The award-winning Elder Links program was designed to provide a safety net for elder residents who are no longer capable of, or are having a difficult time caring for themselves. By linking them with available resources, this program meets the key objective of maximizing individuals' independence by allowing them to remain in their homes and communities whenever possible. 

Elder Links also insures that MDFR effectively meets our state mandate to report cases of children and elderly adults who may be victims of abuse or neglect.  As this program continues to grow in scope, it is fast becoming one of our most successful outreach resources, supporting all residents and visitors in Miami-Dade needing assistance, regardless of the person's age. 

Created in 1994, and expanded in 1997 to bring MDFR into a more pronounced role in social service intervention, Elder Links is a multi-agency network of communication that provides a referral and intervention system to fire rescue customers and and their families. This unique cooperative effort joins hospitals, family members, caregivers, representatives from the Department of Children and Families, and other support agencies to assist in providing vulnerable residents with available services and if necessary, placement in an appropriate care facility.

Currently, there is no other system in place that connects all of these essential services for individuals who are identified by MDFR personnel as potentially affected by abuse, neglect or exploitation, or living in conditions that might be a threat to patient or family welfare.

For information about MDFR safety presentations designed for elder adults, explore our programs for the elderly.