MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. - The Daybreak Adult Day Care Center in Manatee County has made it their mission to help seniors and their mental health - with the help of technology. 

What You Need To Know


  • Weekly Zoom calls let members play games, socialize

  • Organizers say they'll do the calls until members allowed to return

Every week, organizers schedule a Zoom call, where dozens of members can socialize and play virtual games together. 

“I enjoy it very much,” says member Eva GilDeRubio-Ramirez.

GilDeRubio-Ramirez, 80, has been part of the Zoom play dates for months now. 

Originally from Puerto Rico, she moved to Manatee County after the devastation of Hurricane Maria. 

“When I got to the center, I noticed how sweet they are, how nice they are, especially very thoughtful,” says GilDeRubio-Ramirez.

It is still unclear when adult day care centers will reopen, but organizers say they will do this until members can return to the center. 

“It’s helping them to think, and keep their minds going, which is really critical for successful aging,” says Maribeth Philipps, CEO of Meals on Wheels Plus. “We have a wonderful staff here, and I am so happy that we are able to do this for our seniors.”