WUSF | By Gabriella Paul
Published November 14, 2023 at 5:00 AM EST





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Nearly $3 million in home modification funds remain for Pasco and Pinellas County residents until Dec. 31. Seniors in Pasco and Pinellas Counties who need modifications to stay in their homes are eligible for free equipment and installation — if they apply before time runs out.

The Pasco-Pinellas Area Agency on Aging is one of the 11 elder affairs offices across the state participating in this temporary program.

While there's nearly $3 million in remaining funds for Pasco and Pinellas County residents — nearly 80% of the total program allocation — there's not much time left, according to the director of program accountability Christine Didion.

Money for home modifications, like installing bedrails or a lift chair, must be claimed by Dec. 31, she said.
"For many of us, we think of the services or supports we might need to stay in our homes ... but something that doesn't come to our mind is home improvements ... to make them more functional, safer and more accessible as you age and experience changes in your health," she said.
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She urged Pinellas and Pasco residents to take advantage of this existing program while it's available.

Didion said there is the possibility of a permanent home modification program next year, if it's greenlit by Florida lawmakers. On Thursday, the Florida Department of Elder Affairs pitched a $10 million program to improve the housing conditions of seniors in the state, according to a Florida Phoenix report.

In these counties, between January and October, 287 residents received free home improvements, medical equipment and services.

Among them was Anna Sanders, 60, who uses a walker.

In November, her bathtub was converted to a walk-in shower in her home in San Antonio, Florida.

"This has been a lifesaver. I mean, it really helps our budget. It helps my peace of mind and my family's peace of mind since I'm here alone," she said.

Sanders suffers from chronic back pain, and after a surgery earlier this year, Sanders said stepping over the tub became too difficult.

Now, with the modification, she said she's regained a sense of independence — and she's saved about $9,000, the average cost of a tub-to-shower conversion.

With those savings, Sanders said she can invest in modifying other parts of her home to support her through retirement.

Pasco and Pinellas county residents who apply to the program are eligible for home safety improvements and services, including:

• Tub-to-shower conversion
• Bedrails/handrails
• Electric lifts
• Enhanced chore
• Grab bars
• High-seated toilet
• Hospital bed
• Hurricane preparedness
• Lift chair
• Non-slip flooring
• Ring camera/video doorbell
• Smart appliances
• Smart pill dispenser

To reach the Area Agency on Aging of Pasco-Pinellas, email [email protected] or call
727-570-9696 x 163.

Gabriella Paul covers the stories of people living paycheck to paycheck in the greater Tampa Bay region for WUSF. S
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Florida Association of Area Agencies on Aging Announces Collaboration with Ring to Help Senior Residents Age in Place and Enhance Safety
 
Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL) and Senator Lauren Book (D-FL) Express Support for Collaboration

SUNRISE, Fla. – December 13, 2022 – The Florida Association of Area Agencies on Aging announced a new community initiative in collaboration with Ring to help older adults maintain their independence and quality of life as they age. Ring, whose mission is to make neighborhoods safer, is making a monetary contribution and donating over 1,000 Ring and Amazon devices, including 50 Ring Video Doorbells and 50 Echo Show 8’s, to each of the 11 Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) throughout Florida.

“We are very excited about this new initiative with Ring,” stated Lisa Bretz, President of the Florida Association of Area Agencies on Aging and Executive Director of Advantage Aging Solutions. “This donation will help provide an additional layer of support and security for our older adults as well as give them peace of mind as they remain independent.”

The mission at the Florida Association of Area Agencies on Aging is to promote the well-being, safety, and independence of Florida’s seniors, their families, and caregivers. The network of Area Agencies on Aging functions as a coordinated body for information and access to services for all Floridians seeking long-term care resources. This collaboration is intended to leverage technology to support agency programs that assist older adults with diverse needs to stay connected, independent, and safe at home as they age in place.
“In the past few years, it has become clear how essential technology is to stay connected,” added Charlotte Mather-Taylor, Chief Executive Officer of the Area Agency on Aging of Broward County. “We hope Ring's donation will make a difference for seniors looking to feel more secure at home and facilitate communication with their loved ones.”

“As your leader and advocate in Congress, I will continue working to deliver critical legislation and resources that improve the quality of life for seniors throughout our district and the state of Florida,” said Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick. “I applaud the collaborative efforts of The Florida Association of Area Agencies on Aging and Ring to help our seniors securely age in place. This community initiative will provide much-needed support for older adults who desire to maintain their connectivity, safety, and independence.”

“Technology can be a wonderful tool to provide peace of mind and safety as our loved ones get older,” shared Senator Lauren Book. “Broward County thanks Ring and Amazon for the donation of devices to our local Area Agency on Aging and those throughout the state, adding one more layer of security at the doorsteps of our aging residents.”
 
In December 2021, Ring launched a similar collaboration with the Area Agency on Aging of Pasco-Pinellas to support and empower seniors. Since this program’s launch and the successful anecdotes shared by AAA of Pasco-Pinellas, AAA’s throughout the state of Florida expressed interest in expanding this work statewide to reach their communities and more seniors.

“We were honored to work with the Area Agency on Aging of Pasco-Pinellas late last year and are thrilled at the positive reception that this program received from local seniors and other Area Agencies on Aging throughout the state,” said Karla Torres, Head of Community Engagement at Ring. “We continue to lean on experts like Charlotte and the Florida Association of Area Agencies on Aging to understand how Ring can best support senior safety and well-being. We are excited to scale our efforts this year to include Ring and Amazon technology that is easy-to- use, convenient, and can help seniors stay connected with family members and loved ones. We look forward to learning how we can continue to support seniors and caregivers throughout
Florida.”
 
 Program Overview:

Ring will donate the following devices and services at no cost to each of the 11 AAA locations throughout the state of Florida:
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• 50 Ring Video Doorbells with a free Ring Protect Basic subscription for the life of each donated device.
• 50 Echo Show 8 devices and Motion Sensors with an optional 30-day Alexa Together subscription. With the Echo Show 8, users have the ability to make video calls, schedule Routines and even have them start once motion is sensed, or set timers and update lists by asking Alexa. Alexa Together is a remote caregiving service, designed to give family members peace of mind with features like 24/7 access to trained Urgent Response agents.
• 50 Ring Security Yard Signs.
• Each AAA location will distribute devices on a first come, first served basis to eligible senior residents.
• Device eligibility will be determined by each AAA organization.
• Ring will offer technology and installation training to each AAA location.

 
Photos available for download here.
 
About The Florida Association of Area Agencies on Aging. The 11 Florida Associations of Area Agencies on Aging operate as Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs), which function as a single, coordinated system for information and access to services for all Floridians seeking long-term care resources. The ADRCs provide information and assistance about state and federal benefits and local programs and services.
By sharing a common information and referral system, the ADRCs can provide elders with uniform aid no matter where they live. This system also offers the public access to a statewide database of local community resources, available online or by calling the Elder Helpline toll- free at 1-800-96 ELDER (1-800-963-5337).
  
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