Senior Transportation Service

Reliable senior transportation service options are vital in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, and throughout Florida to increase mobility and communication

Having the ability to get around is critical to remaining safe, independent, and healthy. Access to reliable senior transportation services helps elderly individuals feel connected and allows them to contribute to our community.

What to do if a senior can no longer drive?

Unfortunately, as we age many health conditions may interfere with our ability to safely drive.

Because Abby Services is known as one of the leaders in senior care, we often have families asking what they should do about a parent, neighbor, or loved one who is a senior driver and has become unsafe behind the wheel. This is often a sensitive subject and one that can be challenging to manage.

In the blog post below we review suggestions for families who may be managing concerns about unsafe senior driving.

Unsafe Senior Driver

Options for seniors when driving is unsafe.

When a senior cannot drive it may be difficult to consider or manage options to get from point A to B. The Department of Elderly Affairs has resources about senior transportation service options.

These options include:

• Medicaid
  • Statewide Medicaid Managed Care (SMMC LTC) Plans provide non-emergency senior transportation service to enrolled members through their transportation provider.
  • If you are enrolled in a SMMC plan and need a ride to a covered service, you can locate the transportation provider on your health plan identification card.
  • If you are interested in getting on the SMMC LTC program: Call your local Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) to be screened for the SMMC LTC program.
    To find your local ADRC, call the Elder Helpline at 1-800-96-ELDER (800-963-5337).
•  Other Resources:
  • Seniors enrolled in Alzheimer’s Disease Initiative (ADI), Community Care for the Elderly (CCE), Home Care for the Elderly (HCE), Local Service Programs (LSP), or other programs provided through the Older Americans Act (OAA) may be able to able to receive transportation services to or from community services and resources.
    For more information on ADI
    For more information on CCE
    For more information on HCE
    For more information on OAA
    
  • For more information on LSP, please contact your local ADRC.

Mobility and accessibility are essential for independent living. Senior transportation service (s)  are the link that allows access to needed services and activities.

Find a Ride Florida is an online listing of senior transportation service providers in all of Florida’s 67 counties.

• If you are enrolled in a Medicaid Managed Care plan, please contact your case manager for transportation assistance.

RESOURCES:

AARP Driver Safety is an online refresher course to help improve your driving skills.

CarFit is an educational program that offers older adults the opportunity to check how well their personal vehicles “fit” them. Abby Services is Car Fit Trained and has conducted many Car Fit Evaluations.

Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Driver Handbooks:

GrandDriver Program is an education and outreach initiative that provides information and resources on driving safely and how to plan for a safe transitioning from driving.

National Aging and Disability Transportation Center goal is to promote the availability and accessibility of transportation options for older adults, people with disabilities, and caregivers.

Safe Mobility for Life Program is a coalition whose mission is to implement a strategic plan to increase the safety, access, and mobility of Florida’s aging road users, eliminate fatalities, and reduce serious injuries.

Local Senior Transportation Service options in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, and surrounding areas.

Local resources are imperative for those who require a senior transportation service. A great option is Trinity Care Transportation Inc.

Trinity Care is a Non-Emergency Transportation service that offers senior transportation services to and from medical facilities, airports, and much more.

All of their vehicles are licensed by the city and state and each vehicle is equipped with all proper safety features.

They provide service for anyone who requires a stretcher transport, wheelchair transport, or even for those who are ambulatory.

Just call them for pricing at 239-276-1860!

What are the best beaches in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, and Sanibel?

So you found this post because you are looking for the best beaches in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, and Sanibel. What on earth does that have to do with senior care, in-home caregivers, and Abby Services?

Well, we are a local family-owned business serving the Fort Myers area since 1997. Very frequently we answer these questions for clients, families, and their visiting guests, so we thought, “Let’s get our thoughts (as locals) about the best beaches in Fort Myers down to share with everyone.” We’ve also added a section near the end on which of these beaches work best for seniors and anyone with limited mobility, since that is a question we get often.

How is this “best of” list sorted?

That’s a great question. The Greater Fort Myers area is a destination with a lot to do. Honestly, the list isn’t sorted. This is just a collection of some of the best beaches in Fort Myers and the surrounding area that we wanted to share.

Did we miss something? Leave a comment so we can update this list. We are always looking for new and undiscovered adventures. According to VisitFortMyers.com, our area is home to over 50 miles of shoreline, from Sanibel and Captiva Islands to Fort Myers Beach, Bonita Springs, and Boca Grande.

Bowditch Beach

Bowditch Beach is certainly a favorite for us. In my opinion, it is one of the best beaches in Fort Myers, and it is our go-to. As local Fort Myers residents, we like to go early in the morning and drink our coffee while the kids play in the surf and explore.

Depending on the time of year there is always something new and different. We have seen lightning whelk mating season, where so many come to shore it’s impossible to count. Dolphins chasing the Key West Express first thing in the morning. Sea hares that dance through the water and squirt weird purple goo when handled. The list goes on. Bowditch is at the northern end of Fort Myers Beach.

