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Robert Goodman, MSW

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Services for People with Visual Disabilities
Services for People with Visual Disabilities 150 150 Robert Goodman, MSW

Services for People with Visual Disabilities

in Palm Beach County

Compiled by Robert Goodman, MSW

For general information on services in the community:
Information and referral 211
Area Agency on Aging (Elder Helpline) 561-684-5885 
Palm Beach County Department of Community Services 561-355-4700
 
For people with disabilities and certain health conditions:
Arthritis Foundation
561-833-1133 
Coalition for Independent Living Options, Inc.
561-966-4288 
Pathways To Independence
561-626-6611 
 
For people with visual impairments:
Florida Division of Blind Services 1-866-225-0794
Lighthouse for the Blind 561-848-7200 
Talking Books Library 1-888-780-5151
Radio Reading Service 1-800-273-6677
NFB Newsline 1-866-504-7300
Florida Reading and Vision 954-525-5311
 
For people with hearing impairments
Deaf Service Center
Voice (561) 278-6444 TTY 278-1444
 
 
 
Counseling and Support Groups
Ruth Rales Jewish Family Services (561) 852-3333
Morse Life Neighbors2Neighbores (561) 531-9844.
 
 
 
Transportation:
Palm Tran Connection 1-877-870-9849
Non Driver’s ID Cards Delray Beach
501 S. Congress Ave.
Ruth Rales Jewish Family Services 561-852-3333
The Volen Center 561-395-8920
 
Free 411 information from your phone company
AT&T Special Needs Center 1-800-982-2891
Comcast 1-866-853-1851
Note: Many cell phone companies offer this service. For information contact your cell phone provider.
 
Senior Services
The Volen Center 561-395-8920
Adult Day Care, Senior Center, Transportation
Religious Materials
JBI International 1-800-433-1531
Jewish Heritage for the Blind 1-800-995-1888
Lutheran Braille Workers 1-800-925-6092

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Support Groups
Support Groups 150 150 Robert Goodman, MSW

Support Groups
By Robert Goodman, MSW
Geriatric Social Worker
 
Are you struggling with the loss of a loved one? Are you trying to cope with caring for a person with Alzheimer’s or other illness? Do you need someone to talk to? Well there is help out there for you. It is not healthy to keep your feelings bottled up. Support Groups provide an opportunity for you to share your feelings, concerns, and ideas with others who are struggling with the same issues as you are.
 
In a support group, members provide each other with various types of help. The help may take the form of providing and evaluating relevant information, relating personal experiences, listening to and accepting others’ experiences, providing sympathetic understanding and establishing social networks. A support group may also work to inform the public or engage in advocacy.
 
Support groups help you realize that you are not alone in struggling with an issue or loss. If you have successfully coped with a challenge in your life, support groups provide you with an opportunity to share your story with others so that they might learn from you.

There are several support groups that meet in Century Village. These include: Alzheimer’s Support Group, meets on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month at 1PM. The Faulk Center for Counseling 483-5300 sponsors Sharing and Caring support group every Thursday at 2PM in Room E. We Care (487-2827) sponsors a support groups for persons with visual. Watch Channel 63 for contact information on other groups.
 
Several community organizations offer counseling and sponsor support groups. These include:
Ruth Rales Jewish Family Services 561- 852-3333
Morse Life Neighbors2Neighbors 561-531-9844
Alzheimer’s Association 800-272-3900
 
American Parkinson’s Disease Association
954-786-2305 
Arthritis Foundation
561-833-1133 
Mental Health Association 561-712-0584.
MS Society for South Florida 800-344-4867
 
If you are interested in forming a support group on an issue of concern to you, contact Robert Goodman at We Care 487-2827.

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Preventing Suicide
Preventing Suicide 150 150 Robert Goodman, MSW

Preventing Another Tragedy
By Robert Goodman, MSW
 
Suicide is preventable and everyone must take action if someone is depressed or expresses suicidal thoughts. Older Americans are disproportionately likely to die by suicide. Although they comprise only 12 percent of the U.S. population, people age 65 and older accounted for 16 percent of suicide deaths in 2004.
Depression, one of the conditions most commonly associated with suicide in older adults, Studies show that many older adults who die by suicide — up to 75 percent — visited a physician within a month before death. The risk of depression in the elderly increases with other illnesses and when ability to function becomes limited.
Signs of depression:

  • Feeling nervous, empty, worthless, that you don’t enjoy things you used to, restless, irritable, unloved, that life isn’t worth living,
  • sleeping more or less than usual, or eating more or less than usual

A suicidal person also may:

  • talk about or seem preoccupied with death
  • give away prized possessions
  • take unnecessary risks
  • have had a recent loss or expect one
  • increase their use of alcohol, drugs or other medications
  • fail to take prescribed medicines or follow required diets
  • acquire a weapon.

