by Carol Leish, MA

“The Ventura County Aging & Disability Resource Center (ADRC) provides a coordinated point of entry to ensure that older adults (over age 60), people with disabilities (of all ages), and caregivers have access to the services and supports needed to remain independent in the community,” according to, Denise Noguera-Valenzuela, MSG, Call Center Manager, Area Agency on Aging.  “The ADRC is comprised of a partnership between the Ventura County Area Agency on Aging and the Independent Living Resource Center, Inc. (ILRC).”

“The Ventura County Area Agency on Aging (VCAAA) became part of the Human Services Agency (HSA) on July 1, 2023. The VCAAA’s programs (such as the Aging & Disability Resource Center partnership with the Independent Living Resource Center), are devoted to older adults, people with disabilities, and caregivers. The new structure has been designed to create a more streamlined process to serve these populations.” (Roger Horne, ‘LiveWell,’ 2024, pg. 4)

Core service areas provided by the ADRC include: 1) Enhanced information and referral 2) Options counseling 3) Short-term services coordination and 4) Transition services. “We use the ‘No Wrong Door’ approach, in which long-term services are streamlined,” according to Noguera-Valenzuela. “This happens through ADRC transition advocates who facilitate transitions for individuals from hospitals, nursing facilities, intermediate care facilities, or any other institutional settings back to their homes. Living in the community is significantly more cost effective compared to institutional living. More importantly, it increases quality of life and improves overall health outcomes.  People are happier to live independently, with added support in their home.  Added support that individuals can get from us include:  1) Caregiving support 2) Nutrition services (home delivered meals), and 3) Home Modifications (grab bars/ramps, etc.)”

Information and referral are enhanced through person centered care and screening.  Noguera-Valenzuela said, “Every contact we receive is handled in a way that is tailored to the person’s needs.  And, with the ‘No Wrong Door’ philosophy, we see what the person wants, or what they are looking for and coordinate and connect them to the service that best supports their needs. Through ‘warm referrals,’ we are better able to remove barriers and provide coordinated systems of care. Our short-term (90 days or less) or one-time services may deal with transportation; meals; or bridging the gap for someone to avoid long term institution.”

Through a warm hand off to Transition Services for example, the Independent Living Resource Center (ILRC) helps facilitate the change from hospital to home or care facility.  People can get back into the community with the help of ILRC.

ILRC promotes independent living and full access for people with disabilities. Visit https://ilrc-trico.org, call 805-650-5993 or contact the Deputy Director, Alexa Martin at 805-650-5993 ext. 202 or email her at [email protected].

The Aging & Disability Resource Center does provide both public and private help that deals with both medical and nonmedical concerns. There are different eligibility criteria for different programs and services. For more information, contact Denise Noguera-Valenzuela at [email protected] or [email protected] or call 805-477-7300.

California is facing a looming shortage of caregivers for older adults and adults with disabilities over the next five to 10 years. To address this critical need, the California Department of Aging (CDA), under the California Health & Human Services Agency, has introduced the CalGrows program. This initiative aims to support caregivers by providing free training courses and incentive payments.

CalGrows is designed to enhance the skills of both paid direct care workers and unpaid family and friend caregivers. More than 70 organizations across California have received funding through the CalGrows Innovation Fund to develop and scale innovative training courses. To date, over 13,000 caregivers have participated in more than 89,000 training courses, earning more than $7 million in incentive payments.

“CalGrows has been instrumental in addressing the impending shortage of caregivers in California,” said CDA Director Susan DeMarois. “Thousands of enrollees across the state—many of them women and people of color—have been able to take free training courses and earn financial incentives of up to $6,000 while building their skills. CalGrows offers a tremendous opportunity for caregivers to learn new skills and improve existing ones to deliver the best possible care to older adults and adults with disabilities. I encourage all California caregivers to take advantage of this free training before the program ends on September 30, 2024.”

A Win for Caregivers

“We can apply what we learn in our everyday work life immediately,” said Jeannie Smith of Napa Valley Support Services about her experience with CalGrows. “People feel empowered by being able to take what they learned and immediately use it in their workplace.”

