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.The Elder Helpline866-413-5337 (866-41-ELDER)The Area Agency on Agings 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 Agings nationwide Eldercare Locator network.You can search for elder and disability services online, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  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 callers 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.

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.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.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).