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A Holiday of Giving 2017

AGED, Inc. along with Guardian Care Management and Seniors Intervention Group hosted a Holiday of Giving event on December 6, 2017, where we delivered over 175 holiday meals to Seminole and Orange county seniors and individuals with disabilities. 

This event would not have been a success without the help of our community volunteers who selflessly gave their time to deliver a meal, a treat for the pets, and a nice visit for the holidays. Many of the people that we delivered to would not have a holiday meal if it weren’t for the kindness of our volunteers.

We wanted to give a special thanks to Longhorn Steakhouse in Lake Mary, for generously supplying the meals, and to Pet Rescue by Judy for their kindhearted pet food donation.

Click here to visit our Facebook Page to see more pictures of the event. 

Thank you to all the organizations who came out to help make our event a success:

BB&T Wealth Orlando

Blue Sky Collection

Brookdale Senior Living Lake Mary

Burgos & Brein

City of Longwood Citizens on Patrol

Coldwell Banker Realtor Carolyn Kickhofel

ComForCare Home Care Greater Orlando

Comfort Keepers Oviedo

Hoyt & Bryan

Guardian Beth Goldstein

Guardian Cathy Semyck

Guardian Mark Haas

Guardian Nancy Estocin

Law Offices of Julie Jo Adams

Mobile Physician Services

Newcomer Family Funeral Home

Newport Senior Link

Oasis Senior Advisors Daytona Beach

Paralyzed Veterans of America

Partners in Healthcare, Longwood

Savannah Court of Maitland

SHINE

SunTrust

The Retirement Rescuers

Volunteers for Community Impact

Your Haven Senior Solutions Real Estate

 

Volunteers Needed for A Holiday of Giving 2017

We need volunteers – help us make the holidays happy for seniors in need!

We are delivering 175 holiday meals and care packages to seniors in need in Seminole and Orange County, but to reach them all we need your help.

Can you and your staff donate time to help?

When: Wednesday December 6th, 2017
Time: 2 pm – 3 pm check in | 3 pm – 5 pm meal delivery & visiting
Where: AGED, Inc. 1607 Cherrywood Lane Longwood, FL 32750
To Volunteer: Call Julie at AGED at (407) 682-4111 x. 107

We are also looking for pet food donations!

Special Thanks to Longhorn Steakhouse in Lake Mary for their generous sponsorship.

TrustAGED.org A Holiday of Giving 2017

Food Stamp Cards Set to Expire – AGED Newsletter May, 2015

Did you know that the food stamp EBT cards issued by DCF have an expiration date? Starting April 30, 2015 EBT cards will begin expiring, and new cards will be issued.

To tell when your card is set to expire, look at the Good Thru date on the front of the card. Your new card will be mailed automatically at the beginning of the expiration month. So, if your card expires in May, a new card should be sent to you automatically during the beginning of the month.

In order to receive the card, you should make sure that DCF has your correct address on file.

One way to tell which address DCF has is to review your most recent Notice of Case Action. If the address is correct, you are probably okay, but if it is outdated, you should update your address with DCF by logging into your MyAccess Account online at www.myflorida.com/accessflorida and Reporting a Change.

The new cards have an updated look, so it will be easy to tell which card is which. Your pin number will remain the same, so you can begin using the new card as soon as you receive it in the mail. Once you receive your new card, and verify that it is working properly, you may discard your old card.

TrustAGED.org Food Stamp Cards Set to Expire

If you receive food stamps, you’ll want to pay attention to your expiration date, so that you know when to expect your updated card. If for any reason you have an issue with your new card, or if you don’t receive it even if you have a good address on file with DCF, you may call 888-356-3281 to order a new card.

Tip: this number also works for lost / stolen cards, and cards that have never been received. You will be prompted to enter your card number during the call. If you do not know your number, stay on the line and you will be given additional prompts with options for requesting your card.


Want to read more articles from AGED’s May, 2015 Newsletter?

Big Increase in Personal Needs Allowance for ICP Medicaid Clients – AGED Newsletter July, 2014

Recently DCF released a new SSI-Related Programs Financial Eligibility Standards Chart for July, 2014. This chart outlines the income and asset limits for various Social Security and Medicaid Programs.