Sean Hidalgo, who manages CalGrows courses at Sacramento’s ACC Senior Services, remarked, “Being a caregiver and direct care worker is a very hard job. Having the opportunity not just to take these free courses but also to receive incentive pay is a huge win for them.”

ACC driver Keng Thor, who has taken CalGrows courses, was also positive about his experience, stating, “The knowledge I received from CalGrows was put to use and made me more confident in being able to meet and interact with my clients.”

California’s Aging Population is Growing Quickly

By 2030, 25% of the state’s population will be over age 60, outnumbering younger generations for the first time. This population shift increases the need for skilled caregivers as more Californians face age-related conditions like Alzheimer’s and limited mobility. CalGrows is a critical step toward increasing California’s workforce of high-quality caregivers.

About the Free Caregiver Trainings

CalGrows provides a foundation for increased skills, job satisfaction, retention, and career development opportunities for direct care workers. This includes both paid professional caregivers and family and friends who step into caregiver roles. More than 600 free, virtual, and in-person courses are available on CalGrows.org. The course catalog is searchable by topic, location, and language, with courses offered in nine languages to address the needs of California’s diverse population. Topics include:

• Dementia care
• Patient-centered communication
• Mobility assistance techniques
• Healthcare professional self-care
• Managing chronic disease
• Care team collaboration

Paid caregivers eligible for up to $6,000 in incentive payments must submit an Incentive Claim by August 30, 2024. While CalGrows courses will be available online through September 30, all Incentive Claims must be submitted by August 30.

For more information, visit www.aging.ca.gov.

As we age, personal safety becomes increasingly important. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, the elderly population can be vulnerable to crime due to social isolation, urban living, reliance on public transportation, and predictable behavior patterns. Seniors often face unique challenges when it comes to personal safety. Physical strength may decline, and mobility issues can arise. Recognizing the importance of self-defense is the first step toward empowering seniors to lead confident, secure lives.

Mindset Matters: Cultivating Awareness

Self-defense starts with a mindset of awareness. Seniors can enhance their safety by staying alert to their surroundings and potential risks. This includes being mindful of unfamiliar environments, understanding common scams targeting older individuals, and recognizing the importance of personal space.

Simple and Effective Physical Techniques

Balance and Stability Exercises: Many self-defense techniques for seniors focus on improving balance and stability. Incorporating exercises like tai chi or yoga can enhance core strength and coordination, making it easier to maintain equilibrium during unforeseen situations.

Self-Defense Classes: Taking self-defense classes can be beneficial for seniors. These classes teach practical techniques tailored to seniors’ abilities, helping them feel more secure and confident.

Defensive Tools for Seniors: Carrying non-lethal defensive tools, such as pepper spray or personal alarms, can provide an extra layer of protection. Understanding how to use these tools safely is crucial, and many self-defense classes for seniors cover their proper usage.

Mental and Emotional Preparedness

Confidence Building: Self-defense is not just about physical techniques. Building confidence is equally important. Seniors can benefit from classes that focus on boosting self-esteem and instilling a sense of capability.

Conflict Resolution Skills: Learning effective communication and conflict resolution skills is essential for seniors. These skills can help de-escalate potentially dangerous situations, allowing seniors to navigate daily life with more confidence.

Tailoring Techniques for Health Conditions

Seniors often deal with specific health conditions that may impact their ability to engage in traditional self-defense techniques. It’s crucial to tailor the training to accommodate these conditions, ensuring that the techniques taught are safe and feasible for individuals with various health concerns.

A Holistic Approach to Self-Defense

As we age, self-defense goes beyond physical strength and techniques. It involves cultivating a mindset of awareness, learning simple yet effective physical techniques, and addressing mental and emotional aspects of personal safety. Seniors can enhance their security by embracing a holistic approach to self-defense that considers their unique needs and challenges. Embracing self-defense is not just a matter of physical protection but a declaration of independence and resilience, ensuring that seniors can enjoy their golden years with peace of mind and confidence.

