ADRC Midlands

Assisted Rides Program

The AAA/ADRC Assisted Rides Program is temporarily suspended until further notice. Please check back for updates. 

The Assisted Rides Program is a volunteer-based program designed to fill the transportation gap currently facing Adults 21 and older who have disabilities, as well as Seniors 60 and older who have no other means of getting transportation to obtain needed services to maintain or enhance their quality of life.

The Assisted Rides Program is sponsored by the Lieutenant Governor’s Office on Aging.  The program is funded through a grant from the SC Department of Transportation Office of Public Transit.  It is coordinated by the Central Midlands Council of Governments’ Aging and Disability Resource Center, which serves the citizens of Fairfield, Lexington, Newberry and Richland Counties.

If you are a disabled or senior adult who needs transportation to a medical appointment, human service agency, grocery store, social activity and more, the Assisted Rides Program may be able to help.  Passengers will not be charged a fee, but donations will be accepted to help with the cost of the trip.

Volunteer drivers are an important and valued part of this program.  You help our passengers get where they need to be, and you are in charge of your time.  Drivers can choose the rides they want to give, which makes this one of the most flexible and rewarding opportunities available.

Friendly Visitor Program

• A Friendly Visitor makes regular visits to facilities to talk with residents and their families.
• They provide information about the Resident Bill of Rights, the Ombudsman Program, make observations and advocate as trained. Friendly Visitors are not Certified Long-Term Care Ombudsman Investigators.
• A Friendly Visitor should have a desire to make a difference in the lives of our seniors in long term care facilities and will devote a couple of hours per week to conduct friendly visits.
• A Friendly Visitor will participate in trainings to enhance their skills. Friendly Visitors will be trained to be observant and to report all concerns and/or complaints to the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Staff.

To become a Friendly Visitor Volunteer….

• You must have a valid driver’s license and transportation
• You must be a good listener and complete reports
• You must maintain confidentiality
• You must be free from any conflict of interest
• You must complete the Friendly Visitor Training Program
• You must agree to a SLED background check
• You cannot be have a family member, friend, or relative in the facility you are assigned

Call (803) 376-5389 for more information on the Friendly Visitor Program.

Senior Medicare Patrol

The Senior Medicare Patrol is a group of highly trained volunteers who help Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries avoid, detect and prevent health care fraud. SMP volunteers teach Medicare beneficiaries how to protect their personal information, identify and report errors on their health care statements as well as to recognize scams-such as illegal marketing, providing unnecessary services, and charging for services that were not provided.

Call for information about SMP classes or presentations.

I-CARE

I-CARE stands for Insurance Counseling, Assistance and Referral for Elders. In Medicare literature there is a reference to State Health Insurance Programs, SHIP. I-CARE is the South Carolina SHIP.

This is a free volunteer insurance counseling and assistance program in areas such as Medicare Part D Plans, Medicare Advantage Plans, Medicare Supplements, Low Income Subsidy Application, Medicare Savings Programs, and Long-term Care Insurance for those on Medicare. I-CARE provides up-to-date, accurate information on appropriate health insurance for seniors and persons with disabilities. I-CARE counselors are not affiliated with any insurance company. Counselors did not sell or promote any insurance products.

Call for more information on I-CARE classes or presentations about Medicare issues.