Baker Senior Center Presents Geriatric Mental Health Conference

Baker Senior Center Naples, a nonprofit organization that provides comprehensive programs and social services for older adults and their families, will present the Southwest Florida Conference on Mental Health on Friday, March 21, 2025.

The keynote speaker is Marc E. Agronin, MD, a nationally recognized expert on Alzheimer’s disease, memory disorders and geriatric psychiatry at Miami Jewish Health. Dr. Agronin authored two books: “The End of Old Age: Living a Longer, More Purposeful Life” and “Therapy with Older Clients” and will focus his remarks on “Aging and Resilience: How to Identify and Bolster Coping Strategies in Aging Patients.”

Other presenters include Jaime Fernandez, CSCS, Wellness Manager for Home Base Florida, who will address “Mental and Physical Health Empowerment for Veterans”; Marisa Luizzi, Certified Dementia Practitioner and Chief Cognitive Health Officer at Baker Senior Center, who will discuss “Social Engagement and Cognitive Health”; and Elaine Higgins, Life Enrichment Director for NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Collier County, who will provide “Strategies for Supporting Older Caregivers.”

The Southwest Florida Conference on Mental Health is ideal for friends and family members with older loved ones who are facing challenges coping emotionally with the aging process. Social workers and mental health professionals will earn 2.5 CEUs provided by David Lawrence Centers and nurses will earn 2.5 CEUs provided by NCH.

The event takes place from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Baker Senior Center Naples, 6200 Autumn Oaks Lane. The cost is $50 per person, which includes a light breakfast. The cost for students is $25. Reservations are required and registration begins at 8:30 AM. For details, call 239-325-4444 or email to MHConference@BakerSeniorCenterNaples.org. 

Baker Senior Center Naples is the only human services agency of its kind, providing “one-stop shop” services addressing the emotional and social needs of seniors in Collier and southern Lee counties. Since opening its doors in 2014, the organization has seen a surge in the depth and scope of need for comprehensive senior services in this region.

All programs and services are provided by licensed and credentialed professionals. These include the Brookdale Cognitive Health Center, which provides Dementia Respite Groups and Caregiver Support; Geriatric Case Management and Senior Outreach Programs; and Mental Health Counseling as well as a “choice” Food Pantry.

An average of 40 different social, educational and wellness programs also are offered each week thanks to a dedicated corps of more than 300 trained and vetted volunteers. Among these social programs are classes in art, music and film; brain fitness and educational seminars; courses in technology and computer science; physical well-being; and interest groups. The center serves everyone regardless of backgrounds and beliefs.

Baker Senior Center Naples is one of just 111 senior centers all across the United States, including just eight located within the state of Florida, to achieve accreditation from the National Council on Aging (NCOA) and National Institute of Senior Centers (NISC). Accreditation means that the senior center meets the standards as developed by NISC in developing quality programs and services to meet the needs of seniors in the community. 

For additional information on Baker Senior Center Naples and its comprehensive programs and social services for local seniors, visit www.bakerseniorcenternaples.org.