By investing time in self-defense training and adopting safety measures, seniors can lead more independent and secure lives. The City of Ventura offers adult programs and resources to empower seniors in their journey toward enhancing personal safety. The Essential Self-Defense course at the Barranca Vista Center covers the four core areas of self-defense: Threat Recognition, Situational Control, Physical Engagement, and Aftermath Management. Using a variety of drills and scenario simulations, seniors can learn mental, physical, and emotional skills to help develop a proactive approach to self-defense. The City also offers adult and senior yoga classes, T’ai Chi: Moving for Better Balance, weight training, and more. Visit www.cityofventura.ca.gov and click on Parks and Rec to check out the Fall 2024 Activity Guide.

The ElderHelp Program (EHP) provides free, short-term assistance to frail seniors to maintain their independence at home. It is funded by the Older Americans Act (OAA). Due to the high number of referrals, clients may be placed on a waiting list and, if approved, receive assistance from one service category. Because of the cost of providing the service, EHP referrals must come from senior service agencies or from VCAAA Information and Assistance (I&A) staff.

Who is eligible to receive services?

• Ventura County residents age 60 or older (the OAA requires clients to be aged 60+). The only exception is for Medi-Ride Transportation, as additional grant funds were obtained to provide a limited number of rides to disabled adults under age 60.
• Seniors requiring help with activities of daily living such as bathing, shopping, and housework.
• Referrals for seniors age 85 or older, living alone, recently discharged from the hospital, and/or referred by Adult Protective Services (APS) are given priority.

What services are available?

Medi-Ride Transportation: This service provides rides to medical appointments only. Transportation can be provided outside city limits (for example, a senior in Ventura needing to get to Kaiser in Woodland Hills). Clients must provide proof of Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) eligibility, such as a copy of their ADA card or ADA application letter. Clients must show that they are unable to take public transportation because of their disability (e.g., a senior requiring door-through-door gurney transportation). Caps on the number of rides provided may be instituted at any time.

Dial-A-Ride Tickets: This service provides paratransit tickets or coins for any transportation need, such as medical appointments, shopping, errands, visiting family, etc. This service targets low-income seniors for whom paying for the cost of Dial-A-Ride is a financial burden. Tickets are assigned and given directly to the senior for tracking purposes (i.e., not handed out to senior service agencies for bulk distribution). Referrals will only be accepted from a senior service agency that is familiar with the senior’s situation and can certify that the senior qualifies for Dial-A-Ride.

Personal Care: This service provides assistance with tasks such as bathing, dressing, and grooming; it also includes stand-by help and/or supervision.

Homemaker: This service provides assistance with light housework tasks such as dusting, vacuuming, laundry, and meal preparation.

Chore: This service provides assistance with heavy housework tasks that require more energy and deep cleaning, such as decluttering, mopping, and scrubbing bathtubs. One instance of Homemaker and/or Chore service is allowed per household. Due to the high demand for these services, clients who received Personal Care, Homemaker, and/or Chore assistance last year are ineligible for services this year.

Home Modification and/or Assistive Devices: This service assists with minor physical changes to the home, such as installation of grab bars or replacement of door handles, construction of an entrance ramp, etc., and/or assistive devices such as bathtub transfer benches, handheld showers, grab bars, and chair lifts. Due to the cost of this service, major home renovations are not covered. If clients do not own their residence, the owner must first be asked to cover the repairs. Services are provided by licensed and bonded construction vendors.

Meals: This service forwards meal referrals to the local Senior Nutrition Program provider, who will determine if the senior meets program eligibility for Congregate or Home-Delivered Meals (HDM). Congregate meals are provided Monday through Friday. HDM are available for eligible homebound seniors in most communities. Due to high demand, some communities have waiting lists for meals. All meals meet the USDA’s Dietary Recommended Intake for Older Adults, and all menus are approved by a registered dietitian.

How does the program work?

The senior service agency will make the referral and email it to [email protected] or fax it to (805) 477-7312. Email referrals are preferred. The ElderHelp Program Committee will determine if the senior qualifies and forward the referral to the appropriate vendor providing the ElderHelp Program service. Ventura County Area Agency on Aging staff will notify the referring senior service agency that the referral has been approved, which vendor will provide the service, and what has been approved. Approved service units have expiration dates. Services will be approved on a first-come, first-served basis. Additional service units may be authorized on a case-by-case basis depending on the circumstance and available funding. If the referral is denied, staff will notify the referring senior service agency and explain the reason for the denial.

