A center in Santa Barbara caters to adults with dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease by offering socialization and activities curated for them. Rather than focusing on supervision or basic care, the Friendship Adult Day Care Center is a dementia-focused day program.
“It is a place where members are not treated as patients but as whole people — artists, scientists, dancers, teachers, parents, veterans, storytellers, legends, friends — supported by highly trained staff who understand dementia deeply,” executive director Kathryn Westland said.
As dementia rates rise and families live farther apart, the need for specialized respite care is growing rapidly.
“Friendship Center is built on a simple but powerful belief: Adults living with dementia still deserve friendship, purpose, laughter, beauty, and belonging, and caregivers deserve support, relief, and hope,” Westland said.
Activities are curated
From the programs and the space to the staff training and the language used, Friendship Center is designed to meet members where they are cognitively, physically, emotionally, and socially.
“Programming is not one-size-fits-all,” Westland said.
“It is crafted by staff trained in dementia care, adaptive engagement, and therapeutic activity design.”
For example, live music, dance, rhythm exercises, and singalongs are structured to promote mobility, reduce anxiety, and spark connection.
“Music and movement programming is one of the most powerful tools for individuals living with dementia and Parkinson’s.” Westland said.
“Members may struggle with short-term memory or speech, but music often remains deeply accessible.”
During art and creative workshops, members might participate in guided painting, tactile sensory projects, or reminiscence-based art. Brain and body engagement activities include gentle fitness, seated exercise, cognitive games, and group discussions that are modified depending on the needs that day.
“Staff also incorporate meaningful community experiences, such as intergenerational visits, pet therapy, excursions, comedy programs, and cultural celebrations,” Westland said.
Families are supported
Caregiving for a loved one with dementia is emotionally and physically demanding, and many caregivers wait until they are exhausted before seeking support.
“Perhaps the most important thing families should know is this: You are not meant to do this alone,”Westland said.
Friendship Center provides reassurance by caring for members and supporting caregivers.
“We are a place where caregivers can breathe, return to work, care for their own health, or simply have a moment of normalcy, knowing their loved one is safe, engaged, and treated with dignity,” Westland said.
The organization also hosts a community Memory Cafe a couple times a month for adults with dementia and caregivers to socialize and do activities.“Friendship Center is often the difference between a caregiver burning out alone and a family feeling held by community,” Westland said.
Affordability is key
Friendship Center operates without Medicaid or government assistance while offering a sliding scale with full fee assistance.
“Cost is never the reason a family goes without support,” Westland said.
“The majority of members receive significant financial aid, and the organization is committed to remaining affordable andcommunity-rooted. We ask families what they are able to contribute, if anything, and go from there.”
Other funding comes from grants, foundation support, and donors.
Apply today
Friendship Center recently increased its capacity and does not have a waitlist right now, so families can reach out to begin applying. Programming includes the Adult Day Program, the Spanish-language Herencia Latina program, the Carpinteria Healthy Aging Hub, the Downtown Santa Barbara Memory Cafe, and the Connections program for people in the early stages of memory loss.
Visit our website to learn more, plan a visit, and reach out with questions.
