Friendship Centers

Our Mission: “To Promote health, dignity and quality of life
throughout the journey of aging.”

The Friendship Centers are a non-profit network of centers in Southwest Florida with services to meet the needs of people 50 and older, and extend into the community with volunteer opportunities for all ages. We currently have services in Sarasota, Charlotte, DeSoto, Lee and Collier Counties. Since the early 1970s this organization has led the country in developing innovative, cost-effective approaches to address the health and wellness needs of older adults. Program areas include:

WELLNESS & HEALTHY AGING

Friendship Centers for activities and education
Centers for Healthy Aging medical and dental clinics
Dining Programs /Friendship Cafes
Lifelong Learning

SUPPORT

Caregiver Support
Caregiver Resource Centers
In-home Care Management
Friendship at Home Supportive Intervention
Friendship Meals on Wheels

VOLUNTEERISM & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Volunteer at Senior Friendship Centers
Retired & Senior Volunteer Program Lee County

Erin McCleod
President & CEO
Friendship Centers

For more information about the Friendship Centers feel free to use any of the navigation bars below.

We also encourage you to contact us to schedule a discussion or appointment with a Cornerstone LifeCare Consultant about this or any of our other related Services.

“Aging in the Right Place” Forum

Participants recently met and heard area experts share vital keys to planning and implementing steps for Aging in Place.

They learned about adapting their current living environment to improve accessibility, convenience, levels of care, functionality, and safety while staying right where they are.

They also learned about the availability of services and resources to complement their living environment and support the goal of Aging in Place.

FORUM PRESENTERS

Barbara Cogswell
A Better Solution Home Care, Owner
Sarasota Senior Advisory Council, Chair

Chuck Vollmer
101 Mobility, Owner
Universal Design Coalition, Board Member

Kathleen Houseweart
Senior Aging Specialist
Stakeholders in Aging Consortium, Chair

Click Here for More Information.

Michael Moore Jr.
Staff Writer, Herald-Tribune

Aging in the Right Place Articles

“Sarasota is a great place to grow old”
Monday, January 20, 2020
Click Here for Article.

“What is universal design and can it work for you?”
Monday, January 13, 2020
Click Here for Article.

“Make a plan, but be ready to change it”
Monday, December 30, 2019
Click Here for Article.

“Creativity can set you free”
Monday, November 25, 2019
Click Here for More Info & Article.

“Doing your homework to find the perfect option for you”
Monday, August 19, 2019
Click Here for More Info & Article.

Placement in Senior Living Communities

Should a decision be made to explore a transition to one of many Senior Living Community options, we are here to help.

Our goal is to not only keep the needs and desires of the loved one in mind but fully consider the influence on family members, caregivers, friends, and other supporters.

Whether the choice is Independent Living, Assisted Living. Memory Care, Skilled Nursing or Rehab we have a dedicated group of trusted Partners that we feel are the best in the industry.

We look forward to hearing from you to begin discussions towards choosing the the right Senior Living Community for your particular situation.

Click Here for More Information.

Your Cornerstone LifeCare
Consultant

Julie Cook Downing
Printable Flyer
More Info

Florida’s Nursing and Assisted Living Homes Don’t Do Medical Pot

By Timothy Fanning
Staff Writer
Posted Sunday, June 23, 2019

Click Here to Print Article.

Cornerstone LifeCare Consultant Julie Cook Downing Featured in Observer Caregiving Article

“Caregivers struggle to find balance between self care and responsibilities”

Local caregivers share their obstacles, while experts weigh in on how to take care of yourself and a loved one.

Thursday, April 18, 2019
By: Katie Johns and Brynn Mechem | Observer Staff

Julie Cook Downing facilitates a caregiving support group at Doctors Hospital of Sarasota. She has self-published a book and calendar to help caregivers. Click Here for more information.

Click Here for More Information and to Read Article.

Alderman Oaks Residents, Family Members, Caregivers, Area Professionals, and Community Representatives Recently Attended Seminars to Learn More About the Current Status of Medical Cannabis.

Participants became aware of the assessment process and how to be approved for a medical marijuana card. They also heard about the many ways medical marijuana can be used and how it has been successfully tailored to individual needs.

Dr. Steven Reichbach, MD
Certified Physician

Renee Legere
Community Educator
Certified Dispensary

Click Here for More Information.

Universal Design and Visitability

The design of a house directly impacts the ability of residents to live at home comfortably and safely. A good design can make it possible for residents to stay at home as they age or cope with a short- or long-term disability.

Sarasota County supports designing homes to better support these varied populations and aims, and has unveiled a voluntary recognition program for residential units that apply principles of Universal Design and Visitability.

Click Here for more information.

Click Here Learn More About the Area Universal Design Coalition

Cornerstone LifeCare is a member of the Manatee-Sarasota Building Industry Association (BIA). Click Here to access BIA website.

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