While this chart is released four times a year, generally changes made to the program limits are slight. However, this time around there was a big change with the Personal Needs Allowance (PNA) limit for people on the Institutional Care Policy (ICP), which covers Nursing Homes.

Individuals on ICP are now allowed to keep $105 / month in PNA. The limit for couples has also increased, up to $210 / month. Previously these figures were $35 / month for individuals, and $70 / month for couples.
This means that patient responsibility amounts will go down. If AGED is paying your nursing home bill on a recurring basis, please send us a new disbursement form with the new amount due to the nursing home so we can change the payment amount.

For people on ICP, their patient responsibility for the nursing home is their income minus the PNA, so this change is significant for those individuals, who use this money for any additional items not covered by the nursing home.


New SSI Eligibility Chart

If you would like a copy of the updated SSI Financial Eligibility Chart that was updated for July, 2014, you may download a copy from DCF’s site, at:  http://www.dcf.state.fl.us/programs/access/docs/ssi_fin_elig_chart.pdf

The chart changes several times a year, so you may wish to download the current version for your records. However, the web address for the chart doesn’t change, even when new charts are released. You may wish to bookmark the address so that you always have access to the most current chart.

Want to read more articles in July’s Newsletter?

Click here to read about Disaster / Emergency Planning for Seniors and Disabled Individuals.

Or click here to read about AGED’s Guardianship Benevolent Fund Current Funding Status.

Disaster / Emergency Planning for Seniors and Disabled Individuals – AGED Newsletter July, 2014

Image Credit: Cayobo

Image Credit: Cayobo

It’s that time of year again – hurricane season. The Atlantic Hurricane Season runs from June 1st through November 30th. During this time of year, it’s a good idea to make sure you have extra supplies on hand, just in case.

For seniors and disabled individuals extra precautions may need to be taken. Many counties have special needs shelters that provide basic medical care and monitoring for those in need. Most special needs shelters also allow for the individual’s pets to stay at the shelter, along with a caregiver for the individual if needed.

However, in order to evacuate to a special needs shelter, you must be registered with the county prior to the emergency.

To register, you must meet the following criteria, which may vary by county:

• You are a person with special medical needs
• Your care exceeds the basic first aid provided at general population shelters
• Your impairments or disabilities are medically stable and do not exceed the capacity, staffing and equipment of the special needs shelter to minimize deterioration of your pre-event level of health

It is important to note that not everyone with a disability requires a special needs shelter. These types of shelters are reserved for individuals with medical needs. If you do not meet the requirements, authorities recommend that the best place to shelter is in a safe structure outside the evacuation area with friends and family.

Source: Osceola Health Special Needs Sheltering

When you evacuate to a special needs shelter, you should bring the following items:

• A list of current medications
• Special Dietary Needs
• Oxygen Requirements
• Directions for respiratory equipment and any other electric medical equipment on which you depend
• Insurance cards, such as Medicaid, Medicare, or Supplemental Insurance
• A two-week supply of medications
• Nonprescription medicines that you might need, such as aspirin, antacids, etc.
• Extra oxygen tanks, concentrator, and nebulizer, if needed
• A three-day supply of nonperishable food and water
• Special dietary foods that you must eat
• A manual can / bottle opener
• A blanket, pillow, folding chair or cot
• A change of clothes
• Other special items needed, such as eye glasses, hearing aids, prosthetic devices, inhalers, thermometer, Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) papers, etc.
• Your caregiver, if needed

Source: Senior Resource Alliance

Here are some numbers for local special needs shelters. If you do not see your county listed, an internet search for the Office of Emergency Management or Special Needs Shelter for your county should reveal the proper contact information.

Want to read more articles in July’s Newsletter?

Click here to read about the Medicaid ICP Personal Needs Allowance Increase.

Or click here to read about AGED’s Guardianship Benevolent Fund Current Funding Status.

