Services
Senior Services
Aging is very individual and unique to each person. A record number of people are entering the senior stage of their lives. Their needs are varied and JFCS has several programs to meet the challenges of aging.
Age is a Number
JFCS offers many resources for you or family members who might need help adjusting to the many challenges that accompany aging, such as:
- Physical health
- Mental health
- Mobility
- Independence
- Caregiving
- Being homebound
Many older adults in our community still have much to offer in terms of wisdom and productivity. At JFCS, we strive to meet the needs of seniors while preserving their sense of dignity, desire for independence and control over their lives.
JFCS provides a caring connection to seniors and their families through the programs and services. For more information, contact the Director of Senior Services at 941-366-2224.
Caregiver & Respite Services: Assisting a loved one who is ill or dying can be very stressful. Caregivers frequently experience fatigue and isolation and don't know how to ask for help. JFCS offers caregiver support groups and individual support sessions to help caregivers understand what their loved ones are going through, deal with the decisions that need to be made and the emotions they are experiencing and connect them to the resources they need. While you attend the group sessions, your loved one can be cared for by competent and trained JFCS staff.
Sarasota CARES: Offers caregivers of a loved one age 60 or older, living in Sarasota County, connections to available community resources. The program works to enhance caregiver strengths resulting in the reduction of stressors that negatively affect their lives. CARES allows caregivers and their loved ones to determine what services they need and how they wish to receive those services. Volunteer respite home visits, outreach and educational training programs specific to caregiver needs are also available. CARES focuses on improving the “Wraparound System of Care” to caregivers and care recipients. Specifically, CARES works towards achieving a sustainable and consumer-driven “System of Care” utilizing the strengths and leveraging the resources of all partnering organizations. CARES is expected to revolutionize services offered to caregivers and their loved ones in our community and be replicable in other communities. Sarasota CARES is possible through the funding by The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation. As the lead organization, JFCS is collaborating with nine community partners to bring CARES to the Sarasota area: Goodwill Industries/Sarasota Ministerial Alliance, The Pines Education Institute of Southwest Florida, Sarasota County Government, Sarasota Memorial Hospital Memory Disorder Clinic, SCOPE, Senior Friendship Centers and The Friendship Volunteer Center, United Way 2-1-1 of Manasota Inc., and University of South Florida.
Senior Outreach Services: Seniors often feel isolated from the rest of their community and may not have friends or family close by for support or to help them cope. SOS offers friendship, socialization and counseling to give seniors a feeling of connection with community. Participants share a nutritious lunch, holiday celebrations, cultural events and other activities in a friendly, supportive environment. These outreach services are provided weekly and are available at several locations throughout the community. Medicare insurance is accepted.
Caring from a Distance: Let JFCS be your caring connection. Caring for an older family member long distance is challenging. Some of the obstacles are finding local resources, assessing the needs of your loved one and making decisions on health and independence. JFCS helps form a local connection between you and your loved one. We offer caring, compassionate and supportive services to give you piece of mind across the miles.
Geriatric Care Management: JFCS provides a personalized care plan for seniors and their families. We offer home visits by licensed and trained staff and support for seniors in addition to offering resources, referrals and care coordination to ensure that seniors have the care they need. JFCS is a member of the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers. Click here for further details.
Individual and Marital Counseling: Aging is a natural process and like any stage of life can bring a new set of challenges. Our professional staff will help identify concerns and provide support for areas such as depression, isolation, bereavement, stress or marital conflict. Counseling services are available in our office or in your home.
Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities (NORC): NORC is a nationally recognized program that develops a support network for seniors who want to stay in their homes as they age. JFCS has designated four communities in the Sarasota-Manatee bi-county area as NORCs which provide a variety of services and programs to those residents. Services include: care management, health and wellness workshops, counseling, information and assistance. NORCs connect people to existing services in their neighborhoods, enhancing their quality of life by providing them the opportunity to age in a familiar environment while continuing to live in their own community.
