Though the majority of direct services are provided by Lead Agencies in the Planning and Service Area, the Area Agency on Aging for North Florida does provide services to seniors and caregivers through the following programs:

The Elder Helpline
The Elder Helpline is a statewide network that provides information about senior programs and services for seniors, caregivers, professionals, and the general public. The Area Agency on Aging for North Florida Helpline can be accessed by calling the number below. Click here for the directory of Elder Helplines throughout the state.

ELDER HELPLINE: 1-800-96-ELDER (35337) Bay, Calhoun, Franklin, Gadsden, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson, Jefferson, Leon, Liberty, Madison, Taylor, Wakulla & Washington Counties or call 1-866-467-4624 (toll-free throughout the state of Florida).

Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders (SHINE)
The Area Agency on Aging for North Florida serves as a liaison agency to this Department of Elder Affairs volunteer-based program. The SHINE program provides free Medicare and health insurance counseling and information to Medicare beneficiaries or their representatives. MORE >>

The Family Caregiver Support Initiative
The Family Caregiver Support Initiative offers education, evaluation, supportive counseling, legal counseling, and financial counseling to eligible caregivers. Eligible caregivers include those who care for seniors age 60 or older, grandparents and older relatives raising minor children, and individuals age 60 and older who provide care and support to persons with mental retardation or related developmental disabilities.

Senior Wellness Program
The Senior Wellness Program provides information and education on a variety of health and safety issues affecting older Americans. The Agency serves North Florida seniors with diabetic support groups, breast and prostate cancer awareness, osteoporosis screenings, arthritis information, medication management checks, fall prevention material, and elder abuse resources.

ComForT (Companions for Therapy)
ComForT is an animal visitation and activity program comprised of volunteers. Owners and their pets visit long-term care facilities, day treatment programs, assisted living residences, and rehabilitation centers to promote motivational, recreational, and therapeutic benefits.

All animals in the program have passed nationally recognized skills and aptitude tests by the Delta Society. They have been examined by a veterinarian to ensure good health.

ComForT offers group and individual visits to over twenty-two facilities in the Big Bend area. Our companion animal group is comprised mainly of dogs, but cats and rabbits are also available for visits.

Why visit with Pets?
Owning pets or simply interacting with friendly animals has been proven to provide both emotional and physical benefits.

The pets relieve boredom and stress by making long-term residential settings more homelike.

In rehabilitation centers patients who have shut themselves away from people will respond to playful loving animals, thus opening doors for treatment.

Did you know?

• Petting a dog or cat can lower your blood pressure.
• People who own pets have a longer life expectancy.
• The first ComForT dog visit in Tallahassee was in July 1985.
• Many of the great dogs in the ComForT program are rescued dogs, saved from animal shelters.
• In 1997 ComForT volunteers and their dogs received a national service award and appeared in a HBO special with Mary Tyler Moore.

ComForT is sponsored by the Area Agency on Aging for North Florida, Inc., a private non-profit organization.

Click here to learn about volunteer opportunities.