For Immediate Release: December 6, 2023
Contact: DOEA Communications, communications@elderaffairs.org
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, Department of Elder Affairs (DOEA) Secretary Michelle Branham commended Governor DeSantis’ budget recommendations and the continued dedication and commitment to supporting Florida seniors with increasing services and funding. The recommendations continue to place seniors at the forefront by increasing programs and services, supporting caregivers and those living with Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD), and providing more funding for the Florida Alzheimer’s Center of Excellence (FACE).
- The Governor’s Budget includes an increase of $6 million for the Alzheimer’s Disease Initiative (ADI), which provides services to caregivers and individuals diagnosed or suspected of having probable Alzheimer’s disease or other related memory disorders that interfere with daily living activities for a total of $65 million.
- The Governor’s Budget includes nearly $2.1 million in increased funding for the Florida Alzheimer’s Center of Excellent (FACE) initiative, which provides a person-centered, holistic care model focused on community support and equipping the medical system to provide early diagnoses, quality care management, and linkages to community services for persons living with dementia and their primary caregiver, for a total of $2.7 million.
“Under the incredibly supportive leadership of Governor DeSantis, Florida’s nearly 6.2 million older adults receive critical access to care and support services that allow them to age in the place of their choosing,” said Secretary Michelle Branham. “The Governor’s budget recommendations support our mission to promote the well-being, safety, and independence of our cherished Florida seniors, their families, and caregivers. Because of the Governor’s continued prioritization of seniors, Florida leads the nation in older adult services and programming, thus offering seniors in our great state a robust infrastructure of support and care.”
The Governor’s budget recommendations not only support the Department’s mission, but they also advance the vision to help all Floridians live well and age well, so that Floridians in all communities and life stages have opportunities that will ensure they remain healthy, safe, and independent as they age.
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