Governor Scott Recommends a $33 Million Increase to Serve Florida Elders

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 29, 2014

CONTACT:  Ashley Marshall

[email protected]

850-414-2142

 Governor Scott Recommends a $33 Million Increase to Serve Florida Elders

~ Enriching Seniors Initiative Will Remove Thousands from the Waitlists and Expand Programs that Help Florida’s Most Vulnerable Seniors ~ 

Governor Rick Scott of Florida

Governor Rick Scott of Florida

TALLAHASSEE – Today, Department of Elder Affairs Secretary Charles T. Corley praised Governor Scott’s 2014-2015 “It’s Your Money Tax Cut Budget” recommendations, which includes an overall increase of more than $33 million to support Florida elders most in need of care through the Governor’s Enriching Seniors Initiative.

Secretary Corley said, “Through his Enriching Seniors Initiative, the Governor is providing funding to reduce waitlists for our frailest elders in need of services, expand programs that protect impoverished elders needing guardianship, and protect the welfare and rights of long-term care residents. Governor Scott has made clear his priorities to support Florida’s most vulnerable seniors, and this money will do enormous good on their behalf.”

Statewide Medicaid Managed Care Long-Term Care Program

The Governor’s recommendation includes a $19.6 million increase to remove the frailest 1,280 elders and adults with disabilities from the waitlist for services under the Statewide Medicaid Managed Care Long-Term Care (SMMC LTC) Program. The program provides comprehensive long-term care services through a uniform statewide program to frail elders and adults with disabilities who qualify for Medicaid nursing facility level of care. Since the program was implemented, six of the Department’s Planning and Service Areas (PSAs) have been transitioned into the new program (approximately 50,000 individuals), including Miami-Dade County with the largest number of clients.

Alzheimer’s Disease Initiative

The Governor’s Enriching Seniors Initiative also includes an additional $4 million for the Alzheimer’s Disease Initiative (ADI) to provide services for almost 400 individuals who are at risk for nursing home placement and are currently on the waitlist for home and community-based services. ADI services and supports are provided to caregivers and individuals diagnosed with or suspected of having Alzheimer’s disease or other related memory disorders that interfere with activities of daily living. ADI provides respite care services, and caregivers can receive supportive services, such as training and support groups, that are essential to caring for persons with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias.

Community Care for the Elderly

Additionally, Governor Scott is calling for a $4 million increase to serve approximately 600 individuals waiting for assistance through the Department’s Community Care for the Elderly (CCE) program. CCE is a unique service delivery model for frail elders who are at risk for nursing home placement but not yet Medicaid-eligible to receive community-based services organized in a continuum of care in the least restrictive, most cost effective environment to meet their individual needs. Services may include adult day care, case management, home-delivered meals, and transportation, to name a few.

Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program

The Governor’s Enriching Seniors Initiative also recommends a budget increase of $3 million for the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program (LTCOP), a volunteer-driven program that advocates for the health, safety, welfare, and rights of residents in long-term care facilities. Volunteer ombudsmen perform assessments and visitations at all long-term care facilities and investigate complaints.

There are more than 4,000 long-term care facilities and an increasing number of long-term care residents in Florida. The Governor’s budget increase will expand the visibility of the resident-focused program, grow the volunteer ranks, and subsequently increase the number of ombudsmen visits to each facility. Volunteer ombudsmen help the residents and administrators work together to resolve issues before they result in more costly regulatory referrals. This additional funding will help the program’s outreach and volunteer recruitment efforts to ensure it has enough ombudsmen to advocate on behalf of the welfare of the growing long-term care resident population.

Statewide Public Guardianship Office

Governor Scott is recommending an additional $3 million for the Statewide Public Guardianship Office (SPGO), which is responsible for designating Florida’s public guardians who serve needy elders who lack the capacity to make their own decisions and have no willing or able family member to act as their guardian. The office is also responsible for the education and registration of all professional guardians in Florida.

In January 2013, the office only had contracts for public guardianship coverage in 27 of Florida’s 67 counties. In less than one year, the Department accomplished full coverage in all 67 counties. With the exception of Delaware, Florida is the only state to have public guardianship coverage in every county. The Governor’s budget increase will be used to complete and fund the statewide expansion of the program and provide guardianship services based on need.

