South Florida Institute on Aging

06/05/2026

40% of healthcare providers feel uncomfortable diagnosing dementia.

Let that sink in.

If doctors aren't always equipped, then you need to be. Dr. Erik Ilyayev shared important information about dementia warnings at our last SoFIA Virtual Session, walking families through exactly what a proper dementia diagnosis involves so they can ask the right questions and advocate with confidence.

This is the kind of conversation that changes outcomes.

Don't miss what's coming next.
📅 SoFIA Virtual Session | Wednesday, June 17th | 12PM EST
FREE & open to all.

🔗 Register now!
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sofias-virtual-session-diversity-in-aging-tickets-1990969544503?aff=oddtdtcreator

06/04/2026

You cannot pour from an empty cup.... this was a reminder from our board member and senior in-home care agency owner M. Denise Simmons Simmons during the last SOFIA Virtual Session.

We came together as a community along with Dr. Erik Ilyayev who shared the warning signs of dementia and how isolation is one of the major factors.

Whether it's family, friends, adult daycare centers, or organizations like ours, connectedness isn't a luxury, for seniors and caregivers it's a lifeline.

If this resonates with you, we'd love to see you at our next SoFIA Virtual Session!
🗓️Wednesday, June 17th | 12PM EST

👇 Click the link below to register, spots are free and open to all!
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sofias-virtual-session-diversity-in-aging-tickets-1990969544503?aff=oddtdtcreator

06/02/2026

The SoFIA Benefits Bridge Program is a FREE service helping adults 65+ and those living with disabilities access the programs built for them.

Our team helps with both new applications AND recertifications because your support shouldn't fall through the cracks at renewal time either.

These are programs you qualify for and we make sure you can access them.

📞 Call us today: 954-484-7117

05/28/2026

Government benefit programs exist to help people thrive. But between the paperwork, eligibility requirements, and annual recertifications accessing them can feel like a full time job.

But we believe complexity shouldn't be the reason someone goes without.

The SoFIA Benefits Bridge Program is a FREE service for adults 65+ and those living with disabilities in South Florida who need help accessing:
✅ Medicare Part D Extra Help
✅ Medicare Savings Program
✅ Medicaid
✅ SNAP

We don't just help with the initial application, we help with recertifications too, so benefits remain uninterrupted year after year.

Since 1970, The SoFIA has been breaking down barriers for older adults across South Florida. This program is a direct extension of that mission.

📞 Call 954-484-7117 to get started

05/27/2026

Today is the day.

SoFIA Virtual Session is happening THIS AFTERNOON and there is still time to join us.

📅 Wednesday, May 27 | 12PM | Virtual

Dr. Erik Ilyayev and M. Denise Simmons are leading a conversation that every caregiver, healthcare professional, and community member needs to hear on dementia, mental wellness, social isolation, and how we show up for our aging loved ones.

This is your reminder. Register, log on, and be part of it.
👉 Sign Up Now https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sofias-virtual-session-connected-minds-connected-community-tickets-1989401438255?aff=oddtdtcreator

05/26/2026

Tomorrow is the day and you don't want to miss this.

We're just 24 hours away from the very first SoFIA Virtual Session on mental wellness, dementia, caregiving, and social isolation in the lives of older adults.

What to expect:
✅ Expert insights from Dr. Erik Ilyayev on dementia, the warning signs, care options, and why early intervention changes everything
✅ Real community perspective from SoFIA Board Member, senior care advocate and professional M. Denise Simmons
✅ A honest conversation about what older adults and their families are truly facing

📅 Wednesday, May 27 | 12PM | Virtual

👉 Register now https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sofias-virtual-session-connected-minds-connected-community-tickets-1989401438255?aff=oddtdtcreator

05/21/2026

We're bringing the community together for a powerful virtual conversation you won't want to miss.

🧠 Connected Minds, Connected Community
📅 Wednesday, May 27 | 12PM EST | Virtual

Join us as Dr. Erik Ilyayev, physician and dementia care innovator, breaks down what every family needs to know about dementia, the warning signs, care options, and why early intervention changes everything.

Alongside him, SoFIA Board Member and senior care advocate M. Denise Simmons will bring the community voice, speaking to the everyday realities families face when caring for aging loved ones.

Together, they'll lead a meaningful conversation on:
✅ Mental wellness & emotional resilience
✅ The dangers of social isolation
✅ Caregiving challenges & support
✅ How our community can help older adults not just survive, but truly thrive

Whether you're a caregiver, healthcare professional, community partner, donor, or someone who believes in the power of community, this conversation is for YOU.

👉 Reserve your spot today. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sofias-virtual-session-connected-minds-connected-community-tickets-1989401438255?aff=oddtdtcreator

05/19/2026

Is someone you love 65 or older, or living with a disability and struggling to make ends meet?

Help is available right now.

The SoFIA Benefits Bridge Program is a completely free service connecting older adults and individuals with disabilities across South Florida to critical programs like:
✅ Medicare Part D Extra Help (Low-Income Subsidy)
✅ Medicare Savings Program
✅ Medicaid
✅ SNAP (Food Assistance)

Whether it's a first-time application or a recertification that's coming due, our team walks clients through every step, so nothing gets missed.

If your parent, neighbor, client, or patient has limited income and resources, share this post. One phone call could unlock the support they deserve.

📞 954-484-7117

Free. Available now across South Florida.

Share this with someone who needs to see this.

05/18/2026

1 in 3 older adults experiences social isolation. For many, it's a silent crisis.

This Mental Health Awareness Month, we are hosting a virtual event that every caregiver, healthcare professional, and community member needs to attend.

🧠 Connected Minds, Connected Community
📅 Wednesday, May 27 | 12PM | Virtual and FREE to attend

Here's what's at stake: dementia affects millions of families, yet most don't know the warning signs until it's too late. Social isolation accelerates cognitive decline. And caregivers are burning out without the support they deserve.

We're changing that conversation.

Dr. Erik Ilyayev, dementia care innovator, and M. Denise Simmons, SoFIA Board Member and senior care advocate, will deliver the insights, resources, and community connection that older adults and their families need right now.

Don't just observe Mental Health Awareness Month. Do something about it.

👉 Reserve your spot today. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sofias-virtual-session-connected-minds-connected-community-tickets-1989401438255?aff=oddtdtcreator

05/14/2026

This Mental Health Awareness Month, we're bringing the community together for a powerful virtual conversation you won't want to miss.

🧠 Connected Minds, Connected Community
📅 Wednesday, May 27 | 11AM – 1PM | Virtual

Join us as Dr. Erik Ilyayev, physician and dementia care innovator, breaks down what every family needs to know about dementia, the warning signs, care options, and why early intervention changes everything.

Alongside him, SoFIA Board Member and senior care advocate M. Denise Simmons will bring the community voice, speaking to the everyday realities families face when caring for aging loved ones.

Together, they'll lead a meaningful conversation on:
✅ Mental wellness & emotional resilience
✅ The dangers of social isolation
✅ Caregiving challenges & support
✅ How our community can help older adults not just survive, but truly thrive

Whether you're a caregiver, healthcare professional, community partner, donor, or someone who believes in the power of community — this conversation is for YOU.

👉 Reserve your spot today. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sofias-virtual-session-connected-minds-connected-community-tickets-1989401438255?aff=oddtdtcreator

Reconnecting Community. Supporting Mental Wellness. Helping Older Adults Thrive.