Suicide is preventable. Learn the signs. Immediate action is needed if a person is threatening or talking about suicide.Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline toll-free number, available 24 hours a day, every day: 1-800-273-TALK (8255). All calls are confidential. Call 211 for information on local mental health or counseling services. You can also call the South County Mobile Crisis Center at 561.495.0522, #2.
Sources: www.nimh.nih.gov, www.healthyplace.com

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Mental Health Issues for Older Adults
Mental Health Issues for Older Adults 150 150 Robert Goodman, MSW

Is Gambling or Drinking A Problem?
By Robert Goodman, MSW
 
Many older adults experience problems with gambling, misuse of prescription drugs, alcohol, anxiety, and depression. It is estimated that around 20% of older adults face mental health issues. Anxiety and depression are the most common mental health problems faced older adults.
 
There are many symptoms associated with depression. Some of the most common symptoms are:

  • Hopelessness
  • Sleep problems
  • Social withdrawal
  • Eating more or less than usual
  • Loss or interest in once pleasurable activities, including sex
  • Frequent crying
  • Difficulty focusing, remembering, or making decisions
  • Thoughts of death or suicide, or a suicide attempt

 
If you have several of these symptoms for more than two weeks, you may have depression.
 
The abuse or misuse of drugs was once considered a problem only among the young. According to the American Geriatric Society, substance abuse has become a growing problem among older adults as well. Misuse of alcohol or other drugs is a common cause of physical and mental health problems among older adults, especially men.
 
Four questions can provide a quick way to determine alcohol abuse:

  • “Have you ever felt you should slow down on your drinking?”
  • “Have you ever felt annoyed at criticism about your drinking?”
  • “Have you ever felt guilty or bad about drinking?”
  • “Have you ever felt the need for an “eye opener” in the morning to steady your nerves?”

 
A “yes” answer to any two of these questions indicates that a problems is likely? A “yes” answer to even one of question indicates a possible problem that should be further evaluated.
(Source: AGS Foundation for Health in Aging)
 
According to the Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling a growing percentage of Florida seniors are developing serious gambling problems. Symptoms of problem gambling among older adults include:

  • Preoccupation with gambling
  • Withdrawing from family, friends or regular activities because of gambling
  • Neglecting personal needs or health due to gambling
  • Gambling larger amounts of money to experience the thrill
  • Betting more than planned
  • Experiencing unaccounted blocks of time due to gambling
  • Communicating a sudden need for money or loans
  • Uncomfortable feelings or lying when questioned about gambling habits
  • Gambling to calm nerves, forget worries or reduce depression
  • Experiencing mood swings based upon winnings and losses 
  • Pawning or selling personal items
  • Feeling restless or having anxiety when trying to cut down or stop gambling
  • Using retirement funds or other savings to gamble
  • Attempting to stop gambling but unable to do so

Answering “yes” to one of more of these questions may indicate a gambling problem. For information or help contact the 24 hour FCCG helpline at 1-888-236-4848.
 
There is no shame asking for help if you have one of these problems. Help is available through psychotherapy, consumer education, inpatient or outpatient management of symptoms, medication.
Call 211 for information on local programs to assist you in dealing with depression, anxiety, problem drinking, or problems related to gambling.
 
Take action today! If you or if you know of someone who may have an alcohol or gambling problem get help. There are several resources for help with these issues. They include:
Gamblers Anonymous 855-222-5542
Alcoholics Anonymous 561-994-5000
Crossroads Club 561-278-8004
Jewish Recovery Center 561-450-5503

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Women's Health
Women's Health 150 150 Robert Goodman, MSW

Women’s Health
The Savvy Senior
By Robert Goodman, MSW
 
Do you know the signs of a heart attack? They differ between men and women. I learned this recently when a close friend experienced chest discomfort after exerting herself in the gym and ignoring the symptoms. After this recurred over several days she decided to find out what was happening. She called the doctor who immediately sent her to the hospital after hearing the symptoms. She was admitted to the hospital and needed a stent put into an artery.
I have learned from this experience that many women do not know the signs of angina or a heart attack and often ignore them thinking that it is stress related or indigestion. Heart attacks are the number one killer of women with strokes the number three killer according the American Heart Association.
Angina is a warning sign of heart disease, and recognizing it and getting treated early may prevent a heart attack. As heart disease progresses, you may have tightness, pressure or discomfort in your chest during physical activity or when stressed. But it goes away shortly after you stop the activity or get rid of the stress. 
Angina symptoms in women can also include feeling out of breath, nausea, vomiting, midepigastric discomfort or sharp chest pain.  Once the extra demand for blood and oxygen stops, so do the symptoms.
 
