BAKER SENIOR CENTER NAPLES RECEIVES $10,000 GRANT FROM THE UNITED WAY

BAKER SENIOR CENTER NAPLES RECEIVES $10,000 GRANT FROM THE UNITED WAY TO ASSIST WITH CAREGIVER SUPPORT AND RESPITE

Baker Senior Center Naples, a nonprofit organization that provides comprehensive programs and social services for older adults and their families, has received a $10,000 grant from the United Way of Collier and the Keys. This grant will support caregivers of loved ones with Alzheimer’s Disease and related dementias.

The Financial and Emotional Security for Family Caregivers program supports caregivers of those with ARDR through respite care, scholarships, education and support groups. These evidence-based services reduce isolation and stress, improving the well-being of participants, notably allowing caregivers the opportunity to maintain employment.

Currently, more than 22,000 older adults live with dementia in Collier County, and a new case of Alzheimer’s disease is diagnosed every 66 seconds in the United States. Baker Senior Center Naples is the only organization in Collier County providing comprehensive services and respite for individuals with ADRD and their caregivers

Photo By Brian Tietz

“We are thankful to the United Way for its support of older adults in our community,” said Dr. Jaclynn Faffer, President/CEO of Baker Senior Center Naples. “This partnership will empower caregivers and improve economic and family stability by reducing caregiver-related financial burdens and lifting emotional well-being and stress reduction.”

The United Way of Collier and the Keys is committed to investing in and working to create a community where all individuals and families in Collier and Monroe Counties have an opportunity to thrive and achieve their full potential. It will accomplish this through improving education, economic stability and health, as well as by providing access to food and safety-net services. United Way plays a unique role in convening businesses, nonprofits and government to work together to address community needs.

Baker Senior Center is the only human services agency of its kind, providing “one-stop shop” services addressing the emotional and social needs of older adults in Collier and southern Lee counties. Since opening its doors in 2014, the organization has seen a surge in the depth and scope of need for comprehensive senior services in this region.

All programs and services are provided by licensed and credentialed professionals. These include the Brookdale Cognitive Health Center, which provides Dementia Respite Groups and Caregiver Support; Geriatric Case Management and Senior Outreach Programs; and Mental Health Counseling as well as a “choice” Food Pantry.

An average of 40 different social, educational and wellness programs also are offered each week thanks to a dedicated corps of more than 300 trained and vetted volunteers. Among these social programs are classes in art, music and film; brain fitness and educational seminars; courses in technology and computer science; physical well-being; and interest groups. The center serves everyone regardless of backgrounds and beliefs.

Baker Senior Center Naples is one of just 111 senior centers all across the United States, including just eight located within the state of Florida, to achieve accreditation from the National Council on Aging (NCOA) and National Institute of Senior Centers (NISC). Accreditation means that the senior center meets the standards as developed by NISC in developing quality programs and services to meet the needs of seniors in the community.

For additional information on Baker Senior Center Naples and its comprehensive programs and social services for local seniors, visit www.bakerseniorcenternaples.org.