Things to consider when visiting Bowditch Beach:

• Beach parking fills up fast. That, combined with seasonal traffic, makes timing important. If we don’t get on the road early we usually don’t bother going.
• Plan to walk. The beach is about 200 to 300 yards from parking, including a walk down a boardwalk. Once on the beach you can pick an empty spot that may involve an additional hike. This is not the typical crowded beach, and that’s why we love it.
• Explore while you’re there. Walk around the point by bearing right, and across the water you can see Sanibel, the Sanibel lighthouse, and the causeway.
• Can you bring a dog? Bowditch is part of the local Parks & Rec service, separate from Fort Myers Beach, and it prohibits dogs. (I’ve bent this rule and my kids do not approve.)

Fort Myers Beach (Times Square)

The heart of Fort Myers Beach is called Times Square. It has to be on any list of the best beaches in Fort Myers. This area has the typical tourist-trap shops, restaurants, bars, and ice cream, plus a pier you can walk or fish off of. It’s the closest thing to a Jersey Shore vibe you’ll find here. The beach is wide and broad with plenty of activity.

Things to consider when visiting Fort Myers Beach:

• This is one of the busier beaches in the area. If you’re looking for solitude, look elsewhere.
• There is ample parking within walking distance, but it fills up and can be expensive. (I recently saw $35 all-day parking on a private lot. Atypical, but annoying.)
• Traffic patterns can be odd when leaving the island over the bridge. Go with the flow and follow the signs. Often you’re directed under the bridge onto Estero Blvd.

Fort Myers Beach (Public Access Points Along Estero Blvd)

Fort Myers Beach is a barrier island with a lot of shoreline, much of it occupied by private residences or resorts, which limits public parking. All along Estero Blvd, the main drag, are public access points with limited parking.

What to expect from these locations:

• Parking is hit or miss. You can go from one access point to the next hoping for a spot, and it fills up fast depending on the season. Unauthorized parking will get you towed.
• Spaces are paid by phone at $5 per hour, plus “convenience fees” that feel a little steep.
• Because access is limited, these beaches tend to be less crowded, which is nice.
• Leashed dogs are permitted, and there are dog waste bags available.

Dog Beach

Dog Beach, as the name implies, is explicitly for dogs. This is the one place you can let your dog off-leash to run free. Depending on the tide it may be small or more spread out, with dogs of all sizes and mostly respectful owners.

Dog Beach pointers:

• There are poop bags, but not right on the beach. Bring your own and carry your trash out to the cans in the parking area. Don’t be that guy.
• Bring a chair, not food. I’ve made the snack mistake. Dogs will be dogs and will beg, beg, beg.
• Bring water and a bowl. All that running and swimming makes them thirsty.
• Toys are a gamble. Unless you have an alpha pooch, other dogs may claim that special toy. A simple tennis ball you don’t mind leaving behind works best.

Lovers Key

Lovers Key is a State Park, and definitely one of the best beaches in Fort Myers. As a barrier island, access can be limited, and it’s a popular boat destination. If you don’t have a boat, you can reach the beach by tram from the public parking area. It’s a natural beach, with downed trees and brush near the waterline rather than the broad combed sand some expect, but there’s plenty of room to lay out a towel.

Lovers Key pointers:

• Be prepared. There are bathrooms and some concessions, but this is not a quick in-and-out beach. You’ll wait for and ride the tram.
• Kayaking and paddleboarding are popular here, both offshore and inshore. Drop sites exist if you have your own, and rentals are easy to find. Explore inshore where you’re protected from the wind and small waves.

Big Carlos Pass Beach

I had always considered Big Carlos Pass the northern part of Lovers Key. My wife recently argued it’s a separate beach, and I get her point. It sits at one of the bridges you cross driving down Estero Blvd, and it’s popular with beachgoers, boaters, fishermen, and locals.

There isn’t much formal info on it, which is a shame because it’s a great beach and certainly one of the best in Fort Myers. It has pull-off parking and port-a-potties maintained by local municipalities.

Things to know when visiting Big Carlos Pass Beach:

• There’s ample paid parking. Pull off Estero Blvd, grab an envelope from the parking station, and display the hang tag.
• The beach is spread out. The further you walk, the more isolated and private it gets.
• Watch the current. As the tides change, the current moving through the pass gets quick, so keep an eye on the kiddos.

Sanibel Beaches

Sanibel is essentially one big beach, with miles of coastline and many public beaches. By nature it can be difficult to reach: one way on, one way off, and a toll to cross. It’s beautiful, popular, and can be crowded with limited parking. Here are our two favorites.

Lighthouse Beach is a popular choice because it’s not far into the island, so even with bridge traffic it stays accessible. Parking fills up but is more reasonable than most of the island. The water is gorgeous, the beach has a natural feel, and it’s a popular shelling destination.

• Check your map app for drive time. Bridge traffic backs up, so plan accordingly.
• Because of the toll and parking, this tends to be a longer visit for us. Stop at Publix before the island for food and snacks. If you’re not from here, you have to get a “Pub Sub.”
• Bring a bucket. You’ll fill your pockets with shells fast. Just don’t take any live shells or sand dollars. It’s illegal, and they’ll stink.

