Whether you are in need of a ride to a doctor’s appointment, a hot meal, or just some laughs and entertainment, here are eight places in the Naples area where seniors and their caregivers can find the resources they need.
Naples Senior Center
The Naples Senior Center’s mission is to support and enrich the lives of local seniors and their families. During normal operations, it offers programs and services including dementia respite support, geriatric case management, emotional support services, and a food pantry. The center is currently closed to visitors, but services are still available. Call 239-325-4444 and leave a detailed message about the type of service you require and a staff member will return your call.
Though the brick-and-mortar center remains closed due to COVID-19 concerns, the Naples Senior Center staff still want seniors to stay active and engaged. The center has moved some of its most popular activities online so you can enjoy them from the comfort of home.
The schedule changes weekly, but some recent offerings include chair yoga, mahjong lessons, art and history lectures, karaoke, and a line-dancing class.
Collier Senior Resources
Collier Senior Resources (CSR) is a collaborative effort that brings together a wide variety of organizations and government agencies to provide information, resources, programs, and services to seniors and their caregivers in Collier County.
CSR’s mission is to enrich the lives of local seniors and empower them to maintain their independence. By forging relationships within the community, CSR and its partners are able to provide seniors with an array of resources and services, including the Golden Gate Senior Center; self-help support groups for caregivers, Alzheimer’s/dementia patients and families; health screenings; companionship and socialization opportunities; transportation to and from the senior center and lifestyle improvements like household repairs, a food pantry, and help with bills and insurance.
CSR has published this comprehensive Resource Directory to make it easier to find the services and resources you need.
Alzheimer’s Association — Florida Gulf Coast Chapter
Though the pandemic has required that some programs move to a virtual platform, the Alzheimer’s Association’s commitment to local seniors with dementia remains strong.
The Virtual Brain Bus is a statewide outreach effort that raises awareness about Alzheimer's and related dementias. Though the actual Brain Bus is parked for now, its programming is available from any computer or mobile device with an internet connection.
Virtual Brain Bus programs are hosted by dementia experts and address topics like the benefits of early detection and diagnosis, brain health, risk reduction, and the latest advancements in Alzheimer's research.
The programs go live on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10 a.m., 1 p.m., and 7 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time. The current programming covers:
- 10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer's
- Understanding Alzheimer's and Dementia
- Healthy Living for the Brain and Body: Tips from the Latest Research
- Advancing the Science: Alzheimer's and Dementia Research
One of the Alzheimer's Association’s most valuable resources is the Virtual Caregiver College. These interactive, online educational classes help caregivers develop the skills they need to support loved ones who have Alzheimer’s.
These live sessions take place on Mondays and Wednesdays at 10 a.m., 1 p.m., or 7 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time and cover topics like legal and financial planning, effective communication strategies, and understanding and responding to dementia-related behavior.
Collier Area Para Transport
This is a door-to-door pickup and drop-off shared ride service, but riders must apply and qualify for it in advance. To learn more, call 239-649-0228.
Find a Ride Florida
This service is funded by the Florida Department of Transportation's Elderly Drivers Statewide Safety Resource Centers. Find a Ride provides seniors with access to local medical and nonmedical transportation options so they can maintain an independent and engaged lifestyle.
Safe Mobility for Life
The Safe Mobility for Life Coalition helps South Florida seniors continue to drive for as long as is safely possible and provides information and resources that help them prepare for when driving is no longer an option.
To receive a free copy of the guide, email: safe-mobility-for-life@fsu.edu.
Step Smart Collier
Step Smart Collier, Inc. is a nonprofit that was created to increase awareness of the fall risks that seniors face and how to mitigate those risks.
Falls are the leading cause of injury and death to seniors in Florida, and Collier County.
To learn more about Step Smart Collier you can check watch their video here.
Parkinson Association of SWFL
Parkinson Association of SWFL provides quality programs and services to enrich and empower persons impacted by Parkinson Disease, and help increase awareness and understanding in the communities they live.
Learn more ways to get involved by attending classes, support groups, educational events, volunteering, or sponsoring an event.
You can become a member its free!
Meals on Wheels Naples
Health experts continue to recommend social distancing to avoid illness, especially for seniors. Unfortunately, this has cut many people off from their family and friends, leading to an increased sense of isolation and depression.
The Naples area Meals on Wheels program is on the front lines of this, helping local seniors not only get a nutritious meal, but also see a friendly face and have the opportunity to connect with another person.
Naples is one of the top places to retire to in Florida, and the wealth of resources available to seniors is one of the main reasons for this. We may not be out and about as much as we’d like right now, but it’s nice to know we have so many options when it comes to services and resources both online and in the surrounding area.
