Spark Avenue Foundation
The Spark Avenue Foundation was created by Sherri and Michael Finn, the owners of Town Square Sarasota, to provide scholarships and caregiver resources to Sarasota families struggling with dementia, but that are unable to afford the cost. By attending Town Square Sarasota, members receive incredible care, engagement, and socialization, while caregivers receive a much needed break and the resources they need to manage their journey.
Who
Sarasota residents, with a diagnosis of dementia, that are unable to afford the Town Square Sarasota daily fee for day care/respite.
What
Funds will be used to create annual scholarships that pay the daily attendance fees at Town Square Sarasota. Secondary use could include transportation.
How
Eligibility of families will be determined through a means-test and approved by the Foundation Board.
Current Board Members Include
Currently, Town Square Sarasota has provided discounted or free care totaling approximately $75,000 annually to families in Sarasota.
History
Town Square Sarasota is a 12,000sf, 1950’s-themed senior day care center opened in 2022 in the Palmer Ranch area of Sarasota County, Florida. Town Square provides care, engagement, and socialization to older adults with memory issues, while providing respite to caregivers/family members Monday through Friday from 830 a.m. to 430 p.m. The center was built to resemble a 1950’s town with a diner, theater, city hall, library, exercise room, game room, and art studio, all built around a park and a 1957 Thunderbird. Most members have dementia and are grouped cognitively, to spend each day with others sharing similar abilities and/or interests. More than 250 members enrolled to date with referrals coming from neurologists, nurses, support orgs and more.
Members
Members face a variety of challenges that may be physical, mental, or emotional. Just receiving a dementia diagnosis may bring feelings of grief, loss, anger, fear, and disbelief. Dynamics with family and friends often change. Some withdraw and disengage while others vent or live in denial. Town Square Sarasota recognizes those challenges and provides solutions. In addition to individualized physical care, Town Square Sarasota encourages each member to thrive through engagement, socialization, and purpose.
Socialization
Many seniors with memory issues struggle in outside social settings as they feel confused, or even embarrassed to say the wrong thing. At Town Square, members are grouped cognitively each day so they spend their day with other members that are similar to them, which creates an atmosphere that is welcoming and non-judgmental, and leads to friendships being formed daily.
Engagement
The daily engagement taking place at Town Square Sarasota is impossible to replicate at home, where many members watch TV or nap throughout the day. Engagement includes stimulation of all the senses throughout the day - from music to food and art. Engagement includes programming targeted for each individual – from exercise, trivia and games to various activities and projects.
Caregivers
Caregiver burnout and stress is real, resulting in feelings of anxiety, fear, physical and mental exhaustion, depression, and more. Not only do caregivers face the stress of care, but also the grief of losing a loved one. Many of our member’s caregivers are spouses and have been isolated with their loved one for years. As a result, they have suffered physically and mentally from the stress. Many members have family that is too distant for support. Our families can now be confident their loved one is in great hands.
Town Square Sarasota’s impact on caregivers is more than just it’s support groups. Town Square Sarasota provides up to 40 hours of respite, so caregivers can care for themselves. This means they can engage with friends, exercise, and get the rest they need. Just having quiet time at home may be the blessing a caregiver needs. The respite comes from knowing their loved one is well cared for and thriving at Town Square Sarasota. Respite comes from knowing a team of experts, who care about their loved one, is available for guidance and support. It comes from knowing they are not alone.
What We Offer
Dedication. Expertise. Passion.
Staff
The staff is caring, well trained in dementia, and provides activities, emotional support, and personal care to members.
Medical
Onsite nurses, PT/OT/Speech therapists daily, monthly care plan calls, medication management, dementia doctor on-site bi-weekly, urinalysis, bloodwork, and more.
Programming
Programming changes daily and includes exercise, music, art, games, and more, while being customized for individual needs and abilities.
Socialization
Members are grouped cognitively each day so they spend their day with other members that are similar to them, which creates an atmosphere that is welcoming and non-judgmental, and leads to friendships being formed daily.
Entertainment
Current programs include the Key Chorale Choir, Sarasota Orchestra, Sarasota Ballet, and Florida Studio theater’s improv program, as well as daily bands.
Caregivers
Rejuvenate while your loved one is at Town Square Sarasota
The Foundation will use all proceeds to directly impact families-in-need with actual care and caregiver respite, by attending Town Square Sarasota senior daycare center.