Blind Pass Beach is where Sanibel meets Captiva, and in my opinion one of the best sunset spots in the area. It’s further in, so it’s a bit harder to reach, and parking is extremely limited and often full (enforcement is aggressive). Be careful with little ones; there’s a lot of current with the changing tides.

• Plan ahead. For a sunset, some cheese and snacks go a long way. Check traffic and give yourself plenty of time.
• The bridge is a popular fishing spot. Watch what’s biting or bring a pole, but check fishing license requirements first.
• Patience pays with parking. Spots do turn over. Be patient and kind.
• The seawall toward Captiva is a great place for sunset pictures.

Barefoot Beach

Barefoot Beach is technically in North Naples, at the end of the same barrier island that’s home to Fort Myers Beach, so I’m including it. The first time I went, I felt like I’d arrived at the wrong place, because you drive back through an upscale neighborhood to reach the park. The homes are gorgeous, and the beaches are equally beautiful. There’s ample parking, and even on busy days I’ve found a spot.

Barefoot Beach tips:

• Pack for the day. For me this is a day-trip beach: shelter, cooler, and activities for the kids.
• Watch for wildlife. I frequently see gopher tortoises in the parking lot, dolphins off the coast, and sometimes manatees along the shoreline.

Bunche Beach

Bunche Beach is my choice when the other beaches are too crowded. It isn’t on everyone’s radar, but it’s a great natural beach where, depending on the tide, you can walk hundreds of yards offshore to explore the surf.

Bunche Beach also carries real history. It was the only beach in the area where Black residents could enjoy the sand when the region was segregated in 1949, and it’s named after Ralph Bunche, the first African American to win the Nobel Peace Prize, in 1950.

Some people would argue this beach doesn’t belong on a “best of” list and compare it to a mudflat. I think of it as a more natural beach. I’ve caught many sea trout offshore, and there are snook and other native species in the surrounding mangroves.

Bunche Beach tips:

• Wear sandals or water socks to protect your feet from sharp shells and oysters. Depending on the tide, the sandy areas can get mucky. Don’t let that turn you off; it’s well worth exploring.
• If you can, rent a kayak or paddleboard. It’s a great way to explore the mangroves and coastal areas.

Which of These Beaches Work Best for Seniors and Limited Mobility?

A big part of what we do is help older adults keep doing the things they love, and for a lot of Southwest Florida families, that includes the beach. A visit takes a little more planning when mobility, heat, or stamina are concerns, but it is absolutely doable. Here’s how the beaches above stack up.

Easiest to access: Lighthouse Beach on Sanibel and Fort Myers Beach (Times Square) have the most parking closest to the sand and paved paths, restrooms, and shade nearby, which makes them the gentlest options for someone who tires easily or uses a walker. Barefoot Beach also has ample, reliable parking and facilities.

Beach wheelchairs and mat access: Several Lee County and Sanibel beaches offer free beach wheelchairs (wide-tire chairs that roll over sand) and firm mat pathways down to the surf. [VERIFY current availability and reservation process with Lee County Parks & Recreation and the City of Sanibel before publishing, since these programs change seasonally.] Calling the specific beach or park office ahead of time is always worth it.

Plan around the hard parts:

• Heat and sun. Go early morning or late afternoon. Bring shade, water, and more sunscreen than you think you need. Older skin and medications can make sun and heat riskier.
• Distance from car to sand. Bowditch, Lovers Key, and Blind Pass all involve a real walk or a tram. Beautiful, but not ideal for a first outing with someone who has limited stamina. Start with an easier beach.
• Restrooms. Confirm real restrooms, not just port-a-potties, if that matters. Times Square, Lighthouse Beach, Lovers Key, and Barefoot Beach are your safer bets.
• Footing. Skip Bunche Beach’s mucky tidal flats for anyone unsteady on their feet. Firmer, groomed sand is safer.

If a loved one would love a morning at the beach but can’t manage the outing alone, a caregiver can make it happen: handling the driving, the gear, the walking support, and the watchful eye, so the day is relaxing instead of stressful. That kind of companion care and daily support is exactly what our caregivers do.

Thanks for reading our list of the best beaches in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, and the surrounding area. We hope it helps you, and the people you’re showing around, get out and enjoy the coast.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lee County United Way 211?

Lee County United Way 211 is a United Way program that provides free information and referral to human/social service agencies within LeeCounty. Clients can call and receive information and referrals appropriate to their needs.

Why share this information.

As one of the premier In-Home Care services in Fort Myers, we get a lot of calls from families seeking care for a local senior.

At Abby Services we work with Seniors who are paying privately for home care. We also work with some veteran benefits and long-term care insurances. Unfortunately, not all seniors have access to these funding sources.

One funding source for private In-Home care is Medicaid benefits. These are generally accessed through the Medicaid Waiver program. While not experts in this area we know who is, and that’s Lee CountyUnited way 211. By contacting this free resource local residents can be connected with a number of providers who can assist them.

Lee County United Way 211 Helpline

United Way 2-1-1 provides free and confidential health and human services information for people in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, and all of Lee County. They are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to connect patients with the resources and information they need.

You can dial 211 from any local number however if outside the immediate Lee County area 211 can be reached at (239) 433-3900.

