The Ventura County Area Agency on Aging’s (VCAAA) Information and Assistance (I&A) team serves on the front lines of the agency, responding to incoming calls and connecting the public with a wide range of resources, including caregiver support, food and meal assistance, housing and transportation.
The I&A team is a critical link for adults aged 60 and older, individuals with disabilities and their caregivers. Staff members refer callers to appropriate programs and services within their communities to help address a variety of needs.
Caregiver Support
If you are caring for a loved one age 60 or older, or are a grandparent raising a grandchild, support programs are available. Caregivers begin by completing the TCARE caregiver assessment, which helps identify stress levels and the risk of burnout. Based on the results, participants may be connected with a Family Caregiver Support Program (FCSP) social worker to develop a personalized care plan.
The FCSP offers caregiver training, support groups, home modifications and safety devices, a caregiver resource library and computer center, as well as community education. Eligible caregivers may also receive in-home or out-of-home respite care, such as adult day care services.
For more information or to access the assessment, visit vcaaa.venturacounty.gov. To speak with an I&A social worker, call 805-477-7300 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. weekdays or email LOIS.VCAAA@venturacounty.gov.
Food and Meal Assistance
VCAAA, in partnership with local organizations, provides nutritious meals to older adults and individuals with disabilities through the Senior Nutrition Program.
The program offers both congregate meals at community sites and home-delivered meal services. These meals help support health, safety, dignity and overall quality of life.
The program is not income-based. While a voluntary contribution is suggested, no eligible individual age 60 or older will be denied participation due to inability to contribute.
For information about local meal services, contact the Ventura Avenue Adult Center, 550 N. Ventura Ave., at 805-648-3035.
Housing
HomeShare is now operated by the United Way of Ventura County. Individuals interested in shared housing opportunities may contact the Landlord Engagement Program at 805-485-6288 or email LEPreferrals@vcunitedway.org. More information is available at unitedtoendhomelessnessvc.org.
Additional resources for low-income and subsidized housing, including Section 8 and public housing options, are available for individuals able to live independently:
Ventura County Housing Authority: VenturaHousing.org | 805-648-5008
Many Mansions: manymansions.org | 805-496-4948
Resources for People Experiencing Homelessness
The following organizations provide services such as case management, meals, housing assistance and other supportive programs:
Ventura County Human Services Agency: venturacounty.gov/human-services-agency/homeless-services | 805-385-1800
Community Action of Ventura County: ca-vc.org | 805-436-4000
Lutheran Social Services: lsssc.org | 805-497-6207
Project Understanding: ProjectUnderstanding.org | 805-652-1326
Facility Placement Referral Services
The following agencies can help individuals and families find appropriate care facilities, including assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing and board-and-care homes:
Assisted Living Connections: AssistedLivingConnections.com | 888-880-1811
California Senior Living: CaliforniaSeniorLiving.com | 805-405-2411
Ventura County Ombudsman Program: OmbudsmanVentura.org | 805-656-1986
For more information from the Ventura County Area Agency on Aging, visit www.vcaaa.venturacounty.gov, call 805-477-7300 or email LOIS.VCAAA@venturacounty.gov.
