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ADRC - Changing the Way we Do BusinessOn August 1, 2005 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. The long term care system provides high quality services to its clients, but the long-term care network can be a complicated maze for elderly persons and their families. Therefore, this new initiative has built on the strengths of the long term care network and enhanced opportunities for seniors to receive services in a seamless and highly responsive manner. The disability portion of the Aging and Disability Resource Center in Pasco and Pinellas counties initially focused on providing information and referral to adults age 18 and over who have severe and persistent mental illness. The ADRC has expanded and now also provides information on resources for adults with a developmental disability and caregivers. The ADRC includes co-location 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 continue to conduct the screenings to determine eligibility, however as a client advocate, the ADRC works with them to ensure that the function occurs as efficiently and expeditiously as possible. The AAAPP has a Pasco branch office of the ADRC at the CARES Rao Musunuru, MD Enrochment Center in Hudson where intake, DCF and the DOEA CARES Unit are co-located. As part of the ADRC, the eleven Area Agencies on Aging developed a state-wide database of resources on the internet so that information about senior services and mental health services will be more accessible. As of March 2012, all eleven Area Agencies on Aging in Florida are Aging and Disability Resource Centers, and may focus on a specific disability in each Planning and Service Area (PSA). For information about long term care services please call The Senior Helpline at |
