Non-Profit Serving Seniors in Escambia County and Pensacola

Our social services department serves as a link between our clients and the community resources that make independent living possible. Through careful assessment of the needs and environment of our clients, we ensure that they are getting the best available services.

Case Management

Case managers assist seniors in maintaining or improving their ability to feel independent, self-sufficient and confident in their ability to function in the community by ensuring that needed in-home services are provided and monitored. This process begins with taking the time to listen to concerns, analyze life situations and helping determine individual needs. Case managers then investigate a wide range of community resources and provide service choices and options. The case manager will then work with the client and their family and/or caregiver to help decide what service choices will best meet the identified needs. Case managers then coordinate all elected services, keep in regular contact to ensure the delivery of quality services that achieve the desired outcome and advocate for each client’s best interest in the community and in the service delivery system.

The Social Services department provides case management, screening and assessment and case aide services for those who are receiving home and community based services under the Alzheimer's Disease Initiative Program, Community Care for the Elderly Program, Home Care for the Elderly Program, and the Older Americans Act funding and programs.

Community Care Closet

Council on Aging of West Florida maintains a "Community Care Closet" for elderly citizens who are unable to rent or purchase needed medical devices, nutritional supplements, and/or incontinent supplies. Items such as wheelchairs, crutches, walkers, bath benches, and bedside commodes are loaned out free of charge. We do ask that these items when the consumer no longer needs them that they are returned so that others in need are able to benefit from their use.

Consumable items such as Ensure, Boost, and other nutritional supplements, adult pull ups, bed pads, blankets, heaters, fans, and when available air conditioners are also provided through this “closet” free of charge. The community care closet is maintained by the Social Services Unit.

Staff work closely with other community agencies when items needed are not available.

Council on Aging of West Florida accepts donations of non medical adaptive devices and oral nutritional supplements that are in good working condition.

In-Home Services

Through funding provided by the state and federal government the Council on Aging provides in-home services (homemaker, personal care, in home respite, companionship, etc.) to eligible participants. Eligibility varies by program, but generally one must be age 60 or over and have a high priority need for a service or services.

One must call the Elder Helpline at 850-494-7101 and request a telephone screening for in home services to be placed on the state waiting list. When funds are available to add new clients, the highest priority (based on the telephone assessment) are released from the waiting list and the Council on Aging Case Management department completes and in-home assessment to determine final eligibility. If eligible, the person is added to services to help meet their needs. Some programs require a co-payment based on a sliding scale and others do not. The case manager completing the home visit advises the potential client prior to the acceptance of service.

The Senior Companion program is the only in-home service that the Council on Aging offers, that does not require a telephone assessment for the state waiting list by the Elder Helpline. The Council on Aging can accept referrals directly for this program by calling our main office at 850-432-1475.

For more information:
Council on Aging of West Florida, Inc.
P.O. Box 17066
Pensacola, FL 32522
(850) 432-1475
Or email adowning@coawfla.org