News Summary
Delays in federal funding and proposed cuts are jeopardizing essential aging services in the Upper Savannah region. The Upper Savannah Council of Governments faces budget constraints that limit support for seniors across six counties. Although current clients will continue to receive services, no new enrollments are being accepted due to financial uncertainty. Key programs may face reductions or termination, prompting local agencies to limit service expansions while navigating these challenges.
Greenwood, SC – The future of aging services for seniors in the Upper Savannah region is increasingly uncertain due to delayed federal funding and proposed cuts to essential programs. The Upper Savannah Council of Governments (USCOG) Aging Division, which serves six counties—Greenwood, Abbeville, Laurens, Saluda, McCormick, and Edgefield—faces operational difficulties that could limit vital resources for the elderly population.
The Aging Division continues to deploy Family Caregiver Advocates to local senior centers, ensuring that caregivers have access to necessary resources and support. However, concerns regarding funding stability have escalated, as highlighted by Peggy Merritt, the Aging Program director at USCOG, during a board meeting on April 28.
One of the significant issues is the sluggishness in receiving funds from the federal government. This delay stems from a previous freeze on aging program financing which has only recently been lifted. The underlying problems persist, primarily due to a restructuring process within the Administration for Community Living (ACL). The ACL has been reorganized among three different agencies under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, which has led to operational delays and staffing reductions.
As of now, the South Carolina Department on Aging is still awaiting its next federal funding allocation for 2025, contributing further to the financial uncertainty. With the Aging Division heavily reliant on federal and state funding from the Older Americans Act (OAA), local agency budgets are now at risk.
The draft federal budget for fiscal year 2026 suggests significant reductions in aging services, including potentially eliminating key programs such as the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) and Falls Prevention Grants. Additional proposed cuts include a 50% reduction in funding for Alzheimer’s Disease Supportive Services and the complete termination of Preventive Health services (Title III D).
In response to these funding uncertainties, the Upper Savannah Area Agency on Aging (AAA) has put a pause on service expansions and is reallocating its budget. This decision has resulted in a halt in new client enrollments, leaving the Division focused solely on maintaining current services. Existing clients will continue to receive crucial support, which includes meal deliveries and personal care, but no new clients can be accepted due to financial constraints.
In the past year alone, the Aging Services program successfully provided over 150,000 home-delivered meals and 8,000 medical transportation rides. Furthermore, the program works to enhance home safety for seniors by installing necessary equipment, such as grab bars and ramps, completing over 100 installations in the previous year.
All services provided by USCOG’s Aging Services are free, although some programs may require a cost-share based on income levels. The agency conducts thorough in-home assessments to categorize seniors according to their needs, ensuring that the most vulnerable individuals are prioritized for essential services.
Many clients of the Aging Division reside in rural areas, where access to transportation remains a critical issue due to geographic isolation. To improve awareness and reach, the Aging Division actively participates in community events and collaborates with volunteer ombudsmen to check on seniors residing in long-term care facilities.
To address the funding challenges facing the Aging Division, community outreach and support have become even more vital for maintaining and promoting the availability of these necessary aging services. As the national landscape for aging care continues to shift, local agencies are bracing for the implications those changes may have on their ability to serve the senior community effectively.
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Additional Resources
- Index Journal: Planning for Aging Services Funding Limbo
- Index Journal: Aging Advocacy Letter
- Savannah Now: Age Requirements for SCCPSS Athletic Events
- Index Journal: Aging Services Program Supports Rural Seniors
- Legacy: Jesse Richard Obituary
- Wikipedia: Aging
- Google Search: Aging services
- Google Scholar: Aging programs funding
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Aging
- Google News: Aging services funding
