ADRC - Changing the Way we Do Business

On August 1, the Area Agency of Pasco-Pinellas, Inc. became one of Florida's first three Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs). The ADRC is designed to improve entry into the long term care system and make long term care responsibilities more efficient. Although, the current long term care system provides high quality services to its clients, the long-term care network can be a complicated maze for elderly persons and their families. Therefore, this new initiative will build on the strengths of the current long term care network and enhance opportunities for seniors to receive services in a seamless and highly responsive manner. The disability portion of the Aging and Disability Resource Center is for adults age 18 and over who have severe and persistent mental illness. The ADRC will provide information and referral to mental health resources and will also provide increased access to the programs that provide long-term care.

The ADRC includes physical co-locatation with organizations that provide eligibility determination for services, namely staff of the Department of Elder Affairs CARES Unit and the DCF Economic Self Sufficiency Unit. These programs will continue to conduct the screenings to determine eligibility, however as a client advocate, the ADRC will ensure that the function occurs as efficiently and expeditiously as possible. The AAAPP now has a Pasco branch office of the ADRC at the Bayonet Point Enrichment Center in Hudson where intake, DCF and the DOEA CARES Unit are co-located.

As part of the ADRC, DOEA is developing a state-wide database of resources on the internet so that information about senior services and mental health services will be more accessible. Gulfport and Sunshine Senior Centers have agreed to serve as satellite ADRCs where seniors can access information about community resources. It is anticipated that over 80% of the questions and service needs will be handled through improved access to information referral to the community, faith based, charitable, for-profit and public non-long term care programs.

For information about long term care services please call The Senior Helpline at (727)217-8111 in Pinellas County and (800) 861-8111 for Pasco.