Heart Attack Signs in Women

  1. Uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain in the center of your chest. It lasts more than a few minutes, or goes away and comes back.
  2. Pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.
  3. Shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort.
  4. Other signs such as breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness.
  5. As with men, women’s most common heart attack symptom is chest pain or discomfort. But women are somewhat more likely than men to experience some of the other common symptoms, particularly shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting and back or jaw pain.

If you have any of these signs, don’t wait more than five minutes before calling for help. Call 9-1-1 and get to a hospital right away.
 
Recognizing the signs and seeking treatment is the first step. Understanding your risk factors, such as a family history, is also important to staying in tune with changes in your health. Heart disease is preventable. See your physician regularly, exercise, if you smoke: quit, eat healthy, and know your pressure, cholesterol (total, HDL, LDL, and triglycerides), and blood sugar levels..
 
(Source: American Heart Association: www.heart.org)
Other sources of Information: www.womenshealth.gov, http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/womenshealth.html, http://www.cdc.gov/women/, www.webmd.com. You can also call the government’s Office of Women’s Health: 1-800-994-9662

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Editor's Note
Editor's Note 150 150 Robert Goodman, MSW

A Note from Our Editor

Dear Friends:

Welcome to the Florida Navigator. LLC website.

Florida Navigator, LLC produces community service expos and health fairs in order to bring services directly to you. At our community service expos and health fairs you can get information on senior services, government benefits, receive health screenings, and hear lectures on related topics.

I am available to speak and to provide training on a variety of topics. They include aging and disability, self-advocacy, legislative advocacy, locating and accessing social services, volunteerism, the legislative process, care-giving, getting involved in political campaigns, public policy making, and more.

We also publish resource guides for local communities. These resource guides provide information on social services and how to apply for them.

The articles provide updated information on social services and related topics.

We are excited to bring you information on social services through the internet and to offer programs  in your community, similar to what we offered previously in our print version of the Florida Health and Social Services Navigator Resource Guide.

Our goal is to make social services more accessible and to help you navigate through the complex network of health-related social services, including governmental and private programs.

Please consider passing on our web address, http://FLNavigator.com to those who may need it. We would also appreciate those who post a link to our website on their website.

We hope you will consider advertising on this site. Users of the site will be able to click through directly to your own websites. Please contact me for additional information.

Yours truly,

Robert A Goodman, MSW
Editor

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It's Time to Move to an ALF
It's Time to Move to an ALF 150 150 Robert Goodman, MSW

