Friendship Center renovations bring fresh energy, comfort to Montecito seniors with dementia
MONTECITO, Calif. — A fresh look is bringing renewed energy to a longtime community resource in Montecito.
At the Friendship Center, recent renovations are doing more than improving appearances — they’re helping seniors living with dementia feel more comfortable, engaged, and cared for.
“We give them love and care, but I want them to feel that from the chair they’re sitting in to what they see on the walls — that someone truly cared in designing this space,” said Executive Director Kathryn Westland.
The updates include new flooring, furniture, lighting, painted walls, and renovated bathrooms. Inside, artwork now lines the walls — each piece reflecting the personality and spirit of the center’s members.
Board member Gerrie Shapiro says the center has always focused on dignity and connection.
“Inevitably somebody would ask if my father knew who I was,” Shapiro said. “But that’s not what’s important. What’s important is I know who he is.”
Beyond the interior upgrades, the center is also expanding how members interact with their environment. New rolling garden beds and an outdoor edible garden allow seniors to engage with plants, herbs, and vegetables in a hands-on way.
“It’s okay if they grab something and eat it,” Westland said. “It’s all part of the experience.”
The organization has also launched a door-to-door transportation service, helping seniors who may otherwise have difficulty attending programs stay active and connected.
Leaders say these improvements are designed not only for members, but also for their caregivers — easing stress while creating a welcoming, joyful environment.
“Even as memory changes, you never lose the ability to feel,” Westland said. “We want people to walk in and have that ‘whoa’ feeling — because they deserve that.”
The Friendship Center was recently named Nonprofit of the Year, a recognition leaders say reflects its impact despite being a smaller organization.
“Some people shy away from dementia because it’s scary,” Shapiro said. “But this place is joyful. When you come in, you will smile.”
The center continues to grow, with new programs and services currently in development.
A new memory café in downtown Santa Barbara is also offering a free space for people with early memory loss and their families to connect and participate in activities.
