Manatee County manages many grant-funded programs to assist elderly residents. The programs provide services which enable seniors ages 60 and older to remain in their homes or the home of their caregiver. Some programs require a co-pay based on a sliding fee scale developed by the state. Nursing home and Assisted Living care is avoided or delayed through use of the following services:
- Homemaker: Service includes housekeeping, meal planning and preparation, laundry services, and shopping for groceries, medical supplies and incidentals.
- Personal Care: Services are directed at preserving the health of the elderly by assisting with personal hygiene and dressing, changing of bed linens, and preparing small meals.
- Emergency Alert Response: An electronic surveillance service that monitors homebound seniors by linking them to a communication response center, which responds to emergencies.
- Home Delivered Meals: Furnishes a nutritious noon-time meal delivered to the client's home.
- Medical Transportation: Service available to elderly persons who are without a method of traveling to medical appointments.
- Adult Day Care: Benefits adults who may be isolated and can profit from participation in a group setting.
- Respite Care: Affords supervision and companionship in the home, for physically disabled or mentally impaired seniors. This program is designed to periodically relieve the primary caregiver.
- Community Referrals: Program involves connecting seniors to other services available in the community (such as legal services) which are provided on a volunteer or at cost basis.
For more information, call the Manatee County Elder Helpline at (941) 742-5818.
