Aging Services at JFCS of the Suncoast
Empowering Older Adults and Caregivers With Support, Connection, and Compassion
Aging Services at JFCS supports older adults and their families as they navigate the emotional, social, and practical challenges that come with aging. Through therapeutic groups, individualized support, counseling, education, and resource navigation, we help seniors and caregivers build resilience, reduce isolation, and maintain independence.
For many services, Sarasota County residents may qualify for no-cost services.
For questions, referrals, or to schedule an intake appointment:
Our Aging Services & Programs Include:
- Caregivers Support and Education
- Community Resources Connections
- Volunteer Opportunities
- Group and Individual Counseling
- Social Lunches and Engagement
Services & Programs
Caregiver Resources
Caring for a loved one with dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, or age-related cognitive changes can bring exhaustion, isolation, and uncertainty. JFCS offers dedicated support to help caregivers understand the changes their loved ones are experiencing, cope with emotional strain, and access needed community resources.
Caregiver Support Group
Fridays, 10:30 am – Noon
Group lunch follows from Noon – 1 pm
This free weekly group provides emotional support, education, and a safe place to share experiences with others who are facing similar caregiving challenges. Caregivers gain practical strategies, community connection, and respite.
Connections Café
(Formerly Memory Café)
Held at the same time as the Caregiver Support Group, Connections Café provides engaging, therapeutic activities for individuals experiencing memory loss. This allows caregivers to participate fully in their group while their loved one receives supportive programming.
To register for support groups:
Counseling Services for Older Adults and Caregivers
JFCS offers confidential, compassionate counseling for seniors navigating the transitions and emotional challenges of aging. Services may be provided in the office, in the home, or via telehealth. Medicare and insurance are accepted, and Sarasota County residents may qualify for free services.
Counseling is available for:
- Anxiety, stress, and depression
- Grief and bereavement
- Life transitions (retirement, relocation, adjusting to new health needs)
- Couples counseling
- Family counseling and caregiving dynamics
- Trauma and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)
- Financial loss or instability
- Loss of independence or increasing care needs
- Loneliness and social isolation
Counseling and case management services are provided by Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs) or Mental Health Counselors (LMHCs), Registered Clinical Social Worker Interns, MSW clinicians, and case managers. To begin services, new clients schedule an intake appointment with Aging Services staff. The initial assessment is generally 90 minutes.
Group Support & Social Engagement Programs
JFCS offers multiple weekly groups to reduce isolation, promote emotional wellbeing, and build a sense of community among older adults.
Aging Support Group
Wednesdays, 10:30 am – Noon
Group lunch follows from Noon – 1 pm
Designed for seniors coping with isolation, depression, grief, or significant life changes such as the loss of a partner, relocation, or transition into assisted living.
What Now?
Thursdays, 10:30 am – Noon
For adults 55+ and their caregivers facing a recent life-changing diagnosis. This group provides a safe, compassionate space to explore emotions, gather practical guidance, and connect with others navigating similar challenges.
Bereavement Support Group
Mondays, 1:00 pm – 2:15 pm
A 6-week group supporting individuals grieving the loss of a loved one. Participants share their experiences, build connection, and learn coping strategies to support healing.
For questions, referrals, or applications for services:
Counseling Services Include:
- Anxiety and depression
- Couples counseling
- Grief and loss
- Retirement
- Life transitions
- Financial loss
- Caregiver challenges
- Transition to new living setting
- Loss of independence, retaining independence
- Loneliness and isolation
- Coping with pet loss
Senior Outreach Services
Seniors meet weekly for a session of group support and therapeutic conversation. Group is followed by a therapeutic social engagement lunch hour.
Outreach programs:
Holiday and Special Occasion Celebrations
Any potential new client must make an appointment with the Aging Services Program Coordinator, Maria Vazquez, RCSWI. The initial appointment/assessment is generally an hour.
For Questions, Referrals, or Applications:
