SARASOTA, Fla. (SNN) – After a seven-year hiatus, Senior Friendship Centers, in collaboration with The Alzheimer’s Association, Sarasota Memorial Hospital Memory Disorder Clinic, and Neuro Challenge Foundation for Parkinson’s, will host a Caregiver’s Forum on Feb. 17 at SFC’s Sarasota campus.
According to the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), 2.7 million Florida caregivers provide unpaid care valued at $40 billion last year and an estimated 17-35% of family caregivers view their health as fair to the poor. By 2045, one in five Sarasota County residents will be 80 and older and will require daily assistance from at least one caregiver.
SFC’s The Caregiving Place, which provides adult day care, as well as physical, emotional, psychological, and financial support to caregivers, reinstates the forum to address the growing needs of caregivers in Sarasota County.
The event will begin with Dr. Miguel Rivera’s keynote presentation, “Caregiver Rescue: Skills to Create Moments of Relief and Rest,” followed by a catered lunch by Morton’s Market and an opportunity to connect with fellow caregivers. The final session will feature a panel discussion and a Q&A with senior service experts. Topics include the importance of care planning, area resources, financial and legal planning, family dynamics, and caregiver support connections. Informational booths from area nonprofits will also be available to connect caregivers with local resources.
To register for the event, visit CF-SFC.eventbrite.com or www.friendshipcenters.org, under the Special Events tab. Tickets are on sale for $12.