Why Caregivers Need Respite Care

The emotional and physical demands of caregiving make it hard to be a caregiver 24 hours per day, 7 days a week. Without respite care—a temporary break from the demands of caregiving—you may be more susceptible to the effects of caregiver stress, such as depression, exhaustion, and other health problems.

If you’re the primary caregiver for your loved one but other family members are involved in decisions about his or her care, it’s important to make sure everyone understands why you need respite care and

supports the arrangement. Making decisions as a family can prevent disputes and

misunderstandings down the road.

Are Adult Day Services Right for You and Your Loved One?

When should someone consider adult day services? As with any service, it's best to start

exploring what’s available before you actually need it.

It may be a good time to consider adult day services, when someone:

• Can no longer structure his or her own daily activities

• Is isolated and desires companionship

• Can't be safely left alone at home

• Lives with someone who works outside the home or who is frequently away from home for other reasons

(Source, Alzheimer’s Association, 10/16/2007)

Day services have the advantage of providing social contact and cognitive stimulation. Additionally, a day at Friendship Center costs only a fraction of what one would pay for a day of in-home care.

Friendship Center’s Program and Susan Forkush, Social Services Coordinator, is available to provide consultation and referrals to other community resources on issues surrounding caregiving on an individual basis.

Additionally, Friendship Center offers two monthly support groups for family caregivers: On the 3rd Wednesday of every month at the Montecito Friendship Center, and on the 1st Thursday of every month at Friendship Center Goleta. Both groups go from 10:00-11:30am, and free respite care is available during this time.

Visit our new center located on

820 N. Fairview Ave. at

Cathedral Oaks in Goleta

Now Open!