Senior Friendship Centers Caregivers Forum

What is your relationship to caregiving?

The annual Caregivers Forum was created for those new to caregiving and those well into their caregiving journey. Whether the person you care for has a new diagnosis, chronic disease, stroke, cancer, frailties of aging, or form of dementia ~ this event is for you!

Senior Friendship Centers is in the 20th year hosting this symposium for adult caregivers. In collaboration with exceptional resource speakers and local senior service providers, our goal is to provide you with the opportunity to solidify your self-care plan while caring for a loved one, building a community of year-round support.

Since 1973, Senior Friendship Centers have walked along side of caregivers like you. Opening the Caregiving Place in 1984, an adult daycare program to serve those seniors with frailties of aging, and in tandem became the supportive safety net for family caregivers. Family caregivers are the backbone of our nations' long-term health care system and we at Senior Friendship Centers know first-hand that balancing the layered responsibilities of aging-in-place with your daily life can often feel frustrating and overwhelming. If that sounds familiar, you're not alone.

Please join us at the Harvest House Venue for an enriching morning for YOU! Connect with fellow caregivers, learn from leading experts in the field of caregiving, and find the customized support you need.

Hosted at the beautiful Harvest House Venue, 8am-9am, we'll begin with check-in, a delicious breakfast and refreshments station, connect with other caregivers, and community resource booths. We'll then settle into our seats with a session of stretching & deep breathing intended to let outside concerns slip away for a few hours, silencing our phones to focus on you and your plan. During this hour and the session breaks, you'll have ample time to ask your questions in the room enveloped by premiere senior service providers and community partners known for their caregiver customer service.

First session ~The first session will feature our inspiring keynote speaker, Derrick DeSilva, M.D., a 37-year Internal Medicine Physician. His engaging presentation will focus on caregiver wellness; how best to enrich your physical and mental wellness to sustain yourself, while building resiliency throughout your caregiving journey.

Second session ~Will be a dynamic panel discussion hosted by SFC President and CEO Erin McLeod, with time for Q&A. On this panel will be Maricela Moran, President and CEO of the Area Agency on Aging of Southwest FL and Sue Berger, Aging System Coordinator for Sarasota County Government.

Third session ~Will be a panel of local resources, caregiver support and regional program specialists, hosted by Samantha Hersch, Publisher of Seniors Bluebook, with time for Q&A. On this panel will be Debbie Frank, caregiver for her husband Robert, with years of valuable insight into the caregiver experience. Debbie is a member of the Caregivers Forum Committee, and was a SFC Health Services volunteer in the SFC Sarasota campus clinic.

Paula Falk, former Director (retired) of SFC's Caregiving Place Adult Daycare Program and Caregivers Resource Center.

Pam Polowski, Caregiver Support Group Facilitator/Educator and Certified Dementia Specialist specializing in home safety and preparedness.

Caregivers Forum 2026 tickets are $25 per person, purchased through this website. There are 100 tickets available, until sold out. Please register one person per order via credit card, completing the entire registration form. There is no need to print tickets check-in at the Harvest House Venue. Please note, we are unable to offer refunds for cancelations.

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2026 Chairwomen, Paula Falk and Pam Polowski

Our chairwomen Paula Falk and Pam Polowski need no introduction to Florida's Caregiving Community. With 60 years of combined professional experience facilitating 1000's of hours of caregiver support groups, they are the icons in caregiver support and implementation of care plans with local senior resources.

Paula Falk continues her volunteer involvement on the Senior Friendship Centers Alumni Association Advisory Committee, and Caregivers Forum Committee. She also facilitates a weekly women's support group at the Women's Resource Center.

Pam Polowski is a NCCDP Dementia Practitioner/Dementia Care Trainer, and the Certified Dementia Specialist with Homewell Care Services. Pam is best known for training professional caregivers in senior care facilities and supporting family caregivers aging-in-place with their loved ones. Pam's career has fostered 30 years of healthcare leadership, training, and cognitive health expertise. She continues to facilitate multiple support groups throughout Sarasota County.

"Too often, the physical challenges, mounting medical bills, and compromised quality of life faced by caregivers are overshadowed by the focus on the patient,” said Senior Friendship Centers President and CEO Erin McLeod. “The goal of the Caregivers Forum is to ensure caregivers receive the necessary support, not just to survive, but thrive in this vital role."

"When a loved one is diagnosed with an illness our lives change Learning about the disease is a first priority. What are we facing? How will we manage? Learning to be a successful caregiver is your second priority and critical to your caregiving journey, to thrive and not just survive." ~ Paula Falk

“As a former caregiver, I understand the confusion of navigating medical and insurance issues, resources, education and support aspects of a disease that no one wants to talk about. Throughout my career, I have had the pleasure interacting with families to educate them about the disease process and support them on this journey. Joining their journey is an honor and allows me to pay it forward for my own loved ones.” ~ Pam Polowski

Georgann Nugent, SFC Business Development Manager [email protected]

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