Housing | Links | Transportation | Telemarketing
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is committed to providing our residents and visitors with information to keep themselves safe from fraud and deception. Below is some information we have gathered to assist our Florida seniors.
Disaster Preparedness Guide for Seniors - (850) 414-2046 or (800) 963-5337
Your safety in a disaster depends heavily on your own actions, and developing a survival plan is the first and most important step. This guide was prepared by the Florida Department of Elder Affairs.
English - Spanish - Creole [PDF 1.15MB]
Elder Update Special Edition - Disaster Preparedness for Seniors [1MB PDF]
The documents provides you with information about storm terminology, flood insurance, returning home after a storm, FEMA assistance, special needs evacuations, and disaster contacts for government and voluntary agencies.
Family Disaster Plan
In a major disaster, emergency workers may not be able to reach everyone right away and in some cases it may take 3 or more days for help to arrive. What would you do if you had no electricity, no gas, no water, and no telephone service? Having a plan for your family and their needs will help ensure their safety and comfort during these difficult times.
Home Repair Basics - AARP - (888) 687-2277
Repair your home after a disaster can be challenging to say the least. At this site you will find tips to avoid falling victim to home repair scams.
Price Gouging - (800) 435-7352
In the wake of natural disaster, essentials -- such as food, ice generators, lanterns, lumber, etc. -- may be in short supply. Charging exorbitant or excessive prices for these and other necessities following a disaster is not only unethical, it's illegal.
Investing for Seniors [929K PDF] (800) 342-2762
This brochure is brought to you by the Florida Department of Financial Services.
Gift Giver's Guide (800) 435-7352
An Online Guide to Charitable Giving:
Many times we are bombarded with telephone and mail solicitations regarding charitable organizations. Make your money count!!! Before you contribute to a charity search our database which provides financial information on all of the charities currently registered in the State of Florida.
Consumer Action - Elder Fraud
This site has training modules that cover many guises of fraud (with special attention to scams that target seniors), signs of fraud and tips for avoiding scams.
- Charities - Check to see if your charity is registered
- Identity Theft
- Medicare Drug Discount Card Scams
- Nigerian Money Offer Scams
- Phishing
- Recognize and Avoid Telemarketing Fraud
- Travel
Alzheimer's Center and Research Institute
The mission of the Byrd Alzheimer's Research Center is to collaborate with researchers throughout the State of Florida and the wider global research community to develop treatment to cure and prevent this disease. Learn more...
Meals on Wheels
MOWAA works toward the social, physical, nutritional, and economic betterment of vulnerable Americans. The Meals On Wheels Association of America provides the tools and information its programs need to make a difference in the lives of others. It also gives cash grants to local senior meal programs throughout the country to assist in providing meals and other nutrition services.
Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program - (888) 831-0404
Florida's Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program is a volunteer-based organization seeking to improve the quality of life of frail, vulnerable elders who live in long-term care settings, including nursing homes, assisted living facilities and adult family care homes. The program is brought to you by the Department of Elder Affairs.
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) - (202) 708-1112
Looking for housing options for yourself, an aging parent, relative, or friend? Do some research first to determine what kind of assistance or living arrangement you need; what your health insurance might cover; and what you can afford.
AARP - (888) 687-2277
AARP is a nonprofit membership organization of person 50 and older dedicated to addressing their needs and interests.
Florida Department of Elder Affairs - (850) 414-2000
At the Florida Department of Elder Affairs' website, you can access information about health and wellness, long-term care, community-based care, projects and publications.
Join the Florida Do Not Call List! (800) 435-7352
Florida residents who do not wish to receive sales calls may have their residential, mobile or paging device telephone number included on this list.
Recognize and Avoid Telemarketing Fraud (800) 435-7352
Few inventions have had greater impact on society than the telephone. This system of instant communication has made life easier for consumers and businesses. Unfortunately, the telephone has also made life easier for con artists. Learn more...
Florida Senior Safety Resource Center - (850) 414-4100
This site, developed by the University of Florida National Older Driver Research and Training Center, is designed to provide information and resources on alternative forms of transportation, driving knowledge and skills, and links to national organizations that address transportation issues.
National Center on Senior Transportation - (866) 528-6278
Our mission is to increase transportation options for older adults and enhance their ability to live more independently within their communities throughout the United States.
