Coordinated Public Transit-Human Services Transportation Plan

The regional planning agency seeks feedback from seniors and those with disabilities in Orange, Durham, and Chatham counties to update the Coordinated Public Transit-Human Services Transportation Plan. This plan addresses existing mobility and future needs for older adults and those with disabilities in the urbanized areas of Durham, Orange, and Chatham counties. Four workshops will be available to learn more and provide input. These workshops are open to the public, human services agencies, and anyone else who is interested in mobility in the area. Learn about workshops.

Important News for Those with Medicare Advantage Plans

If you have an AARP/United Healthcare Medicare Advantage Plan and use UNC Health System providers, you should consider changing plans BEFORE MARCH 31. As of April 1, UNC will likely be out-of-network with these plans and you have a one-time opportunity to change to a different Medicare Advantage Plan until March 31. Note: UNC will continue seeing patients with Medi-Gap plans from United Healthcare. 

In fact, anyone with a Medicare Advantage Plan can take advantage of the same option. So if you missed Medicare’s Open Enrollment Period, or if you have had second thoughts, you may still be able to change. (Aren’t sure whether you have an Advantage Plan? Check your insurance card.  If it says “PPO” or “HMO” anywhere on the card, you do!)  

Make an appointment to meet with a certified counselor from the NC Department of Insurance. Appointments available by Zoom video chat and in-person at the Seymour and Passmore Centers. Schedule online at ­www.orangecountync.gov/Medicare or call 919-245-4274.

Get Help with Filing your 2023 Income Tax Return

The Orange County Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA) is again offering income tax return preparation services at no charge to those with low and moderate incomes. You can work in person with a certified volunteer preparer at the Seymour Center in Chapel Hill or the Passmore Center in Hillsborough. Schedule an appointment online at our website www.orangecountync.gov/vita or by phone at 919-245-4242.  

Dementia – Let’s Talk About It

Join OCDoA’s dementia care specialists for an ONLINE conversation around topics related to dementia education, living with cognitive change, and being a dementia caregiver. We will provide 15-30 minutes of education at the start of the hour, and the remaining time will be spent in conversation, Q&A, and resource-sharing around the day’s topic. You may register for one or multiple sessions. Topic: Levels of Care. 

Date: Tuesday, March 19; Time: 10 – 11 am; Activity Code: 324315-15; Register with the Aging Helpline to receive the Zoom link: (919) 968-2087 or agingtransitions@orangecountync.gov

A “Grand” St. Patty’s Day

Paula Snyder brings a “Celtic Seasoned” vocal/piano performance in the “Irish Stew” musical collection. We’ll explore a mix of traditional Irish songs; Whiskey in the Jar, Irish American Classic; Too-Raloo-Ra-Loo Ra; Gay Nineties Irish American tunes; Casey Would Waltz with the Strawberry Blonde and the Band Played On novelty duties, The Murphy Bed; and Celtic sounds of nearby areas, Jean. Dinner follows. 

Date: Thu, Mar 14; Time: 4-6 pm; Location: Passmore Center; Call: 919-245-2015 Activity Code: 223072-04; Register by: Thu, Mar 7; Fee: Free

Market Volatility: Keep Calm & Plan Ahead

In this seminar, we will highlight the importance of diversification and asset allocation. We will cover investment personalities, risk tolerance, and prudent ways to navigate through market volatility. Instructor: Edward Moseley, Senior Financial Advisor, Wells Fargo. 

Date: Fri, Mar 15; Time: 10 – 11 am; Location: Passmore Center; Activity Code: 254064-11; Register by: Fri, Mar 8; Fee: Free

Peace Education Program

This dynamic 10-week series is designed to explore our inner resources and innate tools for living such as inner strength, choice, self-awareness, appreciation, clarity, understanding, dignity, contentment, hope, - and the possibility of personal peace. Not political or religious, the program is a chance to spend an hour enjoying who we are. Videos and discussion. Min: 10/ Max: 20. 

Date: Wednesdays, March 20 – May 29 (no class on Weds, March 27); Time: 11 am – 12 pm; Location: Passmore Center; Call; 919-245-2015; Activity Code: 244082-01 Register by: No Registration/ Drop-Ins welcome; Fee: Free

Pop Up Library!

Join Orange County Public Library staff as they help us obtain a free library card, learn about available resources, and find a book to read!

Date: Wed, Mar 20; Time: 12 noon; Location: Passmore Center; Activity Code: 234032-03; Register by: Wed, Mar 13; Fee: Free

Aging Transitions Services

Talk to trained staff about any aging-related issue. Call the Aging Helpline at 919-968-2087 or email Aging Services. We try to find answers to your age-related questions and link you to the services that you need. 

Helpline hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.
    
Chinese & Spanish Language Helpline
    Call 919-245-4275 to speak to our staff in Mandarin.
    Call 919-245-2010 to leave a message in Spanish.

Aging Transitions, Senior Center programming and Volunteer Connect 55+ staff are available to meet individually by appointment, phone, or email. For more information call the Passmore Center at 919-245-2015, Seymour Center at 919-968-2070, or the Aging Helpline at 919-968-2087.

Caregiver Supports

Support groups, educational programs, Memory Café, and Care Partner Collaborative; gather and stay connected with us online or in-person, depending on the program.  For upcoming programs download our Current Caregiver Programming flyer.  For more caregiver resources, sign up for the monthly Community News for Caregivers e-newsletter.

Do You Need Help Finding Transportation?

 The Transportation Specialist provides information on transportation, travel training, the volunteer driver program, and advocacy. 

Call the Transportation Help Line: 919-717-1853 (Mon – Fri, 9 am – 5 pm).

Financial Assistance for Housing Payments

The NC Homeowner Financial Assistance Fund is now accepting applications from North Carolina homeowners whose finances were impacted by the pandemic and who need assistance with housing-related expenses.

Homeowners can learn more and apply for help by calling 1-855-MY-NCHAF (1-855-696-2423) or by visiting NCHomeownerAssistance.gov.

Low Income Household
Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP)

 LIHWAP is a temporary emergency program that will help eligible households and families afford water and wastewater services, providing a one-time payment for eligible low-income households paid directly to the utility company. LIHWAP runs through September 2023 or until the funds are exhausted. Apply online at www.epass.nc.gov or call/visit your local County Department of Social Services. Learn more download the LIHWAP flier.

Senior Center Fee Payment and Financial Assistance

The Orange County Senior Centers strive to be accessible and welcoming to all seniors.  If you want to participate in senior center fee-based activities and are unable, or unwilling, to pay a required fee, you may still participate.

 Furthermore, a selection of free activities and programs are available to seniors age 55 and over. Read more.

Volunteer Connect 55+

Would you like to share your skills and gifts with older adults in Orange County?  To volunteer, please contact Orange County Department on Aging's Volunteer Connect 55+ (VC 55+) Volunteer Coordinator, Rebecca Bratsch by phone at 919-245-4241 or email rbratsch@orangecountync.gov