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

What to say when you call

"Hello, I'm calling to ask about Florida Alzheimer's Disease Initiative (ADI). I'd like to know whether I may qualify, what documents I need, and whether I can apply online, by mail, by phone, or in person. I understand I may 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) — is anything else required? What is the best next step?"

Tip: have a pen ready, ask for the person's name, and write down any case or reference number they give you.

Step by step

1. Call the statewide Elder Helpline at 1-800-96-ELDER (1-800-963-5337) or contact your local Aging and Disability Resource Center to start your ADI application. You can also apply online through the Florida Department of Elder Affairs.
2. Ask about your region's current waitlist. Most areas operate a waitlist managed by the local Area Agency on Aging, so it helps to get your name in early.
3. Gather proof of a probable Alzheimer's disease or related dementia diagnosis. This is medical documentation confirming cognitive impairment that affects daily living. If a diagnosis has not yet been made, the state network of 17 Memory Disorder Clinics can perform the evaluation needed to qualify.
4. Collect your supporting documents: proof of age (driver's license, state ID, or birth certificate), basic identity information for the family caregiver who will receive respite services, and documentation of household income. Income is used only to set a sliding-fee co-payment — it does not determine whether you qualify.
5. Work with a Lead Agency case manager to complete DOEA Form 701B, a functional assessment. The case manager will guide you through this step after your initial contact.
6. Confirm your sliding-fee co-payment amount and current waitlist position with your local Aging and Disability Resource Center or by calling the Elder Helpline at 1-800-96-ELDER (1-800-963-5337).

What to expect: After submitting your application, a Lead Agency case manager will review your functional assessment and documentation to determine your eligibility and the services that best fit your situation. Because most regions operate a waitlist, there may be a wait before services begin — ask your local Aging and Disability Resource Center or the Elder Helpline for the most current estimate in your area. Once enrolled, a Lead Agency case manager will reassess your needs every year to keep your services up to date. A sliding-fee co-payment may apply based on household income, with no co-pay at lower income levels and a rising co-pay above a base threshold — your case manager can explain exactly what to expect for your household.

Renewals

annual reassessment by Lead Agency case manager