Osceola Elder Helpline

Pros

• The Osceola County Council on Aging provided a wide range of high-quality services that greatly benefited the family.
• The home worker was friendly and professional, making the care experience enjoyable for my mother-in-law.
• My mother-in-law loved attending the adult day care center, where she made several new friends and engaged with others.
• The agency's staff was supportive and worked closely with the family to find suitable nursing home and hospice placement when her condition worsened.
• The coordination of care offered by the agency eased the burden on the family while ensuring my mother-in-law received excellent support.

Cons

• The coordination of care for the mother-in-law became a significant problem for the family due to everyone's busy work schedules.
• It was initially challenging to find appropriate services to support the mother-in-law after her stroke.
• The situation with care management created stress within the family as they struggled to balance their jobs and caregiving responsibilities.
• The mother-in-law's condition eventually worsened, leading to difficult decisions regarding nursing home and hospice placement.

Review

When a family member suffers a medical crisis, such as a stroke, it can dramatically alter the dynamics of caregiving within the home. This was precisely the situation faced by one family when my wife's mother endured her second stroke, which left her wheelchair-bound and in need of extensive care. With everyone juggling their own jobs and daily responsibilities, finding adequate support for their mother became an immediate challenge that demanded attention.

In search of assistance, a friend recommended reaching out to the Osceola County Council on Aging (OCCOA). Initially uncertain about what types of resources might be available, the family was thoroughly impressed by the wide array of services offered by this agency. Upon contacting them, they were met with a warm reception and an extensive list of programs tailored for seniors in need of support. The variety and quality of these offerings provided much-needed relief for both my wife and me during this challenging time.

One standout program made possible through OCCOA was the provision of a home worker who came twice a week. This individual played an integral role in not only managing essential household tasks such as meal preparation, laundry, and cleaning but also in offering companionship to my mother-in-law while her family members were at work. The importance of social interaction cannot be underestimated for those facing health challenges; thus, having someone present to engage with her made a significant difference in uplifting her spirits during those hours alone.

In addition to in-home support, OCCOA also facilitated access to an adult day care center program. This service included transportation to and from the center where my mother-in-law could participate in various activities alongside other clients dealing with similar circumstances. The ability to interact socially with peers was invaluable; she formed several new friendships during her time at the adult day care center—friendships that enriched her life and created a sense of community amid personal struggles.

Throughout their entire experience with OCCOA, the family found staff members to be not only friendly but also incredibly professional. The level of care demonstrated by agency personnel helped alleviate much concern regarding my mother-in-law's well-being while ensuring she received meaningful engagement throughout each day. As their relationship with OCCOA deepened over time, they grew increasingly appreciative of how committed this organization was towards enhancing quality of life for individuals like my mother-in-law.

As my mother-in-law’s condition worsened in later years and necessitated more comprehensive medical intervention, OCCOA remained steadfastly supportive. They worked closely with our family to identify suitable nursing home options as well as hospice placement when it became evident that long-term care solutions were needed. Their dedication did not fade even as circumstances changed; instead, they proved themselves adept at navigating different levels of care needs while maintaining compassionate protocols every step along the way.

In retrospect, reaching out to Osceola County Council on Aging turned out to be one of the best decisions our family made during an incredibly taxing period in our lives. Their assortment of services provided practical everyday assistance while simultaneously supporting emotional needs—an often-overlooked aspect crucial for caregivers dealing with complex health issues among loved ones. The enduring relationships built through this experience are testaments to how impactful beneficial community resources can be when families encounter unforeseen healthcare challenges.

This area of Kissimmee, Florida offers a variety of amenities suitable for senior living. With multiple restaurants nearby such as McDonald's, Miller's Ale House, and Chick-Fil-A, there are plenty of dining options to choose from. Additionally, there are several pharmacies in the vicinity including Walgreens and CVS Pharmacy for convenient access to medications. For medical care, there are various physicians' offices within a few miles' radius and Osceola Regional Medical Center is located just 3.2 miles away. In terms of recreational activities, residents can enjoy the nearby parks such as Lakefront Park and Meadow Creek Park, as well as catch a movie at Regal The Loop & RPX theater. Overall, this area provides a balance of convenience, healthcare facilities, and leisure opportunities for seniors looking to make this their home.

Restaurants

• McDonald's (0.2 miles)
• Miller's Ale House (1 miles)
• Chick-Fil-A (3.5 miles)
• Sidelines Sports Grill (3.7 miles)
• IHOP (3.7 miles)
• Gator's Dockside (3.9 miles)
• Checkers (4 miles)

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (1.3 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.3 miles)
• Ritemed Pharmacy (2.6 miles)
• Walgreens (3.3 miles)
• Walmart Pharmacy (3.4 miles)
• Walgreens (3.6 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (3.7 miles)

Physicians

• Florida Department of Health, Osceola County Health Department, Kissimmee Health Center (1.4 miles)
• Advanced Diagnostic Group (2.9 miles)
• Osceola Regional Medical Center (3.2 miles)
• Osceola Neurohealth Surgical Associates (3.2 miles)
• Orlando Pediatrics (3.3 miles)
• Florida Institute of Neurology (3.4 miles)
• DaVita Kissimmee Dialysis (3.6 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (3.7 miles)
• Panera Bread (4.1 miles)
• Starbucks (5 miles)
• Starbucks (6.5 miles)
• Starbucks (6.8 miles)
• Vanessa's Coffee Shop (7.3 miles)

Places of Worship

• St Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church (3.8 miles)
• St Luke & St Peter Church-Episcopal (6.3 miles)

Transportation

• Tupperware Sunrail Station (4.4 miles)
• SunRail Poinciana Station (7.8 miles)

Parks

• St Cloud Parks & Recreation (4.4 miles)
• Lakefront Park (5 miles)
• Meadow Creek Park (5.7 miles)
• Austin Tindall Park (5.9 miles)
• Hopkins Park (6.6 miles)

Theaters

• Regal The Loop & RPX (5.7 miles)

Hospitals

• Nemours Children's Hospital (8.2 miles)