Home Safety Chat

Join occupational therapist, Marie Dagger, for 30 minutes of education and Q&A about staying safe at home. Bring your questions related to the day’s topic!
Fee: FREE                        
Topic: Recovering After a Fall

Date: Tuesday, April 27th   
Time: 10 – 10:30 am
Program Code: 342205-07
Join: Contact Marie Dagger (919-245-4279). Link/phone number will be shared ahead of class.

Virtual Tour of Ripley's Aquarium in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Our Aquarium Expert will lead our travels through the entire aquarium on this 45 minute virtual guided tour.
See African Penguins, exotic fish, large sharks without getting your feet wet! Your questions will be answered in real time during this aquarium adventure!
Audio & visual internet connection are needed to enjoy this virtual tour.
Register: Call 919-968-2070 to register by April 27
Fee: $5 per participant

Date: Tuesday, May 4
Time: 2pm
Join: Link will be provided one week prior for all paid participants

BLUMORA

Come listen to this talented acoustic duo with their beautiful arrangements inspired by folk, country, bluegrass and Americana. Enjoy strong melodies and harmonies, along with the sound of guitars, mandolin, and electronic foot percussion. Bring a bag lunch and a folding chair (you can also enjoy the concert from your car).
Register: Call 919-968-2070
Fee: FREE

Date: Thursday, May 6
Time: 12:30 pm 
Program Code: 353037-03 
Location: Seymour Center Parking Lot

New to Medicare? Join our Welcome to Medicare Class

If you’re turning 65 soon, you’re probably being bombarded by mailings about Medicare.  This online class will provide valuable information whether you’re retiring soon, already retired or continuing to work.  You’ll learn how and when to enroll, potential penalties for late enrollment, Medicare’s costs, benefits and options. 

Date: Wednesday, May 19th
Time: 6:00 - 7:30pm
Register: To register, call 919-245-4274 and select option 2.  Leave us your name, phone and email address.  You’ll receive a confirmation email and a second email with a link to join our Zoom Meeting the day prior.

• Newsletter: Sign up for the COVID-19 newsletter from the Orange County Health Department.

• Text: To receive daily text updates, text ocnchealth to 888-777.

• Hotline: Questions about COVID-19? Call (919) 245-6111 between the hours of 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Spanish language and other languages available.

• Email: Email your questions to covid19@orangecountync.gov.

Prescription Medications Too Expensive?

Medicare’s Extra Help program reduces the price of medications for those who qualify.  You must have monthly income below $1610 and savings less than $13,290.  For a married couple, income must be less than $2,178 and savings below $26,520. 
 
For those who don’t qualify for that program, explore these options:

• Ask your doctor and pharmacist about alternative medications that are covered on your drug plan at a lower co-pay, such as generics.

• Search for Manufacturer Discount Programs that cover your medication.

• Check the current pricing of your medications using a Drug Discount Program.  In some cases, retail pricing with coupons are lower than the co-pays on your drug plan.  Be aware, however that costs won’t apply to your drug plan’s deductible. Popular options include:  www.goodrx.com, www.blinkhealth.com, www.northcarolinadrugcard.com

Make an appointment to meet with a certified volunteer counselor from the Seniors’ Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) to discuss your options.  We have both in-person appointments and appointments by Zoom available by visiting our website www.orangecountync.gov/ocncshiip or calling 919-245-4274.

Income Tax Filing Deadline Extended to May 17^th

The Orange County Volunteer Income Tax Assistance
The Orange County VITA program is making appointments through May 6^th for our Drop Off Service.  You’ll complete some paperwork, meet briefly with a preparer and we’ll you’re your documents, then make you an appointment for a week later to pick up your income tax return. 
 
Appointments are available Wednesdays 9am-1pm at the Passmore Center in Hillsborough and Thursdays 9am-4pm at the Seymour Center in Chapel Hill.   Please visit www.orangecountync.gov/ocncvita to schedule your appointment or call us at 919-245-4242.

World Voice Day: Your Voice is Essential

Your voice has always been essential, but now it's more precious than ever.  You've been socially distanced, but not vocally distanced. Constant virtual meetings, talking through face masks, staying home with kids, and feeling overwhelmed can all affect your voice. 

Join Duke Voice Care Center for a live webinar to learn how to keep your voice working - for YOU.

Date: Wednesday, April 28
Time: 7:00 - 8:30 PM
Register: www.DukeHealth.org/WorldVoiceDay
Fee: FREE
For questions or more information, please email karen.stark@duke.edu.

Caregiver Supports

Support groups, educational programs, Memory Café, and Care Partner Collaborative have all gone online and most participants have been quick to adopt this new way to gather and stay connected.  See below for upcoming programs or flyer for all Spring 2021 Caregiver Programming.

For more caregiver resources, sign up for the monthly Community News for Caregivers e-newsletter.

ACUPUNCTURE - VIRTUAL

Achieve optimal health naturally through the ancient art of Chinese Medicine. We see the body, emotions and spirit as an integrated system, which we strive to harmonize to maintain a balanced state of wellbeing. Acupuncture treats a myriad of issues from arthritis, insomnia, headaches, neck/back pain, sciatica, plantar fasciitis, varicosities, digestive and respiratory issues and more. Online consultations available. For more information, visit: http://www.nccaomdiplomates.com/celestialsea

Please contact Tamara Freedman, L. Ac. for an appointment (919-370-1375).  To register, please contact the Front Desk: 919-968-2070.

Fee: $55/ 1.5 hr session 

Technology Classes Available Through the  Seymour Tech Center

COVID-19 Volunteer Opportunities

Would you like to share your skills and gifts with older adults in Orange County?  Leaders from Orange County’s Department on Aging and UNC’s Partnerships in Aging are creating a list to match volunteers with the needs and changing circumstances of individuals and organizations that serve older adults. 

To volunteer, please contact Shenae McPherson (919-245-4243).