This is from their website:

211 is an easy-to-remember three-digit telephone number that connects callers to a comprehensive helpline for information and referrals to health, human, and social service organizations within Lee, Hendry, Glades and Okeechobee counties. Knowing where to begin is the first step to getting the help you need.

EVERY HOUR OF EVERY DAY, SOMEONE IN OUR COMMUNITY IS SEARCHING FOR HELP OR SERVICES – housing, food, financial assistance, relief from abuse, family issues, depression, childcare, suicide prevention, etc., but navigating the maze of city, state and non-profit agencies can be overwhelming and confusing.

United Way 211 is the community’s central point of entry into the health and human services system. Dialing 211 is a way for people who need help to get connected with the community service providers that can help them. Calls to 211 Helpline are free, confidential, and 24/7.

Have questions about In-home care in Fort Myers? Just call Abby Services at 239-590-0861,

The VA Aid and Attendance pension can help eligible wartime veterans and their surviving spouses pay for in-home care. It is an increased monthly pension amount, paid on top of a basic VA pension, for those who need help with everyday activities like bathing, dressing, and managing medications. For families in Fort Myers and Cape Coral, it can be one way to afford a private in-home caregiver so a loved one can stay safely at home.

Abby Services is a state licensed nurse registry that refers experienced, screened in-home caregivers throughout Southwest Florida. We are not a VA representative and we do not file or manage benefit claims. What we can do is help your family find a caregiver, and point you toward the right people to handle the benefit itself: the VA, and a VA-accredited benefits officer who can guide the claim.

Who Manages an Aid and Attendance Claim

An Aid and Attendance claim is best handled by three people working together:

• The veteran or surviving spouse, whose service and care needs determine eligibility.
• The family, who often help gather documents, coordinate care, and manage day-to-day decisions.
• A VA-accredited benefits officer — an accredited Veterans Service Officer (VSO), attorney, or claims agent — who is authorized to help prepare and file the claim.

This last point matters. Only a VA-accredited representative may legally assist with preparing, presenting, and prosecuting a VA claim. Veterans Service Officers through organizations like the county Veterans Services office, the VFW, DAV, or American Legion provide this help free of charge. Working with an accredited officer helps make sure the claim is complete, accurate, and filed correctly the first time.

General Aid and Attendance Eligibility Guidelines

Every claim is ultimately decided by the VA, and eligibility isn’t always simple. These are general guidelines to help you decide whether it’s worth applying, not a determination of eligibility:

• Service: The veteran generally served at least 90 consecutive days of active duty, with at least one full day during a recognized wartime period. Service in a combat zone is not required.
• Pension eligibility: The veteran must qualify for the basic VA Veterans Pension.
• Clinical need: There must be a documented need for help with activities of daily living — bathing, dressing, eating, managing medications, or similar — or another qualifying condition.
• Financial limits: Income and net worth must fall within VA limits, which are adjusted periodically.
• Surviving spouses: The widowed spouse of an eligible veteran may also qualify if they meet the clinical and financial requirements and have not remarried.

Because the income, net worth, and benefit amounts change from year to year, we don’t list specific dollar figures here. The current numbers and the official eligibility rules are on the VA’s website at va.gov/pension/aid-attendance-housebound.

How the Benefit Helps Pay for In-Home Care

Aid and Attendance is paid as a monthly cash addition to the veteran’s or surviving spouse’s pension. Because it comes to the beneficiary rather than to a facility, the family decides how to use it — and in-home care is one of the most flexible options. Many families use the benefit to help offset the cost of a private in-home caregiver, allowing a loved one to remain independent at home rather than move to a facility.

The caregivers Abby Services refers can assist with exactly the kinds of daily activities the benefit is meant to support: bathing, dressing, mobility, meal preparation, medication reminders, light housekeeping, companionship, and more. You choose the caregiver and direct the schedule; we help with the referral and the administrative side.

How to Get Started in Fort Myers and Cape Coral

If you think you or your loved one may qualify, here’s a practical order of operations:

• Contact a VA-accredited benefits officer to start the Aid and Attendance claim. The Lee County Veteran Services office provides accredited help at no cost, as do accredited VSOs at the VFW, DAV, and American Legion.
• Gather documentation — the veteran’s discharge papers (DD-214), medical records showing the need for assistance, and financial information.
• Line up care. You don’t have to wait for benefit approval to arrange a caregiver. Abby Services can help your family find an in-home caregiver now, and the benefit can help with the cost once approved.

Abby Services is proud to help the veterans of Southwest Florida remain safe and independent at home. We refer trusted, screened in-home caregivers throughout Lee, Collier, and Charlotte Counties, and we’ve been serving local families since 1997.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources

• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs: Aid and Attendance and Housebound benefits
• Lee County Veteran Services

For many seniors in Fort Myers and Cape Coral, the hardest part of a doctor’s appointment is simply getting there. When leaving the house becomes difficult, two kinds of support can make a real difference — and they work well together: a physician who comes to you, and an in-home caregiver who helps at home.

Abby Services has spent years helping families across Southwest Florida find experienced private caregivers. We’re not a medical provider, but we know the area because we live here, and we’re glad to point families toward the local resources that help people stay safe and independent at home. House-call and concierge medical practices are one of those resources.

