Baker Senior Center Naples empowers seniors and their families by giving them tools to address life’s challenges. Baker Senior Center Naples (BSCN) is a nonsectarian organization dedicated to addressing the human service needs of adults sixty years and older in Collier and southern Lee Counties. Our support programs at BSCN, such as dementia respite, caregiver support, geriatric case management, emotional support, and the Food Pantry strengthen seniors and their families of all backgrounds and beliefs, often at times of vulnerability and crisis. Working with a staff of 20+ and a corps of 330 trained and vetted volunteers, BSCN offers the following programs:
• The Senior Center: The Center provides a nurturing environment for seniors to socialize, stay active and learn. Founded to address isolation and loneliness, the Center offers more than 40 programs per week, including arts and culture, wellness activities, tai chi, chair yoga, computer science, educational programs, and so much more.
• Dementia Respite: Designed for seniors who are experiencing memory loss, the program is affiliated with the Brookdale Foundation’s Nation Group Respite Program. It offers the opportunity for older adults who suffer from memory loss to enjoy cognitive stimulation, social activities, and physical exercise in a clinically sound, safe, and relaxing environment. The program gives caregivers a four-hour break and also provides support services to the caregivers.
• Geriatric Case Management: Professional case management staff provide assessments to determine a senior’s individual needs and to coordinate and manage in-home services. Staff serve to assist families and caregivers in resolving the emotional, financial, and physical demands of caring for elderly loved ones. Volunteers supplement the program by providing friendly visits and transportation to appointments, including the senior center.
• Emotional support Services: Licensed or license-eligible social workers provide emotional support to seniors and their families. They assist with challenges brought about by life transitions such as aging, cognitive decline, and loss of a loved one. These services are provided on a sliding scale, and no one is ever turned away because of their inability to pay.
• Food Pantry: Shelves are stocked with nonperishable items through generous donations from the community and partnerships with various food banks. It is open to residents of Collier and southern Lee counties who are experiencing a situational crisis or long-term food insecurity. The BSCN Food Pantry is a “choice” pantry where those using the service come into the pantry and “shop” for foods they choose, rather than receiving a pre-filled bag.
Social Workers are actively involved in Geriatric Case Management, Dementia Respite, and Emotional Support Services, as well as Special Programs offered through the senior center.
Special placement information:
Accepting BSW full-time, MSW 1st year and MSW 2nd year, and Advanced Standing Clinical Students. Students will need transportation. Mileage is reimbursed for agency travel. Baker Senior Center Naples hours are Monday – Friday from 9:00 – 5:00 (No Weekends)