Support Groups & Memory Cafés in Southwest Florida
Connecting with other caregivers can reduce isolation and provide practical ideas from people facing similar challenges. The options below are independently operated local programs. Schedules were reviewed in August 2026 and can change, so please call or confirm with the host before attending.
JFCS of the Suncoast — Dementia Caregiver Support
Free caregiver support, education, and connection for spouses, adult children, siblings, and others caring for a person with dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, or mild cognitive impairment. An intake interview is required before attending.
Location: 2688 Fruitville Road, Sarasota, FL 34237
Phone: 941-366-2224
Senior Friendship Centers — Dementia Caregiver Groups
Peer support and caregiver education for people caring for loved ones with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia-related conditions. In-person and virtual options are offered.
Venice: Tuesdays, 1:30–3:00 p.m., 2350 Scenic Drive
Sarasota: Thursdays, 10:00–11:30 a.m., 1820 Brother Geenen Way
Virtual: Wednesdays, 1:00–2:30 p.m.
Information: 941-556-3268
Roskamp Institute + Empath Health — Caregiver Support Group
A monthly caregiver-only group focused on connection, practical caregiving strategies, and guidance from dementia-care professionals.
Location: Roskamp Institute, 2040 Whitfield Avenue, Sarasota, FL
RSVP: 941-290-5000
Venice Memory Care Café — Sarasota Memorial / DCCI
A relaxed social gathering for people experiencing memory changes and the loved one or caregiver who accompanies them. This is not drop-off respite care.
Location: Frances T. Bourne Jacaranda Library, 4143 Woodmere Park Blvd., Venice, FL 34293
Information: 941-861-1110
Manatee County Memory Cafés
Monthly library-based gatherings for people with cognitive decline, Alzheimer’s disease, or related dementias together with a caregiver or loved one.
South Manatee Branch: second Tuesdays, 6081 26th St. W., Bradenton
Braden River Branch: third Thursdays, 4915 53rd Ave. E., Bradenton
AAASWFL Alumni Caregiver Support Group
Monthly in-person/virtual support for caregivers who have completed an Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida caregiver education program and live in the agency’s seven-county service area.
Caregiver Support: 239-652-6941
Need help finding the right group? The Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida can help identify caregiver programs and services by county at 866-413-5337.