What is a mobile physician or house-call doctor?

A mobile physician — sometimes called a house-call doctor — brings primary or specialty medical care to the patient’s home instead of requiring a trip to the office. These practices typically focus on homebound patients, people with limited mobility, and those managing complex or chronic conditions. Some operate through Medicare and standard insurance; others use a concierge model with a membership fee. Coverage areas, services, and costs vary, so it’s worth calling to confirm the details for your situation.

Local house-call and concierge medical practices serving our area

The practices below serve Fort Myers, Cape Coral, and surrounding Southwest Florida communities. Abby Services is not affiliated with any of them and does not coordinate medical care — we’re simply sharing them as community resources. Please contact each practice directly to confirm current services, coverage area, and insurance.

Lee Health House Calls (Homebound Senior Care)

Part of the Lee Health system, House Calls brings medical care into the home for homebound and limited-mobility patients throughout Lee County. Care is provided by an advanced registered nurse practitioner, and the program accepts most insurance plans.

Phone: 239-343-9219

Private Physicians of Southwest Florida

A concierge medical practice founded in 1997 by Gary M. Price, MD — the first practice of its kind in Florida. An annual membership covers care wherever you need it: in the office, in the hospital, or at home. Offices in Fort Myers, Bonita Springs, Sanibel, and Clewiston.

Phone: 239-415-1111

IMLWP (Concierge Medicine, Fort Myers)

A membership-based concierge practice whose physicians stay involved across settings — including advocating for their patients during hospital stays at Lee County hospitals such as Gulf Coast, HealthPark, and Lee Memorial. A good fit for families who want a doctor closely involved at every step.

Website: imlwp.com

LPG House Calls

A house-call practice based in Fort Myers, currently accepting new patients and accepting both Medicare and Medicaid.

Location: 12600 Creekside Ln, Ste 6, Fort Myers, FL 33919

How an in-home caregiver works alongside a house-call doctor

A house-call doctor handles the medical side of things. An in-home caregiver handles everything around it — the day-to-day support that helps someone stay safe and comfortable between visits.

The caregivers Abby Services refers are experienced, screened private caregivers who are independently employed and directed by the client. You decide when, where, and how much support you’d like, and you stay in control of the arrangement. In our experience, pairing a house-call physician with a dependable caregiver at home is one of the most effective ways to help someone remain independent.

What caregivers referred through Abby Services can help with

Caregivers referred through Abby Services can assist with a wide range of everyday tasks, including:

• Bathing, dressing, and personal hygiene
• Meal preparation and light housekeeping
• Laundry and linens
• Medication reminders
• Mobility, transfers, and monitoring for safety
• Toileting
• Accompanying to appointments and errands
• Pet care
• Communicating with family

Every situation is different. Tell us what kind of help you’re looking for, and our office will work to match you with caregivers whose experience and availability fit your needs. If a caregiver isn’t the right fit, you’re always free to request another.

Not sure if in-home care is right? Ask your doctor.

Your physician — or a visiting mobile physician — can help you decide whether in-home support makes sense. It’s often helpful when someone has trouble with one or more activities of daily living (ADLs), such as bathing, dressing, or moving safely around the home.

If you have questions, call Abby Services at 239-590-0861 to speak with our office.

Do you need Veteran in home care now? Abby Services of Fort Myers and Cape Coral can help.

Yes, many families seek veteran in home care. However much of the information available is confusing and unclear. That is why we are excited for the following announcement about veteran in home care.

Abby Services has partnered with Vet Assist to help families manage veteran in home care.

Through a partnership with the VetAssist Program, Abby Services is excited to offer our fantastic In-Home Caregiver Services to veterans participating in the Aide and Attendance Program throughout Fort Myers, Cape Coral, and Lee County.

The VetAssist Program will:

• Help you determine if you qualify for the VA Aid & Attendance Pension Benefit.
• Assist you to identify and obtain documents needed for the application.
• Help you complete and submit the application to the VA.
• Provide your home care right away.
• Furnish an interest-free loan so you can pay for your home care while the VA processes your application.
• Monitor your application’s progress and assist with responses to VA requests for additional information until your pension is approved.

Even after you receive your pension, the VetAssist^® Program keeps working for you to help manage veteran in home care.

• Monitor your home care, to assure that you get the services you need, on a schedule that works for you.
• Keep track of your medical expenses and help you stay in compliance with the VA, so you retain the maximum allowable pension amount.
• Assist you to file any additional paperwork with the VA.
• They’re always a phone call away if you have questions or concerns.

Getting the veteran in home care you need

Veterans Home Care can provide you with assistance including:

• Help with bathing
• Help with dressing
• Medication reminders
• Transportation
• Meal preparation
• Transferring to and from bed
• Personal care
• Respite care
• Light housekeeping
• Laundry
• Companionship
• Additional services – including help to access other community resources to improve your quality of life.

About the Veterans Aid & Attendance Pension benefit that helps pay for veteran in home care

In 1952 Congress passed Title 38 of the United States Code, creating what we now call the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and authorizing benefits for veterans. One of these benefits is the Non-Service Connected Pension, with “Aid & Attendance.” (Veterans Aid & Attendance Pension benefit.)

