Message from Dwight D. Chenette, MPH, MBA Chief Executive Officer
The Area Agency on Aging (Agency) supports, promotes, and advocates for the well-being and independence of seniors, adults with disabilities, and their caregivers. There are 11 Area Agencies on Aging that each serve a distinct region of Florida. Our Agency encompasses the service area of Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie, Okeechobee and Indian River counties.
We have established a network of providers who provide home and community-based services to qualifying seniors and caregivers. Our goal is to keep seniors independent in their homes and out of institutional care for as long as possible. This contributes to a higher quality of life and more cost-effective delivery of care as compared to an institutional setting, such as a nursing home.
The Agency operates a Helpline staffed with specially trained professionals who provide vital information and resources to older adults, people with disabilities and their caregivers so they can live and age with independence and dignity. The Helpline is also the gateway to State Medicaid Managed Care for Long Term Care (SMMCLTC), assisting functionally impaired seniors and disabled adults at risk of nursing home placement.
The Helpline may be reached tollfree at 1-866-684-5885.
Aging gracefully is sometimes more complicated than it seems. As we reach a mature age, we appreciate what’s behind us but don’t always anticipate what the needs may be in the future. This may include navigating physical changes, cognitive issues, mental health, declining health, mobility, food security, self-care and social isolation. The Agency is here as a resource and our associates are experts in aging and care for the elderly.
Know us before you need us.
Dwight D. Chenette, MPH, MBA
Chief Executive Officer
