Senior Friendship Centers (SFC) Offers Free Mental Health and Cognitive Support Sessions

November 6, 2024 | Sarasota

In recognition of National Family Caregivers Month and the increased burden on caregivers following back-to-back hurricanes, Senior Friendship Centers (SFC) highlights free mental health seminars, caregivers support groups, and new cognitive education sessions.  These programs are designed to address the everyday responsibilities of caregiving while alleviating the heightened stress many caregivers face due to recent natural disasters.

A National Library of Medicine study on the impacts of Hurricanes Irma and Michael on Floridians found that experiencing consecutive storms significantly heightened psychological distress. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Florida is home to 2.7 million caregivers. These caregivers now face the added burden of disaster recovery efforts on top of their regular responsibilities. Sarasota has one of the nation’s highest proportions of seniors – 34% of its residents are over 65, and many of whom require caregiving assistance.  Many of these older adults are also 80 and older and need extensive care for their Alzheimer’s or chronic conditions.

“Caregivers already face significant stress in their daily responsibilities, caring for loved ones with limited mobility, chronic health issues, or mild cognitive impairment,” said Erin McLeod, President and CEO of Senior Friendship Centers. “With the added pressure from recent hurricanes, many caregivers feel overwhelmed and isolated. Our seminars and programs aim to alleviate this burden by providing a supportive community and essential resources, ensuring they don’t have to face these challenges alone.”

According to the American Psychological Association, building emotional resilience after natural disasters involves seeking support from those who understand and empathize with your situation. Senior Friendship Centers offers various support groups to help caregivers cope with these unique challenges. In addition to this, below is a lineup of new programs and activities to celebrate National Family Caregivers Month:

• “Maintaining Caregiver Mental Health” Workshop | November 8, 10 AM | Led by Emma Ballantine, LCSW, Director of Behavioral Health at Doctor’s Hospital. Topics include stress management among vulnerable populations like seniors and those living on a limited income – focus on caregivers’ post-hurricane stress.
• The Caregiver Play | November 10,  2 PM |Part of the Living Arts Festival, this play explores the caregiver journey through an emotional, compelling narrative.
• Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) Education and Support Group | November 13, 1:30 PM | 2nd Wednesday of every month | Led by Pam Polowski, CADDCT, CDP, CMDCP, HomeWell Care Services.  Sessions designed to support, educate, and provide tips and strategies about MCI — caregivers and their loved ones are welcome.

Caregiver Randi shared, “When Hurricane Milton approached, my 92-year-old mom, who has dementia, could not stay alone. The stress of moving her was overwhelming, but the support we received from Senior Friendship Centers has been a lifeline.”

For more information or questions about the weekly caregiver support groups, monthly caregivers trainings, and other events or programs, call (941) 955-2122 or  visit www.friendshipcenters.org 

For media inquiries, please contact jvelarde@friendshipcenters.org  or tcardwell@friendshipcenters.org