From warm weather and welcoming neighborhoods to the wide range of available community services, Tampa offers many advantages for older adults who want to remain in the area as they age. Staying close to familiar people, places and routines can help support independence and quality of life.
As mobility, health or everyday routines change, aging in place can become more challenging. Fortunately, there are programs in Tampa and throughout Hillsborough County that can help with transportation, meals, housing, Medicare questions and other needs. To help families better navigate their options, Senior Helpers Hillsborough County gathered these resources for seniors aging in place in Tampa in one place.
Where to Start
One helpful place to begin is the Senior Connection Center, which serves as the Area Agency on Aging and Aging & Disability Resource Center for Hillsborough and several surrounding counties. The organization connects older adults, people with disabilities and caregivers with programs and services that support independent living.
Hillsborough County Aging Services is another valuable resource, offering programs and information for older residents, including meal services, transportation resources and other support.
Popular Resources for Older Adults in Tampa
- Transportation Assistance: Hillsborough County’s Sunshine Line provides transportation and bus passes for eligible older adults, people with disabilities and low-income residents. Transportation may be available for medical appointments, grocery shopping and other approved trips.
- Senior Meal Programs: Hillsborough County Aging Services offers weekday meals at nutrition centers and home-delivered meals for qualifying seniors who have difficulty leaving home. Meals On Wheels of Tampa is another local option for seniors and homebound residents.
- Affordable Housing Resources: The Tampa Housing Authority provides affordable housing programs for eligible low-income residents, including older adults and people with disabilities. Seniors can explore housing options and eligibility requirements through the agency.
- Legal Assistance for Older Adults: The Florida Senior Legal Helpline, managed by Bay Area Legal Services, provides legal advice and referrals to eligible Florida residents age 60 and older for certain civil legal matters.
- Medicare Counseling: Florida’s SHINE program offers free, unbiased and confidential counseling to Medicare beneficiaries, their families and caregivers. Trained volunteers can help with questions about Medicare, Medicaid, prescription drug coverage and other health insurance options.
Making Aging in Place More Manageable
Community programs can help address many day-to-day needs, but some seniors may need more consistent support at home. At Senior Helpers Hillsborough County, we provide flexible in-home care built around each client’s routines, abilities, preferences and changing needs.
Services can include companionship, transportation, errands, meal preparation and light housekeeping, as well as bathing, dressing, mobility assistance and medication reminders. We also provide specialized Alzheimer’s and dementia care through Senior Gems®, Parkinson’s care, chronic disease care, respite care and Return HOME™ transitional support following a hospital or rehabilitation stay.
Care can range from a few hours each week to daily, overnight or 24-hour support, allowing families to adjust services as needed.
It Starts with an Understanding of What Your Loved One Needs
Senior Helpers Hillsborough County begins with a complimentary in-home assessment to learn about your loved one’s routines, abilities, safety concerns, preferences and family goals.
Our proprietary LIFE Profile™ assessment (Life, Independence, Function, Evaluation) takes a data-driven look at factors that can impact successful aging at home, including safety, independence, medical condition management, burden of care and quality of life. The results help us create a personalized care plan that can evolve over time.
If your loved one could benefit from additional support, call Senior Helpers Hillsborough County at (813) 677-1400 or contact us online to start exploring options with our team today.