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The devastation from Hurricane Ian continues to shock those of us in Southwest Florida as well as those around the U.S. who have seen news images of its damage. Although the Bradenton/Sarasota area was not the main area of impact, there were initial weather reports that our area could have been the target. Watching our neighbors in Nort Port, Port Charlotte, Fort Myers Beach, and other impacted areas has been heartbreaking.
Here are a few surprising facts about Hurricane Ian:
Older adults in particular can take some lessons from Ian’s damage for future hurricanes. Here are some lessons learned for seniors when it comes to other hurricanes:
For more hurricane prep tips geared toward older adults, check out the following advice from the Red Cross.
Call Secure Aging to Find Out How We Can Help Seniors With Financial Management
At Secure Aging in Bradenton, we transform the weight of the world into a sigh of relief for our senior clients and their concerned family members. The mission of Secure Aging is to protect and preserve our client’s independence and dignity through careful and thoughtful financial and care management. As our clients age, it is their desire to remain independent and age with dignity. Our services protect our clients from talented con artists looking to exploit and deplete the financial resources of our vulnerable seniors. Secure Aging helps families in Manatee County and Sarasota County and in and around the communities of Anna Maria, Bradenton, Bradenton Beach, Ellenton, Holmes Beach, Lakewood Ranch, Longboat Key, Myakka City, Palmetto, Parrish, and Sarasota. Call us at 941-761-9338, or visit us online at www.secureaging.com.
It was a momentous occasion in Bradenton on May 1, 2025, as we welcomed a very special guest Ellie Hollander, President & CEO of Meals on Wheels America. Her visit was more than ceremonial; it was a heartfelt celebration of community, service, and the vital work being done across Florida to nourish and support our seniors.Ellie flew in from the Washington, D.C. area as the keynote speaker for the Meals on Wheels Florida annual conference, proudly hosted this year by Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee. Ellies schedule was packed, but that did not stop her from doing an interview with MySuncoast ABC-7 telling viewers how critical the meal program is to our homebound seniors. Next, Ellie hit the road and delivered meals to some of our senior clients and talked with our volunteers. Ellie also stopped by our Friendship Dining Center program, and participated in a music game the clients love.The Members of the Florida Chapter of Meals on Wheels America named Maribeth Phillips, our President & CEO, as their Board President earlier this year. Maribeth invited Ellie to attend and kickoff the conference. Ellie shared valuable insights with the members in attendance, and her words reenergized the room!The conference included meal providers from across the state, with over 20 different organizations attending. Attendees also heard from Bob Blancato, Executive Director of NANASP, also from Washington, D.C.; Bradenton Police Detective, Jim Curulla on senior scams; Sandra Tapfumaneyi, Chief of Emergency Management Sarasota; Louise Gallagher on Senior Mental Health; and Jennifer Huber from FPL. Chef2Home provided a delicious breakfast and lunch.We are proud to be part of the national network of Meals on Wheels America and grateful to be a part of the state-wide chapter, Meals on Wheels Florida, both working every day to ensure no senior goes hungry.
As summer approaches, many children in our community are looking forward to sunshine, fun, and time with friends. But for far too many, summer brings something else-hunger.When school cafeterias close for the summer, thousands of local children lose access to the nutritious meals they depend on. Families already struggling to make ends meet are faced with even more pressure. The emotional toll is real. No parent should have to worry if they can feed their child, and no child should go to bed with an empty stomach.At The Food Bank of Manatee, we are stepping up to meet the need. We partner with over 100 local food pantries across Manatee County to reach the families who need us mostbut we cant do it alone.This summer, our goal is to provide: 22,500 meals each week across the 9-week summer break. Thats more than 200,000 meals for children and familiesand every dollar makes a difference.Just $15 provides 10 meals; $30 provides 20 meals; a gift of $150 will provide 100 meals!We know that many in our community want to make a difference. With your support, we can ensure no child goes hungry during the summer months.Please consider making a gift today and sharing this message with others who want to help too. A link to our page is below. A $25,000 Matching Gift to feed children this summer has been offered by an anonymous fund at Manatee Community Foundation. Gifts will be matched $1 for $1 up to $25,000.The Food Bank of Manatee is the only food bank based in our county. We anticipate continued need as families look for nutritional support. Your help matters now more than ever! Please give today!Together, we can bring relief, peace of mind, and full bellies to those who need it most.