Are you Safe in your Home?
The Savvy Senior
By Robert Goodman, MSW
 
Last month I wrote about a resident who was found deceased in her apartment after several days. One has to wonder if that could have been prevented.
There are a variety of options when looking for senior housing. One of course is a community like Century Village. Another option is a Life Care Community where you come in as an Independent senior and buy your apartment. Life Care Communities offer service and housing packages that allow access to independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing facilities in one community. If residents begin to need help with activities of daily living, for example, they can transfer to an assisted living or skilled nursing facility on the same site. You receive meals, transportation, and social activities as well as other amenities. You pay a monthly maintenance fee for all these services. Non Life Care Retirement communities can provide the same services and amenities but there is no buy in, simply a monthly rental fee for the apartment style or care needs.
When is it time to move into a more supervised setting, such as an Independent or Assisted Living Residence? Assisted living residences are NOT nursing homes. They are facilities that provide supervision for people who may need assistance with daily living skills or with medication management.
Ask yourself (or a neighbor) these questions:
Are you having difficulty getting around your home or community? Are you falling frequently?
Are you having difficulty in caring for yourself or your apartment?
(including cleaning the apartment, dressing, cooking, eating, personal hygiene, bathing, toileting, taking medications, housekeeping, etc)
Do you have a health condition that needs monitoring? Are you going to the hospital frequently?
Are you homebound and isolated from family and friends and need socialization? Are you feeling depressed?
Are you having trouble managing your finances?
Are you forgetting major things like paying bills, turning off the stove, etc?
If you answered yes to even a few of these questions, you may be ready for an assisted living residence.
We all want to remain independent and age in place as long as possible. There are many services in the community that can enable someone to live on his/her own. There are home health services, Palm Tran Connection, telephone reassurance and medical alerts. But at some point these services may not be enough. You may need more help than these services can provide. Do you feel safe in your home? Can a home health aide meet all your needs? Why endanger yourself or have your family worry about your safety and well being? It is important that you recognize when you need help, and when it’s time for assisted living.
Assisted living residences come in all sizes, from six beds to over a hundred beds. They provide a full range of services. Some have special dementia or Alzheimer’s units. Many ALFs offer several levels of care – everything from just offering the meals (special diets including kosher, kosher style, etc), housekeeping, activities, transportation, and limited support, to offering medical management, help with dressing, bathing and toileting. Often, residents or their families also hire aides on their own. They fluctuate in pricing and entrance fees. I should note that if someone needs 24 hour nursing care and supervision that a nursing home may be best suited to meet his/her needs.
Arnie Cowan of Sunshine Senior Placement suggests looking at the following when considering a move to an ALF:
People: Who is the administrator, director of nursing (RN or LPN) caregivers (CNA’s or HHA’s), and their qualifications and how long have they been there. Who is the physician, dietitian, home health, therapy, pharmacy, beautician that service the community? What type of Residents live here – alert and oriented or needing memory care. The two don’t mix. Ask for family testimonials.
Price: Have a budget in mind first. Don’t look at places you can’t afford. Find out if there are extra costs such as an entrance fee, security deposit, level of care, annual rent increase, incontinent charges, transportation, phone and utility charges. Find out if they accept Medicaid Diversion or Waiver and can guide you to obtaining these financial assistance programs including Veteran’s Aide and Attendance. Ask if they are having any special move-in incentives. Always review the lease contract before signing and know the termination policy.
Product: ALF’s come in all sizes from the numerous privately owned residential 6 beds to the larger corporately owned with 100’s of Residents. Know what license they have: Standard, Limited Nursing, or Extended Congregate Care. Do they have a memory care or secured wing for Residents who wander? Inquire about staffing ratios on day, evening and nights. Do they accept Residents who are in wheelchairs and scooters? Do they care for Residents with catheters, GI tubes, oxygen, special diets and more complicated medical needs? Look at the menu and activity calendar to see the quality of meals and programs offered and by whom.
The type of license dictates the type of service permitted:
Standard: Provide assistance with the activities of daily living (bathing/dressing/grooming/feeding/walking/transferring) and assistance with medications. Resident must be able to self-maintain oxygen.
Limited Nursing: includes all of the Standard plus passive range of motion exercise; applying ice or heat; cutting toe nails of diabetics, conducting ear and eye irrigation; catheter and colostomy care; changing routine dressings; wound care continuous – stage 2; caring for casts, braces and splints; caring for anti-embolism stockings or hosiery. An RN must conduct nursing assessments.
Extended Congregate Care: includes all of Limited Nursing as well as total catheter care; total oxygen care; and GI tube feeding.
Property: Is the location in a good, safe neighborhood. Is the community well maintained externally and internally with appropriate design for seniors and handicapped accessible? Are the furniture and décor pleasing and the building clean and odor free? Is there an emergency generator, hurricane shutters, emergency supplies and water, an elevator that works and tied to the generator? Is there a security system and emergency call system? Is the community located in a flood and evacuation zone and does the community have an emergency preparedness plan in place.
Are you concerned about costs? Compare the cost of paying a mortgage, electric, telephone, two maintenances, insurance, taxes, and other household expenses to the monthly cost of an ALF. Often they are about the same.
The most important thing is that you are safe in your home and community. Make a choice that is best for you. A good website to learn more is www.alfa.org

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Neighbor Watch
Neighbor Watch 150 150 Robert Goodman, MSW

