(Note: Please enjoy one of the stories we will feature in our fall edition of Healthy Attitudes magazine, which is mailed to households within the District. If you live outside the District and would like to receive the magazine in the mail, please email info@camhealth.com.)

Caregiving and health management heart of the District

Caring for someone you love is one of the most meaningful gifts you can give, but it can also be one of the most demanding. Across the United States, an estimated 63 million adults provide unpaid care and support to older adults and people with disabilities. While many step into this role out of love and devotion, few are fully prepared for the physical, emotional and practical challenges that often come with caregiving.

The good news is that caregivers don't have to do it alone. At Camarillo Health Care District, we're committed to supporting those care for others. Our Caregiver Center offers a wide range of free resources designed to provide encouragement, education and practical support. These include virtual and in-person Caregiver Support Groups, Care Consultations and educational classes such as Powerful Tools for Caregivers, Dementia Live and Dealing with Dementia.

According to the Family Caregiver Alliance, advances in medicine, shorter hospital stays, limited discharge planning and the increasing availability of home care technology have shifted more caregiving responsibilities to families. As these responsibilities grow, many caregivers experience increased stress, anxiety and feelings of being overwhelmed. This is often referred to as caregiver burnout.

The Cleveland Clinic defines caregiver burnout as a state of physical, emotional and mental exhaustion that can develop while caring for another person. Common signs include persistent fatigue, stress, withdrawal from others, anxiety and depression.

Research also shows that family caregivers, particularly those caring for someone with dementia or another chronic condition, are at increased risk for emotional, mental and physical health challenges. Studies estimate that as many as 70% of dementia caregivers experience symptoms of depression, with many meeting the criteria for major depression.

These statistics remind us of an important truth: caring for yourself is an essential part of caring for someone else. That's where we're here to help.

Caregiver Support

We work with family caregivers to help reduce stress, prevent burnout and strengthen family relationships through improved communication and healthy coping strategies. Our Caregiver Center staff facilitate both virtual and in-person Caregiver Support Groups, provide one-on-one or group Care Consultations to connect individuals and/or families with helpful community resources, and lead the SHARE Program to assist those living with early- to mid-stage dementia and their family members/caregivers plan for the future.

Whether you're just beginning your caregiving journey or have been providing care for years, these services are designed to remind you that you don't have to navigate the challenges alone.

Care Management Services

If you or a loved one has recently experienced a healthcare transition (such as a recent discharge from the hospital to home, or skilled nursing facility to home), the District knows the uncertainty that can accompany that. The District's Care Management Services can help you create a plan to age safely, successfully and as independently as possible at home.

Working alongside trained staff members, participants receive person-centered care planning based on assessments and screenings for concerns such as fall risk, food insecurity, activities of daily living, depression, caregiver burden, cognitive changes and more. Together, you'll identify goals and participate in evidence-based educational activities that support your health and well-being.

Services include in-person and telephone support, referrals to community resources, assistance accessing those services, and ongoing guidance to help you achieve your personal care and health goals.

Cognitively Impaired Health Management

The District's Cognitively Impaired Health Management program supports individuals living with traumatic brain injuries, stroke, Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. The program focuses on identifying each person's unique needs and developing a personalized plan to help address them.

A Caregiver Center staff member conducts a home safety assessment, evaluates the ability to perform daily activities such as eating, bathing and dressing, and reviews support needs including transportation, meal preparation, laundry, medication management and other daily tasks. Staff also help identify needs related to finances, legal concerns, insurance and housing.

Participants are connected with a wide variety of community resources, including nutrition services, transportation assistance, caregiver support, home modifications, assistive devices, relaxation and educational opportunities, and legal and insurance services.

Staff will work with participants/families for up to 90 days, offering encouragement and guidance as participants work toward their health goals.

Additional Resources

The Caregiver Center also offers:

• Dementia and Empathy VR training for family caregivers
• Kroll Resource Library
• Mindfulness and Meditation VR
• Home modification and respite grants
• Senior Support Line
• Tranquility Room

Are You a Caregiver?

Many people don't think of themselves as caregivers, even though they provide essential support every day. You may be a caregiver if you regularly help a loved one with:

• Personal care, such as bathing, dressing, toileting or grooming
• Preparing meals
• Household tasks
• Medication management
• Managing finances
• Transportation to appointments and errands
• Monitoring health and well-being
• Communicating with healthcare providers and advocating for your loved one's needs

If this sounds like you, know that your dedication makes a meaningful difference — and you deserve support, too. Camarillo Health Care District is here to help you care for your loved one while also caring for yourself.