To view Governor Scott’s complete “It’s Your Money Tax Cut Budget” recommendations, please visit http://flitsyourmoney.com/HomeFY15.htm


What They Are Saying About Governor Scott’s “It’s Your Money Tax Cut Budget”

 

Statewide Public Guardianship Office (SPGO)

Karen Campbell, Executive Director, Office of the Public Guardian, Inc.

“This is the first time that comprehensive statewide public guardianship has been achieved in every county in the state. The Governor’s funding will enable programs such as ours to serve the senior and disabled populations who have no family, limited financial means, and are unable to hire a private guardian. Our network has worked tirelessly to raise awareness of this critical issue, and I am thrilled that Governor Scott continues to support us as we serve those most in need.“

 

Scott Greenberg, President, Florida State Guardianship Association

“The Statewide Public Guardianship Office, through their programs, meets a critical need for the vulnerable citizens of our state who are in need of a guardian. I commend the Governor for his commitment to fulfilling these needs.”

 

Melinda Coulter, Chairperson, Foundation for Indigent Guardianship, Inc.

“On behalf of the Foundation, we are pleased to support Governor Scott in his efforts to fund public guardianship programs across Florida. These programs serve our most vulnerable citizens in every county in Florida, and we have been able to expand utilizing non-recurring funds. Governor Scott’s recommended increase will support the continued expansion of these critical statewide services.”

 

Nick Barton, Executive Director, AGED Trust, Inc.

“Through this funding, it is clear that Governor Scott recognizes Florida’s tremendous need for public guardianship programs. This significant increase will allow us to help elders who have nowhere else to turn. I am so pleased that AGED Trust Inc. can continue to partner with the public guardianship program to accomplish their great mission.”

 

Winsor Schmidt, Foremost National Authority on Public Guardianship Issues

“This is exciting news for the public guardianship program’s continued expansion. Florida represents the demographic future of an aging America and likely represents the prospective national need for public guardianship. Florida is at the forefront in public guardianship expansion, and other states would do well to follow Florida’s initiative.”

 

Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program

Chester Spellman, Chief Executive Officer, Volunteer Florida

“The Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program is a highly successful volunteer-run program that plays a critical role in Florida communities. These dollars will further expand the volunteer base of this great program and will have a tremendous statewide impact.” 

 

Neil Giroux, Chairman of the Advocacy Workgroup of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman State Council & Southwest Florida District Ombudsman

“I am pleased with the Governor’s budget increase for the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program. While the program’s volunteer numbers continue to increase, so does the population that we serve. It is important that we continue to expand our reach and grow the volunteer ranks to positively affect and advocate for Florida’s long-term care residents.”

 

Community Care for the Elderly (CCE)

LuMarie Polivka, President, Florida Council on Aging

“With this budget recommendation and commitment to this program, it is evident that Governor Scott understands the benefits of CCE for frail elders and that providing these services will delay or prevent nursing home placement or the more costly need for Medicaid services.”

 

Robert Beck, Advocate for Florida Seniors

“I applaud Governor Scott for his leadership and vision today for recommending a $4 million increase for the Community Care for the Elderly Program that will help frail, low-income seniors who do not qualify for Medicaid, to receive critical services including home-delivered meals, personal care, transportation, and other assistance so they may remain at home safely and with dignity and avoid or delay the need for more costly nursing home care. Governor Scott’s budget recommendations to increase funding for Florida’s General Revenue-funded home care programs means that seniors will get the help they need while Floridian’s tax dollars are wisely spent on programs delivering quality, value, and compassionate care.”

 

Bill Aycrigg, President & CEO, CARES (Community Aging & Retirement Services, Inc.)

“With this increase in funding for CCE, Governor Scott has made a strong step forward for frail elders in the state of Florida, enabling them to maintain their independence and stay at home.”

 

Alzheimer’s Disease Initiative 

Christine Lecher Powers, Chair, Alzheimer’s Disease Advisory Committee & Director of Adult Day Services for CARES (Community Aging and Retirement Services, Inc.)

