Debra Austin, Program Manager
1690 NW 9th Avenue, Okeechobee, FL 34972
Office: (863) 462-5180
Fax: (863) 462-5184
email:  daustin@okeechobeecountyfl.gov
information: ossinfo@okeechobeecountyfl.gov

Our Mission

To provide residents of Okeechobee County age 60 and above access to resources, activities and assistance to promote mental and physical well-being, preserve independence and to improve their quality of life through Case Management, in-home supportive services, home-delivered meals and the Young at Heart Center of Okeechobee, thereby enabling them to remain in their homes and avoid institutionalization for as long as it is safely possible.

Our Philosophy

The services we provide through Okeechobee Senior Services address two distinct need groups among seniors age 60 and above in our county.

The first group we address is through the Young at Heart Center of Okeechobee. The programming at the Center has been developed for Seniors, age 60 and above who can still take care of themselves, and who are still driving or able to use community transportation to get to and from the Center. It provides for the nutritional, emotional, physical, and mental needs of our Seniors through various activities including socialization opportunities, games, music, exercise, nutritionally balanced meals, informative speakers, and much more. We hope that by participating in the activities at the Center these Seniors will be able to maintain their independent living status longer.

The second group we address is through  in-home supportive services provided  to Seniors who are no longer able to live alone safely without some assistance with normal daily activities. These Seniors are no longer able to accomplish basic homemaking tasks, or basic personal care tasks without assistance. They may be homebound and no longer able to do their own shopping or to prepare balanced, nutritious meals. We hope that by helping these Seniors with in-home supportive services they may be able to remain safely in their homes longer where most prefer to stay and avoid unnecessary or premature institutionalization.

Brighten Your Day - Dial "211"
Sunshine Daily Reassurance Telephone Call

To report suspected elder abuse call the Elder Abuse Hotline
1-800-96- ABUSE (1-800-962-2873)