The Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida (AAASWFL) is a nonprofit organization formed in 1978. Our mission was to improve the quality of social and health services, develop, plan and administer service programs, and raise funds to provide those services. We are focused on serving older adults and people with disabilities in a seven county area.
What We Do:
Our agency is committed to helping older adults and adults with disabilities to live independently. AAASWFL is one of eleven Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRC) designated by the Florida Department of Elder Affairs. Each ADRC is responsible for overseeing and providing services in a Planning and Service Area (PSA). Our PSA includes Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Glades, Hendry, Lee and Sarasota Counties.
Our Mission:
Our mission statement, adopted by the board of directors on April 24, 2025, reads:
AAASWFL empowers older adults and adults with disabilities to create their own path to positive aging.
Our Vision:
Our vision is for Southwest Florida to be recognized not only for its older population but for its unparalleled quality of life, where elders thrive as valued contributors through their wisdom and experience. We aspire for communities across our region to be age-friendly and accommodate the needs of older adults and adults with disabilities, including access to physical and mental healthcare, convenient transportation and affordable housing. Caregivers will be supported with comprehensive resources and respite services, empowering families to provide high-quality care without excessive burden. Social isolation, once a pressing concern, will be addressed through active outreach and community hubs that encourage engagement.
Our Values:
Compassion
We treat people with dignity, respect and kindness to ensure they feel heard, valued and supported.
Service
We are dedicated to providing and linking people to services and advocating for their needs.
Community
We believe in an inclusive community where people of all ages feel they belong.
Stewardship
We are good stewards if resources using them efficiently for a positive impact.
Trust
We earn trust by delivering on our commitments and consistently acting with integrity and reliability.
Here in Southwest Florida, the Area Agency on Aging is known for:
Elder Helpline
AAASWFL operates the Elder Helpline (866-41-ELDER). This toll-free service helps seniors, adults with disabilities, and caregivers find support in our community. We are also the state’s point of entry for long-term care programs. Our staff screens applicants for the state’s priority list for government-funded services.
The State of Florida’s Department of Elder Affairs entrusts AAASWFL with managing government-funded elder and disability programs. This helps ensure that taxpayer dollars are being spent effectively. In each county, AAASWFL distributes funds to a lead agency that provides direct services. We also develop an annual area plan that reflects the needs and issues of elders in our region.
The Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors. These leaders are responsible for the oversight of AAASWFL’s programs and operations. We also receive important community feedback through our volunteer Advisory Council.
AAASWFL is a member of the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (n4a). The n4a is a nonprofit association representing America’s national network of 622 Area Agencies on Aging.
About The Area Agency on Aging
What We Do:
Our agency is committed to helping older adults and adults with disabilities to live independently. AAASWFL is one of eleven Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRC) designated by the Florida Department of Elder Affairs. Each ADRC is responsible for overseeing and providing services in a Planning and Service Area (PSA). Our PSA includes Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Glades, Hendry, Lee and Sarasota Counties.
Our Mission:
Our mission statement, adopted by the board of directors on April 24, 2025, reads:
AAASWFL empowers older adults and adults with disabilities to create their own path to positive aging.
Our Vision:
Our vision is for Southwest Florida to be recognized not only for its older population but for its unparalleled quality of life, where elders thrive as valued contributors through their wisdom and experience. We aspire for communities across our region to be age-friendly and accommodate the needs of older adults and adults with disabilities, including access to physical and mental healthcare, convenient transportation and affordable housing. Caregivers will be supported with comprehensive resources and respite services, empowering families to provide high-quality care without excessive burden. Social isolation, once a pressing concern, will be addressed through active outreach and community hubs that encourage engagement.
Our Values:
Compassion
We treat people with dignity, respect and kindness to ensure they feel heard, valued and supported.
Service
We are dedicated to providing and linking people to services and advocating for their needs.
Community
We believe in an inclusive community where people of all ages feel they belong.
Stewardship
We are good stewards if resources using them efficiently for a positive impact.
Trust
We earn trust by delivering on our commitments and consistently acting with integrity and reliability.
Here in Southwest Florida, the Area Agency on Aging is known for:
Elder Helpline
AAASWFL operates the Elder Helpline (866-41-ELDER). This toll-free service helps seniors, adults with disabilities, and caregivers find support in our community. We are also the state’s point of entry for long-term care programs. Our staff screens applicants for the state’s priority list for government-funded services.
Outreach Programs
AAASWFL provides programs and services for Southwest Florida seniors and people with disabilities. These include health and wellness classes for older adults and caregivers, Medicare benefits counseling through the SHINE program, and elder abuse prevention and education.
Quality Assurance & Planning
The State of Florida’s Department of Elder Affairs entrusts AAASWFL with managing government-funded elder and disability programs. This helps ensure that taxpayer dollars are being spent effectively. In each county, AAASWFL distributes funds to a lead agency that provides direct services. We also develop an annual area plan that reflects the needs and issues of elders in our region.
The Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors. These leaders are responsible for the oversight of AAASWFL’s programs and operations. We also receive important community feedback through our volunteer Advisory Council.
AAASWFL is a member of the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (n4a). The n4a is a nonprofit association representing America’s national network of 622 Area Agencies on Aging.
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