- Services to keep you independent in your home
- Benefits Counseling
- Adult Day Care Programs
- Medicaid-Covered Dental Care
- Free Dentures
- Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs
- Prescription Drug Discounts
- National Family Caregiver Support Program (NFCSP)
- Discounted Phone or Internet Services
- Rides/Transportation
- Lifeline alerts
- Can’t hear on the Phone? Companies offer phones with large screens to read captions
- Comprehensive, coordinated healthcare programs for older adults to stay safely at home
FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AGENCIES/PROGRAMS
- The Administration on Aging (AoA) The AoA provides for elders, including free health insurance counseling, legal assistance, elder abuse prevention and help with long-term care planning.
- Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Military veteran or surviving spouse of a veteran may be entitled to several different benefits through the The VA offers health care services, long-term care services, pensions, disability compensation, burial benefits, and other benefits to eligible veterans and their qualifying family members. While the application and approval processes can be lengthy locate the veteran’s discharge papers (also known as DD Form 214).
ELDERCARE DIRECTORY
Essential resources for senior citizens and their caregivers Health & Help Lines American Disabilities Act Info Line . . . . . . 800-514-0301 Provides general or specific information about ADA requirements including questions about the ADA Standards for Accessible Design
- Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline . . . . . . 800-272-3900 Alzheimer’s & Dementia Caregiver Center
- American Parkinson Disease Association . . . . . . 800-223-2732
- National Parkinson’s Foundation . . . . . . 800-327-4545
- Parkinson’s Research Foundation . . . . . . 941-870-4438
- Social, cultural and intellectual interaction for people with Parkinson’s disease and their families Cancer Helpline . . . . . . 800-227-2345
- The Friendship Line . . . . . . 800-971-0016
(founded by the Institute on Aging) is available from 10 a.m. to 12 a.m. (EST) if you need someone to talk to immediately.
- Hearing Aid Helpline . . . . . . 800-521-5247
- Healing Loss Association of America . . . . . . 301-6567-2248
- American Speech-Language-Hearing Association . . . . . . 800-638-8255 Mission: Help with hearing loss through education, advocacy and support
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline . . . . . . 800-273-8255 (TALK)or text to The Crisis Text Line by texting . . . . . . . TALK to741741if you are in suicidal crisis or emotional
- Poison Control Center (Hotline) . . . . . . 800-222-1222
- SHINE—Servicing Health Insurance Needs of the Elderly . . . . . . 866-413-5337
- Friendship office for SHINE counselors . . . . . . 941-556-3248 Volunteers help beneficiaries and their families understand Medicare, Medicaid, & insurance
- US Department of Health & Human Services . . . . . . 800-447-8477
COUNTY AGENCIES/PROGRAMS
- Florida Department of Health in Charlotte County 1100 Loveland Blvd. Port Charlotte 33980 . . . . . . 941-624-7200 Services are provided on a sliding fee scale basis for treatment and counseling, dental services.
- Meals on Wheels of Charlotte County 3082 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte 33952 . . . . . . 941-625-4343 Provides services to homebound seniors in Charlotte County.
- Virginia B. Andes Volunteer Community Clinic 21297 Olean Blvd., Unit B, Port Charlotte 33952 . . . . . . 941-766-9570 No-cost episodic medical services and prescription medication to the uninsured and under-served of Charlotte County. Mon-Fri Medical Clinic. Free prescription medication distribution Wed 9-12. Call for appointment. Must reside in Charlotte County, have no insurance and be within 200% poverty level.
ELDER CARES
- Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida in North Fort Myers, FL (Serves Charlotte County) 15201 N. Cleveland Ave., Ste. 1100, N. Fort Myers 33903 . . . . . . 866-413-5337 2830 Winkler Ave Suite 112, Fort Myers, FL 33916 . . . . . . 239-652-6900 Website: https://aaaswfl.org/
Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) are local aging programs that provide information and services on a range of assistance for older adults and those who care for them.
· Mobility assistance programs, meal plans & housing
· Assistance in gaining access to services
· Individual counseling, support groups and caregiver training
· Respite care
· Supplemental services, on a limited basis
https://www.benefits.gov/ This site features a comprehensive Benefit Finder tool that serves as a single access point for information on federal, state and local programs from across different federal agencies. You’ll need to gather all the information you can relating to your elderly loved one’s health, disability, income, assets, military service, education level and more. When completing the Benefit Finder questionnaire, respond as accurately as you can. After submitting your answers, the site will generate a list of government programs, supplements and services you may qualify for, including application details and eligibility information.
https://benefitscheckup.org/ This non-profit site run by the National Council on Aging will ask man questions developed specifically for seniors. It may report resources for seniors including details and contact information.