It is the responsibility of the referring senior service agency to notify the senior that the request has been accepted or denied. Ventura County Area Agency on Aging is the pass-through agency for the ElderHelp Program; seniors should not contact Ventura County Area Agency on Aging directly for status updates. The ElderHelp Program is not an emergency program and cannot provide services immediately. Due to the volume of referrals and limited resources, the ElderHelp Program cannot provide long-term services. The intent of the ElderHelp Program is to help as many frail seniors as possible by offering short-term assistance while the senior and the referring senior service agency look for long-term solutions.

For more information about the ElderHelp Program, call the VCAAA Information & Assistance line at 805-477-7300.

We’re excited to announce a new, regular feature: “Local Legends: Stories of Service and Impact.” This section will spotlight local seniors who have contributed their time, skills, or talents to the betterment of our community. Local Legends don’t have to have been born here nor be life-long residents – our aim is simply to share the inspiring stories of senior Venturans who have made a positive impact on our city. These individuals may have been or continue to be local environmental activists, medical professionals, volunteers, artists, business owners, first responders, veterans, or anyone who has dedicated themselves to making Ventura a better place. Through this feature, we hope to honor their achievements and inspire others to follow in their footsteps.

Local Legends: Stories of Service and Impact

Our very first Local Legend is a familiar face to Breeze readers: Sheldon Brown, publisher emeritus of the Ventura Breeze. Earlier this year, the city of San Buenaventura honored Sheldon with a city proclamation recognizing his outstanding contributions and remarkable achievements as founder and publisher  of the Ventura Breeze newspaper. The proclamation also designated May 14 as “Sheldon Brown Day” in recognition of his exemplary service, outstanding leadership, and enduring legacy that will continue to inspire generations to come.

Sheldon previously lived and worked in Southern California. He attended USC’s School of Architecture and ran a successful practice for 30 years. He also taught architecture at the college level. After moving to Ventura in 1998, he continued to work as an architect for several years, eventually designing and building a Craftsman-style home in the historic downtown district with the interior design expertise of Diane Brown, his multi-talented wife of 30 years. Disturbed by the absence of a local, community-based newspaper to inform residents about events and news, Sheldon launched the Ventura Breeze in October 2007. He continued to publish the paper for 17 years until his retirement in May 2024.

A staunch advocate for mental health services, Sheldon was appointed to the Citizens Advisory Council overseeing the California Department of Mental Health by Governor Jerry Brown (no relation). In the Ventura Breeze newspaper, he frequently included commentary of local and statewide initiatives on mental health and homelessness, lamenting the lack of proper funding and calling on the legislature to provide enhanced mental health services. He and Diane are currently enjoying a well-earned retirement at Portside Ventura Harbor. Sheldon continues to contribute to the Ventura Breeze, enjoys playing tennis, and regularly participates in local events and activities.

Want to nominate a Local Legend? Email a brief, 400-word description along with a high-resolution photograph to [email protected] and use “Local Legend” in the subject line. Please note: Due to the high volume of submissions, we will not be able to publish every nomination received.

The Ventura County HomeShare program is an alternative way of meeting housing needs that benefits renters and homeowners alike. There are many reasons why people choose to live in shared accommodations, including a need for companionship, help with chores and light housekeeping, or financial assistance with covering taxes, utilities, and maintenance. Ventura County HomeShare pre-screens participants and identifies potential matches based on rent, desired location, and other criteria. Home providers may be living in a house too large due to life changes (empty nest or loss of a spouse), or they may be a one-parent family finding it difficult to cope with maintaining a household alone.

Home seekers may be seniors, college students, newly single persons, professionals recently moved to the area or traveling, or anyone in need of lower-cost housing who enjoys living with others. Simply put, HomeSharing is an arrangement where two or more unrelated people share a dwelling, each having their own private space and sharing certain common areas. Homesharers may arrange a regular rental payment or exchange services to offset a portion or all of the rent. No two HomeSharing situations are alike; each is tailored to the needs and desires of the individual people involved.

