The Elder Rights Bureau helps elders age with security through programs to help ensure that older individuals are able to access and maintain benefits and legal rights. This includes protection from abuse, neglect, exploitation, and other crimes, whether at home, in the community, or in institutional care:
Alzheimer’s Disease Initiative (ADI)
This program utilizes state General Revenue funds to provide caregiver training and support including counseling, consumable medical supplies, and respite for caregiver relief; Memory Disorder Clinics to provide diagnosis, research, treatment, and referral; Model Day Care programs to test new care alternatives, and a Brain Bank to support research. ADI services are provided in conjunction with the Alzheimer’s Disease Advisory Committee, which advises the Department regarding legislative, programmatic, and administrative matters that are related to individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and their caretakers.
Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders (SHINE)
The SHINE program provides free, unbiased health insurance counseling and information to elders, the disabled, and their caregivers regarding Medicare, prescription assistance, long-term care planning and insurance, Medicaid, and a variety of other health care issues. Through a statewide network of trained SHINE counselors, individuals can receive personal and confidential assistance for their Medicare-related questions and issues. Visit SHINE’s Website at www.FloridaSHINE.org.
Communities for a Lifetime
The Communities for a Lifetime initiative administers programs that help communities create environments that embrace the life experience and valuable contributions of older adults and feature improvements to benefit all residents, youthful and elder alike. These programs help ensure the continued healthy aging of all citizens.
Elder Abuse Prevention Program
This program is designed to increase awareness of the problem of elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation. The program also includes training, dissemination of Elder Abuse Prevention materials, and funding of special projects to provide training and prevention activities.
