Social 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 Medicaid Waiver Program, Alzheimer's Disease Initiative Program, Community Care for the Elderly Program, Home Care for the Elderly Program, Assisted Living Waiver Program and Caregiver Program and the Older Americans Act funding and programs.

Discount Programs

While many of life's problems are not unique to older citizens, the solutions to these problems may not be as accessible to them. For example, when elderly citizens with limited incomes suddenly face a high utility bill they can't pay, what happens?

Thanks to Energy Services of Pensacola, the Escambia County Utility Authority and thousands of customers who voluntarily add $1.00 to their utility bill, Project E.U.A.P. can provide assistance with bill payment.

The Florida Department of Elder Affairs sponsors the Emergency Home Energy Assistance Program to pay seasonal utility bills up to $400 in an emergency cut-off situation.

The Escambia County Utility Authority also offers a special reduced water rate and sanitation charge for lower income older persons. Likewise, the City of Pensacola offers a special sanitation discount.

Help is also available through Cox Communications to make basic cable service affordable for low-income elderly who are 60 years old or older.

Loan Closet

Council on Aging of West Florida maintains a "Loan 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 loan closet is maintained by the Social Services Unit.

Staff work closely with other community agencies when items needed are not available and arranged for items and/or delivery.

Council on Aging of West Florida accepts donations of mechanical medical devices that are in good working condition.

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