Senior Resources
Discover essential resources offered by the Camarillo Council on Aging (CCOA)! Dedicated to enhancing the lives of senior residents in the greater Camarillo area, CCOA provides valuable information, engaging activities, and strong advocacy. Whether you’re looking for support, social opportunities, or ways to stay informed, CCOA is here to enrich your journey and ensure a vibrant community for all seniors. Explore what CCOA has to offer and join us in promoting a fulfilling life for older adults in Camarillo!
Contact us via email at [email protected]
VCAAA’s LIVEWell (formerly titled Eldercare) is the premier resource guide in Ventura County for individuals 60 and older, caregivers, and people with disabilities because it provides articles and resource listings to help them and their loved ones navigate through some of the challenges we all face in our quest to maintain our independence. It is a tool used to advocate for the services you need to LIVEWell and age optimally.
Senior Resource Guide published by the Camarillo Council on Aging provides information regarding agencies, organizations and businesses providing senior services. This Guide contains links that will take you directly to provider websites for additional information regarding the provider’s services.
Print copies of the Resource Guide and LiveWell available at the Reference Desk on the second floor and the Community Board on the first floor.
211 is the most comprehensive information and referral service for residents; providing information and resources related to shelter, health care, food, utilities, mental health, legal, consumer and public safety, disaster/emergency services, transportation, and more. Available by phone (dial 211), text (text zip code to 898-211), and web (www.211ventura.org) 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 211 is the best place to start
Camarillo Health Care District offers a broad range of interactive, evidence-based health and wellness programs designed to enhance long-term support and services that educate people about chronic health conditions, and guide people toward healthy life choices.
County of Ventura Area Agency on Aging
The Ventura County Area Agency on Aging provides information on employment opportunities, health services, housing, in-home services, nutrition, senior centers, and transportation, as well as a variety of other services focused on caregivers and educational programs geared toward Alzheimer’s Disease and other dementia-related issues.
Senior Center
The Senior Center provides an array of special events, recreation, and leisure programs as well as social services for adults living in the Camarillo area. You do not have to be a Camarillo resident to enjoy the programs and activities.
Caregiving Information
SeniorLiving.org has the most comprehensive directory of senior living options, hands down. From senior housing to health, caregiving, safety, money management, and more — our mission is to help seniors age with ease. Our articles and guides are written by senior care experts.
County of Ventura Area Agency on Aging
Local Family Caregiver Resource Centers provide assessment and case management for family caregivers in Ventura County. This program offers caregiver training, support groups, home adaptations and safety devices, caregiver resource library and computer center, information and assistance, public information, and community education for eligible family caregivers. It also helps caregivers with in-home respite and out-of-home respite (day care) for caregivers at risk of caregiver burnout.
As a caregiver for a parent, spouse, or child with special needs, you may need help. These resources and suggestions can help you find emotional and task support.
Millions of Americans take care of a friend or family member with a serious health condition. Being a caregiver can be a labor of love, but it can also be stressful. Learn how you can be an effective caregiver while also taking care of yourself.
You are a caregiver if you care for someone who needs help. Caregiving can be hard on you despite the great sense of reward you may feel. To continue being a good caregiver, you need to take care of yourself. One way you can do that is to make sure you have consistent breaks from your caregiving responsibilities. This is called respite. Short breaks can be a key part of maintaining your own health.
Whether you’re a new or continuing caregiver, you’ll find help to manage your journey with practical tips, real-world support, and access to resources to help you and your loved one.
A non-profit coalition of national organizations who share a vision of a society that values, supports and empowers family caregivers to thrive at home, work and life. Its mission is to build partnerships in research, advocacy, and innovation to make life better for family caregivers.
We offer a wide range of caregiver resources, including caregiving tips, information and encouragement about taking care of yourself as a caregiver, connections to community organizations and agencies, and overviews of health conditions.
