Classes and programs at Camarillo Health Care District help reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness

Connectivity is powerful -- just ask a lightening bolt!

But in all seriousness, social connection is a powerful force whose presence, or absence, can have tremendous impact on health. With good and healthy social connections, chronic disease and serious illness risks can be reduced, increasing the chance of living a longer life with better health and well-being. Having meaningful connections with others helps manage stress, anxiety and depression, develop healthy eating habits, increase physical activity and improve sleep quality.

Humans are relational beings and seek out connections through relationships with family, friends, coworkers, neighbors and community.  Having stable, supportive relationships gives needed support to cope during life’s journeys.

Even as things change dramatically all around us, it’s important to stay connected.  Advances in technology, new trends, and even the way we meet people, require intentionality and the District offers a variety of programs and services to assist in that area. 

Camarillo Health Care District classes, like Digital Bridge, a no-cost appointment to help you learn your phone or computer, provide individualized help and attention that enhance digital literacy and provide a foundation for connecting online and virtually. Social Media Basics and classes in Virtual Reality, help you connect with people wherever they are -- think, a high school friend on Facebook, a former colleague on LinkedIn, your children on Instagram sharing family photos, or grandkids in the Metaverse using VR!  Even just meeting in group settings such as these classes can facilitate new friendships, particularly in the VR Travel and Activity Clubs, where you meet regularly for four weeks and participate in a Snack & Chat.

If learning technology sounds overwhelming, let the District help. In the Digital Bridge program, you and a staff member will meet, as often as you need, to help you gain an understanding of the general use of technology on smartphones, laptops and tablets, as well as common applications that can help you stay socially connected. Learning about these communication opportunities can offer new ways to connect with friends and family, improve access to health services, and alleviate symptoms of isolation, loneliness and depression.

The District’s Senior Support Line is another important service that provides compassionate, confidential conversation and emotional support over the telephone to establish and maintain social connection. Personnel trained in resources and referrals offer encouragement and connection. Senior Support Line is available for people age 60 and older who are at risk of losing their independence.

Another form of connection is offered through our Caregivers Support Group, helping family caregivers feel supported during their journeys. The purpose of the group is to identify and minimize caregiver-related stress and prevent psychological, behavioral and social problems among caregivers and care receivers. The Caregivers Support Group meets virtually on the second and fourth Friday of the month, 9:30-11 a.m.

The District’s podcast, “Stories from the Heart: Inspiring Tales of Life, Love and Learning,” provides a space for connection as you may relate to stories from family caregivers, people facing health challenges, navigating grief and more. A storytelling event compliments the podcast, providing an opportunity to create community connection and build empathy in person, and providing emotional and social support. Telling impactful personal stories that resonate with people can instantly build trust and connection. By amplifying these stories, we create a better understanding of the challenges of caregiving and personal health journeys. Through the podcast, the District creates a world where people are seen and heard through their own personal stories, which builds community.

Please stay connected with us, as well. You’ll find the District on all the popular social media apps, from Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and Nextdoor to Instagram and YouTube. We also would like to hear from you. We solicit input through class surveys, suggestion boxes in our buildings, our online form and we welcome emails, phone calls and face-to-face conversations. If you haven’t signed up for our newsletter yet, please do by emailing info@camhealth.com so we can stay connected. We appreciate each individual relationship we have with our clients.