SENIOR RESOURCES

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. https://acl.gov/about-acl/administration-aging

Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)

Military veteran or surviving spouse of a veteran may be entitled to several different benefits through the https://www.va.gov/. 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).

The National Institutes of Health (NIH)

The National Library of Medicine, a part of the NIH, hosts a comprehensive online database of every drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) called https://medlineplus.gov/. Consumers can use this database to search for information on medications, including active ingredients, uses, dosing recommendations, and interactions. MedlinePlus also features a database of this detailed information for herbal remedies and dietary supplements.

Your U.S. Senators

Every senator has a staff specialist on elder affairs, programs and services, who can both advise and advocate for benefits or services for you and your loved one. You can find contact information for both of your state’s senators using the https://www.senate.gov/.

Your U.S. Representatives

Most congressmen and congresswomen in the House of Representatives also have staff specialists on elder affairs, programs and services and can provide both information and advocacy services. Contact information for all of your state’s representatives is available on the https://www.house.gov/.

Medicaid

Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that provides health coverage to low-income Americans. Adults may qualify for Medicaid if they are disabled or age 65 or older. Unlike Medicare, Medicaid covers various types of long-term care and home- and community-based care services. However, applicants must meet stringent financial requirements to be approved for Medicaid coverage. Each state administers its own Medicaid program. Visit https://www.medicaid.gov/.

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.

Eldercare Directory

Essential resources for senior citizens and their caregivers https://www.eldercaredirectory.org/federal.htm

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 https://www.alz.org/help-support/caregiving

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 to741741

if you are in suicidal crisis or emotional distress

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 and supplemental insurance. Offers Health Insurance and Medicare counseling.

US Department of Health & Human Services . . . . . . 800-447-8477

STATE AGENCIES/PROGRAMS

Area Agency on Aging—Elder Helpline . . . . . . 800-963-5337

Starting point for info, referral and assistance for elders, their families and caregivers.

Attorney General’s Seniors vs Crime Program . . . . . . 800-203-3099

Elder Law

Office of the Attorney General of FL . . . . . . 866-966-7226

Senior Legal Help Line . . . . . . 888-895-7873

Eldercare Locator . . . . . . 800-677-1116

Florida Department of Elder Affairs . . . . . . 850-414-2000

4040 Esplanade Way, Tallahassee 32399

Mission is to maximize self-sufficiency and personal independence of elders and to plan, advocate and administer programs and policies that assure accessible, responsive and comprehensive services and long term care.

Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program

2295 Victoria Ave. Ft. Myers 33901 . . . . . . 888-831-0404 or 239-338-2563

They help to ensure the health, safety and welfare of individuals living in skilled nursing facilities or assisted living communities.

COUNTY AGENCIES/PROGRAMS

Charlotte County Health Departments & Clinics

Charlotte 2-1-1 (United Way of Charlotte County) . . . . . . 2-1-1

Provides telephone access to trained information and referral specialists 24/7.

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. By contacting your local agency you get access to critical information including:

· 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

Emergency Response

Charlotte County Office of Emergency Management

26571 Airport Rd., Punta Gorda 33982 . . . . . . 941-833-4000

Educations residents on the necessity of planning for extreme weather, sheltering in place and evacuations

Mental Health

Charlotte Behavioral Healthcare (24-hr Crisis Line) . . . . . . 941-575-0222

1700-A Education Ave., Punta Gorda 33950

VETERANS BENEFITS & SERVICES

Veterans Crisis Line . . . . . . 800-273-8255

Department of Veteran Affairs—Charlotte County Office

4161 Tamiami Trail, Ste. 401, Port Charlotte 33980 . . . . . . 941-764-5579

Intake and help with regard to federal and state veterans benefits. If you are a veteran or the spouse or child of a veteran, you may be entitled to benefits.

Get Help Filing Your Claim or Appeal—Veterans Affairs

Get help filing your VA disability claim from an accredited Veterans service representative. Trained and certified in the VA claims and appeals processes. Find Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs)

https://www.va.gov/disability/get-help-filing-claim/