Dementia can be daunting for an individual living with dementia, as well as the family. Caregivers often feel at the end of their rope in terms of understanding the changes in their loved one, their own energy level and ability to cope.
Friendship Center offers a valuable source of joy for those living with dementia and respite for the caregivers.
As Friendship Center celebrates 50 years of providing compassionate care and support to older adults living with dementia and their families, the Santa Barbara nonprofit is launching a new educational tradition designed to strengthen the community’s understanding of dementia and caregiving.
Dementia Care Conference
The organization’s first annual Dementia Care Conference will be 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26, at The Leta Hotel, bringing together nationally recognized experts, local professionals, family caregivers and people with lived experience for a full day focused on dementia, brain health and caregiving.
The conference is the centerpiece of Friendship Center’s 50th Anniversary Weekend, which will continue Sunday, Sept. 27, with the organization’s first-ever Friendship Center Family Reunion & Picnic at Carousel House at Chase Palm Park in Santa Barbara.
“For 50 years, Friendship Center has been built on the strength of our members, families, staff, volunteers, donors and community partners,” said Kathryn Westland, executive director.
“This anniversary weekend is an opportunity not only to celebrate our history, but to bring our community together while advancing conversations about dementia care through education, connection and shared purpose,” she said.
The Dementia Care Conference brings together family caregivers, healthcare professionals, social service providers and community members who want to expand their knowledge and gain practical tools for supporting people affected by dementia.
The conference features two learning tracks, one designed for family caregivers and care partners and another for healthcare and community professionals.
Among the featured speakers is Dr. Jennifer Yokoyama, professor in the University of California, San Francisco Departments of Neurology and Radiology & Biomedical Imaging, and the Mary Oakley Foundation Endowed Professor in Neurodegeneration.
An internationally recognized researcher, Yokoyama received the inaugural Alzheimer’s Association Excellence in Neuroscience Mentoring Award in recognition of her leadership and contributions to the field.
Another featured speaker is Dr. Beverly Thorn, a psychologist, dementia caregiver, end-of-life doula, and award-winning author of “Before I Lose My Mind.”
A longtime faculty member at the University of Alabama and now professor emerita, Thorn combines decades of clinical expertise with personal caregiving experience, offering families an informed and compassionate perspective on the dementia journey.
Additional speakers include Dr. Krystle Irvine of Sutter Health; Rachael Martinez and Maria Kent Beers, co-hosts of the “Remember Me” podcast; Isabella Marini of the Alzheimer’s Association’s Center for Dementia Respite Innovation; Dr. Hedva Barenholtz Levy of HbL Pharma Consulting, Hope Saxon-Meyers, Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner and Luciana Mitzkun of Home Choices for Mom and Dad.
For Healthcare and Community Professionals
The professional track is designed for both healthcare professionals and professionals working in community, business and social service settings.
Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of current dementia research, emerging approaches to care and the lived experiences of individuals and families affected by dementia. This knowledge can strengthen the way professionals serve their clients, customers and communities.
Healthcare professionals will explore the latest research and best practices in dementia care, while community professionals and local businesses will learn practical strategies for recognizing, communicating with and supporting individuals living with dementia.
Continuing Education credits are now available for Registered Nurses (RNs) and Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs).
Whether working directly in healthcare or serving the broader community, attendees will leave with practical knowledge they can apply to create more informed supportive and dementia-friendly environments.
Unique Approach
The event also reflects Friendship Center’s distinctive approach to dementia care. The organization is one of relatively few dementia care organizations in the country to use a social model for daytime dementia care, emphasizing compassion, connection, dignity and safety.
Through its “Best Friends” approach, Friendship Center staff focus on building meaningful relationships with each member and providing care with the same respect and kindness they would want for their own parent, spouse, sibling or loved one.
Its person-centered environment helps participants remain engaged, valued and connected while receiving support in a safe and nurturing setting.
Jeffrey Krutzsch, president of the Friendship Center Board of Directors, said the conference represents an important step into the organization’s next chapter.
“One of the most exciting aspects of this conference is that it is the first of its kind brought to the Central Coast by Friendship Center,” Krutzsch said.
“While we are celebrating our 50 years of service, this event also marks the launching point for the next 50 years of education and support for family caregivers and professionals,” he said.
He said it is an honor for Friendship Center to serve as a cornerstone of the programs and services available to the community.
A Family Reunion
The anniversary weekend will conclude Sunday with the Friendship Center Family Reunion & Picnic, a free gathering, noon-3 p.m. at Carousel House at Chase Palm Park.
Current and former participants, families, staff, volunteers, board members and supporters are invited to reconnect, reminisce and celebrate five decades of relationships and community impact.
“These two events represent everything Friendship Center stands for,” Westland said. “The conference reflects our commitment to innovation and excellence in dementia care, while the Family Reunion celebrates the extraordinary community that has made our work possible for the past half-century.”
Conference tickets are required, with reduced rates available for family care partners and students. Convenient parking is available at The Leta Hotel.
For tickets and conference information, visit Friendship Center’s Dementia Care Conference page. More about the 50th Anniversary Weekend is available at Friendship Center.
Founded in 1976, Friendship Center is a nonprofit adult day services organization dedicated to enriching the lives of older adults living with dementia while providing education, support and respite for their families.
Through engaging programs, compassionate care and meaningful community connections, Friendship Center helps participants thrive while maintaining dignity, purpose and joy.