Mental health matters at every age. Today, on Older Adult Mental Health Awareness Day, it reminds us to reach out, listen and support each other. Camarillo Health Care District can assist. We offer a Senior Support Line, Mental Health and Wellness Family Caregiver counseling, Mindfulness and Meditation Virtual Reality, and respite for family caregivers.

Our Senior Support Line is a toll-free telephone number for residents age 60 and older that provides compassionate, confidential conversation and emotional support over the telephone. Personnel trained in resources and referrals are ready to speak with you to offer encouragement and connection.

If you or someone you know can relate to any of the following criteria, Senior Support Line is here for you.

• Live alone and feel isolated or depressed;
• Have few or no connections to family and friends;
• At risk of losing independence;
• Recently been discharged from a hospital setting or other health setting.

Please call Senior Support Line, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and make a new friend! Following the first call, weekly check-in calls can be scheduled. We look forward to chatting with you!

Caring for a loved one can be rewarding, but it also can be overwhelming. The District offers Mental Wellness Services for Family Caregivers to help you navigate stress, strengthen family relationships, and find balance in your caregiving role.

Benefits of mental wellness services

✔ Reduce caregiver burnout

✔ Improve communication and coping skills

✔ Build stronger family connections

✔ Access to a safe and supportive space

Remember, you don’t have to do this alone. Let the District help you care for yourself while you care for others. 

Services are provided by Ellen Louise Hood, Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT 160759), supervised by Jenica Polakow, LCSW 79623. Call 805-388-1952, ext. 215, an appointment . There is no cost.

Good mental health enhances emotional resilience, strengthens relationships, and helps us better cope with life’s challenges. It also supports physical health, productivity, and a greater sense of purpose. Simple steps like staying active, getting enough rest, eating well, practicing gratitude, and spending time doing what you love can go a long way.

We offer a variety of programs to help reduce stress and support overall wellness, including Mindfulness and Meditation Virtual Reality classes, Adventures in VR and VR Travel Club, Tai Chi for Arthritis, Gentle Yoga and our Walking Group.

At Camarillo Health Care District, we want to gently remind caregivers that taking a break is not only OK, it’s essential. Respite is not a luxury; it’s a vital part of staying healthy, balanced and able to continue caring for those you love.

Take time to care for yourself — mind, body and spirit. This might mean something simple: a walk in the park, a quiet afternoon at the beach, lunch with a friend, or attending a class or community event. Even small moments of rest and joy can help restore your energy and bring a sense of balance back into your day.

When caregivers are supported, everyone benefits. Without time to rest and recharge, it’s easy to become overwhelmed or burned out, which can affect both your well-being and the quality of care you provide. Taking time for yourself helps you return to caregiving with renewed patience, strength and compassion.

That’s where our Adult Day Center comes in.

The Center offers a warm, welcoming, and home-like environment where participants enjoy meaningful social interaction, engaging activities, and opportunities for mental and physical enrichment. Each day is thoughtfully designed to bring connection, purpose and enjoyment.

Our program provides a safe, respectful, and compassionate setting for adults who may be living with Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, stroke, brain injury, mobility challenges, or feelings of isolation. Flexible scheduling options, including full or half days, and attendance ranging from a few times a month to several days a week, allow families to choose what works best for their unique needs. Transportation within Camarillo can also be arranged for added convenience.

For caregivers, this means something incredibly valuable: time. Time to rest, manage responsibilities, nurture relationships or simply breathe. Call us at 805-388-1952 to learn more, arrange a tour of our Adult Day Center or speak to ADC Director Mary Ann Ratto.