Elder Care Servies Serving Fairfield, FL

This agency is primarily funded by the Legal Services Corporation, Florida Bar Foundation, and the United Way. They provide legal assistance in most areas of civil law, including Social Security cessation, Medicare, Medicaid, landlord/tenant, food stamps, public housing, and consumer. They do not accept fee-generating cases. Dissolution of a marriage with minor children or where abuse of the spouse or a child is involved are the only types of divorce cases handled. Clients must meed low-income eligibility requirements. Limited services are available to non-low-income Elderly and the disabled. Also has Branch Offices serving counties of Citrus, Hernando, Sumter, Orange, Oscola, and Seminole.

The Florida Abuse Hotline serves as the central reporting center for allegations of abuse, neglect, and/or exploitation for all children and vulnerable adults in Florida. Serves children and vulnerable adults who are the victims of maltreatment as well as vulnerbale adults in need of services. (Confidential reports)

Accepts, investigates, and resolves complaints made by, or on behalf of, long-term care facility residents. An "Ombudsman" is a citizen representative who advocates on behalf of others to resolve specific issues and concerns. The Ombudsmen are volunteers who are specially trained and certified. The volunteers are granted authority under Section 400.0061(2), Florida Statutes. It is an Ombudsman's job to protect the rights and ensure they receive appropriate treatment and attain the highest quality of life possible.

Administers programs serving the interest of older persons, caregivers, family members, friends, elected officials and other human services agencies- the Elder Helpline provides information and referral to Alachua, Bradford, Citrus, Columbia, Dixie, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Hernando, Lafayette, Lake, Levy, Marion, Putnam, Sumter, Suwannee and Union Counties.

Mission: To foster an environment that promotes well-being for Florida's elders and enables them to remain in their homes and communities.

Provides free legal advice and brief services by telephone for seniors to address civil legal questions regarding housing, health care, family law, employment, advance directives, and many other issues. When clients need representation in Court or other extended services, we help them find free legal providers in their area.

SHINE gives free information and assistance on Medicare, Medicaid, Medigap, long term care, supplemental insurance, and other health insurance benefits