Senior Services
SENIOR SERVICES
In a tradition of caring, JFCS provides counseling, coordinated care
management and outreach to all seniors in our community to support them in preserving their quality of life, independence, and dignity. Older Americans, the fastest growing segment of our society are living longer. Often homebound and isolated, the elderly rarely reach out for help. Licensed clinical social workers can help with the often daunting life transitions facing the elderly – care giving, depression, isolation, illness and coping with grief from the loss of loved ones and friends. JFCS offers a helping hand to older adults and their families by providing a vital and compassionate connection to the community.
Caregiver Support & Respite Services
Care giving can be an overwhelming and exhausting responsibility. JFCS offers individual and weekly group caregiver support sessions at multiple locations within the community. Loved ones are cared for during the weekly group sessions providing much needed respite for the caregiver. Groups are available Wednesdays at 11:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. at JFCS and Fridays at 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. at St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 513 Nassau Street, Venice.
Care Management
Home visits, direct services and ongoing support are provided to seniors and their families to discuss individual needs, offer information and referral, and explore choices to create a personalized plan of care.
Elder Support Network
JFCS is part of this national network to provide out-of-town families comfort in knowing that we are looking after the needs of their elder relative. JFCS is the local connection that offers care, compassion and supportive services.
Friendly Visitors Program
Seniors are matched with trained volunteers who provide companionship and support. Visits can be to a client in their own home, assisted living facility or nursing home. In some instances, seniors may request a regular phone call; telephone reassurance is another opportunity for contact.
Home Evaluation/Assessment
Our licensed clinical social workers are trained to recognize the social, emotional and functional needs of seniors in order to assess, plan and arrange for supportive services.
Individual & Marital Counseling
Older adults, single or married, may experience depression, isolation, marital conflict, stress or withdrawal which can impact their quality of life. Our professional staff will help identify concerns and provide support; counseling services are available both in our offices and at home.
Senior Outreach Services (SOS)
This program helps older adults maintain their independence and enhances their involvement with family and the community. SOS includes support, a nutritious lunch and socialization. Transportation is provided to seniors participating in this weekly program offered at multiple locations within the community
Volunteer Opportunities
JFCS has many opportunities for seniors who are interested in serving as volunteers.
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NORC (NATURALLY OCCURRING RETIREMENT COMMUNITY)
The United Jewish Committee applied for and received a Federal Grant to fund a demonstration pilot project for the Sarasota Community to enhance, expand, and provide innovative, new services to low-income seniors who live independently in what is commonly known as Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities (NORCs). The Sarasota Manatee Jewish Federation is the recipient of this funding and has designated Jewish Family & Children's Service as the local coordinator of services. A collaboration has been established between Jewish Family & Children's Service, Catholic Charities and Senior Friendship Center, to provide targeted services to seniors in the Sartasota Community.
This model program is designed to enable seniors to remain living in their existing homes as they “age in place.” The concept centers on developing a supportive services program for these seniors to access so that they can remain living in their neighborhoods.
Research tells us that over 90% of all seniors want to remain in their own homes, even as they become frail and at greater risk. NORC services and programs may include care management, limited financial assistance, social activities, health and wellness workshops, home repair and modification, individual and group counseling, caregiver support, and respite care.
The initial focus of the project will be in north Sarasota where there is a significant number of people over the age of 60 living in existing neighborhoods, both apartment buildings and retirement communities.
NORC is a national initiative. Please refer to the United Jewish Communities website at www.ujc.org for additional program information.
CARE MANAGEMENT SERVICES
Care Management Services offer adult children and long distance family members residing out-of-town peace of mind knowing that a geriatric care manager can assist in the care of their aged parent or family member. The goal of care management is to assist seniors through advocacy, referral services and encouragement to enable them to maintain personal dignity and independence for as long as possible. All care management services are provided in strict confidence by JFCS social workers. Our fees provide for a home assessment. Follow-up visitations to coordinate the recommended services are based on a sliding fee scale.
The geriatric care manager conducts an in-home assessment of the long-term care needs of the parent or family member, develops a care plan and monitors progress. The care plan and progress notes are then shared with the adult children and long distance family members. Geriatric care managers can also coordinate resources that will provide bill paying services, accompany frail seniors to a doctor and report back to the family. Detailed information regarding area assisted living and nursing facilities are also available through the geriatric care manager.
GROUPS AVAILABLE:
- Friendly Visitor Program
- Respite Care for Caregivers and Their Loved Ones
- Senior Outreach Services
- Senior Social Connections
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