Least restrictive manner means the approach to providing services or resources that allows an elder the maximum INDEPENDENCE AND FREEDOM from intrusion consistent with the elder’s needs by requiring that the least drastic method of intervention be used when intervention is necessary and that only those
services or resources that are reasonably necessary to protect the elder are provided.

430.202 Florida Statutes: Community care for the elderly; legislative intent. —The purpose of ss.430.201-430.207 is to assist functionally impaired elderly persons in living dignified and reasonably independent lives in their own homes or in the homes of relatives or caregivers through the development, expansion, reorganization, and coordination of various community-based services. The Legislature intends
that a continuum of care be established so that functionally impaired elderly persons aged 60 and older may be assured the least restrictive environment suitable to their needs.

430.204 Community-care-for-the-elderly core services; departmental powers and duties. — (1)(a) The department shall fund, through each area agency on aging, at least one community care service system the primary purpose of which is the prevention of unnecessary institutionalization of functionally impaired elderly persons through the provision of community-based core services.

Suncoast PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly).

Suncoast PACE aims to fully support and care for Pinellas County seniors 55+ achieve a healthy quality of life, stay active and socially connected and live safely and independently in their homes and in the community. Additionally, they provide education, guidance and relief for the caregivers.

The Suncoast PACE services include primary care, physical, occupational, and speech therapies, skilled care, social and emotional support and day care at our Suncoast PACE Day Center and Medical Clinic; in-home care and support; and transportation to and from Suncoast PACE or other PACE-approved specialists.

For more information, call them at (727) 289-0062, (866) 458-2933 (toll free) or (800) 955-8771 (hearing impaired).

Florida Medicaid can be obtained to pay for the Suncoast PACE program. If you are over income or over asset eligibility caps for Florida Medicaid, call my office and I will provide an analysis and consultation on your situation and obtaining Florida Medicaid because there are legal avenues with which these eligibility issues can be addressed, and Medicaid can be obtained.

Diana Mangsen focuses her practice as an elder law attorney in Clearwater, Palm Harbor, Largo, Dunedin and the Tampa Bay area.

For more information, visit our website at
https://www.mangsenlaw.com/
or call (727) 888-6282.