Category: Seniors

Friendship Center — Donations for isolated seniors in SB!

Friendship Center, with the help of our fabulous partners, has delivered over four hundred Take Care Totes to isolated seniors in South Santa Barbara County during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Many of our senior friends are living with a dementia diagnosis and/ or other health conditions and have had little to no contact with the outside world for four months. The Take Care Totes, providing snacks, personal care items, activities and more, have become a lifeline for our senior friends as well as their caregivers.

State Sen. Jackson Bill to Require Backup Power for Nursing Homes Passes Senate Floor

As California faces another wildfire season and potential public safety power shutoffs (PSPS) amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara)’s Senate Bill 1207 to require California nursing homes to have backup power for at least 96 hours during an emergency passed off the Senate floor yesterday on a 36 to 0 vote. The bill now moves to the Assembly.

Independent-Living Seniors Find Affordable Sanctuary at the New Housing Authority of the City of SB ‘The Gardens on Hope’

SANTA BARBARA — As COVID-19 continues to re-shape life in the U.S., one thing for certain is that the record-high increase in unemployment goes hand in hand with a shortage of affordable housing. This is especially hard for senior residents facing homelessness in Santa Barbara, and who live on a reduced income and may rely on part-time work to make ends meet but are in danger of losing their jobs due to lay-offs or closures.

Step Forward Entertainment Celebrates the Music of the Legendary Neil Sedaka A Virtual Concert to Benefit The Actors Fund Streaming on June 20th and 21st @ 7pm EDT / 4pm PDT

To help lift spirits during the worldwide lockdown while providing a lively musical event, Step For- ward Entertainment is producing a special virtual concert celebrating the music of the legendary artist, Neil Sedaka to benefit The Actors Fund Covid-19 Relief efforts.

The concert titled, “Steppin Forward Virtually to Celebrate the Music of the Legendary Neil Sedaka” will be streamed on Saturday, June 20th and Sunday, June 21st at 7pm EDT, 4pm PDT and repeated on Thursday, June 25th at 10pm EDT, 7pm PDT, presented by Robert R. Blume/Step Forward Entertainment and Pat Labez, in coop- eration with both Neil Sedaka Music and The Actors Fund. Krystin Goodwin, TV/Film actress and Fox reporter covering Entertainment and Trending News on Sirius XM Radio will serve as host.

June Newsletter & Special Thanks! ~ Friendship Center

Here at Friendship Center, we foster and encourage strong partnerships with our family caregivers to assist our members in getting connected online, so that they can continue participating with their friends in virtual social settings – we call this our virtual community. We are ready to help make this possible, so please contact us and let’s embrace something new together!

Ventura County Public Health Issues Visitation Guidance for Long-Term Care Facilities

The Ventura County Public Health Officer has issued visitation guidance for Long-Term Care Facilities (LTCF). For more than two months residents of the facilities have not been able to have visits from friends and family members to protect these seniors from COVID-19 infection. These residents have missed special visits with their loved ones and the following guidance will allow for facilities to maintain and enhance the quality of life for these residents.

Make Your Mark: Check in and Protect Older Adults

For the past 57 years, our nation has designated May as Older Americans Month to celebrate the countless contributions that older adults make in their communities. This year’s theme is Make Your Mark, and California is celebrating by highlighting how older adults are making their mark during the COVID-19 pandemic to keep our communities safe and healthy.

County of Ventura COVID-19 update for May 26

Resources

COVID-19 Testing: Information is attached and included at www.vcemergency.com.
Food: http://foodshare.com/covid19/
Senior Services: https://www.vcaaa.org/covid-19/
Unemployment assistance: https://www.vcemergency.com/resources
Business resources: https://edcollaborative.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/EDC-COVID19-BUSINESS-RESOURCE-GUIDE.pdf
Wellness: https://www.wellnesseveryday.org/coping-during-coronavirus
Coping with stress: https://habits.vcbh.org/
Support resources: https://www.ventura.org/departments/hsa/community-events/coronavirus-remote-resources/remote-resources-during-coronavirus/
Frequently asked questions about the Stay Well VC Order:https://www.vcemergency.com/staywellvc/faqs-general

COVID-19 Case Rate and California’s Diversity — Patterns in Coronavirus Exposure

Every case of COVID-19 is the result of someone having been exposed to the coronavirus. Here in California, as elsewhere, different people experience different exposures to the virus. Some individuals and families—those with work that can be done remotely, robust health insurance, and relatively easy access to a physician—have been able to reduce their coronavirus exposure by sheltering at home for the past eight weeks.

