Paula is a local senior citizen living with physical and emotional health challenges as a result of experiencing several traumatic life events. She struggled to find meaning in her day-to-day life. Volunteering had once given her purpose, but as age and disability made it harder to stay active, the walls of her home began to close in. Isolation took a toll on her spirit, leaving her feeling alone and increasingly depressed. She knew she needed help—but she wasn’t ready to give up her independence.

“I need to be able to smile and laugh again,” Paula shared. “To feel like my life has value.”

She found hope at the Empath LIFE Center in south Bradenton. Short for “Living Independently for the Elderly,” the LIFE program offers a fresh, compassionate approach to senior care. Tailored for adults 55 and older, it enables participants to remain living safely at home while receiving coordinated medical and supportive services at the center during the day. For Paula, it opened the door to connection, purpose, and joy. 

Open Monday through Friday, Empath LIFE combines medical oversight with social connection, therapies, nutritious meals, and engaging activities. Paula attends the Center during the week when she receives regular health checkups, has a warm meal shared with peers, and enjoys conversation and laughter. She can also spend quiet days at home if she chooses.

Participants in the program benefit from a full spectrum of services, including:

• Transportation to and from the Center
• Primary and specialty medical care
• Physical, occupational, and speech therapy
• Home safety assessments and modifications
• Social engagement and mental health support

The Center operates under the PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly) model, a nationally recognized initiative funded through Medicare and Medicaid. PACE programs are proven to reduce hospitalizations and delay or prevent placement in nursing homes, making it a cost-effective and compassionate alternative for aging populations.

What makes Empath LIFE truly remarkable is how it embodies the philosophy of Full Life Care, the guiding mission of Empath Health, the country’s largest nonprofit hospice and home health care organization. This philosophy recognizes that aging is more than a medical journey - it’s a personal one. It honors the whole person, including their emotional, social, and spiritual needs.

The success of Empath LIFE wouldn’t be possible without generous community support. The Tidewell Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Empath Health in Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte, and DeSoto counties, played a critical role in launching the Center. Donor contributions helped fund not just the physical space, but the care coordination and therapies that make each day fulfilling for participants.

“Donor support ensures we can offer more than just medical care,” said Delesa Morris, President of the Tidewell Foundation. “We’re providing a place where seniors are seen, heard, and celebrated while still maintaining their independence.”

This need is only growing. By 2030, it’s projected that nearly 40% of Sarasota County and 32% of Manatee County residents will be over the age of 65. As the community ages, innovative programs like Empath LIFE will become even more vital - not just to older adults, but to their families, caregivers, and the entire healthcare ecosystem.

The Center is now accepting new participants and offers tours to families exploring options for their loved ones. For those like Paula, the benefits of social interaction and a renewed sense of purpose are immeasurable. 

Empath LIFE is located at 303 13th Avenue E. in Bradenton. To learn more or to schedule a tour, visit www.EmpathLIFE.org.