FL Economic Care for the Elderly Program

Wouldn't it be great if a program could help your loved one stay in their home while providing them with the support they need? Florida's Community Care for the Elderly (CCE) program empowers Florida seniors aged 60 and over to remain in their familiar surroundings with a helping hand when needed.

What is Florida's Community Care for the Elderly Program?

The CCE program assists countless Florida families. This program provides services and aid to help seniors with daily tasks and activities, allowing them to live safely and independently at home for as long as possible. Think of it as a way to bridge the gap between needing help and requiring full-time nursing home care.

The CCE program has two main goals:

• Promote senior independence: This program provides the extra support your loved one needs to manage their daily routines and live comfortably at home.
• Reduce nursing home placement: The CCE program helps prevent unnecessary moves to nursing homes, allowing seniors to stay in their familiar surroundings for as long as possible.

Services covered under the Community Care for the Elderly Program

The beauty of the CCE program is its flexibility. There's no one-size-fits-all approach! Many services allow you and your loved one to choose the best fit for their needs. Here are some examples:

• Daily living assistance: Help with bathing, dressing, eating, and toilet use.
• Homemaking services: Cleaning, laundry, grocery shopping, and meal preparation.
• Transportation: Rides to doctor's appointments or errands.
• Companionship: Social interaction and emotional support to help combat loneliness.
• Adult day care: Provides socializing, healthy meals, and care in a safe and supportive surrounding during the day, allowing family caregivers some respite time.
• Home health care: Skilled nursing care, physical therapy, or occupational therapy delivered by a licensed professional in the comfort of your loved one's home.
• Emergency response systems: A wearable device that allows your loved one to call for help if needed.
• Respite care: Provides a short-term break for family caregivers, allowing them to relax without worrying about their loved one's well-being. It can be provided at home or in a short-term care facility.
• Counseling: Individual or family counseling to address emotional challenges with aging.
• Legal assistance: Estate planning, power of attorney documents, or other legal matters related to aging.

Eligibility for the Community Care for the Elderly Program

There are a few requirements to qualify for the CCE program. You must meet all requirements to be eligible for this program. Review the specific requirements of the CCE program to determine if you are eligible to apply.

Age requirements

Your care recipient must be 60 years old or older.

Residency requirements

They must be a legal resident of Florida.

Functional requirements

Your loved one must have a disability or impairment that makes it difficult to live independently and perform activities of daily living (ADLs) like washing or dressing.

Not Medicaid eligible

If they qualify for Medicaid, they won't be eligible for CCE. However, there are resources available to help you determine Medicaid eligibility.

Priority for abuse victims

Florida law prioritizes this program for seniors who are survivors of abuse, neglect, or exploitation. Unfortunately, elder abuse is rampant in Florida. CCE moves quickly to move victims into a safer environment. If you suspect abuse or neglect, contact the authorities immediately. Your loved one deserves high-quality care and security.

Financial requirements

There is no income limit to qualify for the CCE program. However, participants are required to pay a co-payment for the services they receive. These co-payments are based on a sliding scale, meaning pay is based on your income. The rate ranges from 1% to 3% of the senior's income.

How do family caregivers get paid?

The CCE program does not directly pay family caregivers. However, it can ease the monetary burden of caregiving by providing essential services that would otherwise need to be paid for out of pocket. Some services, like respite care, can also give caregivers a much-needed break.

Apply for Florida's Community Care for the Elderly Program

Step 1: Check eligibility

This program prioritizes seniors 60+ who require assistance with daily bathing, dressing, or getting around. A nurse or doctor will perform an initial assessment to determine your loved one's eligibility.

Step 2: Find your local agency

CCE is managed by 11 regional Area Agencies on Aging.

Find your agency online or call the Elder Helpline (1-800-963-5337) for guidance.

Step 3: Gather documents

• Proof of your loved one's age and Florida residency (e.g., driver's license, utility bill).
• Income verification documents (e.g., pay stubs, Social Security statements).
• Medical records documenting functional impairments (prepared by your loved one's doctor).

Step 4: Submit your application

Your local Area Agency on Aging will walk you through the application process. Be patient; CCE is not an entitlement program, and waiting lists may exist.

Step 5: Ongoing support

The Elder Helpline remains a valuable resource throughout the process. They can answer questions, update your application status, and offer ongoing support.

Caregiving support

By taking advantage of Florida's Community Care for the Elderly program, your loved one receives the support they need to thrive at home while maintaining their cherished independence. 

Don't navigate this journey alone. The Elder Helpline and your local Area Agency on Aging are there to guide you every step of the way. With a bit of planning and the support of the CCE program, you can create a win-win situation for you and your loved one.