Child abuse and spousal abuse in Guilford County get a lot of attention; however, anyone who works down at the Guilford County Family Justice Center can tell you that they also see a lot of elder abuse taking place. On Friday, June 13, the Guilford County Division of Social Services hosted a community event in recognition of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, which is observed each year on June 15.
The county event – which was called “Beyond Age” – was held in the parking lot of the DSS building at 1203 Maple Street in Greensboro.
More than 40 vendors and agencies that serve older adults and people of other ages took part and had access to a variety of free services and resources, including health screenings, mobile health units – and, a very popular staple at county events, local food trucks.
According to county social services officials, the goal of the event was to raise awareness about elder abuse in the community and highlight services and resources that promote independence, safety and well-being for older adults in Guilford County.
In addition to battling elder abuse, Guilford County offers a wide variety of services for adults and the elderly. Many of these have the same goals of independence and promoting well-being.
Here are some of those services:
- Adult Care Licensure. This program ensures that licensed Adult Care Homes in the community meet state standards. Social workers monitor licensing compliance and investigate complaints, while also helping prospective care providers navigate the licensure process.
- Adult Day Care/Health Services. This is a community‑based program that enables older adults and adults with disabilities to remain in their homes longer. It combats isolation and promotes social engagement and physical activity. The county oversees the certification standards of local adult day centers .
- Adult Placement. Case management is provided to help individuals who are no longer able to live independently find appropriate placements in nursing homes or adult care homes. Counselors help assess needs, coordinate placements and support families through transitions.
- Guardianship. When an adult is declared legally incompetent, the county may step in as a guardian, via the agency director. This includes ongoing case management and decision-making support for personal care, finances, and healthcare.
.• Adult Protective Services. APS investigates reports of abuse, neglect, or exploitation of vulnerable adults. Intake is available via the main line (336‑641‑3137) or after hours (1‑800‑378‑5315). If abuse is found, APS intervenes using the individual’s consent or legal avenues if they lack capacity.
- Adult Representative Payee Services. This service manages the Social Security or SSI benefits of individuals who have been judged unable to do so themselves. It ensures that funds are used responsibly for essential needs like housing, utilities and medical expenses .
- Special Assistance In‑Home Program. This initiative aims to assist Medicaid‑eligible adults with a supplemental monthly payment that enables them to stay at home, instead of moving to a care facility. It requires eligibility and ongoing assessment.
- In‑Home Aide Services. Through local agencies, coordinated in-home help is provided—ranging from light housekeeping to essential personal care (for instance, bathing and grooming)—so people can live safely in their homes.
- Adult Resource Team. This multidisciplinary team collaborates with EMS and the Family Justice Center to support people who frequently use non-emergency 911 services. A social worker works with identified persons to link them to health, mental health, housing – and other community resources. This team was formed a few years ago and other county officials say it is really helping take pressure off of other agencies such as Emergency Services.
- Unclaimed Bodies. The county assists with financial aid and arrangements for the cremation and disposition of adult wards or unclaimed remains.
If you would like more information about the services, you should visit guilfordcountync.gov/socialservices to learn more.
