#Songbird counseling free

When people are going through the process of aging, it can be difficult for seniors and their caregivers. “I provide one-on-one counseling and talk to seniors at the Cone Park Library. “I wanted to do something to help people,” Porter said. Seeing his father receive the help he needed to find the best medical plan for him inspired Porter to volunteer at SHINE during retirement. A friend of mine who worked in SHINE helped him find a plan,” Porter said. “My father moved to Gainesville from Ocala and needed help on his Medicare advantage plan. Porter has been a SHINE counselor since February 2011 when his sister told him about the program. Porter provides Medicare counseling at the Alachua County Library District in the Cone Park branch in East Gainesville at 2801 E. The SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) Program provides health insurance information and free, unbiased and confidential counseling assistance to Medicare beneficiaries, their families and caregivers.ĭavid Porter is a SHINE volunteer with Elder Options and has done so for more than 10 years. “I feel like we are one of the best kept secrets in North Central Florida,” Mustipher said. The nonprofit also offers resources, information and training for those who work with older adults, as well as assistance for older adults impacted by abuse.Ĭlasses are also taught to educate people about chronic conditions, and also provides support for informal caregivers and give volunteer opportunities to teach health-related classes and Medicare counseling. Mustipher said Elder Options provides counseling and screenings for a variety of in-home assistance/support or community programs, like assisted living facilities for eligible seniors, adults with disabilities and caregivers through Medicaid. Mustipher’s journey in the care-giving services began in North Carolina when her family attended a wedding there and her uncle told her mother how he was unable to be a caregiver to his mother.

“I want to reach out to the community that is underserved.” “Black and brown people have a high percentage of chronic health disparities and dementia,” Mustipher said. Mustipher, 49, is transitioning from her current position as COO to chief executive officer (CEO) that was formerly held by Kristen Griffith. Katina Mustipher, chief operating officer of Elder Options, has worked for the organization for 26 years. More: Pleasant Street Historic Society pays tribute to homes and former businesses in areaĮlder Options serves older adults ages 60 and older, adults with disabilities and their informal caregivers.The nonprofit organization also provides state and federal grant-funded programs and direct services to individuals in its state-designated service area, which includes Alachua, Bradford, Citrus, Columbia, Dixie, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Hernando, Lafayette, Lake, Levy, Marion, Putnam, Sumter, Suwannee, and Union counties.Įlder Options' goal is to connect older adults and adults with disabilities to resources and assistance for living safely with independence. More coverage: 250 people attend event to show love to Philoron and Cottie Wright of Gainesville

#Songbird counseling free

More coverage: Dottie Peoples, 'Songbird of the South,' to headline free concert at Upper Room in Suite 301 and is open from Mondays through Fridays from 8 a.m. It also offers an opportunity to raise awareness of care-giving issues, educate communities and increase support for caregivers.Įlder Options is a nonprofit organization that provides local resources to seniors and caregivers. Celebrated every November, National Family Caregivers Month is a time to recognize and honor family caregivers across the country.