Caring for the elderly is a national concern, particularly if long-term care is needed. In Florida, there is a  Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program which is comprised of 17 local councils across Florida, all offering free, localized advocacy services.  An ombudsman is a specially trained and certified volunteer who has been given authority under federal and state law to identify, investigate and resolve complaints made by, or on behalf of, long-term care facility residents. Ombudsmen respond to resident complaints and concerns ranging from issues with medication and care administration to matters of dignity and respect. It is the ombudsman's role to protect the legal rights of residents and assure that they receive appropriate treatment and quality care. To learn more about this program go to  http://ombudsman.myflorida.com/ResidentFam.php.


Currently, there is a bill HR3043 (Medicare Adult Day Care Services Act of 2009) being debated in Congress; which addresses the use of adult day care services for long-term care of the elderly. Click on the link above or contact your legislator for more information.

If you need help selecting the best long-term care option for yourself or you loved one contact your local Area Agency on Aging office at 1-800-963-5337.

Some older adults are able to stay in their own home if they have a few safety measures in place. Click here to view a housing safety checklist for older people.  Some individuals may also be eligible for free cell phones from Safelink Wireless. Safelink is a government supported program that provides a free cell phone and airtime each month for income-eligible customers. To apply for a free cell phone click here.

Remember you can call or go to your local library to learn more.

Connections Job Development Corporation is a non-profit agency in Pasco County that will help you search for a job and provide other employment services such as:
A Job Club
Career Counseling Advice
Computer Training
Resume and Application Assistance
Networking/communication skills
Job Referrals
Professional interview clothing


Getting started with Connections is easy! You can attend an orientation (Job Club) at the Connections office every Monday at 1:15pm or Wednesday at 9:45am. 

Learn more about Connections and how to find a job at the South Holiday Library on March 24th at 6pm or at the Regency Park Library on April 29th at 6pm.


Join us and learn more about how Connections can connect you to a job!

For more information call Connections (727) 849-4724, the South Holiday Library (727) 834-3331 or the Regency Park Library at (727) 861-3049.

South Holiday Library
4649 Mile Stretch Drive                            
Holiday, FL. 34690

Regency Park Library
9701 Little Road
New Port Richey FL 34654

Right now in Austin Texas there is an "Access to Justice Conference" going on. What is that you might ask? To make a long story short, it is about how public libraries are great places for citizens to receive legal information. There is an obvious connection to e-government. Questions asked such as: how do I file for a divorce; what if I have a dispute with my landlord?; how do I write a will? are common occurrences in libraries.

One place to get started is a website: www.floridalawhelp.org

You can search for your local information on this site as well.

Stay tuned...more about legal information coming soon.

Why should I fill out the census form?
Every ten years the government gathers informaiton from American residents through the census. This information helps the government and other agencies in a variety of ways. It determines the number of U.S. House Representatives that each state has. Many organizations like hospitals, job centers, and schools use this information to apply for funds to provide services to area residents. Also you are required to complete the form by law.


Can I fill out the Census form online?
Not yet, for more information go to http://2010.census.gov/2010census/how/interactive-form.php

How will I receive the census form?
In March of 2010, census forms will be delivered to every residence in the United States and Puerto Rico. When you receive yours, just answer the 10 short questions and then mail the form back in the postage-paid envelope provided. If you don't mail the form back, you may receive a visit from a census taker, who will ask you the questions from the form.


How do I know the person at my door is a real census worker? 
The Better Business Bureau offers this advice:
If a U.S. Census worker knocks on your door, they will have a badge, a handheld device, a Census Bureau canvas bag and a confidentiality notice. Ask to see their identification and their badge before answering their questions.  However, you should never invite anyone you don’t know into your home.

• Census workers are currently only knocking on doors to verify address information. Do not give your Social Security number, credit card or banking information to anyone, even if they claim they need it for the U.S. Census.  While the Census Bureau might ask for basic financial information, such as a salary range, it will not ask for Social Security, bank account or credit card numbers nor will employees solicit donations.

• Eventually, Census workers may contact you by telephone, mail or in person at home.  However, they will not contact you by e-mail, so be on the look out for e-mail scams impersonating the Census. Never click on a link or open any attachments in an e-mail that are supposedly from the U.S. Census Bureau.


What about my privacy?
All Census Bureau employees take the oath of nondisclosure and are sworn for life to protect the confidentiality of the data.  For more details- http://2010.census.gov/2010census/privacy/index.php


Remember you can pick up a census form and get more information at any of the Pasco County Library branches.