Urban Jacksonville, Inc.

Community Care for the Elderly

One of our greatest fears of the frail elderly is that they will face nursing home placement following a hospital stay or when their declining stamina restricts their ability to manage independently at home.

Most seniors insist that even the very best nursing home in an appealing setting with the highest quality of care provided by compassionate staff is not a substitute for the peace of mind and comfort of their own home.

Community care for the elderly Projects are a State funded response to the high cost of nursing home care. The goal is to prevent inappropriate or premature institutionalization of high risk elderly by offering them less costly services in their homes.

What is the Community Care for the Elderly Project?

It is a network of service providers striving to support frail elderly persons to maintain their independence. Through a contract with Elder Source the Northeast Florida Area Agency on Aging, Urban Jacksonville serves as the Lead Agency for the Community Care for the Elderly Program in Duval County.

Who Qualifies for the Service?

Those eligible are persons sixty years of age and older who are experiencing physical or mental limitations that may interfere with their ability to live independently.

What Does it Cost?

Fees are determined on an individual basis dependent on the ability to pay. There is no income limit. Voluntary contributions are encouraged.

What Services Does community Care for the Elderly Provide?

Case management: Every Community Care for the Elderly client receives an individual assessment to determine which services will be most helpful in allowing that person to remain at home. Those services are reviewed quarterly or more often if needed, to accommodate changing needs.

Chore service: Simple household repairs, lifting and moving, seasonal cleaning.

Home delivered meals: A hot, nutritious meal that meets one third of minimum daily dietary requirements.

Personal care: Assistance with bathing and grooming.

Homemaker service: Light housekeeping, laundry, shopping assistance.

Medical transportation: To and from medical services such as physicians, dentists, physical therapists, clinics, hospitals and mental health centers.

Emergency alert response system: An electronic system that monitors the safety of individuals in their homes; alerts and dispatches assistance in the event of an emergency.

Adult day care/Adult day health care: Organized therapeutic day programs providing social activities to groups of seniors in a supervised setting.

Respite care: Brief periods of relief for those providing continuous care to an impaired older adult.

Information and referral: Provides direction to those requesting information on community resources for senior citizens and their caregivers. Contact (904) 807-1203.

Is There A Waiting List?

Because of the increasing numbers of frail elderly who can benefit from these programs, there may be a waiting list for some services. In spite of this, all referrals are welcome and every effort is made to offer services at the earliest opportunity.

How Is the Community Care for the Elderly Project Funded?

The Community Care for the Elderly Project is sponsored by Elder Source the Northeast Florida Area Agency on Aging, Inc., Florida Department of Elder Affairs and the State of Florida. Client fees and private in-kind and case contributions are also needed to support the program.

Are there other programs in the Community Care for the Elderly Project?

Other programs available include:

Emergency Home Energy Assistance for the Elderly

Senior Companion Program

Alzheimer’s Disease Initiative

Home Care for the Elderly

Aged and Disabled Adult Medicaid Waiver (My Florida Medicaid)