How to apply for Florida Alzheimer's Disease Initiative (ADI)

Who it's for

Florida's Alzheimer's Disease Initiative is the state's dedicated program for adults living with Alzheimer's disease or related dementias (ADRD) and the family members who care for them. It pays for the kinds of services that keep a person with memory loss safely at home and that give caregivers a break: in-home respite, model adult day care designed for dementia, emergency respite when a caregiver is hospitalized, and extended respite of up to about 30 days. ADI also funds case management, specialized medical equipment and supplies, caregiver counseling and support groups, and caregiver training. Connected to the program is the state-funded network of 17 Memory Disorder Clinics across 13 service areas, which provide diagnostic evaluation, research participation, and follow-up care for people with suspected or confirmed ADRD. Eligibility is built around a probable ADRD diagnosis with cognitive impairment that affects daily living — not a strict income test — but a sliding-fee co-pay applies above a base income threshold, and most regions operate a waitlist managed by the local Area Agency on Aging. To apply, contact the statewide Elder Helpline at 1-800-96-ELDER (1-800-963-5337) or your local Aging and Disability Resource Center.

What you'll need

• DOEA Form 701B (functional assessment) completed by a Lead Agency case manager
• Medical documentation of probable Alzheimer's disease or related dementia diagnosis (often from a Memory Disorder Clinic evaluation)
• Proof of age (driver's license, state ID, or birth certificate)
• Identity and basic information for the family caregiver receiving respite
• Documentation of household income (used to set the sliding-fee co-payment, not to gate eligibility)

Where to apply

Renewals

annual reassessment by Lead Agency case manager