How to apply for ElderCare of Alachua County — Meals on Wheels + 4 Congregate Meal Sites (UF Health program) in Florida

Who it's for

ElderCare of Alachua County is a STRUCTURALLY DISTINCTIVE AAA delivery partner — it operates under the Shands HealthCare / UF Health umbrella rather than as a standalone Council on Aging 501(c)(3) nonprofit. This integration between the academic medical center and the local AAA delivery partner is uncommon in the FL catalog — most peer FL counties have independent Council on Aging organizations contracted by the regional AAA. ElderCare of Alachua County serves as the contracted local AAA delivery partner under Elder Options (Mid-Florida Area Agency on Aging, PSA 3) for OAA Title III nutrition. Services include: (1) Meals on Wheels — home-delivered hot meals for homebound seniors age 60+; (2) Congregate Meals — hot lunch at four congregate meal sites: Legacy Park Multipurpose Center (Alachua), the Senior Recreation Center (Gainesville), High Springs Civic Center, and Micanopy Town Hall; (3) Transportation Services — MV Transportation and the Freedom in Motion Program for Gainesville seniors; (4) Comprehensive senior services including case management coordinated with UF Health's broader patient care infrastructure. The hospital-system-operated model means seniors discharged from UF Health Shands can be referred directly to ElderCare for follow-up nutrition and care coordination — a meaningful continuity-of-care advantage. Eligibility for the senior pathway is age 60+ and Alachua County residency. Apply via Elder Options' helpline 1-800-262-2243 (the PSA 3 helpline) or directly to ElderCare of Alachua County on 352-265-9040.

What you'll need

• Proof of age 60+ (Florida driver's license, Florida ID, or birth certificate)
• Proof of Alachua County residency (utility bill, lease, or government correspondence)
• For home-delivered Meals on Wheels: documentation of homebound status (illness, disability, or isolation)
• For congregate meals at one of the four ElderCare meal sites: ambulatory mobility to attend
• For MV Transportation or Freedom in Motion rides: registration with the program

Where to apply

What to say when you call

"Hello, I'm calling to ask about ElderCare of Alachua County — Meals on Wheels + 4 Congregate Meal Sites (UF Health program). 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 proof of age 60+ (Florida driver's license, Florida ID, or birth certificate), proof of Alachua County residency (utility bill, lease, or government correspondence), for home-delivered Meals on Wheels: documentation of homebound status (illness, disability, or isolation) — 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.

Renewals

annual reassessment by ElderCare case manager; meals continue without interruption pending recertification