Assistance for Seniors and their Caregivers

Providing support to thrive is what FISH OF SANCAP is all about. The agency assists residents and the workforce with requests small and large that are focused on food programs, island based education, senior and social services and helping hands temporary emergency financial assistance.

Recently Stephanie Norton, a Sanibel resident and employee, visited FISH to inquire about furniture distribution. FISH, in partnership with United Way Gifts In-Kind, provides furnishings and household items needed for repairs to those that live or work on the islands.

“When talking with Stephanie about her needs and disaster recovery progress, I learned she has become a temporarily caregiver for her parents while they navigate some medical issues,” says Erika Broyles, Senior Services Director.

Over the last decade, more adults find themselves becoming a caregiver for a family member. According to the Family Caregiver Alliance, 85% of caregivers look after a relative or other loved one, and 42% to them care for a parent.[i]

Broyles continues, “I explained the services and programs FISH has to offer for aging in place, and soon Stephanie’s parents were enrolled in the Meals-by-FISH program, Smile Box program and Medical Equipment loan program.

FISH understands as community members’ age, their needs change. The organization is committed to providing essential help for the essential needs of the special senior

Neighbors. The Meals-by FISH program, widely used by seniors, is a daily hot meal delivery service. Subsidized by FISH, in part or in whole as need dictates, the program ensures islanders, regardless of mobility constraints, have access to at least one hot meal per day. Whether for island seniors who no longer cook or drive, or residents who temporarily need assistance, this program fills a vital role in our community.  

The FISH Smile Box program, which began at the onset of the COVID crisis, was inspired by the subscription box trend where participants receive boxes of products and goodies regularly. FISH quickly realized its positive impact on the community and incorporated the Smile Box program into a regular monthly offering. 

Medical equipment for loan, one of the organization’s oldest programs, provides necessary medical equipment to those in need, free of charge.

FISH is keenly focused on the unique issues and challenges pertaining to the everyday lives of seniors, including mobility, isolation and loneliness. It is their goal to feed both the physical and emotional needs of seniors to help them remain healthy, independent, engaged, and age in place with dignity.

Other programs geared toward seniors include health assessments, visitation, on and off-island transportation, friendly faces luncheon, community education and workshops, hurricane preparedness resources, daily reassurance calls, home healthcare resources, mental health counseling, long-term recovery and emergency financial assistance.

“Until now, I wasn’t fully aware of all the services FISH has to offer to the older community,” says Stephanie. “Using FISH services, including the Food Pantry, will really help me as I assist my parents with the activities of daily living and to attend to their medical needs. I had no idea where to go for resources, and am thrilled FISH is right here on the island.”

[i] Caregiver Statistics