Friendship Center Expands Support for Caregivers During Adult Day Services Awareness Week
Patricia Martellotti
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – The sound of laughter, music, and painting fills the room offering comfort for those living with dementia.
“I’m happy … yeah .. I like get away and I like the idea of making new friends … yeah … it’s better than just being stuck at home,” said client Dorothy Kuhn of the Friendship Center.
Families caring for loved ones with dementia know how valuable every hour of support can be.
“It’s a chance for members to come and be with the community that we all feel together like a family … a time of friendship and fun and it gives the families also a time of respite,” said activity program coordinator Maria Porter of the Friendship Center.
The Friendship Center is adding that extra hour starting October 13 to give caregivers more flexibility.
Leaders say every extra hour of care will help families juggling work and caregiving.
“I love it people here are great and I’m meeting people close to my own age,” said Kuhn.
The expansion is possible thanks to a national grant from the Center for Dementia Respite Innovation.
For nearly 50 years, the non-profit has offered affordable adult day programs in Montecito and Carpinteria, supporting both participants and their families in maintaining health, social connection, and independence.
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