Serving as the official statutory gateway to state-subsidized assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing home Medicaid benefits for DeSoto County residents, the Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida, Inc. (AAASWFL, Sunbiz Doc# 744232, DOEA Planning and Service Area 8 Aging and Disability Resource Center) coordinates directly with local Arcadia intake hub Senior Friendship Centers (917 N Arcadia Ave, Arcadia, FL 34266) and two mandatory state regulatory agencies: (1) the DOEA Bureau of Elder Rights / Florida CARES (Comprehensive Assessment and Review for Long-Term Care Services) Area 8 Unit (2295 Victoria Ave, Ste 232B, Fort Myers, FL 33901, (239) 338-2571), which performs the clinical Level-of-Care (LOC) nursing assessments required for admission to DeSoto Health and Rehab, Arcadia Oaks Assisted Living, or Desoto Care - Nocatee under the Florida Medicaid SMMC Long-Term Care Waiver; and (2) the Florida Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program — South Central District Council (200 N Kentucky Ave, Ste 224, Lakeland, FL 33801, (863) 413-2764 / Toll-Free 1-888-831-0404), which conducts unannounced resident-rights inspections of every licensed ALF and nursing home in DeSoto County (acceptsMedicaid: true).
Official Verification Sources: Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida (PSA 8) — Official Portal; Florida DOEA — CARES (Comprehensive Assessment and Review for Long-Term Care Services); Florida Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program — South Central Council
Issuer: Florida Department of Elder Affairs (DOEA) / Florida AHCA
Notes: Official single point of entry for the Florida Medicaid SMMC Long-Term Care Waiver and mandatory CARES Level-of-Care assessments for DeSoto County seniors (acceptsMedicaid: true).
Issuer: Florida Department of Elder Affairs — Office of State Long-Term Care Ombudsman
Notes: The South Central District Long-Term Care Ombudsman Council investigates complaints and protects residents in DeSoto County's licensed ALFs and skilled nursing facilities.
Factual details and direct answers about Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida (DOEA PSA 8 ADRC), Florida CARES & LTC Ombudsman — DeSoto Network's services, licensing, and credentials.
How does a DeSoto County senior get on the Florida Medicaid Long-Term Care Waiver waitlist or get a CARES assessment?
DeSoto County seniors or their caregivers must call the Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida (PSA 8) Elder Helpline at (866) 413-5337 to complete a telephone 701S screening. Once prioritized, the DOEA Florida CARES Area 8 nurse team ((239) 338-2571) completes the medical Level-of-Care certification required for Medicaid-funded care at Arcadia Oaks, Desoto Care - Nocatee, DeSoto Health and Rehab, or in-home (acceptsMedicaid: true).
Who investigates quality-of-care or discharge complaints at an Arcadia assisted living facility or nursing home?
The Florida Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program — South Central District Council ((863) 413-2764 or toll-free 1-888-831-0404) investigates complaints confidentially and free of charge on behalf of residents in any DeSoto County ALF or nursing facility.
Connect with complementary legal, financial, and residential providers serving seniors in Arcadia and DeSoto County.
J. Cole Brewer, P.A. / Berg, Brewer, Kessler & Mowry, PLLC — Arcadia Office
Arcadia, DeSoto County
(863) 494-4323
Crews Bank & Trust — Wealth Management & Fiduciary Trust Services (Arcadia Main / North & East Branches)
Arcadia, DeSoto County
(863) 494-2220
Arcadia Housing Authority (HUD PHA FL047) & DeSoto County Social Services / SHIP Housing Program
Arcadia, DeSoto County
(863) 494-4343
Expert guidance, benefit eligibility rules, and state protections for older Florida residents and family caregivers.
Arcadia Oaks Assisted Living (Care Haven Senior Living)
Arcadia, DeSoto County
DeSoto Health and Rehab (Skilled Nursing, Rehabilitation & Memory Care Center)
Arcadia, DeSoto County
Desoto Care - Nocatee (Desoto Care ALF — Small-Home Assisted Living)
Arcadia, DeSoto County
Senior Friendship Centers of DeSoto County — Arcadia Activity & Caregiver Resource Center (DOEA PSA 8 Lead Agency)
Arcadia, DeSoto County
Disclaimer: This directory listing is for informational purposes only. Florida Senior Support does not endorse or guarantee the quality of services. Please verify information and services directly with the organization.