Caring for a loved one with dementia, chronic illness, or age-related decline is one of the most compassionate—and demanding—roles a person can take on.
Whether you’re an adult child supporting a parent or a spouse tending to a partner, the physical, emotional, and logistical challenges of caregiving can quickly become overwhelming.
At The Kensington Sierra Madre, we recognize that family caregivers need more than appreciation. They need access to local resources, emotional support, and practical tools to maintain their own health and well-being.
This guide is here to connect you with valuable caregiver support in Sierra Madre and nearby communities because you deserve care, too.
The Reality of Caregiving: A Local Look
Sierra Madre and the surrounding areas are home to a growing number of older adults.
As aging in place becomes increasingly common, more families are stepping into caregiving roles, often without formal training or preparation.
According to the Family Caregiver Alliance, over 53 million Americans serve as unpaid caregivers, with nearly one in five providing care for individuals with dementia.
Locally, that means thousands of residents are quietly juggling work, relationships, and caregiving responsibilities, while trying to make the best decisions for their loved ones.
If this describes you, you’re not alone. Sierra Madre has a growing network of resources to help caregivers.
1. Dementia Caregiver Help Through Support Groups
Isolation is one of the most common and harmful experiences for dementia caregivers. Talking with others who understand your challenges can ease emotional stress and offer practical coping strategies.
Local Support Group Resources:
- Alzheimer’s Los Angeles – Pasadena Office
Offers virtual and in-person support groups for dementia caregivers.
Website: alzheimersla.org - Huntington Hospital Senior Care Network (Pasadena)
Monthly family caregiver support groups, plus guidance from licensed social workers.
Website: huntingtonhealth.org - City of Sierra Madre – Community Services Department
Hosts senior education workshops and caregiver events.
Contact: (626) 355-7135 - The Kensington Sierra Madre Family Support Groups
Open to current and prospective families. These gatherings offer emotional support, educational guidance, and connection with others on a similar path.
Learn more or RSVP through our contact page.
2. Respite Care for Family Caregivers
Taking breaks is essential for maintaining your health as a caregiver.
Respite care offers short-term relief, allowing you to rest, travel, or attend to personal matters with the assurance that your loved one is in compassionate hands.
Local Options for Respite:
- The Kensington Sierra Madre Respite Stays : We offer short-term stays in our assisted living and memory care neighborhoods for individuals who require additional support and care. During this time, caregivers can take a few days or weeks off to recharge and rejuvenate.
- Pasadena Village Volunteer Network: Offers temporary companionship and caregiver relief for local seniors through vetted volunteers. Website: pasadenavillage.org
3. Educational Workshops and Caregiver Training
Understanding dementia, Alzheimer’s, and chronic illness care is key to being a confident caregiver.
Luckily, local organizations provide workshops and hands-on training to help you learn best practices.
Recommended Learning Opportunities:
- Alzheimer’s Association California Southland Chapter: Hosts free classes on topics such as managing behaviors, safety tips, and legal planning. Website: alz.org
- Caregiver Training from USC Family Caregiver Support Center (Los Angeles): Offers caregiver boot camps, dementia navigation sessions, and webinars. Website: fcsc.usc.edu
- The Kensington Sierra Madre Educational Events: Our community frequently partners with clinical experts and PAC-trained educators to offer live and virtual learning events for families. Join our mailing list or check our calendar to stay informed.
4. Emotional and Mental Health Support
Caregivers are at increased risk for anxiety, depression, and burnout.
Seeking counseling or therapy is not a sign of weakness; it’s a step toward sustainability.
Local Caregiver Mental Health Resources:
- Senior Care Network – Caregiver Counseling (Pasadena). Sliding scale individual therapy for caregivers over age 60. Contact: (626) 397-3110
- San Gabriel Valley Psychological Association: Offers referrals to licensed therapists familiar with caregiver stress and family dynamics. Website: sgvpa.org
- The Kensington Sierra Madre Pastoral Care & Wellness Check-Ins: Our community chaplain and wellness team provide spiritual support, grief counseling, and reflective time for caregivers facing emotional fatigue.
5. Home Care and Transition Services
Not every caregiver is ready for senior living. Many begin by supplementing their efforts with professional home care or working with transition specialists to make the move as smooth as possible.
Trusted Local Home Care Services:
- Home Instead Pasadena: Non-medical home care for companionship, hygiene assistance, and daily tasks. Website: homeinstead.com/location/773
- SageCare (LGBTQ+-inclusive senior services): Care and housing transition support for older adults in inclusive settings. Website: sageusa.org
- The Kensington Sierra Madre Move-In Coordination: We provide hands-on support for families transitioning from home to senior living, including home downsizing referrals, moving assistance, and emotional coaching.
6. Financial and Legal Planning
Navigating caregiving expenses and long-term care decisions can feel like a full-time job.
Local experts can help you understand options such as VA benefits, long-term care insurance, Medi-Cal, and estate planning.
Local Advisors:
- Bet Tzedek Legal Services – Senior Assistance Unit. Free legal clinics for older adults and caregivers in LA County.
Website: bettzedek.org - Los Angeles Department of Aging – Multipurpose Senior Services Program (MSSP). Financial case management and benefit coordination.
Website: aging.lacity.gov
Compassionate Support at The Kensington Sierra Madre
Above all, caregivers need to know they’re not alone. Whether you’re at the start of your journey or facing tough decisions about long-term care, The Kensington Sierra Madre is here to walk alongside you.
Our Promise is simple: To love and care for your family as we do our own. That includes you—the caregiver.
Ready to Find Support?
Whether you’re seeking dementia caregiver help or just need a break, let us help lighten your load.
Contact The Kensington Sierra Madre today to learn about respite stays, memory care, support groups, and the wide network of local services available to you in Sierra Madre.
You take care of your loved one. Let us help take care of you.