Elder Options events for Oct. and Nov. - Medicare Enrollment starts Oct. 15
Elder Options
Hurricane Helene Resources and Volunteer Opportunities
For those who were impacted by Hurricane Helene, see the resources listed below:
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
17 Florida counties are eligible for disaster assistance from FEMA. See the designated counties on the map at fema.gov/disaster/4828/designated-areas.
Apply online for FEMA assistance at disasterassistance.gov/ , call (800) 621-3362, or use the FEMA app which can be downloaded at fema.gov/app.
Hope Florida
For free assistance and resources such as food, household goods or debris removal, call Hope Florida at (833) GET HOPE or (833) 438-4673.
Elder Options Helpline
The Elder Options Helpline: 1-800-262-2243, is a toll-free service that connects older adults or adults with disabilities and their caregivers with community support.
Friday, October 11, 2024, 10:00 am
Elder Options Virtual Open House (via Zoom)
Elder Options provides a diverse range of services, including caregiving support, unbiased Medicare counseling, balance programs, and personalized coaching to our 16-county region of North Central Florida. We look forward to offering an agency overview and answering any questions you may have on October 11. For details, please call (800) 262-2243 or email caregiversupport@agingresources.org. Please register here: https://agingresources-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYlf-2trjMoGNY6Qn7a2BlYJrASumV36EVy#/registration.
Tuesday, October 15, 2024, 10:00 am
Senior Showcase
Presented by Elder Options and Alachua League of Cities
Legacy Park Multipurpose Center
15400 Peggy Road, Alachua, Florida 32615
Join the Senior Showcase for a day of free community resources and fun activities, including a delicious BBQ lunch! UF Health will provide free flu vaccines to people between the ages of 19 and 64, along with blood pressure, body mass index (BMI) and cholesterol screenings. Enjoy health presentations, a craft activity, and a performance by the Alachua Cha-Chas! Get valuable information from Elder Options and free SHINE Medicare counseling, just in time for the first day of Open Enrollment. Don’t miss this opportunity to stay healthy, informed, and engaged!
Tuesday, October 15 - Saturday, December 7, 2024
Medicare Open Enrollment
Medicare Open Enrollment occurs annually from October 15 to December 7, during which beneficiaries can make changes to their Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug plans. SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) offers free, unbiased counseling to help Floridians understand their options and make informed decisions during this period​. To find a counseling site near you visit floridashine.org/Counseling-Sites.aspx or call the Elder Helpline at 1-800-262-2243.
SHINE Online Medicare Classes for October 2024 via computer or phone
If you have questions about the SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) classes, email: shine@agingresources.org or call: (352) 692-5209. For additional assistance, call your local Elder Helpline at 1-800-262-2243 or visit www.agingresources.org.
Monday, October 7, 2024, 10:00 - 11:30 am
Navigating Medicare.gov
Register 24 hours in advance here:
https://agingresources-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0ude2ppzIvE9AIoO27d58Bq8VK-WiS__hK.
Wednesday, October 9, 2024, 12:00 - 1:00 pm
Medicare Open Enrollment Questions & Answers
Register 24 hours in advance here:
https://agingresources-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0kf-CvrD8pGdWijUSIVDOsD1UEWMUaSmRP.
Thursday, October 24, 2024, 1:00 - 2:30 pm
Long Term Care Planning
Register 24 hours in advance here:
https://agingresources-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcpduyuqjwvHdPmz9JLJGb1yyLeNFKXyDnH.
Wednesday, October 30, 2024, 7:00 - 8:00 pm
Medicare Open Enrollment Questions & Answers
Register 24 hours in advance here:
https://agingresources-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcvdu-upz0uHtb7ZCZZSqVJHxY49s7-kXnO.
Find a Class or Workshop near you!
To find an Elder Options class or Workshop near you, please visit agingresources.org/events/.
Falls Prevention
In October, 2024, Mainstreet Gainesville covered Falls Prevention, “Falls are common, and falls are costly,” said Katina Mustipher, CEO of Elder Options, a local nonprofit that provides assistance and resources to seniors. She said, each year, direct medical costs related to falls exceed $50 billion, and Medicare and Medicaid foot the bill for 78% of those costs. “It is part of why we offer free evidence-based classes, Tai Chi and A Matter of Balance,” Mustipher said. “We want our community safe, strong, and mentally prepared.” To read more, visit mainstreetdailynews.com/health/aging-matters-falls-embody-major-concern.
November 8, 13 and 19, 2024, , 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
November is National Family Caregiver Month
Caregiver Conference: "Hope on the Horizon"
Elder Options' annual Family Caregiver Conference is back, with three locations to choose from! This year's theme is "Hope on the Horizon." Join us for this free event, with lunch included. Hear from guest speakers, learn the latest on dementia research, connect with community resources, and have a chance to win giveaways! Each event is from 10:00 am - 2:00 pm. Register below for the conference you wish to attend.
Hope in Gainesville, Florida
Friday, November 8, 2024, 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Charles L. Blount Center
Santa Fe College, 530 W. University Ave, Gainesville, Florida 32601
Register here: https://agingresources.org/event/hope-on-the-horizon-gainesville/
Hope in The Villages, Florida
Wednesday, November 13, 2024, 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Fairway Christian Church, 251 Avenida Los Angelos, The Villages, Florida 32162-3607
Register here: https://agingresources.org/event/hope-on-the-horizon-the-villages/
Hope in Ocala, Florida
Tuesday, November 19, 2024,10:00 am - 2:00 pm
One Health Medical Center, 1714 SW 17th Street, Ocala, Florida 34471
Register here: https://agingresources.org/event/hope-on-the-horizon-ocala/
Receive the Elder Options Newsletter
Sign up for the Elder Options Newsletter here:
https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/hBTH05S/elderoptions?source_id=08b07883-24ca-4061-b5f0-3d4fc6f8095f&source_type=em&c=WbWzXtMKjJzA9a4ubAqeSt_K7vEyVBcNw8V9XA-8224EzxRryrLaJA==.
Contact Elder Options
Elder Options Helpline (phone): 1-800-262-2243
Website: agingresources.org/
Elder Options office location:
100 SW 75th Street
Suite 301
Gainesville, Florida 32607