Different Types of HomeShare

In a rental arrangement, the home provider will rent out a spare bedroom for extra income. In a service exchange arrangement, the home provider may offer a rent-free room in exchange for services such as transportation, cooking, housekeeping, laundry, running errands, yard work, handyperson tasks, companionship, or pet care. In a mixed arrangement, the home provider will offer a reduced rent to be offset by services.

Ventura County HomeShare is not a home care agency and does not provide a private duty registry of licensed caregivers. HomeShare is not meant to be a home health service, and home seekers are not expected to provide personal care services, such as bathing or assistance with bathing, dressing, bathroom assistance, turning or lifting, or any service which brings the housemate in contact with bodily fluids.

Limited Facilitation Services

The staff of Ventura County HomeShare acts only as a facilitator, providing the opportunity for parties involved to come together and work out their own housing arrangements. HomeShare makes no promises, guarantees, warranties, or claims regarding seekers or providers of housing. Background checks are limited in nature and only provide information on federal arrests or criminal records within the last five to seven years. HomeShare does not perform credit checks, verify income or ability to pay, and does not verify physical and mental health status. It is the responsibility of the participants to determine whether referred individuals are compatible. HomeShare recommends that any housing arrangements should be set forth in a written agreement and makes samples and templates available for participants to use.

Is HomeShare the Right Program for Me?

Successful homesharers must have a degree of emotional stability, which allows them to be interested in and involved in the welfare of others. This program is not appropriate for someone who may have problems that would create additional stress in a home living arrangement. Participants should be able to advocate for themselves and assume full responsibility for every step of the HomeShare application process. HomeShare does not provide home health care. If an applicant needs a great deal of personal care or cannot be left unattended, this program is not appropriate. Homesharers can provide companionship and household help, but it should be expected that seekers will have activities of their own, independent of the home provider. HomeShare cannot provide emergency housing. The process of matching is a careful and somewhat time-consuming one and is not a “quick fix.” It can take time to find suitable matches and for applicants to make careful decisions. People in need of short-term housing may apply, but many providers prefer a longer-term commitment and referral opportunities may be limited. Persons with convictions for felony or misdemeanor crimes involving bodily injury, assault, elder abuse, sexual offense, possession or distribution of an illegal substance, or theft or damage of personal property are not eligible for the program.

To learn more, visit www.vcaaa.org/our-services/housing, call (805) 477-7300, or email [email protected].

Summertime is an excellent time to set goals and instill new routines. If you feel like you’ve been hibernating indoors, now is a great time to get outside, exercise, and enjoy a little sunshine. Exercise is key to improving your fitness. Taking in some sun will boost your vitamin D production, which is critical for good health. Exercising outdoors can put you in a happy mood and is essential for a healthy lifestyle, especially for seniors.

Whether you’re a golfer, swimmer, hiker, runner, tennis player, or pickleball player, you need to take precautions to prepare for the heat and elements that come with this time of year. Here are a few healthy tips for summertime workouts:

• Stay hydrated. You should have a bottle of water on hand, especially as temperatures rise this summer. Drink before, during, and after you exercise. Over 70 percent of our body is made up of water. Not allowing yourself to get dehydrated is key. Fruits and other foods that contain water can also be a good choice to keep you hydrated.
• Prepare for the heat and sun. Always apply sunscreen and try to exercise earlier in the day or in the evening when temperatures are not as intense. Dress in lightweight clothing and wear proper footwear. Visors and hats are also a good idea.
• Include all the elements of fitness. Your workouts should include aerobics, stretching, and strengthening exercises. Warm-up and cool-down movements are important to prepare and calm your muscles. Pace yourself and do not get overheated.

As you age, it is natural for your body processes to slow down a little. For instance, your body will take a little longer to adjust to changes in temperature. You’ll also want to try to mix up your workouts and activities to take advantage of the good weather.

• Try taking a different route on your usual walk or hike. Go to the beach, a trail, or somewhere new in your community or neighborhood. This can be even more fun with family and friends.
• Do an aqua swim class or just swim laps in a pool. Even wading in water and moving your arms and legs is good exercise.
• Take a day trip to a nearby hiking spot or scenic area with beautiful views and environment. Soak in the sun and positive vibes of nature.
• Join a group dance or fitness class. Find one that works your whole body and fits your needs. Try out different class types and stick with the one you enjoy most.
• Spend time with family, friends, and grandkids. Try to do activities that make you all feel good and energized.
• Join an athletic club, senior community center, or organization that promotes physical fitness and has a variety of classes, equipment, and a positive environment.
• Take on new hobbies or activities that you have always wanted to try. You’re never too old to start something new or continue with something that you truly love and enjoy.