County of Ventura COVID-19 update for May 21

VENTURA COUNTY — Good Evening, Here’s your COVID-19 Update from the County of Ventura. 25 new cases 883 total cases 680 recovered cases 21 hospitalized 12 ICU 174 under quarantine 29 deaths 18,673 people tested   www.vcemergency.com   Business Information: www.vcreopens.com…

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — Expedited Reopening for Certain Businesses Coming Soon

Yesterday, Governor Newsom announced changes to his criteria for counties to be able to move more quickly through Stage 2 of his reopening plan (although no counties can move past Stage 2 into Stage 3 until the Governor authorizes that action) and today, our Public Health Director is sending in our attestation that Santa Barbara County meets the criteria.

The new criteria is as follows:

County of Ventura COVID-19 update for May 19 — COVID-19 Response Information: Testing

Testing:  The County of Ventura has expanded testing throughout the county for residents who have the slightest suspicion of having COVID-19 or have been exposed to someone with it. You will not be charged for the test, and you don’t need to have health insurance. You may be asked for insurance information if you have it. Three new drive up testing sites will be open Wednesday. 1) Ventura College, 4667 Telegraph Road in Ventura 2) Moorpark College, 7075 Campus Rd. Moorpark 3) Ford Dealership 128 S. Hallock Drive, Santa Paula. More information about the state testing sites and county clinics can be found in the attached pdf and at www.vcemergency.com.

Santa Barbara First District Supervisor Das Williams — More Testing and a Guide for Reopening

Despite a large increase in the amount of testing, COVID-19 infections continue to be modest. During Tuesday’s Board of Supervisors hearing, the Santa Barbara County Public Health Department Director presented the above graph, which indicates that new cases have continued to decline if you exclude the cases from the Lompoc Federal Correctional Institution. At the Board of Supervisors meeting this coming Tuesday, the Board will receive a presentation on the Reopening In Safe Environment (RISE) Guide, which builds off of the guidance from the Governor’s Resilience Roadmap but also provides local guidance and best practices for industry sectors as developed by an expert panel.

Hospice of Santa Barbara Takes Part in Delivering 120 Lunches to Local Seniors

As a way to give back to our community in this time of need, Shalhoob’s and Hospice of Santa Barbara (HSB) delivered 120 meals from Shalhoob’s to the senior living complex Village Santa Fe Apartments, a Housing Authority of the City of Santa Barbara property. Hospice of Santa Barbara provided 12 volunteers who helped pack and deliver the meals donated by Shalhoob’s. 

Ventura County Civic Alliance — Livable Communities Newsletter – May 15, 2020

What we define as “livable” has now changed, of necessity, but what does this hold for the future?  In our first article, Kerry Roscoe takes a moment to think about the positives and negatives ahead of us.

Our next article takes a new look at the Not In My Back Yard (NIMBY) movement.  Each of us may have our own definition of what we think a NIMBY is or is not, but I would bet that few, if any, would define a NYMBY as Alan Durning has in his February 2020 article entitled KNOW THINE NIMBY.  Because the negative impact of NIMBY entrenchment is so strong, housing advocates need to better understand who we are addressing during debates regarding new housing. 

County of Ventura COVID-19 update for May 13 — No cost covid-19 testing is offered for all community members at two state locations

Good Evening, Here is your COVID-19 update from the County of Ventura.

25 new cases

725 total cases

477 recovered cases

23 hospitalized

12 in the ICU

24 deaths (2 ages 25-44, 5 ages 45-64, 17 ages 65+) all patients had comorbidities

14,384 people tested

Jackson Bill to Require Backup Power for Nursing Homes Passes Health Committee

As California faces another wildfire season and potential public safety power shutoffs (PSPS) amid the COVID-19 pandemic, State Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson’s (D-Santa Barbara)’s Senate Bill 1207 to require California nursing homes to have backup power for at least 96 hours during an emergency passed unanimously out of Senate Health Committee today on a 7 to 0 vote.

How your United Way of Ventura County is responding to COVID-19

Over the past few months, COVID-19 has reshaped our lives and priorities in powerful ways. Here at your United Way, we’ve been collaborating with our community partners and adapting how we provide services so that we can better respond to the needs of our most vulnerable citizens.

In this moment of unprecedented uncertainty, we are incredibly thankful for our community partners, donors, and volunteers. They’ve stepped up to provide vital resources for our neighbors and friends who need it the most right now.

To learn more about how your local United Way is responding during this global pandemic, please take a moment to view my recent interview with OVTV.

County of Ventura COVID-19 update for May 12 — Register your business to reopen at www.vcreopens.com

Good Evening, Here’s your COVID-19 Update from the County of Ventura.

22 new cases
700 total cases
475
Recovered cases
25 hospitalized
13 in the ICU
204 under quarantine
21 deaths
Tune in at 1 pm on 5/13/20 at www.vcemergency.com for a video update.

Register your business to reopen at www.vcreopens.com.

