BELOW IS AN OVERVIEW OF PROGRAMS OFFERED

As the designated Area Agency on Aging for the sixteen counties comprising North Central Florida, the Mid-Florida Area Agency on Aging d/b/a Elder Options, in partnership with the Florida Department of Elder Affairs, is responsible for the administration of an array of programs designed to benefit elders residing in its planning and service area. A descriptive overview by program name is provided in this section for each of the major programs administered by us. These programs include the following:

A program that provides services for the special needs of individuals with Alzheimer's disease and related memory disorders. Respite care (caregiver relief) services are provided in all 67 Florida counties. There are 13 state-funded memory disorder clinics in Florida providing medical diagnosis and treatment for patients. The clinics also provide training and education to caregivers. ( back to top )

A program funded by the state that assists frail elders. The CCE program provides case management services to assist functionally impaired elders to live independently in their homes. Additional community-based services include adult day health care, home health aid, counseling, home repair, medical therapeutic care, home nursing and emergency alert response. ( back to top )

A program initiative that assists Florida 's communities in planning and implementing improvements that benefit the lives of all their residents young and old. This initiative recognizes the diverse needs of residents and the unique contributions each individual can make to his/her community. Communities which participate use existing resources and state technical assistance to make crucial civic improvements in areas such as housing, health care, transportation, accessibility, business partnerships, education, and to make efficient use of natural resources, volunteer opportunities and recreation. ( back to top )

A statewide toll-free telephone information and referral assistance service that links callers to local resources. The Elder Helpline (1-800-96-elder) is a starting point for anyone seeking information about aging issues, looking for an aging services provider, or wanting to volunteer. Helpline Information and Referral specialists not only answer general inquiries but direct callers to the appropriate source to address their needs. ( back to top )

A program that provides vendor payments to assist low-income households. At least one person in the residence must be age 60 or above and experiencing a home energy emergency, such as difficulty keeping on his/her utilities. The energy emergency could be the receipt of a pending shut off notice, lack of fuel or wood, or an unusually high utility bill resulting from a severely hot summer or harsh winter. ( back to top )

A multi-dimensional program initiative that highlights a combination of health education, disease prevention and screening, and nutrition programs for elders. Specific program activities include:

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A state funded program that provides subsidy payments to help caregivers maintain low-income elders in their own home or in the home of a caregiver. The monthly basic subsidy payment is made to the caregiver for support and health maintenance and to assist with specialized health care needs. An eligible HCE participant must be at risk for nursing home placement. ( back to top )

A program for disabled elders who are eligible for Medicare and Medicaid. This program coordinates the customer's regular medical care with his long-term care. A participating HMO in selected counties provides services. This program is directed to individuals who would otherwise be served only in a nursing home. ( back to top )

Programs that provide a variety of home and community-based services to elders that are frail, functionally impaired, and at risk of nursing home placement. The programs use Medicaid funds to assist them to remain in the home or an assisted living facility (ALF). A professional case manager is assigned to each consumer. The case manager drafts a customized care and service plan for each consumer. ( back to top )

These programs are probably the ones that are the most familiar to you. They provide social activities for seniors, such as meals and recreational activities at senior centers and other congregate sites. Also, through these programs, local agencies deliver in-home services to frail elders – services such as meals on wheels, personal care or homemaking help. Local agencies also use Older American Act money to fund advocacy and health promotion activities that benefit all elders. The Senior Community Service Employment Program, another Older American Act program, provides part-time employment and job training for workers age 55 or older. ( back to top )

A federally funded program providing free insurance counseling and information about Medicare and health insurance coverage. SHINE uses a statewide network of trained volunteer counselors. Elders can contact a SHINE counselor in each of Florida 's 67 counties through the Florida Elder Helpline (1-800-963-5337). ( back to top )

Sunshine for Seniors counselors inform elder consumers of program eligibility criteria established by pharmaceutical companies and the drugs covered by those programs. This service enables Florida 's senior citizens to make a more informed choice about free or discount programs that best suit their prescription needs. In addition, Sunshine for Seniors counselors assist with program enrollment, information, and application forms, if necessary. ( back to top )