Even though the pension has been around for 60 years, very few people know about it or understand how it works. Veterans Home Care has 14 years’ experience successfully helping veteran families apply for and receive the pension. Let us help you, too.

Eligibility

Do You Have the “3-Ms”?

• Military: Are you a veteran or the surviving spouse of a veteran who served at least 90 days on active duty, at least one day during wartime*, with an honorable discharge?  (Persian Gulf War veterans must have two years of active duty.)
• Medical: Do you have a non-service-connected medical condition causing you to need assistance with activities of daily living?
• Money: Do you have limited income and assets? (Your home and car are exempt.)

Did you serve during one of the *VA Defined War Periods

• World War II: Dec 7, 1941-Dec. 31, 1946
• Korean Conflict: June 27, 1950-Jan. 31, 1955
• Vietnam Era: Aug. 5, 1964-May 7, 1975 For veterans who served Feb. 28, 1961-Aug 5, 1964, must have served “in the country” (Vietnam).
• Persian Gulf War: Aug 2, 1990- date to be prescribed by Presidential proclamation or law. Must have served active duty for 2 years.

Click here for an online referral form.

Making sure an older loved one eats well is one of the most common worries families in Fort Myers and Cape Coral bring to us. Good nutrition keeps seniors stronger, steadier on their feet, and more independent, but shopping and cooking get harder with age. The good news is there are several kinds of help, and they work well together: Lee County’s Meals on Wheels program, private meal-delivery services, and in-home caregivers who shop, cook, and make sure meals actually get eaten. Here’s how each one works.

Lee County Meals on Wheels

Lee County Meals on Wheels, run locally by Community Cooperative (CCMI), delivers nutritious home-delivered meals along with a friendly, safety, and security check to eligible homebound neighbors who can’t shop or cook for themselves. Recipients include seniors as well as disabled or chronically ill adults, and meals may be short-term, while recovering from an illness or surgery, or long-term, to help someone remain safe and independent at home. The program supports over a thousand elderly and homebound residents in the greater Fort Myers area.

Meals on Wheels brings more than food. Volunteers provide daily companionship and a wellness check, and the program has added services over the years, including food and care products for recipients’ pets, and a home-safety and fall-prevention initiative developed through a partnership with the Home Depot Foundation. For many families, that daily friendly visit is as valuable as the meal itself.

Because eligibility rules, application steps, and contact information can change, the best place to confirm current details or apply is Community Cooperative directly. You can find the Lee County Meals on Wheels program and its application through Community Cooperative or the national Meals on Wheels America locator.

Private Senior Meal-Delivery Services

Meals on Wheels is a wonderful program, but not everyone qualifies, and some families want more choice over menus, dietary needs, or delivery frequency. A range of private meal-delivery services can fill that gap, from national prepared-meal companies that ship frozen, senior-friendly meals, to local restaurants and grocery delivery. Options worth considering include:

• Prepared senior-meal services that deliver ready-to-heat meals designed for older adults, often with heart-healthy, diabetic-friendly, or low-sodium menus.
• Grocery delivery for families or caregivers who prefer to cook fresh but want to skip the trip to the store.
• Restaurant delivery for variety and occasional treats, keeping in mind these aren’t tailored to dietary needs.

When choosing a service, look at dietary options, portion sizes, ease of heating, and whether the packaging is easy for older hands to open. The best choice depends on the person’s health needs, budget, and how much they can do for themselves.

How an In-Home Caregiver Helps With Meals

Delivered meals solve the food-supply problem, but they don’t solve everything. Many seniors have plenty of food in the house and still don’t eat well, because opening, heating, and sitting down to a meal has become difficult, or because eating alone is lonely. This is where an in-home caregiver makes a real difference.

A caregiver referred through Abby Services may assist with the whole picture around mealtime: planning meals, grocery shopping, preparing fresh food to the person’s tastes and dietary needs, and providing the company that makes a meal something to look forward to. A caregiver can also notice the early warning signs families miss, such as unexplained weight loss, spoiled food in the refrigerator, or skipped meals, which often signal that more support is needed.

Meal preparation pairs naturally with the other daily help a caregiver provides, such as light housekeeping, medication reminders, and companionship, so a few hours of caregiver support can cover far more than food alone.

Putting It Together

These options aren’t either-or. Many Southwest Florida families combine them: Meals on Wheels or a delivery service for some meals, and an in-home caregiver for shopping, fresh cooking, and companionship the rest of the time. If you’d like help thinking through what fits your loved one’s needs, Abby Services has been helping Lee County families find caregivers since 1997.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources

• Community Cooperative (CCMI) — Lee County Meals on Wheels
• Meals on Wheels America — Find Meals and Services

If you’re caring for someone with Alzheimer’s or dementia in Fort Myers, the most important thing to know is that you are not alone — and you don’t have to figure it out alone. Southwest Florida has genuinely good memory care resources, and the best of them is free. This guide covers The Dubin Center, other local and national support options, and how in-home caregiver support fits into the picture.

What is The Dubin Center?

