Programs and resources from Florida’s aging network can help elders, their families, and caregivers better understand and access federal, state and local benefits available.
Through the federal Older American Act (OAA) Title III E, Floridians can get assistance for their roles as caregivers for their loved ones, whether it is a grandparent or non-parent relative who is caring for a child or someone providing care for an individual 60 or over. For more information please visit: National Family Caregiver Support Program
The RELIEF Program offers in-home respite as an expansion of respite available through other programs, including evening and weekend respite. The purpose of this service is to increase the ability of a family unit to continue to care for a homebound elderly individual by providing in-home respite beyond the basic provisions of current public programs. For more information please visit: Respite for Elders Living in Everyday Families (RELIEF)
The Home Care for the Elderly (HCE) program supports care for Floridians age 60 and older in family-type living arrangements within private homes, as an alternative to institutional or nursing home care. A basic subsidy is provided for support and maintenance of the elder, including some medical costs. A special subsidy may also be provided for services and/or supplies. For more information please visit: Home Care for the Elderly (HCE) Program
Medicaid
Statewide Medicaid Managed Care Long Term Care (SMMC LTC) plans may provide caregiver respite, caregiver training and caregiver services in your home to enrolled members when approved by your long-term care plan. If you lose your caregiver, SMMC LTC plans can help find another caregiver for you. If you are enrolled in a SMMC LTC plan, contact your case manager for more information.
If you are interested in getting on the SMMC LTC program: Call your local Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) to be screened. To find your local ADRC, call the Elder Helpline at 1-800-96-ELDER (800-963-5337) or go to the Department of Elder Affairs website at: Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs)
Other resources:
Alzheimer’s Disease Initiative
Florida’s Alzheimer’s Disease Initiative (ADI) provides services to meet the changing needs of individuals and families living with Alzheimer’s disease and similar memory disorders.
ADI respite care is available for caregivers of adults age 18 and older who have been diagnosed as having probable Alzheimer’s disease or other related memory disorders where mental changes appear and interfere with the activities of daily living.
Caregivers of those living with Alzheimer’s disease or related memory disorders can receive training and other ADI support services in addition to respite care.
ADI respite services include in-home, adult day care, emergency, and extended care (up to 30 days) for caregivers who serve patients with memory disorders. In addition to respite services, the ADI provides for support services including:
- Case management
- Specialized medical equipment and supplies
- Caregiver counseling and support groups
- Caregiver training
These services are provided through the 11 Area Agencies on Aging (AAA’s). For eligibility requirements and how to receive these services, you can contact your local Area Agency on Aging by calling the Elder Helpline at 1-800-96-Elder (1-800-963-5337)
Memory Disorder Clinics
Floridians of any age suspected of having a memory disorder may request that a Memory Disorder Clinic conduct diagnostic evaluations to determine probable Alzheimer’s disease or related disorders.
In order to locate your nearest Memory Disorder Clinic, please click here.
Brain Bank
Floridians of any age, regardless of a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or other related memory disorder, are eligible to sign up with the Brain Bank. Medical records documenting a general physical examination, neurological examination, hematological and biochemical studies, and a scan of the brain must be available.
Follow this link to learn more about the Florida Alzheimer’s Brain Bank which supports the Alzheimer’s Disease Research.
AARP Prepare to Care Family Planning Guide
Caring for a family member or close friend is a very valued yet taxing role. To learn more about 5 important steps to see you through your caregiving journey please visit: Prepare to Care Guide
