Aging in place or transitioning to a different living situation doesn't have to mean going it alone. In Volusia and Flagler Counties, there are many agencies, nonprofits, and local programs designed to help older adults live with dignity, safety, and support. Below is a guide to some of the most important resources — and suggestions on how to choose the right ones.

Volusia County: Key Services & Agencies for Seniors

1. Council on Aging of Volusia County (COA)

One of the most well-known and comprehensive organizations serving seniors in Volusia. Council on Aging of Volusia County

• In-home services (personal care, homemaking)

• Meal services / home-delivered meals

• Chore services (light home repairs, grab bars, etc.) 

• Guardianship and advocacy

• Senior centers and congregate dining sites Respite care 

Contact: COA in Daytona Beach — phone 386-253-4700 

2. Volusia County Human Services / Community Services

These county-run programs can help with funding, support and referrals. Volusia County Government+2Florida Department of Health in Volusia+2

• Home Energy Assistance (EHEAP) for heating costs in winter Volusia County Government

• Emergency rent or mortgage assistance (through Catholic Charities, coordinated with county) Volusia County Government

• Referrals to senior services via the county "Human Services Programs" division Volusia County Government+1

3. Volusia Senior Resources & Health Department Partnerships

The Florida Department of Health's Volusia County office lists "Senior Resources" and partners (including COA) to connect older adults with health-related services. Florida Department of Health in Volusia

4. Senior Centers & Activity Hubs

Volusia hosts numerous senior or adult activity centers (e.g. "Eighth Avenue Adult Activity Center," "The REC," etc.) to provide social engagement, classes, meals, and support.
Local city governments (e.g. DeBary) also list programs such as in-home care, meal delivery, and reassurance calls. 

5. ElderSource / Area Agency on Aging

ElderSource is the northeast Florida Area Agency on Aging. They help with coordinating long-term care resources, information & referral, and state/federal program guidance. ElderSource

Flagler County: Senior Services & Local Support

1. Flagler County Senior Services

This is the primary county-level program for residents age 60+. Flagler County+1
Services include:

• Case management and care planning Flagler County

• Home-delivered meals (frozen meals delivered weekly) Flagler County

• Congregate dining (meals in senior centers) Flagler County

• Homemaking / in-home care support Flagler County

• Respite care (in-home or in-facility) Flagler County

• Information and referral, outreach, education Flagler County

Flagler County Senior Center

• Located at The Rock Transformation Center, 2200 N State St, Bunnell Flagler County

• Offers daily meals, social & recreational programming, arts & crafts, exercise, birthday events, shopping trips, etc. Flagler County

Contact: Senior Services office in Palm Coast (1000 Belle Terre Blvd) Flagler County

2. Home Care Providers in Flagler & Surrounding Areas

• Visiting Angels (Palm Coast): nonmedical in-home care, companionship, assistance with daily living. Visiting Angels

• Right at Home (Palm Coast / Flagler Beach area): personalized in-home care, Alzheimer's care, etc. Right at Home

• Granny Nannies (Flagler Beach region): private in-home care including Alzheimer's care, recovery assistance, respite care. Granny Nannies

3. Hospitals & Geriatric Healthcare

• AdventHealth Palm Coast serves as a key hospital for Flagler County and has been designated as an "Age-Friendly" ER. 

• For more specialized or hospital services beyond Flagler, UF Health / Flagler Hospital (now part of UF Health St. Johns) is a regional resource. 

4. Senior Living Guidance & Placement Support

• Florida Senior Consulting offers free guidance in Flagler for selecting senior living (assisted living, memory care, etc.) and supporting transitions. Florida Senior Consulting Advisors

How to Choose the Right Services

1. Start with the county or nonprofit "hub"
   Begin by contacting COA (for Volusia) or Flagler County Senior Services. These entities often provide assessments, eligibility checks, and referrals.

2. Assess the level of care needed
   Do you need light help (meals, chores, companionship)? Or more intense help (bathing, mobility, medical supervision)? That determines whether you use a senior center, in-home care, or nursing/assisted living.

3. Check eligibility & cost
   Many programs (especially county-based ones) are subsidized or free for qualifying seniors. Others are private pay. Always ask about sliding scales, grants, or funding sources.

4. Verify credentials & reputation
   For private home care, check for licensing, background checks, references, and reviews.

5. Plan for transitions
   If a senior's needs increase over time, having relationships already established (with COA, home care agencies, hospitals) can ease transitions to higher levels of support.

6. Stay connected
   Senior centers, social programs, and recreational offerings help reduce isolation—a major health risk for older adults.

Call to Action & Tips for Families

• Make one phone call: Encourage families or caregivers to call the local county senior services office. Ask for a "senior assessment."

• Keep a "senior resource binder": List phone numbers, agencies, and service types in one place.

• Visit local senior centers: Drop in, meet staff, see the activities, and ask questions.

• Stay proactive: If a senior is showing early signs of needing help (falls, nutrition issues, isolation), don't wait—reach out early.