The Dubin Center is an Alzheimer’s and dementia resource center that has served Southwest Florida since 1995 — more than 30 years of helping local families navigate memory loss. Their mission centers on caregiver health, strength, and resilience through education, information, hope, and compassion. They are a United Way partner agency, and their services are offered at no cost, funded by community donations and fundraising.

In our experience, families dealing with a new dementia diagnosis often don’t know where to start. The Dubin Center is where to start. Their social workers provide individualized, confidential guidance for exactly this situation.

Programs and services at The Dubin Center

The center’s current offerings include:

• Support groups for family caregivers, including early-stage support
• Caregiver training and education for families and professionals
• Memory screenings
• Social activities for individuals living with dementia and their care partners
• One-on-one guidance from Masters-level social workers
• A Medicare GUIDE Program and a monthly newsletter

The Dubin Center recently moved into a new home and has expanded its reach beyond Lee County, now also serving Sarasota and Manatee counties.

How to reach The Dubin Center

The Dubin Center
12511 World Plaza Ln. #50
Fort Myers, FL 33907
Phone: 239-437-3007
Email: [email protected]

Their website’s “I’m New Here” page is designed for families just beginning this journey.

Other memory care resources for Fort Myers families

A few more places worth knowing about. The Alzheimer’s Association operates a free 24/7 helpline at 800-272-3900 with trained staff who can answer questions at any hour — including the 2 a.m. ones. Locally, United Way 211 of Lee County can connect you with additional community services, from transportation to meal programs. And memory concerns are worth raising with your loved one’s physician early: age-related memory impairment affects roughly 40% of adults over 65, but not all memory change is dementia, and a proper evaluation matters.

When in-home support becomes part of the picture

Many spouses and adult children provide dementia care themselves for as long as they possibly can. But Alzheimer’s is progressive, and as needs grow, even the most devoted family caregivers run a real risk of caregiver burnout. Supervision needs often expand toward around-the-clock attention, and that is more than one person can safely sustain alone.

That’s where private in-home caregivers come in. Abby Services is a Florida-licensed nurse registry in Fort Myers — since 1997, we’ve helped local families find screened, experienced caregivers for Alzheimer’s and dementia support. The caregivers we refer meet Florida’s required Alzheimer’s and dementia training standards, and you stay in control: you choose the caregiver, set the schedule, and direct the care. Many families start with a few hours of respite care each week so they can attend a Dubin Center support group, rest, or simply run errands — and adjust from there as needs change.

Between The Dubin Center’s free education and support, and the right in-home caregiver, families in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, and across Southwest Florida can keep their loved ones safe, comfortable, and at home. If you’d like to talk through your situation, start here or call us at 239-590-0861 — and if we’re not the right resource, we’ll point you toward whoever is.

Frequently asked questions

Is The Dubin Center free?

Yes. The Dubin Center’s support groups, caregiver education, memory screenings, and social worker guidance are offered at no cost, funded by community donations and fundraising. They serve Lee County and have expanded to Sarasota and Manatee counties.

Where is The Dubin Center located?

The Dubin Center recently moved to a new home at 12511 World Plaza Ln. #50, Fort Myers, FL 33907. You can reach them at 239-437-3007 or [email protected].

What memory care resources are available in Fort Myers?

Key local resources include The Dubin Center (free dementia education and caregiver support), United Way 211 (community service connections), the Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 helpline at 800-272-3900, and Florida-licensed nurse registries like Abby Services that can refer screened in-home caregivers with dementia experience.

How do I know when my loved one with dementia needs in-home help?

Common signs include safety concerns like wandering or leaving the stove on, increasing difficulty with bathing and dressing, and family caregiver exhaustion. If caregiving is affecting your own health, sleep, or work, that’s a signal worth acting on. A conversation with your loved one’s physician and a call to a resource like The Dubin Center or Abby Services can help you sort out next steps.

Long-Term Care Insurance can be challenging to navigate.

Abby Services helps seniors navigate confusing long-term care insurance policies to be sure they get all of the in-home care benefits they are entitled to.

Abby Services has helped Fort Myers and Cape Coral seniors navigate confusing long-term care insurance policies since 1997!

With many clients we see, their long-term care insurance policies were purchased years ago. Clients may not remember clearly what policy details are or may incorrectly remember information about their long-term care insurance policy.

It’s no wonder clients can be unclear about coverage benefits or requirements to access their policy. Often the language in long-term care insurance policies can be challenging and confusing to understand.

That is why when a client has a question about their long-term care insurance policy, or benefits, they should schedule a complimentary appointment with one of our owners and  RN Scott Strachan.

Although these meetings can take about an hour, it is important to thoroughly review a long-term care policy, and fully explain its benefits and how they are accessed.

Understanding your long-term care insurance policy.

It is important to understand what you are entitled to under your Long Term Care Policy. More important than understanding your Long Term Care Benefits is how to actually access those benefits.

Even when you are armed with accurate information, and thoroughly understand your policy, some insurers have been known to act inappropriately. Here is an article I found with a quick google search:

Florida nurse registry claims insurer improperly denying benefits on long-term care policies

USA February 4, 2011

A class-action lawsuit filed by a Florida nurse registry claims that Transamerica Life Insurance Company’s (Transamerica) long-term care insurance policies improperly deny coverage by requiring a level of certification for home health aides that exceeds state requirements and that Florida law does not allow Transamerica to deny coverage meeting those state requirements.

