The Elder Helpline

866-413-5337 (866-41-ELDER)

The Area Agency on Aging’s Helpline is your starting point for finding aging, disability, and caregiver resources.  These resources can be government-funded, nonprofit services, or even private-pay options. Our goal is to help our callers find the help they need to live safely and independently. Our supportive Helpline specialists provide unbiased information and referrals.  Helpline staff is available by phone Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. at 866-413-5337 (866-41 ELDER)

The helpline is a toll-free service. It is part of the U.S. Administration on Aging’s nationwide Eldercare Locator network.

You can search for elder and disability services online, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  Visit our database and search for elder care resources online.

Who Can Call the Helpline?

The Helpline is available for adults 60 and over, along with adults with disabilities, caregivers, and others in Southwest Florida.  Our staff can assist in English, Spanish, and nearly 200 other languages.  If you are calling from outside Southwest Florida, please call the statewide Helpline at 1-800-96-ELDER.  Outside the state of Florida, call the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116.

What Happens When I Call the Helpline?

Every call is different, and every caller has different needs.  AAASWFL Helpline specialists listen carefully to each caller’s questions and concerns.  Our Helpline specialists will answer your questions, refer you to local services, and explain how to access those services.  These services may be available through Federal, state, or local agencies.  Our AAASWFL staff helps callers to understand their options.

In some cases, AAASWFL will need to screen callers for government-funded services.   AAASWFL staff conducts these screenings at a convenient later date.  Eligible callers are then entered into the State of Florida Department of Elder Affairs priority list for services.

Provider Database

Does your organization or agency provide services for seniors, adults with disabilities, or their caregivers?  If you meet the requirements, you can be included in the Integrated Statewide Information & Referral Database.  Your organization can download the Database Application Packet here.

Inclusion in the statewide resource database does not constitute an endorsement of an organization, agency, or service by Florida’s Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs).