The 60th Anniversary of The Older Americans Act
Tell Congress to Protect and Increase Funding

On July 14, the Older Americans Act (OAA) turned 60 years old!

For 60 years, the Older Americans Act (OAA) has connected older adults and their caregivers to services that help older adults age with health, dignity, and independence in their homes and communities—where they want to be! With the rapid growth of America’s aging population, one in five Americans are projected to be 65 or older by 2030. It is essential that Congress increase investments in the OAA so it can continue to serve older adults and caregivers in every community in the country.  

Make sure YOUR Senators and Representatives know how important federal funding for OAA is! Congress will be making decisions very soon about how much money to allocate to OAA in-home services, home-delivered and congregate meals, transportation, health and wellness activities, caregiver support and the many other effective, vital programs being offered in your community via the Older Americans Act! 

There are two ways to take action!

1. Use the template language (linked HERE) to get started on your emails to Congress, but be sure to customize the message with details from your own experience.
2. Use the NCOA online form to send your thoughts to Congress directly, but please still personalize your message.

Join us in this national call to action, which includes ADvancing States, the National Association of Nutrition and Aging Services Programs, the National Council on Aging, Meals on Wheels America, and USAging to support this landmark law that connects older adults to vital services that help them age with health and dignity in their own homes.

Every voice counts!
 

Save the Dates Below

July 2025

• UV Safety Month

August 2025

• National Eye Exam Month
• Virtual Elder Law Panel, August 12
• Virtual Open House, August 20

September 2025

• Falls Prevention Month
• Office Closed, Labor Day, Monday, September  1
• Falls Prevention Event, ElderCare of Alachua County, Wednesday, September 24, 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm

October 2025

      Medicare Open Enrollment Begins, October 15
      Annual Senior Showcase in Alachua, Florida

Elder Options Receives Innovation Lab Grant

Elder Options is one of 18 organizations being awarded funds from the National Council on Aging (NCOA) as a part of the U.S. Administration for Community Living (ACL) Innovation Lab to implement and test falls prevention activities in our community.

"We are excited to explore new ways to empower older adults to prevent falls, so they can stay healthy and independent,” said Katina Mustipher, CEO of Elder Options. “This grant will allow us to build on our existing services and ensure our programs reflect the needs and wants of the older adults in our community.” We look forward to introducing an online and in-person Chair Yoga program soon!

Elder Options Launches New Dementia Support Program through GUIDE

We’re excited to share that Elder Options is now a proud participant in Medicare’s new GUIDE program, Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience. This innovative model offers free support to people living with dementia and their caregivers, including 24/7 access to a support hotline, care coordination, caregiver education, and short-term respite care.

We’re currently offering GUIDE services in Citrus and Hernando Counties, with plans to expand across our full service area in the near future.

If you’re a caregiver needing a break or someone seeking help navigating dementia care, GUIDE is here to make the journey easier. We’ll also be hosting Caregiver Compass: Helping Dementia Caregivers Navigate Resources, where you can learn more about GUIDE and other Caregiver programs available at Elder Options. The event will be on Tuesday, July, 22 from 10:00 - 11:00 AM on Zoom. You may register HERE

If you or a loved one has Traditional Medicare (Parts A & B), you may qualify for GUIDE. It’s completely free to participate. Call the Elder Helpline at 1-800-262-2243 or email guide@agingresources.org to be connected with a GUIDE Specialist.

The following classes are starting soon. To learn more, and register, click on "Sign up for a Class Today!" button. Our website is searchable by city name. Search "Zoom" for online classes.

Caregiver Support Groups

• Zoom, Second Monday of every Month
• Gainesville, Second and Fourth Tuesday of every Month

Savvy Caregiver Training

• Zoom (online), July 23, 2025
• Lecanto, FL, August 6, 2025
• Lake City, FL, August 7, 2025
• Gainesville, FL, August 14, 2025

Virtual Law Panel

• Zoom (online), August 12, 2025

Diabetes Empowerment Education Program

• Sumterville, Sept. 16

Coping with Caregiving

• Belleview, FL, July 12, 2025

Caregiver Grief Support Group

• Zoom (online), Third Monday of the month

A Matter of Balance

• Gainesville, FL, July 7, 2025
• Live Oak, FL, August 4, 2025
• Branford, FL, September 2, 2025

view couneling sites. Click the links below to viethe schedule.

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