Online Resources, Financial Assistance, & Tele-health
What is Tele-health?
Telehealth is the use of digital information and communication technologies, such as computers and mobile devices, to access health care services remotely and manage your health care. These may be technologies you use from home or that your doctor uses to improve or support health care services.
The goals of telehealth, also called e-health or m-health (mobile health), include the following:
- Make health care accessible to people who live in rural or isolated communities.
- Make services more readily available or convenient for people with limited mobility, time or transportation options.
- Provide access to medical specialists.
- Improve communication and coordination of care among members of a health care team and a patient.
- Provide support for self-management of health care.
During the COVID-19 physical distancing efforts, tele-health is recommended versus potentially putting yourself or others at risk of contracting the virus, particularly for those at higher risk.
Considerations for Tele-health
If you are interested in tele-health opportunities, be sure to ask questions about or consider the following:
- Personal health information - what or how is your information being collected. For example, are you signing up for a private appointment with a service or attending an open meetings or groups? Before sharing any personal information, ask your provider or group facilitator how they collect information and the security of the tele-health system.
- Access to internet - for many tele-health services, you may need access to the internet. Ask your provider if their services are via internet or can be provided over the phone.
- Reimbursement - there are some services that are accepted for reimbursement, meaning that are covered somewhat by insurance companies. During the COVID-19 social distancing efforts, Medicare, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and NC Medicaid expanded coverage for tele-health services. Contact your insurance provider for more specific information.
Tele-health Options & Services
- Designing Independence (PT & OT)
- Bodies in Balance Physical Therapy
- Youngs Physical Therapy
- Pivot Physical Therapy
- STEPS for Recovery (live videos for movement, cognition, and speech)
- Durham Center for Senior Life (home exercises & more)
- Breakthrough Physical Therapy
- Flint Rehab Resources
- Love Your Brain Yoga
Financial Options & Services
This can be a difficult time financially for families. You can visit NCDHHS's website for information about assistance related to buying food, unemployment, and more.
The National Disability Institute has put together a list of financial resources for individuals living with disability & their families.
First In Families of NC
First In Families of NC has special family support funding available for goods and services that help individuals with developmental / intellectual disabilities and their family members thrive in the community, according to their own goals and dreams. Some examples of ways we can provide financial assistance are:
- Camp assistance
- Assistive technology
- Medical equipment or supplies
- New glasses
- Household items or furnishings
- Vehicle repairs
Our vision is that everyone has different goals and dreams, and they often don't necessarily relate directly to their disability... we can help make it happen! Please visit our website for more information www.fifnc.org.
Eligibility Requirements:
- The individual or family member living in the household must have a diagnosis of developmental/intellectual disability and/or traumatic brain injury.
- Total household income must be below $65,000 after taxes
- Live at home, independently or in an unlicensed AFL
We cover all 100 counties.
We have special funding specifically for individuals with traumatic brain injuries-(need physician name and phone number on the application).
We are being flexible with this funding. Call for more details!
Signatures may be available by phone during the COVID-19 crisis.
Apply today!
Grocery Stores During COVID-19
Some Tips to Remember
- Don't go out if you are sick and bring a minimum number of people with you.
- Keep your distance & keep moving, giving people as much space as possible.
- Have a list of foods with you to avoid spending more time there, impulse shopping and more risk.
- Frozen fruits and vegetables may be a good substitute and last longer than fresh produce.
- Only touch what you are going to buy (avoid touching every tomato in the bin).
- Utilize delivery or pickup services when possible.
- Certain stores have specific hours for individuals that may be more at risk for severe consequences of COVID-19.
- Some stores are closing early for disinfecting and restocking, you may want to call before making the trip.
Some Specific Stores
- Food Lion – Most Food Lions, beginning March 30, 2020, will welcome customers who are 60 and older or who are immunocompromised on Mondays and Wednesdays from 7-8 a.m.
- Harris Teeter – Effective March 30, 2020 designating 2 hours everyone Monday and Thursday morning from 6-8 a.m. senior shopping for shoppers aged 60 and older. Pharmacies will open at 7 a.m. Harris Teeter designate ExpressLane Online Shopping pick up times from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. for seniors only every Thursday until further notice and will waive the $4.95 fee and offer $5 delivery for seniors during those hours.
- Wal-Mart – As of March 19, 2020 new hours 7 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. until further notice. This will help ensure associates can clean and stock products. From March 24-April 28, 2020 every Tuesday
customers 60 & older special shopping hours – call Walmart for specific hours.
- Target – Close at 9 p.m. to allow for cleaning and restocking. Wednesday – special shopping hours for senior citizens – call for specific time.
Costco – Tuesdays and Thursdays – members 60 and older can shop 8-9 a.m.
- Walgreens – Tuesdays – senior shopping 8-9 a.m., also open to caregivers and immediate family members as well.
- Carlie C’s IGA – Shopping for senior citizens, 60 and older and for persons with disabilities – 7-8 a.m. On Wednesdays from 8:30 – 9:30 p.m. shopping for first responders, EMT, doctors, nurses, etc.