This summer, make it your goal to get fit and active! Be sure to take the necessary precautions to stay hydrated and safe in the warm weather. Variety is the spice of life, and hopefully, you are ready to get outside and take advantage of all that this season has to offer!

About the Author

Leslie Sokol is the creator and founder of the adult dance and fitness program For the Young at Heart. She has been teaching adults and children for forty-five years. You can watch For the Young at Heart by visiting her YouTube Channel or on TVSB. She also teaches in retirement communities throughout Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties. For more information contact Leslie at [email protected] 805-312-8089 or visit the website: www.LeslieSokolsDance.com.

by Lesie Sokol

Life is about balance. The word balance has two definitions and both are important to consider as you age. Balance can refer to distributing your energy among different things in the right proportion, for example, we sometimes talk about trying to find the perfect balance between work and play. Creating balance between your obligations and interests creates a stable foundation that equips you to embody your best self, cope with unexpected obstacles, and manage stress. Balance also means an even distribution of weight to hold something upright and steady, such as your physical body. Both types of balance are important in order to maintain a healthy and fulfilling lifestyle.

Physical Balance

As we get older, it’s important to take a proactive approach to our health and build awareness around our sense of balance. Good balance requires the coordination of several parts of the body: the central nervous system, inner ear, eyes, muscles, bones, and joints. Problems with any one of these can affect how you stand or move without falling or recover if you trip. Aging leads to a natural loss of muscle strength and flexibility, making it challenging to maintain balance and stability. Here are some simple activities that improve balance by increasing your strength and flexibility:

• Standing exercises (holding on to something or free standing). Balance on one foot, do toe raises, tuck ups, leg extensions, leg kicks, leg swings, and/or step touches.
• Walk a fictitious balance beam, one foot in front of the other.
• Standing or walking lunges.
• Seated chair exercises: sitting and standing squats, leg lifts, tuck ups, and bending side to side with your arms moving.
• Walking, hiking, or jogging.
• Ballet dancing, ballroom or jazz dance.
• Practicing yoga or tai chi.

Mental Balance

Poor mental health can make physical issues worse, and poor physical health can exacerbate mental health challenges. It’s important, therefore, to strike a balance that allows you to look after yourself both physically and mentally. Your attitude and how you approach and handle situations can make or break the balance in your life. If you are having difficulties living a well and balanced life, then you may need to reevaluate and set different priorities. A good work-life balance is essential because it helps reduce stress and prevents burnout in both your professional and personal life.

Here are some simple ways to improve your mental health:

• Eat a healthy diet. A nutrient-rich diet helps limit mood swings and improves your ability to focus.
• Adopt or foster a pet. Having a furry companion can help reduce feelings of stress and lower levels of depression (for both you and your four-legged friend!)
• Volunteer or give back. Volunteering helps you feel a sense of purpose and allows you to socialize with others.
• Exercise regularly. Physical activities can release endorphins, reduce stress and improve your mood.
• Learn something new. Challenging your brain is both fun and beneficial and helps keep your mind sharp.
• Stay social. Staying connected to other people lowers feelings of loneliness and depression.

The Benefits of a Balanced Life

Maintaining balance in every part of your life is an important way to experience better health, feel happier, reduce stress, and be more productive. Balance, love and joy are the fruits of a successful life! Recognizing your abilities and finding ways to serve others by using them is a treasured gift. Enjoy a balanced life and have fun!

About the Author

Leslie Sokol is the creator and founder of the adult dance and fitness program For the Young at Heart. She has been teaching adults and children for forty-five years. You can watch For the Young at Heart by visiting her YouTube Channel or on TVSB. She also teaches in retirement communities throughout Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties.

For more information contact Leslie at [email protected] 805-312-8089
or visit the website: www.LeslieSokolsDance.com