Orange County NC Website
Local Resources and Aging Initiatives <br />Several nationally recognized local resources have been established over the years, <br />and many current initiatives are taking place that make Chapel Hill an excellent <br />location to establish a Campus on Senior Wellness and Longevity. <br />Local Resources: <br />• The Orange County/Chapel Hill community has one of the highest <br />concentrations of older persons in the state, and has been a creative <br />force for change. <br />• More than 20 years ago, Orange County established one of the first public <br />departments on aging and community advisory boards on aging to help <br />plan, advocate and offer services in cooperation with other organizations. <br />• More than 10 years ago, the Friends of the Chapel Hill Senor Center <br />organization was formed to provide leadership, funding and community <br />involvement in the operation of the Chapel Hill Senior Center. <br />• More than 25 years ago, the Town of Chapel Hill established the Council on <br />Aging and the Retired Senior Volunteer Program. These programs <br />eventually merged with the County Department on Aging, but the Town still <br />supports senior services. <br />• Carol Woods Retirement Community, a continuing care retirement <br />community, has provided funds and staff for community aging projects and <br />serves as a training center for UNC students. <br />Current Apinp Initiatives: Orange County has supported and practiced the <br />development of community partnerships, both public and private, over the years. <br />Several initiatives exist on the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill campus, in <br />the community and within Orange County government that would support a Campus <br />on Senior Wellness and Longevity. <br />Interdisciplinary Aging activities on UNC campus: <br />A. Program on Aging -Geriatric Assessment Clinic that works with <br />Gero-psychiatry, Nursing, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, <br />Social Work and Pharmacy as a training center that sees frail elderly <br />with multiple health problems and their families. The Departments of <br />Speech and Language Pathology and Nutrition are called upon when <br />needed. <br />B. Institute on Aging -providing research opportunities and educational <br />opportunities for students from social work and allied health with a <br />Certificate in Aging. <br />C. School of Social Work- Geriatric Specialization offering <br />interdisciplinary classes on aging that involve students in clinical <br />services or in community planning such as the Master Aging Plan, and <br />specific services such as Adult Day Care and Eldercare Programs. <br />D. Hubbard Project- An interdisciplinary program consisting of senior <br />residents in Medicine, Pharmacy, Allied Health and Social Work who <br />make home visits to frail seniors. Referrals are made from the Dept. <br />Page 13 of 18 <br />