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FOOTHILLS—The Carolina Foothills Eldercare program was created in December 2022 by the Carolina Foothills Foundation to address the unmet needs of those 65 and older in Rutherford and Polk Counties.  

Since that time, the Carolina Foothills Eldercare program has served hundreds of people providing certified nursing assistants in homes on a sliding scale fee, life alert systems, home-delivered meals throughout Rutherford County for those not currently served by the Senior Center Program, referrals to the Meals on Wheels program in Polk County, mobility ramps and simple home repairs, transportation to local doctor appointments, durable medical equipment and supplies, and food and personal care pantry items.  

During 2024, 215 home care patients were served in their homes, 92 life alert systems were provided, 21 ramps were installed, 21 additional home repairs were completed, 120 transports were completed to doctor’s appointments, and 52,140 home-cooked meals were delivered to 203 people. The program is provided to recipients on a sliding scale fee basis, with most services provided at either no cost or a nominal fee.

Terry Kuykendall, son of 88-year-old Eldercare patient Frances Kuykendall, cared for by Certified Nursing Assistants in her Lynn home, is grateful for the Eldercare Program. 

“Eldercare has made a huge difference in Mom’s life. The program provided a Life Alert system so that when she fell in November, she could call for help,” Terry said. “If it wasn’t for the Life Alert, she could have been on the floor until I came back to check on her. After surgery, she could come back home quickly because we had the Eldercare CNAs coming in to take care of her several times a week. The care she gets and having someone here to talk to her helps keep her in her home rather than going somewhere.” 

Sandra Drouin, 77 years old of Rutherfordton, navigates her home in a wheelchair. She said that the installation of a ramp by Eldercare provided her with freedom.  

“I now have the freedom to come in and out of my house, I’m not afraid of being able to leave if the house catches on fire, my friends can come and visit, I have less stress, and I just have more overall peace of mind,” she said.  Sandra also receives home care services from an Eldercare certified nursing assistant.

Carolina Foothills Eldercare is made possible primarily by funding from the Carolina Foothills Foundation. Hospice of the Carolina Foothills transferred its hospice license to Agape Care Group in May 2022, and the former Hospice Board of Directors then created a public charity, the Carolina Foothills Foundation, to address eldercare, youth development and wellness issues in Rutherford and Polk counties.  

“The Foundation Board of Directors, who also previously served on the Hospice of the Carolina Foothills Board, recognized that there was little focus on meeting the needs of the elderly who don’t qualify for Medicaid or VA benefits,” said Rita Burch, CEO of the Foundation and former CEO of Hospice of the Carolina Foothills. “We feel that in a relatively short period of time, we have developed services that enable people to live safely at home.”

 The Carolina Foothills Foundation has supported the Eldercare Program with $4 million thus far, and distributed an additional $4.5 million in grants to other agencies in the area to meet elder, youth development, and wellness needs. As part of that total, the Foundation distributed $695,000 in October 2024 to Hurricane Helene relief.

All proceeds from the Carolina Foothills Eldercare Resale Shop also ensure people can receive services regardless of their ability to pay.  The Eldercare program also accepts donations from other sources, such as individuals, churches, and businesses.

The Carolina Foothills Foundation currently needs volunteers, donations and shoppers at the Resale Shop, pantry items, and donations. If you know someone 65 years and older who can benefit from the services, call (828) 222-4375.  

 

Submitted by Heidi Owen