Legal Services Information
We provide private one-on-one client consultation, in your community, at your senior center. Common concerns include:
• Public Benefits/Social Security,
• Long-Term Care Planning,
• Medi-Cal Eligibility,
• Powers of Attorney,
• Advanced Healthcare Directives,
• Debts/Creditor Intervention, and
• Landlord Tenant Issues
The mission of the Ventura County Law Library is to provide access to current legal resources by providing an up-to-date research collection, supporting services, and new technologies possible within the scope of funding available to the Law Library. The Law Library’s primary obligation is to serve the citizens and the legal community of Ventura County.
Volunteer attorneys provide free, walk-in, confidential legal information, and referrals on a wide variety of legal matters. Please note that services are intended to be a brief consultation. Attorneys cannot provide legal representation or any ongoing legal services.
Attorney Search Network is a State Bar Certified Lawyer Referral Service (#113). Attorney Search Network assists clients in finding pre-screened, qualified, experienced, and local Attorneys. Our panel member attorneys are all screened and monitored for legal experience, State Bar Records, Insurance requirements and customer service standards. Attorney Search Network has lawyers with experience in all areas of law to help with our caller’s legal needs.
Association for Community Living- Legal Services for Older Americans Program
Legal assistance provided under Title III-B is part of the essential core of AoA’s legal assistance and elder rights programs. The legal services network can provide important assistance for older persons in accessing long-term care options and other community-based services.
LegalHelpNow.org is a free service that helps connect individuals to Legal Aid Clinics, Pro Bono Attorneys and other 3rd party Legal Service Providers that may offer free & low cost legal resources, information, products and services.
Benefit Information
The Benefits Enrollment Center provides a one-stop shop to help low-income seniors throughout Ventura find and apply for public benefits programs to help them pay for prescription drugs, medical care, food and utilities.
Founded in 1950, the National Council on Aging (NCOA) is the nation’s longest-serving national organization focused on aging. NCOA is an expert in providing digital tools to help older adults maximize their budgets.
Get information on government programs that may help you pay for food, housing, health care, and other basic living expenses.
Ventura County 211 – Get Connected – Get Help
211 provides information under a wide range of categories. 211 can be accessed online or by dialing 211 and speaking with a representative.
Benefit Kitchen is an app that you can use to learn about 18 federal, state, and local benefits. It helps residents learn their eligibility for benefits including CalFresh, Medi-Cal, utility assistance, tax credits, and more. The screening is free and we will never ask you for your name, address, or SSN.
Community Action of Ventura County
Strong communities begin at home. Our Home Weatherization, Food Assistance, and Utility Assistance programs keep families safe and secure; Homeless Services programs provide unsheltered individuals a safe place to receive the help we all take for granted, and our Community Wellness programs empower participants to make positive changes in their lives.
City of Camarillo Senior Citizen’s Discount
The City of Camarillo offers a discount for water and/or sewer charges for seniors that are considered low income. Send in the acceptable proofs of eligibility as listed on the form and the completed form to apply. Renewals are done on a yearly basis.
Southern California Edison Assistance Programs
SCE offers a range of assistance programs including:
One Time Bill Assistance
Help Paying Your Bill
Appliance Replacement Assistance
Income Qualified Programs
Medical Baseline Allowance
Southern California Gas Company Assistance Programs
SoCalGas offers a range of assistance programs including:
Energy Efficient Home Upgrades at No Cost
Save Money for Health Conditions
Past Due Bill Forgiveness
California Alternate Rate for Energy (CARE Program)
Recreational and Activity Opportunities
Pleasant Valley Recreation and Park District
Activity Guide magazine features the latest recreation opportunities we have to offer. They are full of classes for adults & youth, special events, outdoor education, sports, aquatic classes, kid camps, and senior activities.
Pleasant Valley Recreation & Park District maintains 28 parks in the Camarillo area.
https://www.pvrpd.org/parks-list
The Senior Center provides an array of special events, recreation, and leisure programs as well as social services for adults living in the Camarillo area. You do not have to be a Camarillo resident to enjoy our programs and activities.
https://www.pvrpd.org/senior-center
The Southern California Wing of the Commemorative Air Force
The Commemorative Air Force (CAF) is an all-volunteer organization, with members from all walks of life, dedicated to preserving the history of WWII aircraft for generations to come. The CAF is a non-profit 501(c)3, privately funded and totally self-supporting organization.
