Daytona Beach Senior AdvisorWhat is the Area Agency on Aging for Volusia and Flagler?
ElderSource, the Area Agency on Aging and Aging and Disability Resource Center for Planning and Service Area 4, serves both counties along with Baker, Clay, Duval, Nassau and St. Johns; its toll-free line is 1-888-242-4464.
ElderSource screens for Medicaid long-term care, manages the home and community-based services wait list, and funds local programs.
Who provides meals and in-home services locally?
ElderSource contracts with local providers, including the Council on Aging of Volusia County and Flagler County Senior Services, for meals, in-home help, transportation and caregiver support.
Call ElderSource first to be screened and referred to the right local program.
Where can we get free Medicare counseling?
SHINE, Florida's State Health Insurance Assistance Program, offers free unbiased Medicare counseling through the Elder Helpline at 1-800-963-5337.
Counselors help compare plans during open enrollment and sort out billing problems all year.
Is there free legal help for older adults?
Community Legal Services of Mid-Florida, an ElderSource partner, provides free civil legal help to eligible older adults, including on benefits, housing and consumer issues.
For Medicaid planning involving a spouse or a home, a private elder law attorney may still be worth consulting.
Who advocates for residents of ALFs and nursing homes?
The Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, part of the Florida Department of Elder Affairs, provides free, confidential advocacy for residents; call 1-888-831-0404.
Ombudsmen help with discharge notices, care disputes, rights and billing questions.
Where do we report abuse or neglect?
The Florida Abuse Hotline at 1-800-962-2873 takes reports about vulnerable adults 24 hours a day; call 911 first if someone is in immediate danger.
Licensing complaints about a facility go to AHCA at 1-888-419-3456.
Who helps veterans with VA benefits?
Volusia and Flagler each have a county veterans service office that helps veterans and surviving spouses file pension and Aid and Attendance claims at no charge.
VA-accredited representatives of veterans service organizations also help for free.
How can we get help planning for hurricanes?
Each county's emergency management office runs a special needs registry and shelter program for residents who depend on electricity or need help evacuating; register before the season starts.
Facilities have their own emergency plans; ask to see the evacuation and power plan for any ALF you are considering.
Where can caregivers find respite and support?
ElderSource connects caregivers with respite and support programs funded under the Older Americans Act and Florida's Alzheimer's Disease Initiative, delivered locally by its partner agencies.
Many programs have waiting lists, so call before a crisis.
