Services
At DCSL We Provide Several Different Services for Our Seniors to Take Advantage of.
We Are Here for YOU!
(Click Each Service To Learn More)
According to AARP and National Alliance for Caregivers, 7 million, or 29% of the US adult population provides care to someone who is aged, disabled, or ill. At DCSL we strive to provide resources for caregivers through the following supports:
- Monthly Caregiver Support Group – Provides support and for individuals caring for loved ones
- Respite Care – Provides a needed break for caregivers, this service is available to individuals providing care to loved ones at home.
- Lending Library – Allows family caregivers to access resources and books on aging and caregiving.
- Community Referrals – Helps family caregivers to connect with additional, local support agencies
The Family Caregiver Support Service for Durham residents, provides caregivers with assistance in obtaining information, making decisions and solving problems related to their responsibilities in caring for older adults.
Through this service, caregivers can access information on resources and services available within their community. They can receive counseling and participate in a monthly caregiver support group driven by the interests and concerns of participants.
We also offer free, in-home respite care services that allows caregivers to have a scheduled time of rest or relief knowing that their loved one is safe and cared for.
Caregiver education is offered in collaboration with Durham Cooperative Extension to provide caregivers with Powerful Tools for Caregivers, a six-week educational program designed to provide the tools needed to decrease stress as they care for loved ones. This series helps caregivers learn to reduce stress, improve self-confidence, better communicate feelings, balance life, increase ability to make tough decisions, and locate helpful resources.
- The DCSL Congregate Nutrition Program provides an atmosphere of socialization and fellowship that is supplemented with nutritious meals at no cost to senior members. These well-balanced meals are available at all 3 DCSL locations, Monday through Friday from 11:30 pm to 12:30 pm. Currently, our Congregate Meal Service provides meals to approximately 60 individuals daily. There are eligibility requirements to participate in this program. To be eligible for the program, you must:
- Be 60 years of age or older
- OR be a person under the age of 60 with a disability (with proof of disability status)
- Complete a registration application
If you do not meet these requirements, we offer special eligibility for others. To meet our special eligibility requirements you must:
- Volunteer at a Congregate Meal site. Any person who volunteers and is under the age of 60 who assists with the operation at our Congregate Meal sites is eligible if they work 20 hours per quarter.
- Accompany your spouse that meets the eligibility requirements. An underage spouse is eligible to attend the Congregate Meal Service if the older adult spouse meets the requirements for Congregate Meals.
- Accompany someone with a disability to the Congregate Meal Service. A person who attends the Congregate Meal Service with a person who is disabled can receive a meal.
“The meal at the Congregate Meals Service gives us such delight! They are warm and nutritious. It also helps keep your body healthy.”
~ Ethelene, DCSL
These programs include:
The Living Healthy-Chronic Disease Self Management Program
This program is designed to help participants address their health issues by identifying the barriers that impede the successful management of their issues and developing action plans that will lead to better symptom management and improved health. The workshops take place once a week for six weeks. Each session is 2 1/2 hours long and is facilitated by two trained leaders.
Subjects covered throughout the workshop include:
- Techniques to deal with problems such as frustration, fatigue, pain and isolation
- Appropriate use of medications
- Communicating effectively with friends, family, and health care providers
- Appropriate exercise
- Nutrition -making informed treatment decisions
The Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program
This group exercise program originally developed by the Arthritis Foundation involves weekly classes for persons living with arthritis. Carefully trained instructors assemble exercise and movement routines for each class from a list of some 90 different exercises to be performed while participants are seated or standing as appropriate. Classes also include endurance and/or balance building activities, relaxation techniques, and health education segments.
A Matter of Balance Program
This program emphasizes practical strategies that boost participants’ strength and balance through specialized exercises and other activities. It is designed to help reduce the incidence of falls and the fear of falling. The workshops take place over a four week period and consist of eight 2-hour sessions.
In addition to the evidence based programs, we provide Taking Off Pounds Sensibly (TOPS).
Contact our Programs Coordinator at 919-688-8247 for more information on these programs.
This service helps adults age 60 and over to find referrals, information and solutions for problems they face at the right time. Assistance is provided by nationally certified Information and options specialists and is completely confidential.
Seniors are connected with community resources for several critical areas, including:
- Housing referral/Home Repair
- Emergency/Crisis Assistance
- Legal Services
- Transportation Options
- Job training and Employment assistance,
- Health Questions including STD, and HIV+ counseling
- Medical equipment
- Mental Health options,
- Issues surrounding elder abuse, neglect and exploitation
- Safety and Fraud prevention assistance.
Trained staff is available to conduct presentations on topics of interest to older adults, their families and caregivers.
For more information or assistance, contact Niya Carrington in our Support Services Department at 919-688-8247 ext. 104 or ncarrington@dcslnc.org.
This service provides transportation to the congregate sites only.
Contact our Nutrition Coordinator at 919-688-8247 or send email for more information.