According to a complaint filed in the District Court for the Southern District of Florida on January 21, 2011, American Nursing Resources Inc. (American Nursing) arranges home health care services for clients, regularly receives insurance-benefit assignments from its clients, and bills insurance companies directly for its services.

American Nursing alleges that its home health aides have provided services to Howard Boteler since October 31, 2009. Mr. Boteler assigned American Nursing his benefits under a long-term care policy issued by a predecessor of Transamerica. American Nursing alleges that when it attempted to collect benefits under the policy,

Transamerica denied its claim on the basis that the services were not provided by a “Home Health Aide” as defined in the policy. According to the complaint, the policy provided for reimbursement for the services of a “Home Health Aide” if the aide was: (1) eligible for reimbursement under Medicare; (2) employed by a state-licensed or accredited home health care agency; or (3) employed by a provider of home health care services accredited by the National League of Nursing, American Public Health Association, or the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Hospitals.

American Nursing alleges that, by its definition of “Home Health Aide,” Transamerica effectively requires a nurse registry such as American Nursing to either: arrange for the provision of basic services by nurses or other individuals with a level of certification greater than that of a home health aide; become eligible for reimbursement under Medicare; or be licensed as a “Home Health Care Agency.”

American Nursing alleges that this violates Florida statutes governing long-term care insurance, which provide that a long-term care policy cannot: require services to be performed by an individual with a higher level of certification than the services require; require services to be provided by a licensed home health agency when they can be provided by a nurse registry, or require that services be required by Medicare-certified agencies or providers. See FLA. STAT. ANN. § 627.94071.

The complaint alleges that “Defendant cannot define ‘Home Health Aide’ and implement its policy in a manner which violates Florida law by excluding or discriminating against nurse registries as covered home health service providers for basic services. … To do so, violates the Florida Statutes and Rules which by law are incorporated into Defendant’s Policy and give rise to an action for breach of the Policy.”

American Nursing seeks, for itself and on behalf of similarly situated providers, damages for breach of contract and an injunction preventing further denial of benefits on these grounds.

American Nursing has defined the class narrowly to include only Florida licensed nurse registries which, from January 1, 2006, through January 21, 2011, were assignees under a Transamerica long-term care policy and had a claim for benefits for home health-care services provided in Florida denied on the basis that the services were not provided by a “Home Health Aide” under the policy.

The class is also defined to include any Florida-licensed nurse registries currently named as assignees under such a policy. The case is American Nursing Resources, Inc., v. Transamerica Life Insurance Company, No. 0:11-cv-60146 (S.D. Fla.)

Are issues with long-term care insurance common?

Unexpected issues with long-term care insurance are more common than many think.

The situation described in the article above has occurred with a State Farm Long Term Care Insurance Policy a client of Abby Services has. As long-term care insurance experts, we are helping them to work through the insurer’s confusion and hopefully, State Farm will do the right thing.

What do you mean “hopefully the long term care insurance provider will do the right thing”?

Doing the “right thing” would be allowing a claimant to easily and appropriately access the long-term care insurance policy they have paid for as required by law. The specific law the article references is listed below.

Florida Statute 627.94071 which covers life insurance for seniors contracts and rates:

627.94071 Minimum standards for home health care benefits.—A long-term care insurance policy, certificate, or rider that contains a home health care benefit must meet or exceed the minimum standards specified in this section. The policy, certificate, or rider may not exclude benefits by any of the following means:

(1) Providing that home health care cannot be covered unless the insured or claimant would, without the home health care, require skilled care in a skilled nursing facility.(2) Requiring that the insured or claimant first or simultaneously receive nursing or therapeutic services in a home setting or community setting before home health care services are covered.(3) Limiting eligible services to services provided by registered nurses or licensed practical nurses.(4) Requiring that a nurse or therapist provide services covered by the policy that can be provided by a home health aide or by another licensed or certified home care worker acting within the scope of his or her license or certification.(5) Requiring that a licensed home health agency provide services covered by the policy that can be provided by a nurse registry licensed under chapter 400.(6) Excluding coverage for personal care services provided by a home health aide.(7) Requiring that the provision of home health care services be at a level of certification of licensure greater than that required by the eligible service.(8) Requiring that the insured/claimant have an acute condition before home health care services are covered.(9) Limiting benefits to services provided by Medicare-certified agencies or providers.(10) Excluding coverage for adult day care services.

Do you have a long-term care insurance complaint?

If you are confused about your policy or believe you are being inappropriately denied long-term care insurance benefits you are entitled to you should review the Florida Department of Financial Services website. They are the entity best suited to help resolve most long-term care insurance issues. Sometimes, despite attempts to educate insurance providers on regulations in our state, (regulations that they should already be familiar with) you need an attorney familiar with specific state laws, to help fight for the benefits you are entitled to. Below is an attorney you may want to consider. Stephen DunnPhone: (410) 321-8368Email: [email protected]: https://www.sdunnlawoffices.com/