Background:

Since 1972, the primary goal of the Homemaker Services Program is to assist the functionally impaired elderly in greatest social and economic need to live independently in their homes as long as possible. This is accomplished by providing general routine household chores, groceries and shopping assistance, and other essential task to assist clients with daily maintenance. Special emphasis is placed on isolated rural areas of Hillsborough County in an effort to reach potential clients, particularly minorities who are economically and socially deprived. Our goal is to ensure eligible clients assistance to continue to live independently. This is especially important when the client is homebound, no support is available, and without this service, deterioration will be immediate or occur in a very short time.

Who Should Be Referred:

Any resident of Hillsborough County 60 and older is eligible to be referred for Homemaker Services. Referrals are received through the Citizens Action Center's or the Department of Aging Services' Elder Help Line. Potential applicants are screened and usually placed on a waiting list until services can be provided. Service is provided by direct service staff (Homemaker Aides) and an outside subcontractor. Service is available five days a week, Monday through Friday, with special provisions for emergency service. Clients receive two to six hours of service weekly.

Services Provided Include:

• Assisting clients with limited impairments to perform or manage essential homemaker tasks themselves
• Providing continuous support to clients that are supported by family and friends on a temporary or social basis with home management
• Support Services
  • Limited Medical Transportation - Transportation is provided by staff when family support is non- existent or limited.
  • Meal Preparation - Provided to clients on a limited basis especially those with severe impairments or chronic illness
  • Lead Homemaker Visitation - Home visits are made weekly to ensure that quality service is being provided by direct service workers. Lead Homemakers work daily with Case Managers in order to coordinate services for our clients.

Funding:

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