Aging & Disability Resource Center of the Lowcountry

The Aging & Disability Resource Center of the Lowcountry (ADRC) is federally mandated under the Older Americans Act to plan, coordinate and advocate for development of a comprehensive service delivery system to meet short- and long-term needs of senior citizens and disabled persons in the region. ADRC staff works with federal, state and local officials, elderly constituents, service providers, volunteers and the private sector to coordinate existing, and encourage new, services. The ADRC prepares an annually-updated multi-year plan to identify the needs of seniors, existing services and gaps between the two. The plan sets objectives and priorities and specifies which services will be provided to meet defined needs.

Lowcountry ADRC, working closely with the SC Lt. Governor’s Office on Aging provides direct assistance as well as contracted services for eligible seniors and disabled persons. It contracts with local providers for home-delivered and group dining meals, homemaker services, transportation, wellness/health promotion services and legal assistance. Providers also offer telephone reassurance, senior center activities, recreational activities and home safety services. 

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The Aging & Disability Resource Center of the Lowcountry directly administers the following programs:
 
Family Caregiver Advocate provides support, information, education, and services to family caregivers that help make their caregiving a successful and rewarding experience, while relieving many stressors involved in being a full-time caregiver. Contact Claire Glasson: cglasson@lowcountrycog.org  
 
Information, Referral and Assistance (I/R&A) is a one-stop approach to provide I/R&A services to seniors and their caregivers throughout the region. This program, along with the State’s SC Access internet database, serves as an access point for seniors and disabled persons seeking help. Contact Karen Anderson: kanderson@lowcountrycog.org 
 
Insurance Counseling Assistance and Referral for Elders (I-CARE) is federally funded to provide health insurance counseling for Medicare, Medicare Supplement, Medicare Savings, Medicare Advantage Plans and Senior Medicare Fraud programs. The program also assists seniors with Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage, as well as enrollment. Contact Shelia Bovain: sbovain@lowcountrycog.org  
 
Long-Term Care Ombudsman seeks to improve the quality of life and care of long-term care facility residents, both in nursing homes and assisted living centers. The LTC Ombudsman investigates and works to resolve problems or complaints, educates facility staff about residents’ rights and other issues, provides information about long-term care and related services, educates the community about the needs of long-term care residents, and visits long-term care facilities to talk to residents and monitor facility conditions. Contact Gwen Coath: gcoath@lowcountrycog.org . The South Carolina Emergency Ombudsman number is 800-868-9095.
 
     Lowcountry ADRC staff members are dedicated to improving the lives of the senior population, so please let us know how we may help you or someone you know. Our program specialists are also available to speak to senior and community groups and organizations about services and programs available through the Aging & Disability Resource Center of the Lowcountry and on topics and issues affecting seniors, such as advanced directives and Medicare benefits. 

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ADRC STAFF DIRECTORY