According to the Alzheimer’s Association, people with Alzheimer’s or other dementias do not need a special diet. As with anyone, eating a well-balanced, nutritious diet is important for overall health. However, regular, nutritious meals may become a challenge for people with dementia–as cognitive function declines, they may become overwhelmed with
Enjoying music–whether at parties and other events or at home–can lead to improved mood, cognitive performance, and memory functions for those with dementia. And singing or dancing along, rather than passively listening to music, can bring even greater rewards. Click here for an amazing video showing the transformation music can
New Year’s Resolutions–a common concept in our culture, with many vowing to break habits they see as negative. For those devoted to caring for a loved one at home, however, the most important resolution they can make is for their own self-care. Too often, caregivers get caught up in the
For some, the holidays bring that warm, fuzzy feeling, while for others they are more challenging. Many have high expectations that are difficult to meet, no matter your family circumstances. However, when adult children come home and see parents and other older relatives after time apart, they may discover that
We know you received a lot of appeals from worthy non-profits yesterday on Giving Tuesday. However, Friendship Center provides a unique service, the only nonprofit adult day services program in the Santa Barbara community. Here at Friendship Center, we were busy having tacos this Tuesday. So we decided to make
Carol Metcalf-Roth grew up on military bases with a father who had a 30-year career in the Air Force, serving in World War II and Vietnam. Observing her family’s resilience during his service has informed her therapeutic approach to the work she does with veterans. Carol, a licensed MFT and
Dear Friends, I am writing today with the story of Earl,* diagnosed with advanced dementia, who has been attending Friendship Center Montecito for over two years. Earl is a Vietnam veteran with PTSD, which is triggered by stress. Often while sitting in silence, he mulls over his traumatic memories and
Caring for an elder loved one brings up many issues that can be daunting. One of these is the legal requirements and recommendations for those in this situation. Should you prepare an advanced directive? What about conservatorship and estate planning? Luckily, there are local and online resources for help with
Adult day services might be the best-kept secret in eldercare–a way to share the care for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or other conditions requiring supervision and structured activities. But the 3rd week each September has been designated to bring recognition to this highly valuable service. This year, it’s is
(MONTECITO, Calif.) Friendship Center is putting on its 8th Annual Wine Down & Big Heart Awards on Thursday, September 13th from 4:00 – 7:00 pm. Featuring wine and beer tastings from 12 local businesses, this is an event not to miss. “Our Wine Down and Big Heart Awards is
