Support for caregivers available at Camarillo Health Care District

November is National Family Caregivers Month, a time to honor and celebrate the incredible contributions of California's estimated 4.5 million family caregivers. These dedicated individuals embody the heart and soul of our communities, providing an estimated $81 billion worth of care annually to ensure their loved ones receive the support they deserve.

Caregivers do not have to go on this journey alone. Various free resources and low-cost classes are available to lighten the load and make it easier to provide the best care for those who need it.

We Value Your Care

We understand that caregiving can be physically, emotionally, and financially demanding. With the rising costs of professional care services, many caregivers are stepping up to fill the gap by providing compassionate care at home. Their dedication and sacrifice do not go unnoticed. Caregivers should remember that they don't have to face these challenges alone – support is available every step of the way.

Free Resources Available

Camarillo Health Care District offers a variety of free services and low-cost classes to help you manage your caregiving responsibilities more effectively:

●     Specialized Information and Referral via our Care Consultations

●     Family Consultation and Care Planning

●     Respite Care 

●     Educational Classes and Training

●     Legal and Financial Planning Assistance

●     Support Groups

Visit our Caregiver Center for more information, take a moment for yourself and peruse our Caregiver Library.

AARP TaxAide  Program returns on our campus

AARP TaxAide, a program that provides IRS-certified counselors who provide free tax preparation and e-filing of individual federal and state tax returns, is returning to our campus at 3639 E. Las Posas Road in Camarillo. Focus is primarily on the needs of seniors and low-income clients.

Appointments are available on Tuesdays, Feb. 4-April 8, at 12:30, 1:30 and 2:30 p.m. The appointment involves a personal intake form, interview, computer preparation, e-filing, and a personal copy for your records. 

Both spouses must be present at the interview to sign the return, but exceptions are made for disability or illness.

A return can't be completed by TaxAide if:

• Married filing separately return
• Income from rental property
• Income from self-owned business

To register, call 805-388-1952.

New VR class incorporates exercise

A new virtual reality class offered by the District incorporates small desk cycles for an even greater sense of mobility! 

Each class seats four people who share the adventure of “moving” through a variety of landscapes while safely seated. You can enjoy a leisurely bike ride together or it can become a fun competition among friends!  Enjoy the experience and the virtual outdoor space, and get some exercise as well.

Other components of the class include a game of Pong and drawing on an infinite canvas.

Classes are scheduled Jan. 17, Jan. 30, Feb. 12, Feb. 21, March 4 and March 25.  Visit the District's website for times and to check out other virtual reality classes, including world travel, virtual scuba diving, concerts, virtual Tai Chi, short films and more.

To register, call 805-388-1952. 

Fraud and Scam Intervention Coaching to continue in 2025

Debbie Deem, a retired victim specialist with the FBI and former coordinator of the Financial Abuse Specialist Team (FAST), part of the Ventura County District Attorney's Office, will continue offering her coaching services to fraud and scam victims in 2025 at no charge.

Deem offers one-on-one coaching on how to avoid being scammed by fraudsters and what to do if you have been. She will provide resources, support and information. One-on-one appointments are available at noon and 1 p.m., and walk-ins may be seen 2 to 3 p.m. on the fourth Wednesday of each month.

Topics may include:

• Romance imposters
• Lottery and sweepstakes
• Crypto - investments
• Fake grandparent or family emergency
• Government, bank or business imposters

Call 805-388-1952 to register. Appointments will be held on our campus at 3639 E. Las Posas Road in Camarillo.