The Osceola Council on Aging (OCOA) was thrilled to receive a proclamation from Osceola County for extensive work with Alzheimer’s patients within our Adult Day Care Program and Health Clinic.
At a recent County Commissioners meeting, the Proclamation was presented as an observance of Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month. Received by Nicole Santiago, a nurse within the Council on Aging, our clinical team was recognized for our ongoing commitment to support for those affected by Alzheimer’s disease and related cognitive conditions.
In a touching presentation which underscored the importance of community support for aging residents, Chairwoman Janer honored our team for their critical role in providing compassionate, and specialized care throughout our Osceola County.
“Being recognized is a reflection of our staff’s deep commitment to those we serve every day,” Santiago said. “Whether it’s supporting caregivers with a muchneeded break or simply helping veterans age in place, we are proud to be part of such a strong support system for families within the Osceola community.”
Our social service organization offers a range of collaborative services which makes it possible for seniors and caregivers to access the assistance they need. Programs include our Health Clinic, Adult Day Care Services, and in-home respite care.
“All services are invaluable resources for family caregivers who need a temporary relief and guidance to manage work, family, and even self-care,” added Santiago.
In addition to serving clients throughout the Osceola community, the Council is a provider of the Veterans Affairs Caregiver Support Program. This initiative allows Veterans and their caregivers to also receive Adult Day Care services, or in-home caregiver support, at no cost.
In 2024 alone, we served nearly 1,500 patients within our Health Clinic: more than 150 seniors in our Adult Day Care, and nearly 50,000 hours overseeing respite care services.
Accordingly, more than seven million Americans in the United States are living with Alzheimer’s disease. By 2050, this number is projected to be close to 13 million. Due to Florida’s high population of seniors, Alzheimer’s disease is a growing health crisis across our state. Nearly 600,000 aged 65 and older are living with the disease; 18.6 percent of those aged 45 and older have subjective cognitive decline, and 870,000 family caregivers bear the burden of supporting these patients.
It is estimated that over 10,000 people aged 65 and older in Osceola County have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease, according to a 2023 report by Spectrum News 13. This positions Osceola County among the top 100 counties in the United States with a lofty number of Alzheimer’s cases.
For those wondering if a family member may need Adult Day Care services, it is time to consider if: • Supervision is needed for safety reasons.
- Assistance with daily living activities is needed.
The family member is experiencing depression or isolation.
The caregiver needs relief from caregiving.
There is a need for socialization and engagement in therapeutic and recreational activities.
Our center is open weekdays year-round from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Currently, we have 55 active seniors participating in this support program, with room to add additional clients.
I wish to take this opportunity to personally thank the Osceola County Commission for recognizing OCOA’s efforts in supporting our community members suffering from, and dealing with, this difficult disease. To learn more about our programs or access to services, visit www. osceolagenerations.org or call 407-846-8532.
