Inspiration, Articles, Video and Interviews by Carol

The mission of Ventura County Caregivers over the past 40 years has been: ‘To promote the health, well-being, dignity and independence of frail, homebound elders through one -on-one relationships with trusted volunteers.’ “In the past decade, CAREGIVERS has doubled our geographic footprint to serve the entire County – a testament to the boundless spirit of

Mental Health Services Act & Proposition 1 The goal of Proposition 1, which Californians passed in March 2024, is “Aiming to strengthen California’s behavioral health system by funding mental health treatment, substance use disorder services, and supportive housing with additional focus for veterans and individuals facing homelessness. They will be ensuring equitable access to these

The CA Government & Disability Summit in Ventura took place between September 24-27th, here in Ventura at the Crowne Plaza Ventura Beach Hotel. Dani Anderson, Disability Access Manager for the County of Ventura, spearheaded and organized putting this important summit together to focus on issues related to accessibility. It was attended by well over 500

It’s nice to know that I am still doing my passion, writing as a journalist. In 1994 I was following my passion as a writer and won first place in the CA Jaycees. Dr. Schuller asks:“What would you attempt to do if you knew you could not fail?” If I knew that I could not

The Mental Health Services Act (MHSA), also known as Proposition 63, is a major source of funding for mental health services across the state, including Ventura County. The spending of these tax revenues is divided between five distinct categories: 1) Community Services and Support; 2) Prevention and Early Intervention; 3) Innovation; 4) Capital facilities and

A Mid-Year Adjustment was completed for the current 3-year plan for the Mental Health Services Act. The plan outlines what Ventura County Behavioral Health plans to spend its Mental Health Services Act dollars on from 2023-2026. The mid-year adjustment was needed after a onetime payment was received from the state in August of 2023. To

Ageism is too common in our society. Elders deserve our respect and admiration for who they are as individuals. Even if someone has memory issues or dementia, don’t ignore them. They still have feelings and hopes and desires like the rest of us. And, with age, comes wisdom, which needs to be respected, too. And,

My contribution to the HMA Today August, 2022 newsletter. HHMA Today is affiliated with the Health Ministries Association, Inc Even though the Americans with Disability Act of 1990 made many changes for the better for people with disabilities by prohibiting discrimination of people with limitations from public accommodations, transportation, and employment, it is impossible to legislate

As advocates, the Long-Term Care Ombudsman make a difference for residents in order to improve conditions. Sylvia Taylor-Stein, Executive Director of the Long-Term Care Services of Ventura County Ombudsman Program said, “Through advocating, the main services provided by the Long-Term Care Ombudsman include: 1) Facility Monitoring & Complaints Resolutions; and, 2) Investigating and resolving complaints

LiveWell is not just about aging, but aging well. “Welcome to the 2022 issue of LiveWell, a resource guide designed specifically with older adults, people with disabilities, and caregivers in mind.  The landscape of issues for the populations we serve is continually changing, therefore the Ventura County Area Agency on Aging (VCAAA), is continually creating