Royal Palm Blvd.
NORTHWEST FOCAL POINT SENIOR CENTER
Mission: To improve the quality of life for seniors 60-and-older by offering recreational, educational and social activities; and by providing support services for all seniors, including special services for those with physical and/or cognitive impairments.
Cities Served: Coconut Creek, Coral Springs, Lauderdale Lakes, Lauderhill, Margate, North Lauderdale, Parkland, Pompano Beach (west of the Turnpike), Sunrise and Tamarac.
History: The Center was founded in 1976 and has moved twice to larger locations to meet the increased demand for senior services in Northwest Broward County. The current location, just one block south of Margate City Hall, opened in 1989 and serves about 150 members each day. Nearly 60 volunteers and 24 staff personnel administer Center programs.
Membership: Registration for the non-sectarian Senior Center is complimentary. Participants in the weekday Adult Day Care program are assessed a minimal fee by Broward County based on a sliding scale, may qualify for Medicaid funding or choose to pay privately. Upon joining, members are given a blood pressure and health care screening with a nurse. Members receive an ID card that can be helpful to family, friends and public safety officials in the event of an emergency.
Hours of Operation: The Senior Center is open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday; the Adult Day Care program is available Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m; and the transportation division operates Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Services: Social and recreational programs include:
Funding: Programs are administered by the City of Margate and supported under an agreement with the Florida Department of Elder Affairs and the Area Agency on Aging of Broward County, Inc., through the Older Americans Act of 1965, as amended and Florida’s Community Care for the Elderly. Matching funds are provided locally through donations and contributions with assistance by the Seniors Foundation of NW Broward, Inc.
At The Senior Center:
Live music: Each Monday through Friday, swing and Dixieland-style musical groups rehearse in the center auditorium, entertaining members with timeless classics.
Computer Lab: The computer lab is open daily, with computer orientation classes available every Tuesday and “lab work” on Fridays.
Arts and crafts: Work rooms for painting and creating crafts are open daily, with classes offered in each activity throughout the week. Pieces created by members are sold to the public with proceeds going to the Senior Center. Knitting and crocheting are popular craft activities.
Billiards: The game room offers a pool table and television set to ESPN to catch the latest sports scores.
Outdoor patio: A shaded outdoor seating area allows members to enjoy the fresh Florida breezes surrounded by flowering plants.
Field trips: Daytime excursions are offered regularly to area shopping malls, such as Coral Square or the Festival Flea Market. A luncheon is held each Wednesday at area restaurants. In addition, the Center has coordinated group travel to Las Vegas, New Orleans, Branson, Missouri in addition to the Florida Keys and the our beautiful west coast.
For more information about any of the Center’s recreation classes or field trips, please call: 954-973-1503.
Information and Referral:
This is the first stop for new Northwest Focal Point Senior Center members. It is similar to the registration office on a college campus. Seniors are interviewed regarding their areas of interest to determine what services they are likely to enjoy. The Information and Referral office also directs members to the proper local government agencies serving seniors in Broward County.
Health Screening Program:
This program provides medical response in the case of an emergency, such as a fall or other event. The Senior Center nurse is prepared to render or coordinate medical care to all program participants. In addition, lectures on health issues such as osteoporosis, cholesterol, diabetes and cardiovascular concerns are available throughout the year. In addition, health screens and a flu shot program are available to area seniors.
Individual and Group Counseling:
The Focal Point counselor provides individual counseling three days a week. In addition, she leads support groups for seniors who have recently lost a spouse and are having difficulty coping with the adjustment to single living.
Broward Meals on Wheels:
Broward Meals on Wheels serves about 80 lunches at the Senior Center each day, making the facility one of the largest meal sites in northwest Broward County. Besides providing seniors with a nutritious meal, the lunch break is a meeting and social ground for those who use the Center daily. Themed lunches to celebrate holidays or cultural events are scheduled year-round to enhance the dining experience for seniors. The Center’s Breakfast Club meets for toast, coffee and orange juice each morning for a minimal donation. The Critic’s Corner offers seniors the opportunity to enjoy a cup of coffee and a muffin in the afternoon.
The Center accepts reservations 24 hours in advance of the
desired lunch meal.
Please call 954-973-0300 to R.S.V.P.
Transportation:
For seniors who no longer drive a car, Focal Point vans provide transportation to and from the facility. The handicapped-accessible vans also take seniors to local banks, doctors’ offices, supermarkets, shopping malls, restaurants and field trips. The Physician Taxi Service provides door-to-door, complimentary transportation to seniors residing in Margate so they may visit their local doctors.
To register to use the Center’s transportation services, please call: 954-977-6558.
Adult Day Care:
The Adult Day Care program provides a support system for members who have a physical or cognitive disability, such as being wheelchair-bound or suffering from memory loss. The program is licensed to accommodate 90 participants.
Seniors who attend the Adult Day Care program are readily assisted by a team lead by a nurse and certified nursing assistants. Educational classes are provided on a number of issues, such as nutrition, medication, and other related aids. The day care facility at the Center was expanded by 2,000 square feet in 1997 to meet the growing needs of area seniors.
To inquire about the Adult Day Care program and participate in an orientation program, please call: 954-977-6556.
Telephone Reassurance Program:
Homebound seniors who live alone are contacted by phone each morning by center volunteers. About 70 to 80 calls are made seven days a week. The Reassurance Program is invaluable during the hurricane season. Volunteers reassure homebound seniors by calling them before and after the storm.
Volunteering:
All recreational classes are lead by volunteers living in the community. If you would like to share your hobby or talent and become a volunteer, please call 954-973-0300.
