Friendship Center hires new dementia specialist to help caregivers for free in Montecito

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - Luciana Mitzkun Weston is excited to serve as the Friendship Center’s newly hired memory care specialist in Montecito.

“When a loved one is diagnosed with dementia ... people don’t know where to go next ... they have an appointment with the doctor, but the doctor doesn’t have time to spend with you," said Mitzkun.

That’s where a caregiver comes in.

But they too, need guidance. 

“So normally, I see people who are coming with me with their hair on fire … what do I do next? And that’s so important that this program will be providing a place where a person can come ... and find out what are the next steps," said Mitzkun.

Mitzkun has already helped several caregivers with information as to where they can receive different types of services like food programs, healthcare information and more.

In addition to Mitzkun’s services to caregivers, the center has opened a new Dementia Resource Hub where caregivers can meet for consultations.

“By offering this program and supporting caregivers of a loved one living with dementia, we will be able to improve the quality of care that the person living with dementia will receive from their family ... also the caregiver can learn about their own self-care strategies," said executive director Kathryn Westland of the Friendship Center.

So far, Mitzkun says she has already served several families through this initiative, and the response has been positive.

"Guys j"Just having that time for somebody to listen to you, listen to your concerns and make some sense out of it. It’s valuable to them," said Mitzkun.

The hub is the organization's direct response to the community's request for help among family caregivers.

Directors of the Friendship Center say this is the first free option for dementia-focused care programs in Santa Barbara County. 

In a statement, the team at the Friendship Center explained, "Across the U.S., over 11 million people are providing unpaid care to a family member or friend living with a form of dementia, and this number is booming as more adults reach age 65."

They say by 2035, one in four Santa Barbara residents will be over the age of 65.

The Hub extends its reach beyond South Santa Barbara County through its online resources.

The online resources include educational workshops facilitated by renowned dementia care specialists, and caregiver training sessions with accessible support to anyone, anywhere. 

The Hub will be the community's cornerstone for free information, support, and care navigation for those impacted by dementia.

Unlike a "one size fits all" approach, the Hub prioritizes person-centered support with sustainable, community-based strategies.

The Hub’s dementia-focused services have three components: educational opportunities, peer support programs, and care resource navigation. 

In this program, Friendship Center’s Family Services team, which includes two expert consultants recruited for this project, will provide family caregivers with support via education, referrals, and problem-solving techniques through one-on-one discussions onsite at the Hub or via phone or video calls.

This program was designed to be delivered through an adult day program for dementia caregivers, as their services revolve around the health and well-being of the care recipient and the caregiver, but through the community resource hub, it will also be open to dementia caregivers who do not have loved ones attending the Friendship Center’s day program.

This initiative aspires to improve the quality of life for caregivers and their loved ones affected by dementia, while also promoting a more supportive and inclusive society for all.

Through targeted interventions, sustained partnerships, and community engagement, the initiative aims to create lasting positive change in the lives of caregivers and their families.

For more information or resources at the Friendship Center, visit: https://www.friendshipcentersb.org/.