Background:

The Community Care for the Elderly (CCE) Program provides support services in the home to frail, functionally impaired residents age 60 and older, enabling them to remain in the community and "age in place" rather than face nursing home placement. While the eligibility guidelines begin at 60, the average client we serve is in his/her late 70s.

Who Should Be Referred:

Our first commitment is to the frail elderly; those who without in-home help are at risk of nursing home placement. Care givers seeking relief from the stress and demands associated with daily care of an elderly relative are eligible to receive services. Community Care for the Elderly is mandated by the Florida Department of Elder Affairs to accept all referrals from the Florida Department of Children and Families Adult Protective Services and from the Florida Department of Elder Affairs CARES (Comprehensive Assessment and Review of Long Term Care Services) Program.

Services Provided Include:

Case Management - A case manager is assigned to every client to assess the problems that the individual is experiencing and determine what services can best resolve those problems. Short-term case management and crisis intervention are available as needed to referrals from the Abuse Registry, APS, law enforcement and Gatekeeper organizations.

Support Services - Assistance with bathing, respite for the caregiver, housekeeping, disposable medical supplies for incontinent clients and emergency alert response monitoring. The case manager also links clients with other community services such as Medicaid, food stamps, SSI, Community Health and Human Services, Senior Companions, housing repair, energy assistance and emergency food.

Funding:

Funding is made available through the West Central Florida Area Agency on Aging, State of Florida Department of Elder Affairs, the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners and client contributions. Clients are assessed co-payments based on a sliding scale.