The goal of Senior and Adult Services is to maximize self-sufficiency, safety, health and independence so seniors and adults can remain safely in their community for as long as possible and to maintain the highest quality of life for those who reside in adult and family care homes in Wake County. This program includes Adult Protective Services to provide protection of elderly and disabled adults; Guardianship Services to provide advocacy and decision-making for adults who have been deemed incompetent by the Clerk of Court; Adult and Community Services to monitor adult care facilities, as well as the Special Assistance In-Home Program to provide case management and funding for unmet health and safety needs to adults who meet the program criteria.
Adult Protective Services (APS)
Adult Protective Services (APS) is mandated by N.C. General Statute 108A to evaluate reports of abuse, caretaker neglect, self-neglect and/or exploitation of residents that:
- are 18 years of age or older who reside in Wake County.
- are disabled, meaning the consumer cannot complete daily activities or handle his/her affairs or protect interests.
- are being abused, neglected by caretaker(s), self-neglecting and/or exploited.
- have no one willing, able and responsible to obtain essential services.
- unable and unwilling to obtain essential services him or herself.
Adult Guardianship
Adult Guardianship provides services that are mandated by Chapter 35A of the N.C. General Statutes. These services are provided to individuals who have been adjudicated incompetent by the court based on their need for a guardian to assist with decision-making in an area(s) of their lives.
Guardianship is a legal relationship in which an appointed guardian is authorized by the Clerk of Superior Court to be a substitute decision maker for an incompetent adult.
Adult Care Homes
Adult Care Homes (assisted living facilities) offer residential placement for seniors and adults with disabilities. They are for elderly and disabled adults who may require 24-hour supervision, medication management and /or assistance with personal care needs such as bathing, dressing and grooming. The Adult Care Licensure Section licenses and regulates adult care facilities and provides supervision and consultations.
Adult Day Care
Adult Day Care is a structured, comprehensive program created for adults who need supervision assistance during the day, but usually less than a 24-hour period. It was developed so that families could have their loved ones stay at home instead of entering an institution such as assisted living or nursing home
Adult Day Health
Adult Day Health services are similar programs to adult day care however the providers offer health care services and activities to meet the needs of individual participants. These programs offer medically supervised services and require that a registered nurse be on staff 40 hours per week
Special Assistance/In-home
The Special Assistance In-Home Program offers ongoing case management and monthly monetary assistance to help individuals continue to live safely in their homes. Adults who meet program eligibility criteria and can have their health, safety and well-being maintained at home with appropriate services may benefit from this program.
Placement Services General Information
N.C. General Statute 13B-153 mandates that the County Department of Social Services provide Adult Placement Services (NC Division of Aging and Adult Services). This service involves linking or providing referral information for aging and disabled adults and their families /caregivers to appropriate adult or family care home settings.
Resources
Wake Network of Care is a one-stop resource directory to help locate needed services and support throughout the Wake community.