The McDowell County Senior Center
The McDowell Senior Center is the designated Focal Point on Aging where persons 60 years of age and older come together for a variety of activities, programs and services.
The Senior Center promotes community awareness of the needs and talents of Senior Citizens by providing the opportunities to:
- Make new friends and renew old friendships
- Improve physical fitness
- Learn new skills
- Get information and advice
- Develop creatively
- Volunteer
- Have lunch with your friends
SERVICES
Services provided by the McDowell Senior Center include:
CONGREGATE MEALS
Provides nutritious meals at two congregate sites (5 days per week). Meals are prepared in our own kitchen. Educational programs are provided on health, safety, Medicare, Medicaid, crime prevention and nutrition. There are video exercise programs (3 days/week), various entertainment programs, games and parties. Lunch reservations must be made a day in advance & cancellations should be made before 10:00 am on the day you were to eat. Marion 652-9873, Old Fort 668-4867.
HOME DELIVERED MEALS
Provides a nutritionally balanced hot lunch Monday through Friday to medically home bound persons. Meals are prepared in our kitchen and delivered by volunteers on 13 routes in the county.
IN-HOME AIDE SERVICE
Aides assist functionally impaired older persons with essential home management, personal care and/or supervision necessary to enable the older adult to remain at home as long as possible.
TRANSPORTATION
One standard van and two Conversion vans (one lift equipped) provide daily transportation to the Senior Center in Marion and Old Fort Nutrition. Shopping for groceries, medicine, paying bills and other services is provided. Trips for recreation, social, educational, and other needs are scheduled. Medical transportation is provided by appointment on Wednesdays and Fridays. Van transportation is for seniors who do not drive.
SENIOR COMMUNITY SERVICE
Employment Program(Title V). Participation in Title V program provides older, low income seniors paid work experience.
SHIIP-Senior Health Insurance Information Program
Volunteers trained by the North Carolina Department of Insurance assist seniors with Medicare Supplements and with Medicare Part D.
LEGAL AID
Legal Aid of North Carolina will prepare simple wills, power of attorney, living wills and other documents for senior citizens by appointment. They also assist Seniors with benefits such as Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, Food Stamps, as well as consumer issues. Free to persons 60+ years of age. Call 652-8953 for more information.
INFORMATION AND ASSISTANCE
Call the Center for information about services for older adults provided through the Senior Center and other sources of assistance.
OPERATION FAN/HEAT RELIEF
May -September. Fans provided by Duke Energy are distributed to seniors who have an existing home situation that presents a threat to the person's health and well being.
WELLNESS
HEALTH SCREENINGS
Diabetic Screenings (Semi-annually/Marion & Old Fort) Mammogram Screenings (Mobile Unit) Flu Immunization Clinic in the Fall Blood Pressure Checks (Monthly at the Center)
JOINTS ARE MOVING
Focus is on balance & coordination exercises to strengthen the entire body and low-level strength training activities.
SENIORCISE
Focus is on a balanced workout of cardio (low impact aerobics), muscular strength (strength training) & flexibility (stretching).
SENIOR GAMES
Year-round fitness program designed around athletic competition; Local games in May, State Finals late September, Nationals every two years. Events include: walking, golf, table tennis, swimming, shuffleboard, horseshoes, football throws, basketball shooting, track & field events, bocce, spin casting, bowling and more.
FITNESS EQUIPMENT
The Senior Center has three Nu-Step exercise machines and two Exercise Bikes for seniors to use during hours of operation in the Fitness Room.
ACTIVITIES ARTS & CRAFTS
Classes offered through McDowell Tech include: oil painting, creative crafts, quilting, knitting and more.
SENIOR CITIZEN DANCES
Dances with live music are offered on special occasions.
BALLROOM DANCING
Tuesday evening & Thursday afternoon ballroom dance classes.
LINE DANCING
Monday morning line dance group for persons 55 or older. There is also a Tuesday evening class available.
EXCURSIONS
Day trips to points of interest within the area for shopping, sight-seeing, theater, special attractions.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Opportunities are available in a number of services and activities; from packing or serving meals, delivering meals to home bound, teaching a class, afternoon receptionist and more.
COMPUTER LAB
Six computers with internet access for seniors' use during regular business hours.
COMPUTER CLASSES
McDowell Tech. provides an instructor for basic computer skills. Classes meet weekly for six weeks with emphasis on Microsoft Word, Internet and e-mail.
HOURS OF OPERATION
Monday thru Friday: 8:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M.
Extended hours Tuesdays: 5:30 P.M. to 8:00 P.M.
McDowell Senior Center
100 Spaulding Road
Marion, North Carolina 28752
828-652-8953
fax: 652-8723