Pleasant Valley Historical Society
The overall collection has thousands of photographs, historical ephemera, books on early California and local history, journals, maps, newspapers, clothing, and other materials. Long Term Displays, and Rotating Displays that are changed regularly.
The Botanical Garden has been described as a “hidden gem” in Pleasant Valley. The cycles of native plants, flowers and trees make the garden appealing in every season. Plants are identified with signage. It has been designated as an urban bee lab for UC-Berkeley.
The Museum Building Expansion Project Phase 1 has begun! To accommodate the Expansion Project the Museum, and the Botanical Garden, are NOW CLOSED
Western Foundation for Vertebrate Zoology
The WFVZ was founded in 1956 by Ed Harrison, a Los Angeles businessman, wildlife photographer, and collector of bird skins, eggs, nests, and natural history books.
A non-profit, volunteer organization that promotes interest in the visual arts and creates awareness and appreciation of the arts in Camarillo. The Center maintains a gallery for local artists and art students to present their work to the public, as well as utilizing the Center to develop various programs. These programs include classes, workshops and demonstrations, judged contests, and special events to foster the arts in and around the community.
A nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing together artists and community for extraordinary artistic encounters that enrich, educate, and entertain. Studio Channel Islands (SCIART) is located within a former Elementary School and includes two art galleries, 40 artists studios, an outdoor exhibition and event spaces.
Meetup is a platform for finding and building local communities. People use Meetup to meet new people, learn new things, find support, get out of their comfort zones, and pursue their passions, together.
805 Living is a high-end regional lifestyle magazine that combines the best of both worlds: the quality and style of a national publication with locally focused, relevant editorial that highlights the vibrant communities of western Los Angeles, Ventura, and Santa Barbara Counties, from Calabasas to Santa Barbara and beyond.
Safety and Emergency Services
Best Medical Alert Systems of 2023
With easy set-up and 24/7 monitoring, you can always get immediate emergency response and support. Compare the best at-home and on-the-go devices.
How Much Do Medical Alert Systems Cost? A Deep Dive Into the Costs of Medical Alert Systems
https://www.seniorliving.org/medical-alert-systems/cost/
Home Safety for Seniors – Tips to Make Your Home Safer on the Inside and Outside
https://www.seniorliving.org/safety/home/
Aging in Place: Tips on Making Home Safe and Accessible
Living at home as you age requires careful consideration and planning. Learn how you can make some changes to help maintain your independence.
https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/infographics/aging-place-tips-making-home-safe-and-accessible
Home Safety Checklist for Alzheimer’s Disease – National Institutes of Health
https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/falls-and-fractures-older-adults-causes-and-prevention
Falls and Fractures in Older Adults: Causes and Prevention – NIH
A simple accident like tripping on a rug or slipping on a wet floor can change your life. If you fall, you could break a bone, which thousands of older adults experience each year. For older people, a broken bone can also be the start of more serious health problems and can lead to long-term disability.
https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/falls-and-fractures-older-adults-causes-and-prevention
Older Adult Safety – United States Consumer Protection Agency
Fall prevention: Simple tips to prevent falls – Mayo Clinic
Falls put you at risk of serious injury. Prevent falls with these simple fall prevention measures, from reviewing your medications to hazard-proofing your home.
Keep on Your Feet—Preventing Older Adult Falls – Centers for Disease Control
Falls are common and costly, especially among Americans age 65 and older. But falls are preventable and do not have to be an inevitable part of aging.
How to Prepare Before a Disaster Occurs
Gather the information that will help you prepare for disasters and emergencies.
How to Prepare Before a Disaster Occurs
The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services aims to assist Ventura County residents in preparing for, responding to and recovering from a local disaster. By providing information about local hazards and step-by-step preparedness education and materials, Ready Ventura County supports whole community resilience.
Come and participate with the Camarillo Council on Aging
Join us the third Tuesday of each month at 3 pm (excluding August and December).
The agenda and location is posted the Friday before the meeting at www.cityofcamarillo.org under the Council on Aging tab. We value your input!
Contact us via email at [email protected]