In-Home Supportive Services

• Case Management 
• Homemaking Assistance
• Personal Care Assistance
  
• Respite (Relief for Caregivers)
  
• Home Delivered Meals

Other Services: 
Congregate Meals (served Monday-Friday at the Young at Heart Center of Okeechobee location)

Emergency Home Energy Assistance Program

Basic Qualifications:

Recipient must be an Okeechobee County resident age 60 or above

Accessing Services:

To participate in congregate meals and activities, one must simply call or visit The Young at Heart Center of Okeechobee where eligibility will be determined by a Case Manager.

To apply for in-home supportive services, one must call the Elder Helpline at 1-866-684-5885. A telephone screening will be completed by the Elder Helpline staff which will generate an overall risk score. Individuals needing services are then ranked on the waiting lists based on that overall risk score. If you are unable to make this call yourself, a friend, neighbor, or family member who is familiar with your situation may make the call for you. You may also call or visit Senior Services and ask for a Case Manager who will be happy to assist you.    

Due to funding limitations there are waiting lists for most of the services offered. It is important to go through the process of the telephone screening to get on the waiting list. As attrition occurs, or additional funding becomes available, individuals are requested from the waiting list based on their risk scores. The provision of services as well as the level of services provided is dependent upon funding availability.

Funding:

Services available through Okeechobee Senior Services are funded through grants provided by the State of Florida Department of Elder Affairs through the Area Agency on Aging Palm Beach/Treasure Coast, along with the local support and funding provided by the Okeechobee Board of County Commissioners. As a result there is little to no cost to those receiving the services although some of the programs do require a minimal monthly co-payment.

Medicaid Long-term Care Program:

While not provided directly through Okeechobee Senior Services, the Medicaid Long-term Care program (MLTC) provides long-term care services to qualified Medicare recipients either in their homes or in an assisted living facility. For additional information on this program, contact Area Agency on Aging Palm Beach/Treasure Coast at 866-684-5885