The Savvy Senior
Neighbor Watch
By Robert Goodman, MSW
 
I recently had the unfortunate experience of finding a neighbor deceased in her apartment. She apparently passed away several days earlier. I was told that this is not an uncommon occurrence in our community.
We are our neighbor’s keeper. We need to create a buddy system in all our buildings. If you don’t see someone for a few days or can’t contact him/her, knowing the person should be home, you need to call Security or ask 911 to check on the person. Building and Association Floor Captains should know the neighbors on their floor, who is ill, who may need help, and be aware of potential problems. Residents of our community have a responsibility to be sure that their Director has a current working key and an emergency contact number.
If you suspect a neighbor is having difficulty taking care of him/herself you may want to voice your concern to a friend or member of their family. If no one is taking responsibility and that person is in need of help you can call a local social service agency or notify the state abuse hotline (1.800.96.ABUSE). This can be done anonymously.
Here are some indicators that there may be a need for intervention:

  1. A person not answering the door or phone when he/she is obviously home.
  2. Newspapers or mail piling up.
  3. Unanswered delivery notices.
  4. A foul odor coming from the apartment.

There are services available to help monitor the daily activities of seniors who may have health issues, who live alone, or may be homebound.
Sunshine Daily Telephone Reassurance is a free telephone reassurance program operated by 211 Palm Beach County to check on the well-being of seniors, the homebound or disabled.
Sunshine service is provided seven days a week between the 7:30AM-5:00PM. To register for this service just dial 2-1-1 and say that you would like to start receiving Sunshine calls.
We Care has a telephone reassurance and friendly visitor program for those who are homebound. To volunteer or to refer someone call 487.2827.
 
Another option is to get a personal emergency response service (PERS) or Medical Alert. There are several types of medical alert systems.
 
1.Self dialing, non-monitored systems
2. Basic home systems, with or without 2-way voice
3. Cell systems for homes with no telephone line
4. Mobile systems
 
Many of these services provide devices in the home that connect older adults to a 24-hour call center with the push of a button. The transmitter is typically worn on a neck pendant or wristband, and it sends a signal to a receiver that’s connected to the home telephone line. When the button is pushed, the staff at the call center evaluates the situation, deciding whether to call an ambulance or a designated friend or family member. With most PERS setups, your loved one can talk with the call center staff from anywhere in the house. 1
There are many of these services available. If you’re looking for a personal emergency response system, AARP and other professionals suggest keeping this checklist in mind:
 
1. Look at several systems before making a decision.
 
2. Compare costs. Charges for equipment and services typically include a setup fee ranging from $50 to $200 and a monthly fee ranging from $30 to $60. Most companies lease their equipment; a few require purchase. Private insurance or Medicare generally does not cover the devices.
 
3. Read through the contract carefully and understand the cancellation process.
 
4. Make sure the provider offers 24/7 customer care (preferably a call center) and technical support. (Ed. Note: Ask if they make daily contact with the customer.)
 
5. Ask how often and by what procedures they test their system.
 

  1. Ask if a 30-day free or money back trial period is available2.

 

  1. It is helpful if the company has local support personnel. Otherwise equipment must be shipped back, if there is a problem.

 
 

  1. Ask if any special discount offers are available.

 

  1. Make sure the company has been in business for a number of years.

 
 

  1. Ask if the system includes a key holder and lock box. Fire/Rescue explains that these are essential parts of such services.

 
1source: www.caring.com
2source: www.aarp.org
 
 
 
 

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Your Right to Appeal
Your Right to Appeal 150 150 Robert Goodman, MSW