On Monday, April 7, 2025, we had the joy and honor of hosting our annual Volunteer Luncheon, a heartfelt celebration dedicated to the incredible individuals who make our mission possible each and every day. Held in a spirit of gratitude and community, the event brought together volunteers with over 100 hours of service for a beautiful luncheon provided by Metz Chef 2 Home. The highlight of the event was the presentation of awards to several outstanding volunteers who have gone above and beyond in their service. From delivering meals with a smile to lending a helping hand wherever needed, these volunteers embody the true spirit of giving.The 2025 award recipients included:Champions Circle: Ten Years of ServiceDan WilhelmChampions Circle: 300+ Hours of ServiceTerri HillChampions Circle: 300+ Hours of ServicePat McDonaldOutstanding Food Bank Volunteer: Terri HillOutstanding Volunteer Ambassador: Veronica Brandon-MillerOutstanding Youth Volunteer: Jonathan MaassenMost Generous Group Ambassador: Lakewood Ranch Elks LodgeOutstanding Volunteer Group: First WatchOutstanding Administrative Volunteer: Barbara BrownOutstanding Friendship Dining Center Volunteer: Pam O ConnorOutstanding Car Loader: Charlie GunnOutstanding Warehouse Volunteer: Lana PaulRookies of the Year: Jeff and Christy MohlerOutstanding Daybreak Adult Day Center Volunteer: Larry BreidenbachOutstanding Telephone Reassurance Volunteer: Reina HuertaVolunteer of the Year: Terri HillTo every volunteer who gives their time and heartthank you. Our Volunteers are the reason we are able to serve our neighbors in need with care, dignity, and hope. We look forward to another year of making a difference together.
We protect and preserve each clients independence and dignity. We handle financial, health care, and life management carefully and thoughtfully to allow our clients to live as independently as possible for as long as possible.We transform the weight of the world into a sigh of relief for our senior clients and their concerned loved ones. Secure Agings care services help seniors to remain independent and maintain financial peace of mind.Our amazing team includes a Certified Public Accountant, Licensed Registered Nurses, and Certified Senior Advisors with the experience and depth of knowledge to provide support and guidance for individuals and families as they navigate the aging process.Contact us for a Free Consultation.WE ADVOCATE FOR SENIORS IN THIS STAGE OF LIFEWhen Secure Aging Can HelpClient has little to no support from family members, or chooses not to impose.Client memory is failing, forgets medications or is losing weightClient wants to remain in own home as long as possibleClient / family has need for small trust administrationClient / family needs information about community servicesClient / family needs unbiased informationCaregiver feels overwhelmedClient needs oversight existing careClient has bills that are piling up / or are unpaidWhen there is abuse, neglect, or exploitationClient needs a Power of Attorney, Health Care Surrogate or Successor Trustee
Improving the quality of life for older adultsSecure Aging helps seniors remain independent and navigate lifes changes by managing their bill pay, finances, and daily care. Our advocates track and monitor daily income sources; review credit card bills and bank statements for fraud, ensure income has been received and deposited; provide assistance with benefits applications; reconcile bank accounts; assist with debt negotiations; pay and track bills, and more. We offer a free initial consultation where we can review which service plan is best for the individual and their family.Click on the titles below for more information about our three convenient senior assistance plans available.
We protect and preserve each clients independence and dignity. We handle financial, health care, and life management carefully and thoughtfully to allow our clients to live as independently as possible for as long as possible.We transform the weight of the world into a sigh of relief for our senior clients and their concerned loved ones. Secure Agings care services help seniors to remain independent and maintain financial peace of mind.Our amazing team includes a Certified Public Accountant, Licensed Registered Nurses, and Certified Senior Advisors with the experience and depth of knowledge to provide support and guidance for individuals and families as they navigate the aging process.Contact us for a Free Consultation.WE ADVOCATE FOR SENIORS IN THIS STAGE OF LIFEWhen Secure Aging Can HelpClient has little to no support from family members, or chooses not to impose.Client memory is failing, forgets medications or is losing weightClient wants to remain in own home as long as possibleClient / family has need for small trust administrationClient / family needs information about community servicesClient / family needs unbiased informationCaregiver feels overwhelmedClient needs oversight existing careClient has bills that are piling up / or are unpaidWhen there is abuse, neglect, or exploitationClient needs a Power of Attorney, Health Care Surrogate or Successor Trustee