8,000 Seniors live in Nocatee. All of them, including you, have received this book. My guess is that well over 90% of recipients are not aware that the St. Johns Council on Aging’s (COA) has a Nocatee Branch.
COA Nocatee is nestled on the second floor of what people call the Flagler Building, which is the big, light, and airy edifice behind Publix on Town Plaza Avenue.
Even if you think that you don’t need it’s services, the Nocatee COA Center is worth a visit. To begin with, the building itself is friendly. Besides housing all sorts of UF Flagler Health medical facilities it is also home to an elite Med Spa, a Concierge Doctor’s Service and the Kookaburra Coffee shop. There is plenty of free public space to enjoy your pastry and coffee, or to set-up your laptop and peck away.
COA’s place is bright and airy and it seems as if every time I drop in folks are playing Mah Jong, engaged in Tai Chi or fitness classes, listening to lectures, or just doing enjoyable things. It is a place of Wellness rather than Sickness.
Pam Brunell runs COA Nocatee and she has developed a menu that provides education, fitness, support, and counseling. It is serious work, but there is a whole lot of fun thrown in too.
Here is what happens in a typical month:
Caregiver Support Group: All caregivers are welcome. Meets twice each month.
Open Card Play: Bring your deck of cards and join others in playing the card game of your choice.
Mah Jongg Meet-up: Open play for experienced players.
Using iCloud & Security Settings: Learn how to use these settings on your iPad & iPhone for strong security methods to protect your information.
Bereavement Sessions: Experiencing grief due to the death of a loved one? Six sessions.
Widows and Widowers: Social group meeting the second and fourth Tuesdays of every month.
Introduction to Meditation: A four day workshop where you will gain a firm understanding of meditation and how to develop a personal practice.
Decluttering for Seniors: Learn to simplify your space to simplify your life.
Open Art: Bring your art or craft project to work on while socializing with friends. Meets every Wednesday.
Stronger for Longer: How to maintain strength & mobility at any age.
Exercise, Stretch, Move & Groove: Free and easily adapted to your fitness level.
Tai Chi: Improve mood, increase energy and stamina, improve flexibility, balance and muscle strength.
Parkinson’s Meet, Greet & Learn: A monthly meeting for people living with Parkinson’s disease and/or their care partner.
Scams & Fraud Protection: A special presentation by St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office.
How to Navigate Food Choice after a Prediabetes or Type II Diabetes Diagnosis: Presented by Jennifer Wickliffe, MPH, CPH. .
Genealogy Group: A genealogy expert will guide you in discovering your ancestors.
Spouse in a Nursing Home? Do I Have to Go Broke? Presented by Megan Wall, Managing Attorney of St. Johns County Legal Aid.
One of the most important services offered by COA Nocatee are free needs assessments. In addition to running the office, Pam Brunell is a Certified Dementia Practitioner who listens closely to your needs and is highly skilled at helping you find solutions. One misconception is that Needs Assessments are only offered to deal with life-changing events. That is not true. Pam has conducted needs assessments for people who are planning for the future, for parents (who happen to be Seniors) who are concerned about a child, and for children providing assistance for elderly parents.
Finally, COA Nocatee is a tremendous resource for care-givers. Whether new to caregiving, new to the area, or in need of guidance this is where to turn for the tools, education, and support necessary to facilitate successful care-giving. You might be surprised at how many Seniors are in the same boat as you and at how helpful and supportive you can be for each other.
Turn the page to read a true story about how a care-giving support group helped a Navy wife.