Your Right to Appeal
The Savvy Senior
By Robert Goodman, MSW
 
Being a good health care consumer means knowing your rights and advocating for yourself. Whether you are applying for or currently receiving services you have the right to appeal if you disagree with a coverage or payment decision made by Medicare, your Medicare plan, Social Security, or any government agency. Different programs and services have different procedures for appeals. The time allowed for appeals also varies. HMO patients also have the right to appeal adverse decisions.
Hospital patients have the right to appropriate care and appropriate discharges. A person cannot be discharged into an unsafe environment, such as being sent home where they cannot take care of themselves or no one is available to care for them.
A Medicare beneficiary has the right to appeal a hospital discharge if he or she feels too sick to leave. A hospital will provide “An Important Message from Medicare,” which explains how to appeal the discharge. Medicare beneficiaries can call Florida Medical Quality Assurance, Inc (FMQAI) at 800-844-8754 for an appeal. FMQAI staff members will look at the medical record to see if the beneficiary should stay in the hospital. The beneficiary will be informed of the decision. The Medicare beneficiary does not have to leave the hospital. The Medicare beneficiary does not have to pay for the extra days in the hospital while FMQAI staff members review the medical record.
A Medicare beneficiary has the right to appeal a discharge if he or she does not agree with the discontinuation of skilled services (skilled nursing care, hospice, home health care). The beneficiary must be given a letter with the planned discharge date explaining how to appeal the discharge. Once the beneficiary receives the letter, he or she can call FMQAI at 866-800-8768. An FMQAI physician will look at the medical record to see if the services should continue. The Medicare beneficiary will be informed of the decision.
If a Medicare beneficiary is in an HMO, he or she has some additional Medicare rights. If the beneficiary feels he or she cannot get the needed care, he or she has the right to appeal to the HMO. The Medicare beneficiary can appeal things like denials for: referrals to a specialist, approval for tests (like x-rays or blood tests), or payment of a bill.
The HMO has information about how to start the appeal process. A Medicare beneficiary who feels he or she may get worse by waiting too long can ask for an expedited appeal. This means the HMO must make a decision about the appeal within three calendar days. A Medicare beneficiary who needs an expedited appeal must be sure to ask for it.
If a Medicare beneficiary has a concern or is not satisfied with the quality of care received, he or she can call the FMQAI Florida Medicare Beneficiary Complaints Helpline at 800-844-0795. You may also download a quality of care complaint form English or Spanish to complete and fax to 813- 354-0737, or mail to: FMQAI, 5201 West Kennedy Boulevard, Suite 900, Tampa, Florida 33609, Attention: Beneficiary Complaints.
The above information is from www.fmqai.com and www.medicare.gov. For more information on your right to appeal a Medicare related decision call 800.MEDICARE (633-4227).
 
Here are ten steps to help you become an effective self-advocate:
1. Believe in yourself
2. Realize you have rights
3. Discuss your concerns with your service provider
4. Get the facts in writing
5. Use the chain of command to solve a problem-ask to speak to a supervisor if an issue wasn’t resolved to your satisfaction
6. Know your appeal rights if services are denied
7. Be assertive and persistent, not aggressive
8. Outline your concerns and be a good listener
9. Ask for help from other agencies
10. Follow-up. Be sure you’re getting the service that meets your
needs…and say thank you
 

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Self Advocacy
Self Advocacy 150 150 Robert Goodman, MSW

The Savvy Senior
By Robert Goodman, MSW
Are You a Good Self Advocate?
 
When you are a patient in the hospital or in a doctor’s office, or trying to get services, you must be able to make your needs known and stand up for your rights. Here are a few pointers to help you better navigate the health care and social service systems.
Before you go to the doctor’s office or call an agency, have a list of questions to ask and make sure you understand the answers you are given. Keep a list on the refrigerator of your medications and special needs in case of an emergency or pending hospitalization.
When speaking to a doctor you want to be sure you understand your diagnosis and what impact it will have on your life and family. You want to be aware of what medications he/she is prescribing, what they are expected to do, how they interact with medications, vitamins, and supplements, and any of its side effects. Also, ask about any community resources that may relate to your diagnosis. An example would be someone who is diagnosed with macular degeneration may need information on the Lighthouse for the Blind or low vision aids.
If you end up in the emergency room you should be able to clearly describes your situation at home or emergency room. Are you living alone? Is there anyone at home who can help care for you when you are discharged from the hospital? What medical equipment do you have at home, such as grab bars, a hospital bed, a walker, or a shower chair?
When calling an agency be prepared with a list of questions. You should include information on what you or the person you are calling for needs and who, if anyone is available to meet those needs.
Being a good advocate also include letting your elected officials know your concerns. Write and visit with your elected officials. Greet them when they come to Century Village. If you have an issue of concern prepare a statement describing the issue, how it impacts on your life, and what you would like your elected official to do about it. The Florida Legislature meets in March and April and will be considering many laws that impact your life as a condo owner, renter, or senior. Your elected officials need to know how what they do in Tallahassee or Washington impacts you.
Here are ten steps to help you become an effective self-advocate:
1. Believe in yourself
2. Realize you have rights
3. Discuss your concerns with your service provider
4. Get the facts in writing
5. Use the chain of command to solve a problem-ask to speak to a supervisor if an issue wasn’t resolved to your satisfaction
6. Know your appeal rights if services are denied
7. Be assertive and persistent, not aggressive
8. Outline your concerns and be a good listener
9. Ask for help from other agencies
10. Follow-up. Be sure you’re getting the service that meets your
needs…and say thank you

Florida Navigator
Americans with Disabilities Act
Robert Goodman, MSW

Location:

4037 Wolverton B
Boca Raton, FL 33434

Phone:

954-806-7321

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