As the senior population grows in Brunswick, here are some services offered to residents

Cheryl M. Whitaker, Wilmington StarNews
·3 min read
The Brunswick County Sheriff Departments Color Guard present the colors during The Brunswick Center at Leland ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Brunswick Senior Center in Leland on Town Hall Drive in this February 2017 file photo.
The Brunswick County Sheriff Departments Color Guard present the colors during The Brunswick Center at Leland ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Brunswick Senior Center in Leland on Town Hall Drive in this February 2017 file photo.

Due to a growing senior population, Brunswick County's median age has increased to 56 years, making it the oldest of all North Carolina counties.

More: Brunswick County has the oldest population in North Carolina and it's getting older

The StarNews asked Jim Fish, president/CEO of Brunswick Senior Resources Inc, about what services are offered to senior citizens in Brunswick County.

More: Brunswick growth expands south with two planned developments adding nearly 800 homes

StarNews: How many participants in the Brunswick Senior Resources Inc. program does it help?

Harrelson: The Brunswick Senior Resources Inc. center reaches out and serves over 20,000 residents.

On March 20, 2017, Julian C. Odom (in blue) and Alex Moskowitz cut the ribbon on the brand new Senior Center in Supply. Both war veterans they survived to bring this cause to a reality for many seniors in Brunswick County.
On March 20, 2017, Julian C. Odom (in blue) and Alex Moskowitz cut the ribbon on the brand new Senior Center in Supply. Both war veterans they survived to bring this cause to a reality for many seniors in Brunswick County.

What services are offered at local senior centers?

The following services are offered to seniors 55 and older:

  • Recreation and wellness programs, and activities which includes yoga, tai chi, swimming, and field trips.

  • Nutrition programs (in house Monday-Friday and meals on wheels for homebound)

  • Medication assistance

  • SHIIP (Senior Health Insurance Information Program) counseling

  • Transportation to select senior centers

  • Food pantries at select senior centers

  • Various support groups (may vary by senior center)

  • Operation Safe Heat program (heater provided to those who qualify)

  • Operation Heat Relief program (fan provided to those who qualify)

  • Incontinence Supplies (to those who qualify)

  • Liquid nutrition (to those who qualify)

  • Caregiver resources

  • Advance directives

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What do seniors need more of?

  • Cost of living has gone up exceeding, seniors need a raise in their social security benefits.

  • Health care. There is not enough health care providers in the county — CNA, nurses, and medical specialties.

  • Affordability of medication

  • Senior apartments

  • Not enough infrastructure and transportation in the community that is senior friendly.

  • More opportunities for transportation, especially to and from doctor appointments.

What has been done to supply their needs? The local government gives a lot of support to senior issues. In the last seven years they've built five senior centers throughout the county — Calabash, Leland, Shallotte, Southport and Supply.

What are some more things being planned? Building senior style apartments to be built next to or closer to senior centers and affordable senior housing.

More: Just outside Leland, 3 planned developments will add more than 500 homes

What stores offer senior discounts?

(Contact your local restaurant/store to verify discount before visiting)

  • Chick-Fil-A offers a 10% senior discount or a free small beverage for seniors 55+ at participating locations .

  • Chili’s offers a 10% senior citizen discount for seniors 55+

  • Harris Teeter offers a 5% discount every Thursday for seniors 60 and over. (Discount does not apply to fuel, pharmacy, tickets. or gift cards.)

  • KFC give a free small drink with a meal for senior citizens 55+

  • McDonald’s has a senior citizen discount on coffee for seniors 55+

  • Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q has senior discounts available, if you ask for their current promotions

  • Subway has a 10% discount for senior citizens 60+

  • Taco Bell has a 5% discount or a free beverage available for senior citizens 65+

  • Waffle House has a 10% discount available for senior citizens 60+ on certain days of the week.

  • Belk’s has a 15% discount available for senior citizens 55+ one day of every month in North Carolina.

  • Goodwill has a 10% discount for senior citizens available on certain days of the week in North Carolina.

  • Rite Aid has a 10% available on Tuesdays and 10% off on prescriptions for senior citizens in North Carolina.

  • Roses Discount Store offers a 10% discount for seniors 55 and over every Wednesday.

  • Ross Stores has a 10% discount every Tuesday for senior citizens 55+

  • Walgreens has a senior citizen discount on “Senior Day” once a month for seniors 55+

  • Publix has a 5% discount available on Wednesdays senior citizens 60+

Contact Cheryl Whitaker at cheryl.whitaker@starnewsonline.com or 910-343-2004.

This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: 55 or older? These services are offered to Brunswick County seniors