also, ask for information about veteran courses that teach methods for countering PTSD.

Here’s an interview with the Shepher’s Center and Winston-Salem Elder Care.

Trans-AID Of Forsyth County – Winston-Salem Transportation Authority (WSTA)

• 1060 N Trade Street, Winston-Salem, NC
• 336-727-2000

Trans-AID, a division of WSTA, is a ride-share for seniors 60 and over or people with a disability. The service operates within city limits and up to 3/4 of a mile around WSTA bus routes. It can be used for trips to medical appointments, the grocery store, church, or other locations. The trips are usually curb-to-curb, but if you need assistance, request door-door service when applying. Seniors must fill out an application to use the service. For ADA transportation, you will need to fill out an application and go through an interview with an ADA staff member. Anyone who qualifies for Medicaid can use Trans-AID for free transportation to medical appointments. You can call to book a trip up to 7 days in advance and at least 1 day before your trip. Trans-AID is a ride-share service, so you will be sharing your ride with other passengers. Seats are given on a first-come, first-served basis. The fare to ride the bus for each one-way trip is $1. If you qualify for a reduced fee, you pay 50 cents. You can buy a 30-ride pass for $30 or a 10-ride pass for $10 at Clark Campbell Transportation Center, 100 W 5th Street, or Hampton D Hath Transportation Building, 1060 N Trade Street.

To schedule a ride, call 336-727-2000, press 1 if you want English, and then press 1 to book a trip.
A service representative will help you.

Brandie Peterson, Director of Community Engagement and Marketing at WSTA, told us about a Travel Training Program that teaches people how to use the city buses and makes them feel more comfortable doing so. It is a great free program for older adults, people with disabilities, those learning English as a second language, or anyone who wants to learn more about the city’s transportation system. You will discover such things as • how to request bus information and plan your trip • tips on reading a bus schedule • transferring smoothly from one bus to another • finding the nearest bus stop to your home • mastering the wheelchair lift and securement system • purchasing bus passes. The regular city bus fares are only $1 with free transfers, and seniors and those with disabilities pay half the fare, making it an inexpensive means of transportation. Call 336-727-2000 and ask for information about the program.

Support Systems Of Forsyth County

• 1922 S Martin Luther King Drive, Suite 40, Winston-Salem, NC
• 336-464-3126

Support Systems of Forsyth County is a community- and family-based business that supports seniors aged 60 and over with no-cost transportation. Their vehicles run from 4am to 12pm and provide service in Forsyth and surrounding counties. According to Director Courtney James, they take the safety and well-being of their senior and disabled passengers to heart and maintain good communication with their drivers and their passenger’s families. Support Systems office is open Monday – Thursday, 9am – 3pm, and Friday, 9am – 2pm, to call to schedule rides. Rides are available 7 days a week to many places, including:

• Doctors
• Medical Treatments
• Grocery Stores
• Church
• Bible Study
• Social Visits
• Activities
• Williams Adult Care Center
• Senior Lunch

Support Systems of Forsyth County also offers a private Companion Service, for a fee, which has a driver bring a senior to a procedure, such as a colonoscopy or other treatment that requires anesthesia, remain with the patient during the procedure, drive the patient home afterward, and see that they get in and settled. The fee for this service may be subsidized based on need. Call for information.

Senior Groups And Activities

One thing seniors should avoid is isolation. It is essential to remain active and socialize as we age. Both Shepherd’s Centers have enrichment centers that offer activities that seniors can take advantage of, most at no cost. Other groups and activities around the city also offer the opportunity to engage your mind and enjoy the companionship of others. Here are some suggestions for you to consider:

• MeetUp Groups & Events For Seniors – There are various groups and events already organized that you could join in the area or start one about something that interests you. You don’t even have to limit yourself to a senior group, but look at these Senior Meetup events to see if there is something you might enjoy. Select “Groups” at the top of the page to see senior groups available.
• City Of WS Events For Seniors – The city offers regularly scheduled activities for seniors and its Piedmont Plus Senior Games, which take place in the spring. Below is the schedule of regular activities, which can also be found on this site:
  • Bocce – Miller Park, 400 Leisure Lane, Tuesday & Fridays, 10am. Call Anna Marino at 336-727-2313 for info
  • Table Tennis – Miller Park Recreation Center, 400 Leisure Lane, Competitive play – Mon, Weds, Fri, 9am; Casual play – Weds, 2pm. Call Anna Marino at 336-727-2313 for info
  • Chair Volleyball – Mon, 11am, South Fork, 4403 Country Club Rd • Tues, 11am, Salvation Army, 2850 New Walkertown Rd • Wed, 11am, 14th Street Rec Center, 2020 14th Street NE • Thurs, 11am, William Sims Center, 1201 Alder Street. Call Chuck Vestal at 336-727-2325 for info
  • Petanque – A strategy and skill game similar to bocce. No experience or equipment is necessary. Miller Park Petanque Court, 400 Leisure Lane, Sundays, 1-4pm
• YMCA Programs For Seniors – The YMCAs in Forsyth County offer many programs for active older adults, including Pickleball, Yoga, Exercise Classes, Standing Strong (to prevent falls), and even Bingo. There is a fee to join the YMCA, but they offer financial assistance through an income-based sliding fee scale to make it affordable for all. Retirees should check with their medicare provider to see if they offer the following memberships, which provide a Y membership free:
  • Silver & Fit®
  • SilverSneakers®
  • Renew Active®
• Volunteer – Many organizations need volunteers, including the senior service ones listed here, such as the Shepherd Centers and Senior Services Inc. You can call the numbers provided for them for information. Hospitals also look for volunteers. Here is the site for Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist and Novant Hospital. Volunteering allows seniors to be active and do something worthwhile and rewarding.

Winston-Salem Offers Attractions For Seniors To Enjoy

Winston-Salem is a great city for seniors, with a walkable downtown filled with shops, restaurants, and art galleries to visit. There are also excellent museums where you can spend an afternoon and lovely greenways for a quiet walk. Reynolda House and Gardens is also a great way to spend the day. All of these suggestions benefit seniors’ health, happiness, and well-being.

What are you looking for as a senior that you can’t find? Tell us in the comments.