55-Plus Community Resources

Fire and life safety information for residents and those who support them

Safety & Preparedness for 55-Plus Communities

Supporting fire and life safety for residents and those who support them

Our goal is simple: to help residents in our 55-plus communities stay safe and confident at home. By sharing practical information, trusted resources, and prevention-focused guidance, we work alongside residents, family members, and caregivers to reduce risk before emergencies occur.

An older woman with gray hair and glasses sits beside a smiling young girl, both looking at a smartphone together at a table covered with books in a cozy, book-filled room.

Connecting With Our 55-Plus Communities

Whether you represent a homeowners association, neighborhood group, or community event in a 55-plus community, our team is available to support residents and those who assist them with fire and life safety education. We provide:

  • Fire and life safety demonstrations for residents and their support networks in 55-plus communities

  • Practical discussions on fall prevention, smoke alarm safety, and emergency preparedness

  • Individual safety guidance and home-focused consultations, when appropriate

Our goal is to provide useful, straightforward information that helps residents make informed choices and stay safe in their homes.

Our 55-Plus Community Programs

At Bluffton Township Fire District, we know that residents in our 55-plus communities and the people who support them have specific questions about fire and life safety. That’s why we offer targeted programs designed to provide practical guidance and resources. From smoke alarm support and fall prevention education to emergency planning and CPR awareness, each program is built around real-world needs. By providing practical tools, tailored resources, and community connections, we help residents and their support networks stay safe, confident, and independent.

Safety & Smoke Alarm Program

We provide free smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detector installations, battery checks, and safety visits for residents in 55-plus communities. Specialized bed-shaker alarms may also be available for those with hearing challenges.

Fire & Fall Prevention Education

Our team offers presentations and resources designed to help residents and their support networks reduce fire and injury risks at home. Topics include safe cooking practices, proper use of heating equipment, and simple steps to prevent falls.

Emergency Medical Form

The Emergency Medical Information form helps residents, family members, and caregivers record important health details. Placed in an accessible spot, this form allows first responders to quickly access key information in an emergency.

55-Plus CPR & AED Awareness

We provide CPR and AED awareness sessions for residents and their support partners in 55-plus communities. These programs make lifesaving skills approachable and give participants confidence to respond during an emergency.

Emergency & Fire Escape Planning

Our preparedness program helps residents and those who support them build personalized emergency plans. We cover hurricane readiness, practical β€œgo kits,” and fire escape strategies that account for mobility needs and assistive devices.

Child Passenger Safety for Grandparents

Many residents and caregivers help transport children and grandchildren. Our technicians provide car seat inspections, installation support, and safety education to ensure every ride is as safe as possible.

Local Resource Links for Beaufort County / Bluffton Area Seniors

In addition to statewide and regional supports, here are trusted local organizations and programs that may be helpful to residents in 55-plus communities and to family members or caregivers who support them. These links offer a variety of services including in-home care, transportation, meals, wellness, social engagement, and more, to help seniors remain connected, supported, and independent.

Click each link to visit the organization’s website or contact them directly for eligibility, service area, or to request help.

24/7 Alzheimer's Helpline

Provides reliable support and information serving caregivers and individuals dealing with Alzheimer’s.

πŸ“ž(800) 272-3900

www.alz.org

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Beaufort County 911 Address Advisory

Alert emergency services, in advance, of critical and potentially life-saving information for your home for them to keep on file.

πŸ“ž 843-225-4003

www.bcso.net

Beaufort County Parks & Recreation – 60 & Better Program

Free and fun senior activities throughout the county, including games, crafts, bingo, fitness, workshops, and parties.

πŸ“ž 843-986-8171

www.bcscrec.com/senior-program

Bluffton Self Help

Offers social services that may benefit seniors, such as resource referrals, assistance with essentials (food, clothing, financial guidance) in the Bluffton area.

πŸ“ž(843) 757-6600

www.blufftonselfhelp.org

Beaufort County Senior Resource Directory

The Senior Resource Directory is a comprehensive guide connecting older adults and caregivers in Beaufort County to essential services, including healthcare, housing, transportation, nutrition, and social support programs. It serves as a one-stop resource to help seniors maintain independence, enhance quality of life, and access trusted local assistance.

www.seniorresourcedirectory.com/beaufort-county

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An older man and woman walk and play with a golden retriever on the beach. The cover text reads "Beaufort County Seniors Resource Directory 2024-2025” with helpful information for aging adults and caregivers.

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Caring Neighbors

A nonprofit volunteer network offering non-medical assistance for Bluffton seniors, including errands, transportation, companionship, and check-ins.

πŸ“ž (843) 368-2096

www.caring-neighbors.org

Lowcountry Area Agency on Aging (AAA)

Serves older adults in Beaufort and surrounding counties, coordinating in-home services, caregiver support, legal assistance, advocacy, and long-term care planning.

πŸ“ž (877) 846-8148Β 

www.LowcountryCOG.org

Meals on Wheels

Delivers prepared warm meals to homebound clients five days a week.

πŸ“ž (843) 802-0919

www.mowblufftonhiltonhead.org

Memory Matters

Provides free non-medical memory screenings, memory-enhancing classes, and programs to keep brains active.

πŸ“ž(843) 842-6688

www.memory-matters.org

South Carolina Department on Aging

The South Carolina Department on Aging connects older adults, caregivers, and families with programs and resources that support healthy aging, caregiver assistance, legal advocacy, nutrition, dementia care, and long-term care services across the state.


πŸ“ž(800) 868-9095

aging.sc.gov

South Carolina Equipment Distribution Program

State-funded, no-cost phone equipment and alerting devices for those needing hearing or speaking assistance.

πŸ“ž(877) 225-8337

www.scedp.sc.gov

South Carolina Respite Coalition

Respite is a temporary, short break from providing hands-on care for a loved one who has a significant disability, special needs or chronic illness.

πŸ“ž (803) 935-5027

www.screspitecoalition.org

The Lending Room

Distributes and accepts gently-used durable medical equipment and other home health care items, for short- or long-term needs.

πŸ“ž(843) 524-2554

www.lendingroombeaufort.com

Town of Bluffton C.A.R.E.

Community Assistance Response Efforts is an outreach program for the homebound or elderly. Includes engaging phone calls and welfare checks.

πŸ“ž 843-706-4550

www.townofbluffton.sc.gov/267/CARE

Additional Resources