Hendry County to assume Older Americans Act case‑management services after provider exit

Hendry County commissioners voted Nov. 12 to have the county assume responsibility for Older Americans Act (OAA) case‑management services after the incumbent provider did not submit a bid and no other qualified bidders emerged.

Emily Hunter, the county’s community relations and legislative director, summarized the request from the Area Agency on Aging: Hope Connections (which previously provided case management and other senior services) did not bid to continue OAA case‑management duties for the region and no qualified bidders stepped forward. Hunter and Area Agency staff outlined that the OAA funding flows to the state and then to regional Area Agencies on Aging, and that local providers contract to deliver services. Staff said Hendry’s OAA allocation is approximately $59,000 and that an in‑kind facility donation (the Noble Center in LaBelle) could satisfy part of the required match.

Area Agency staff explained that case management work includes eligibility determination, in‑home assessments, care‑plan development and authorizing vendor services; they said the county could subcontract the case‑management duties that statute forbids the Area Agency from directly performing. "We would be assuming the grant, we would receive the granting dollars, and we would hire case managers," an Area Agency representative said. Staff said one full‑time case manager and at least one case aide would likely be needed to start.

Commissioners asked about funding sufficiency and whether Glades County’s portion of the grant and match would be covered. Staff said the in‑kind facility match may cover both counties’ local match needs but that any additional required match from Glades would require Glades County approval; staff agreed to pursue an interlocal agreement if necessary. The board approved Option 1 (county assumption of OAA case management, creation of positions and budget amendments) by voice vote and directed staff to advertise and hire needed personnel.

Next steps: County staff will create the positions, process budget amendments, advertise the roles, and pursue an interlocal agreement with Glades County for the matching share if required. Staff will also work to onboard any trained case managers who may be available from the outgoing provider.