The senior population in Southwest Florida has been on the rise for the past decade and it’s projected to remain on a steady upward trajectory for the next decade. If you are a caregiver of a senior relative, friend, or partner, or are planning ahead for your own future, here are resources you can turn to with questions or for support.
Senior Centers
Senior centers offer a range of services, such as dining and social activities that provide cultural and intellectual enrichment to prevent isolation for those living alone, the opportunity to meet new friends, support groups, and counselors who provide mental health support, case management, or referrals to connect seniors with the resources they need. Programs and services vary per location. Research shows that older adults who participate in senior center activities have higher levels of health, social interaction, and life satisfaction than their peers who live alone.
Naples Senior Center
5025 Castello Drive, Naples
239-325-4444
The Naples Senior Center supports and enriches the lives of seniors and their families in Collier County and southern Lee County communities. It offers programs and services that include dementia and caregiver support groups, geriatric case management, emotional support and mental health counseling, hot lunches, an array of activities, and a food pantry.
Golden Gate Senior Center
4898 Coronado Pkwy., Naples
239-252-4541
The Golden Gate Senior Center, operated by Collier Senior Resources, provides a variety of programs, classes, hot lunches, a food pantry, employment assistance, and resources for seniors and caregivers in Golden Gate City. Members, participants, and staff speak English, Spanish, and Creole.
More Resources
Alzheimer’s Support Network
660 Tamiami Trail N., Ste. 21, Naples
239-262-8388
The nonprofit Alzheimer’s Support Network provides guidance and support to Collier County residents throughout the entire disease process. Services include private meetings with family consultants to answer questions and help implement an ongoing care plan, coordinating more than 30 support groups and three educational events each month, and a 24-hour helpline.
Collier County Sheriff’s Office Senior Advocacy Unit
3319 Tamiami Trail East, Naples
239-252-0230
The Senior Advocacy Unit offers Project Lifesaver, which aids in the search for seniors who wander; Communities Against Senior Exploitation, which provides crime prevention information and education through community presentations, alerts, and a fraud hotline; the Senior Connection telephone-call service; and the File of Life Program, an informational sheet that provides vital health information to first responders. Members of this unit are specially trained to assist seniors who are victims of property crimes and elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation.
Collier Senior Resources
4898 Coronado Pkwy., Naples
239-252-4541
Collier Senior Resources is a nonprofit information and services organization for older adults and caregivers. It is housed at the Golden Gate Senior Center. It provides information on resources and referrals for all aspects of aging including in-home health care, Alzheimer’s and dementia support, hospice care, caregiver services, local public transportation, and more.
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