Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida

The Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida (AAASWFL) is a nonprofit organization serving older adults (age 60-up) and adults with disabilities. We serve Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Glades, Hendry, Lee and Sarasota counties. AAASWFL is committed to connecting older adults and adults with disabilities to resources and assistance for living safely with independence and dignity.AAASWFL is also the states designated Aging and Disability Resource Center for Southwest Florida. We provide information and resources for seniors and adults with disabilities. We also help their families and caregivers. AAASWFL can connect you with local resources like elder care, adult day care, housing assistance, home care, meals, housekeeping, legal assistance, personal care, and even volunteer opportunities.Providing Long-Term Care (LTC) services to Floridas most vulnerable citizens is a multi-agency effort. The Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) administers the Statewide Medicaid Managed Care (SMMC) Long-Term Care program, sets coverage policy, and gets those eligible for services enrolled in a LTC plan. The Department of Elder Affairs (DOEA) is responsible for determining medical eligibility and level of care needed. We are one of eleven regional Area Agencies on Aging in the state of Florida. Nationwide, there are more than 600 Area Agencies on Aging serving elders and adults with disabilities.Health & WellnessThe Area Agency on Agings health and wellness programs are designed to help older adults (60+) through education and activity.  AAASWFL also provides support programs for caregivers. These free workshops are available throughout our service area (Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Glades, Hendry, Lee and Sarasota Counties).All of our Health and Wellness offerings are evidence-based, which means they have been scientifically tested and shown to produce verifiable results for people that have completed the workshops.AAASWFLs Health & Wellness programs are funded through the U.S. Older Americans Act.Chronic Disease Self-Management ProgramThe Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (CDSMP) was developed  at Stanford University to help people with a variety of chronic health conditions. It is an education program to help people better manage their health and keep them active and engaged in their lives.  Small groups meet with facilitators for six weeks, creating a plan to improve their health.  CDSMP is for adults with chronic health conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, lung disease, and other ongoing health problems.A Matter of BalanceDid you know that falling is the most common cause of death and serious injury among older adults?  Many seniors begin to restrict their activities because of concerns about falling.  A Matter of Balance workshops are designed for seniors who have anxieties about falling or who have fallen in the past.  This 4-8 week program helps older adults improve their balance, develop an exercise plan to increase strength and flexibility, and conduct a home safety check, among other topics.Tai ChiTai Chi is a low-impact form of Chinese martial arts that involves slow, controlled, flowing movements.  It can help improve hand-eye coordination, enhance health and fitness, improve balance, reduce stress and provide a gentle aerobic workout.  AAASWFL offers two different Tai Chi workshops.  Tai Chi for Arthritis for Falls Prevention is an 8-week, 16 session workshop. Tai Chi: Moving for Better Balance is a 12-week, 24 session workshop.Walk With EaseWalk With Ease is an Arthritis Foundation fitness program that can reduce pain and improve your health.  If you can be on your feet for ten minutes without increased pain, you can have success in this program.  One-hour classes include group walks and health-related discussions.Arthritis Foundation Exercise ProgramThe Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program (AFEP) is tailor-made for people with arthritis.  The AFEP is safe, comfortable, and effective.  In one-hour classes, youll reduce stress and learn how to better manage your arthritis.  Classes can be done either sitting or standing, depending on your ability and activity level.Caregiver SupportCaring for a loved one can be demanding and stressful. AAASWFL offers caregiver support programs.  These workshops are available to caregivers of any age who are the primary caregiver for an older adult or person with a disability.  Powerful Tools for Caregivers helps provide confidence, emotional management skills, self-care behaviors, and connection to local resources.  Classes are offered in 6-week programs.Find a Class Near You:To find a Health & Wellness class near you, or to request a class at your facility, call the AAASWFL Elder Helpline at 866-413-5337 (41-ELDER). 

The Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida (AAASWFL) is a nonprofit organization serving older adults (age 60-up) and adults with disabilities. We serve Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Glades, Hendry, Lee and Sarasota counties. AAASWFL is committed to connecting older adults and adults with disabilities to resources and assistance for living safely with independence and dignity.AAASWFL is also the states designated Aging and Disability Resource Center for Southwest Florida. We provide information and resources for seniors and adults with disabilities. We also help their families and caregivers. AAASWFL can connect you with local resources like elder care, adult day care, housing assistance, home care, meals, housekeeping, legal assistance, personal care, and even volunteer opportunities.Providing Long-Term Care (LTC) services to Floridas most vulnerable citizens is a multi-agency effort. The Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) administers the Statewide Medicaid Managed Care (SMMC) Long-Term Care program, sets coverage policy, and gets those eligible for services enrolled in a LTC plan. The Department of Elder Affairs (DOEA) is responsible for determining medical eligibility and level of care needed. We are one of eleven regional Area Agencies on Aging in the state of Florida. Nationwide, there are more than 600 Area Agencies on Aging serving elders and adults with disabilities.Please contact the Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida if we can be of assistance to you, a friend or a family member!The AAASWFL Elder Helpline is available between 8:00 am-5:00 pm Monday through Friday:  866-413-5337 (866-41-ELDER)Contact Phones:Telephone: 239-652-6900FAX: 239-652-6989Toll Free: 866-413-5337 (in the State of Florida)Postal address:Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida2830 Winkler Avenue, Suite 112Fort Myers, FL 33916Hours of Operation:Monday-Friday: 8am 5pm

The Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida (AAASWFL) is a nonprofit organization serving older adults (age 60-up) and adults with disabilities. We serve Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Glades, Hendry, Lee and Sarasota counties. AAASWFL is committed to connecting older adults and adults with disabilities to resources and assistance for living safely with independence and dignity.AAASWFL is also the states designated Aging and Disability Resource Center for Southwest Florida. We provide information and resources for seniors and adults with disabilities. We also help their families and caregivers. AAASWFL can connect you with local resources like elder care, adult day care, housing assistance, home care, meals, housekeeping, legal assistance, personal care, and even volunteer opportunities.Providing Long-Term Care (LTC) services to Floridas most vulnerable citizens is a multi-agency effort. The Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) administers the Statewide Medicaid Managed Care (SMMC) Long-Term Care program, sets coverage policy, and gets those eligible for services enrolled in a LTC plan. The Department of Elder Affairs (DOEA) is responsible for determining medical eligibility and level of care needed. We are one of eleven regional Area Agencies on Aging in the state of Florida. Nationwide, there are more than 600 Area Agencies on Aging serving elders and adults with disabilities.Elder Abuse Education & PreventionElder abuse impacts millions of people around the world. The National Council on Aging estimates that one in 10 Americans age 60+ have experienced elder abuse, but many cases go unreported.The Area Agency on Agings Elder Abuse Prevention program is designed to increase awareness of elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation. We provide elder abuse education training to area seniors and caregivers. Training topics include how to detect and prevent elder abuse and fraud. We also partner with other agencies to increase awareness of Elder Abuse.Report Elder AbuseThere are five types of elder abuse: Physical abuse,  emotional/psychological abuse, financial/material exploitation, sexual abuse, and neglect.  If you suspect elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation, call the Florida Abuse hotline at 1-800-96-ABUSE. This toll-free number is available 24 hours a day, every day. You can report any type of abuse to the Florida Abuse hotline.  Reports are confidential and can be made anonymously.World Elder Abuse Awareness DayThe United Nations General Assembly has designated June 15 as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. The goal of this day is to ensure our elders live free from all forms of abuse. Each year, the Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida participates in local events that commemorate this important date.AAASWFLs Elder Abuse Prevention programs are funded through the U.S. Older Americans Act.

The Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida (AAASWFL) is a nonprofit organization serving older adults (age 60-up) and adults with disabilities. We serve Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Glades, Hendry, Lee and Sarasota counties. AAASWFL is committed to connecting older adults and adults with disabilities to resources and assistance for living safely with independence and dignity.AAASWFL is also the states designated Aging and Disability Resource Center for Southwest Florida. We provide information and resources for seniors and adults with disabilities. We also help their families and caregivers. AAASWFL can connect you with local resources like elder care, adult day care, housing assistance, home care, meals, housekeeping, legal assistance, personal care, and even volunteer opportunities.Providing Long-Term Care (LTC) services to Floridas most vulnerable citizens is a multi-agency effort. The Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) administers the Statewide Medicaid Managed Care (SMMC) Long-Term Care program, sets coverage policy, and gets those eligible for services enrolled in a LTC plan. The Department of Elder Affairs (DOEA) is responsible for determining medical eligibility and level of care needed. We are one of eleven regional Area Agencies on Aging in the state of Florida. Nationwide, there are more than 600 Area Agencies on Aging serving elders and adults with disabilities.Please contact the Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida if we can be of assistance to you, a friend or a family member!The AAASWFL Elder Helpline is available between 8:00 am-5:00 pm Monday through Friday:  866-413-5337 (866-41-ELDER)Contact Phones:Telephone: 239-652-6900FAX: 239-652-6989Toll Free: 866-413-5337 (in the State of Florida)Postal address:Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida2830 Winkler Avenue, Suite 112Fort Myers, FL 33916Hours of Operation:Monday-Friday: 8am 5pm