Helping Seniors & AARP Florida Caregiver Conference

According to a March 30, 2026, article from AARP, more than 4.3 million unpaid family caregivers provide an estimated 4.1 billion hours of care annually here in Florida. Jeff Johnson, AARP Florida State Director, explains, “The economic value they provide now exceeds $81 billion annually, yet this care often comes at significant cost to caregivers’ health, financial security, and well-being.”

The same article explains that caregiving has become increasingly demanding and complex as chronic illnesses rise and more care shifts into the home. Family caregivers are now spending an average of 27 hours each week providing care, and more than half (57%) are providing high-intensity care—meaning they spend significant time assisting with daily activities such as bathing and dressing, as well as complex medical and nursing tasks including wound care and administering injections.

AARP further reports that nearly half (41%) of Florida family caregivers experience high emotional stress, while 34% provide constant care for 40 hours or more each week. Too often, the physical and emotional toll becomes so overwhelming that caregivers experience serious health consequences of their own, creating additional crises for families already under tremendous strain.

At the Helping Seniors nonprofit, we see firsthand the challenges caregivers face. There are no “days off,” and often few opportunities to alleviate the round-the-clock responsibilities they shoulder. In 2025 alone, Helping Seniors responded to more than 4,500 calls from seniors and their families. A significant number of those calls came from caregivers seeking resources, support, and solutions to help manage the constant stress and anxiety associated with caregiving.

Accordingly, Helping Seniors has partnered with AARP Florida to present our inaugural Caregiver Conference—a day devoted to supporting family caregivers through education, practical tools, and community resources that can make a meaningful difference in their lives.

On July 16, 2026, at the Senior Resource Center of Brevard, located at 1344 S. Apollo Boulevard, 2nd Floor, Melbourne, Florida, we will welcome 45 caregivers to participate in conversations and learning opportunities designed to help them better manage the growing demands they face every day.

The conference, which is free to all registered attendees, will focus on three key areas:

1. Caring for Yourself While Caring for Others – avoiding burnout and preserving your own health.
2. Navigating the Caregiving Journey – practical tools and strategies for everyday caregiving.
3. Community Resources and Building Your Caregiver Team – because you don’t have to do it alone.

The program will feature experts from across the caregiving community, including home care professionals, care managers, healthcare specialists, and community resource providers. Equally important will be the opportunity for caregivers to connect with one another and share experiences, insights, and practical solutions that have helped them navigate their own caregiving journeys.

Lunch is included, and advance RSVPs are required, although there is no cost to attend.

To reserve your seat, please call (321) 473-7770.

Together, let’s make a difference in the lives of caregivers throughout Brevard County.