“Governor Scott has recognized the critical need for respite services for the selfless caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease. I commend him for his continued support of our efforts.”

 

Ronald Davis, Caregiver Representative on Florida’s Purple Ribbon Task Force

“Respite care is the most significant service to a caregiver supporting a loved one at home. I commend Governor Scott for this funding increase which will have a significant effect on caregivers in Florida.”

 

Statewide Medicaid Managed Care (SMMC LTC)

Audrey S. Brown, President & CEO, Florida Association of Health Plans

“This investment from Governor Scott demonstrates his continued commitment to this managed care service delivery model and the population it serves.”

 

José R. Fox, President & CEO, United Home Care

We are very pleased with the Governor’s recommendations for this program that enables providers to serve the frailest population in need of care through SMMC.

For more information on the Florida Department of Elder Affairs, please visit elderaffairs.state.fl.us

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June 4 One Senior Place AGED Presentation for Professionals: How New Changes to Medicaid Will Impact You & Your Clients

Presented by AGED: How New Changes to Medicaid Will Impact You & Your Clients. This event is for professionals only.

How Changes to Medicaid Will Imacpt Your Clients 06.04.13

June 4, 2013 One Senior Place AGED Presentation: How to Make Life Affordable

We are pleased to announce our upcoming presentation at One Senior Place titled “How to Make Life Affordable.”

This presentation takes place on June 4th, 2013 from 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m, and is open to the public. See flyer below for details.

OSP Make Life Affordable June Presentation 04.23.13

Feb. 8, 2013 One Senior Place Event: Caring for the Caregiver

There are some great upcoming One Senior Place events that we thought you should know about.

February 8, 2013 10 am – 2 pm Caring for the Caregiver

Meet local elder care experts and resource providers. Learn information, tips, and strategies, and find resources that help.

Guest speakers include Linn Possell, Author of “Alzheimer’s – A Beautiful Spirit Celebrated” and Nancy Squillacioti, Director of the Alzheimer’s and Dementia Resource Center.

Click on the flyer to get more details.

OSP Caring for the Caregiver 020813

One Senior Place Presents: Caring for the Caregiver February 8, 2013

Nov. 30, 2012 Bags of Hope & Holiday Cookie Extravaganza – Upcoming One Senior Place Events

There are some great upcoming One Senior Place events you should know about.

November 30, 2012 4 – 7 pm  Bags of Hope – Silent Auction for Designer Handbags

Silent Auction held at One Senior Place, with the proceeds going to benefit VITAS.

BagsofHope Nov 2012

If you would like to donate a purse or handbag for this event, please check out the flyer below.

APursewithaPurpose Donations Nov2012

December 7, 2012 10 am – 12 pm One Senior Place’s Holiday Cookie Extravaganza

Meet the businesses of One Senior Place and pick up holiday cookies and some new recipes.

OSP Cookie Extravaganza Dec2012

Contact AGED

Phone: (407) 682-4111

Fax: (407) 682-5511

Access Your Account

To locate the main AGED trust documents select from the desired forms below


FL Public Guardianship Trust

AGED is the Administrative Trustee for the Florida Public Guardianship Pooled Special Needs Trust.

Click here for forms and additional information about this trust


Community & Hospital Guardianship Program

CHG Program

AGED's Community & Hospital Guardianship (CHG) program gets patients "unstuck" from a hospital or facility.

Learn more about CHG by visiting www.CHGProgram.org.


Florida Adaptive Sports

A program of AGED, Florida Adaptive Sports is a social sports club that helps keep disabled Floridians of all ages healthy for life by providing an outlet for friendship and activity.

Learn more about Florida Adaptive Sports by visiting www.FLAdaptiveSports.org


Guardian Peer Support & Mentor Group

The Guardian Peer Support & Mentor Group is a place for Florida’s Professional and Public Guardians, their staff, and retired Guardians to come together to share resources, discuss challenges, and uncover creative solutions to difficult issues in an effort to support one another in a challenging and unique profession.

Visit our website https://floridaguardian.com/ or join the Facebook group

Want to work at AGED, Inc? Check out our employment opportunities.