Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida HELPLINE: 866-413-5337
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Other AAASWFL Programs

Other programs for seniors, elders, people with disabilitiesThe Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida oversees a number of services for elders and people with disabilities.  Our main programs include the Elder Helpline, Home and Community-Based Care, SHINE Medicare Counseling, Health and Wellness workshops, and Elder Abuse Prevention & Education.  However, there are several other programs that AAASWFL offers.

Emergency Home Energy Assistance Program (EHEAP)

Florida’s Emergency Home Energy Assistance Program (EHEAP) assists households facing a home energy crisis (heating or cooling).  To be eligible for assistance, households must have a documented heating emergency such as a delinquent bill or shut-off notice.  Additionally, the gross household income must be less than 150% of the federal poverty guidelines. One member of the household must be age 60 or older to receive assistance.  EHEAP is funded through the Florida Department of Elder Affairs.

To apply for assistance, please reach out to the appropriate contact listed below by county:

PSA 8 – Area Agency on Aging of Southwest Florida

2830 Winkler Avenue, Suite 112

Fort Myers, Florida  33916

Phone:  239-652-6900

(Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Glades, Hendry, Lee and Sarasota County contacts below)

Charlotte County Board of County Commissioners–Human Services
1050 Loveland Blvd.
Port Charlotte, FL 33980
Phone:  (941) 833-6500
Contact: EHEAP@charlottecountyfl.gov
Collier County Board of County Commissioners–Human Services
3339 E Tamiami Trail
Naples, FL 34112
Contact(s):  Barbetta Hutchinson, Barbetta.Hutchinson@colliercountyfl.gov 
Phone:  (239) 252-2273
Contact(s): Marco Chouinard, Marco.Chouinard@colliercountyfl.gov 
Phone:  (239) 252-8441
Contact(s):  Lori Blanco, Loretta.Blanco@colliercountyfl.gov 
Phone:  (239) 252-2675
DeSoto County – Senior Friendship Center 
219 West Oak St
Arcadia, Florida 34266
Contact(s):  Diane Rhoneelli, drhoneelli@friendshipcenters.org 
Phone:  (863) 494-5965
Contact(s):  Debra Bragg, dbragg@friendshipcenters.org 
Phone:  (941) 255-0723
Hope Hospice and Community Services, Inc.
9470 Health Park Circle
Fort Myers, FL 33908
Glades County–200 Second St., Moore Haven
Contact(s):  Celest Dotson, celest.dotson@hopehcs.org 
Phone:  (863) 946-0366
Hendry County–475 East Cowboy Way, LaBelle
Contact(s):  Christine Theodorobeakos, christine.theodorobeakos@hopehcs.org 
Phone:  (863) 675-1576
Spanish–475 East Cowboy Way, LaBelle
Contact(s):  Monica Garcia, monica.garcia@hopehcs.org 
Phone:  (863) 675-1576
Lee County – Senior Friendship Center
5272 Summerlin Commons Way, Bldg #6, #603
Fort Myers, FL
Applications taken at:  7275 Concourse Dr., Ft Myers, FL 33908(Blue Trailer back of United Way Property)
Contact(s): Christin Jones, cjones@friendshipcenters.org 
Phone:  (239) 671-5330
Sarasota-Venice – Senior Friendship Center
2350 Scenic Dr
Venice, FL
Contact(s):  Ola Medrzycki, omedrzycki@friendshipcenters.org 
Phone:  (941) 584-0065
Sarasota – Senior Friendship Center
1888 Brother Geenen Way
Sarasota, FL
Contact(s):  Ola Medrzycki, omedrzycki@friendshipcenters.org 
Phone:  (941) 584-0065  OR (941) 955-2122

Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act (MIPPA)

The Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act (MIPPA) helps low-income seniors and people with disabilities by helping with some out-of-pocket Medicare costs.  MIPPA has helped low-income Medicare beneficiaries save more than $2 billion on healthcare expenses.

MIPPA includes three main assistance programs. The Medicare Savings Programs and Medically Needy Program are managed by the Department of Children and Families.  The Social Security Administration can also provide assistance through its Extra Help/Low Income Subsidy program. Extra Help subsidizes some prescription drug costs for low-income seniors.

These programs have specific income requirements. A SHINE counselor can help you determine your eligibility for these programs, and sign up for benefits.  Call the AAASWFL Elder Helpline at 866-413-5337 to meet with a SHINE counselor.

Statewide Medicaid Managed Care Long Term Care Program

Medicaid can assist with the costs of nursing facility care and other long-term medical expenses.  Eligibility for this program is usually based on the family or individual’s income and assets.  Recipients must be eligible for Medicaid because of either age or a disability.

AAASWFL assists the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) and Florida Department of Elder Affairs by managing the priority list for this program. AAASWFL also helps with the enrollment process.  If you believe you qualify for this program, contact the AAASWFL Elder Helpline at 866-413-5337.

Respite Care

Caring for a loved one with a disability or illness can be demanding.  Respite care services are designed for family members and loved ones who provide constant care for a frail elder or someone with a memory disorder or disability.  Short-term respite helps to improve the family unit’s ability to continue to care for their loved one.

AAASWFL can offer respite care through the Florida Department of Elder Affairs’ RELIEF program as well as through the Alzheimer’s Disease Initiative.  For more information about respite care, contact the AAASWFL Elder Helpline at 866-413-5337.

Veteran-Directed Home and Community Based Services

Veteran-Directed Home and Community Based Services gives veterans of all ages the opportunity to receive services from a caregiver of their choosing.

Veterans can only be referred to AAASWFL by Bay Pines VA Healthcare System.  The Veterans Administration refers clients who are at risk of institutional placement.  AAASWFL then assists the veterans with budget management and finding programs that suit their needs.

Veteran-Directed Home and Community Based Services are funded through the US Department of Veterans Affairs.