Elder Care Servies Serving Sarasota, FL

The Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida, Inc. (AAA for SWFL) is an Aging and Disability Resource Center that has a customer-focused system for information and referrals to public and private pay long-term support options. By being the point of entry to long-term care programs, fragmentation is reduced and optimal use of all resources is assured to assist those in need. Our service area includes: Charlotte, Collier, De Soto, Glades, Hendry, Lee and Sarasota counties.

Provides legal advice, counseling and representation regarding civil legal problems such as: SSI eligibility, Medicare/Medicaid, living wills, home ownership problems, collection problems, landlord/tenant matters, public housing, consumer problems, health care issues, nursing home problems. Issue they do not handle include traffic violation issues.

Investigates all reports of abuse, neglect or exploitation of the frail, elderly or disabled adults, through observation, evidence gathering, and collateral contacts.

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)

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.

Civil Legal Aid Program that provides consultation and representation to low-income and /or elderly persons with civil legal problems. Types of cases include housing, health, domestic violence, public benefits (SSI, food stamps, Medicaid) and consumer problems, legal education, and preparation of advance directives for terminally ill, legal assistance to caregivers, and immigration matters.

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

Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders (SHINE) is a volunteer-based program that assists Medicare beneficiaries, their caregivers and family members in making informed decisions about Medicare and other health insurance issues. SHINE can also provide information regarding Medicaid, long-term care insurance planning, and prescription assistance programs.

Receives, investigates and resolves complaints against Nursing Homes, Assisted Living Facilities, and Adult Family Care Homes. Annually inspects long-term care facilities.

A not-for-profit organization that funds and administers programs and services to help elders live independently in their own homes or in the least restrictive settings for as long as possible. The Area Agency on Aging, mandated by the Older Americans Act, administers public funds and private grants and donations for senior services in Hillsborough, Polk, Manatee, Highlands and Hardee Counties. Specific programs include: SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders), Senior Wellness, and the Elder Helpline.