The Florida Department of Elder Affairs (DOEA) is the Florida government agency focused on senior citizens. As described in the
Older Americans Act
The Older Americans Act of 1965 (, ) was the first federal level initiative aimed at providing comprehensive services for older adults. It created the National Aging Network comprising the Administration on Aging on the federal level, State Unit ...
, it is the state's unit on aging. It oversees the Office of Public and Professional Guardians (OPPG).
The department's creation was approved in a 1988 constitutional amendment under the name Department of Elderly Affairs but did not begin operations until January 1992. Governor
Lawton Chiles
Lawton Mainor Chiles Jr. (April 3, 1930 – December 12, 1998) was an American politician who served as the 41st governor of Florida from 1991 until his death in 1998. A member of the Democratic Party, he previously served as a United States ...
, who established the department,
started calling it Elder Affairs since he thought Elderly Affairs was less dignified.
The department started with just six employees and some volunteers.
E. Bentley Lipscomb was the first secretary for the department.
See also
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Administration on Aging
The Administration on Aging (AoA) is an agency within the Administration for Community Living of the United States Department of Health and Human Services. AoA works to ensure that older Americans can stay independent in their communities, mostly ...
References
{{Authority control
State agencies of Florida
1992 establishments in Florida
Government agencies established in 1992
United States elder law
Elderly care