The Florida Life Care Residents Association, or FLiCRA, is a statewide organization representing residents of continuing care retirement communities, or CCRCs. FLiCRA advocates for residents’ interests before Florida’s legislature and regulatory agencies. The work of FLiCRA’s Tallahassee staff is funded by dues paid by local chapter members. Oak Hammock’s FLiCRA chapter is one of the largest in the state.
Oak Hammock’s chapter is known as the Lamar Miller Chapter, named in honor of the resident who helped establish it in 2007 and served as its first president. The chapter is governed by a nine-member board of directors, elected to stagger three-year terms at the chapter’s annual meeting. The board promotes FLiCRA membership, shares FLiCRA news and organizes events. It provides a monthly report to the Oak Hammock Residents’ Council, contributes an article to each issue of The Oak Leaf, and distributes FLiCRA’s quarterly printed newsletter. Events frequently feature FLiCRA’s Tallahassee staff or a state legislator representing the district.
The Oak Hammock FLiCRA chapter works with other facilities to ensure all residents and prospective residents understand the importance it plays in Florida CCRCs and the senior living industry. Through combined efforts, the Florida legislature is made aware of the needs of independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing and memory care communities.
During Florida’s annual legislative session, FLiCRA members receive regular email updates from the Tallahassee office. The staff monitors and advocates on bills affecting CCRC residents and, when appropriate, alerts members to contact legislators directly.
FLiCRA’s efforts have saved CCRC senior living residents significant costs by helping defeat burdensome tax proposals and other unfavorable measures. Thanks in part to FLiCRA, Florida law now includes a bill of rights for CCRC residents and requires that a designated resident representative be allowed to attend and participate when a community’s governing board discusses fee increases.
When legislation affecting CCRCs is under consideration, owners and managers have their own advocacy organizations in Tallahassee. With Oak Hammock’s support, FLiCRA ensures that residents have a strong and effective voice.