Charity & Causes
Senior Friendship Centers Caregivers Forum
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.
Senior Friendship Centers is in the 20th year hosting this symposium for family 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, and building a community of year-round support.
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, frailty of aging, or dementia ~ this event is for you!
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 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 lresponsibilities of aging-in-place with your daily life can feel frustrating and overwhelming. If that sounds familiar, you're not alone.
Hosted at the Harvest House Venue, we'll begin with check-in, a delicious breakfast and refreshments station, connection with other caregivers, and interacting with our community resource booths.
First session ~The first session will feature our inspiring keynote speaker, Derrick DeSilva, M.D., a 38-year Internal Medicine Physician who specializes in holistic healthcare and wellness, blending Eastern and Western medical practices. 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. On this panel will be Maricela Morado, President and CEO of the Area Agency on Aging of Southwest FL and Sue Berger, Aging System Coordinator for Sarasota County Government, and Jenny Macias, Senior Friendship Centers Director of Innovative Programs.
Third session ~Will be a panel of local expert senior service resource specialists, hosted by Samantha Hersch, Publisher of Seniors Bluebook, with time for Q&A. On this panel:
Paula Falk, former Director (retired) of SFC's Caregiving Place Adult Daycare Program and Caregivers Resource Center. Pam Polowski, is a Dementia Practitioner/Dementia Care Trainer, and the Certified Dementia Specialist with Homewell Care Services. Dr. Par Reed, is a psychiatrist in Sarasota affiliated with Sarasota Memorial Behavioral Health with over 20 years of experience. Debbie Frank, is a full-time caregiver for her husband Robert, with years of insight into the caregiver experience. Debbie was a SFC Health Services volunteer for the SFC Sarasota Clinic.
The Caregivers Forum 2026 tickets are $25 per person, purchased through Eventbrite: SFC2026.eventbrite.com
Please register by completing the entire registration form. There is no need to print tickets.
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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.
"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. Learning how to take care of yourself and knowing when you do all benefit." ~ 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 of 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
We look forward to a supportive and enriching day!
Please contact me with any questions.
Georgann Nugent, SFC Business Development Manager, (941) 556-3216
gnugent@friendshipcenters.org