County of Ventura COVID-19 update for May 11 — No cost COVID-19 testing is available for all community members at two state testing sites

Good Evening, Here is your COVID-19 update for May 11, 2020. Moving forward stats will be provided Monday through Friday. Stats from Saturday and Sunday will be included in the Monday report.

12 new cases

678 total cases

458 recovered cases

19 deaths

28 hospitalized

11 ICU patients

13, 715 tested

County of Ventura Moves to Stage 2 Reopening • El Condado avanzará con la Etapa 2 del estado de reapertura

The County of Ventura has reached an important milestone for our community, County and our local economy. The Public Health Officer announced today a new modified Stay Well VC Health Order to align with the State of California’s four-stage framework for reopening. The County will move forward with the State’s Stage 2 of reopening lower-risk businesses on May 8, 2020. This will allow retail businesses, such as clothing stores, bookstores, sporting goods stores and florists, for example, to reopen with curb side delivery, as well as the related manufacturing and supply chain businesses.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley (BGCGCV) Rise to the Occasion During COVID-19 Outbreak

Despite economic challenges brought on by the COVID-19 Outbreak, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley (BGCGCV) continues to support youth and staff to cope and emerge from the COVID-19 crisis.

The BGCGCV continues to keep 4 out of 9 of its Clubs open to provide the critical childcare needed for essential working families.  In addition to childcare, the BGCGCV is working hard to maintain a sense of routine for youth, help prevent learning loss, and focusing on the social, and emotional wellbeing of its members.

Santa Barbara County Food Rescue Network Expands to Offer Critical Support to Those In Need

Santa Barbara County Food Rescue, a program of the Community Environmental Council (CEC), announces multiple collaborations to support county-wide efforts to feed those in need during the COVID-19 crisis.

Santa Barbara County Food Rescue matches donors that have excess, nutritious food with organizations serving food insecure populations. Since 2018, this CEC-led effort has coordinated the?rescue?of?nearly 60,000 pounds of edible prepared food?for?distribution?through?more than a dozen agencies,?including Buellton Senior Center, Casa Serena, PATH, and Salvation Army Hospitality House. Beyond helping people, food rescue mitigates climate impacts by keeping high-quality excess prepared food out of landfills, where it decomposes and emits methane, a potent greenhouse gas.

County of Ventura COVID-19 update for May 7 — Stay Well VC – Safely Reopening Ventura County

The County of Ventura has reached an important milestone for our community, County and our local economy. The Public Health Officer announced today a new modified Stay Well VC Health Order to align with the State of California’s four-stage framework for reopening. The County will move forward with the State’s Stage 2 of reopening lower-risk businesses on May 8, 2020.  This will allow retail businesses, such as clothing stores, bookstores, sporting goods stores and florists, for example, to reopen with curb side delivery, as well as the related manufacturing and supply chain businesses.

County of Ventura COVID-19 update for May 6

Good Evening, Here’s your daily COVID-19 update from the County of Ventura.

13 new cases

608 total cases

419 recovered cases

23 hospitalized

11 in the ICU

170 under quarantine

19 deaths

12,122 people tested

Today’s video update: https://vimeo.com/415735841.

County of Ventura Expanded COVID-19 Testing

Community transmission of COVID-19 continues to occur in Ventura County. Testing for COVID-19 has expanded to multiple locations throughout the County. Any Ventura County resident who meets the following criteria may schedule an appointment for testing by calling a State Location or County’s Ambulatory Urgent Care-sponsored testing site hotline.

Friendship Center — Giving Tuesday

During Friendship Center’s closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are challenged to find creative ways to serve and support our senior community. The FC team is up for that challenge, but we need your help! In addition to hygiene and home activity supplies for our Take Care Totes, we are accepting monetary donations to fund virtual support for our sweet seniors and their families.  Thank you to all for any amount of support, be well and stay safe

Updated parking along Pacific Coast Highway

In order to continue the success of Ventura County flattening the COVID-19 curve, the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office, working in collaboration with the California Highway Patrol, Caltrans, California State Parks, and Ventura County Parks Department, will be updating parking standards along northern and southern stretches of the Pacific Coast Highway in Ventura County.

State COVID-19 Case Rates and Pandemic Protection: A Metric for Decisions to Implement, Continue, or Relax Measures

State and terrritorial governors have implemented pandemic protection measures in order to interrupt and slow down the passage of the coronavirus throughout each state’s population. Some of these measures are implemented at the individual level, such as wearing a facemask or maintaining social distance. The risk of transmission is much higher among crowds of people in close proximity, so another set of measures operates at the group level, trying to keep large groups from forming by keeping potential members dispersed.

“Romaine lettuce tainted with E. coli can be recalled or removed from grocery stores to prevent transmission,” said Paul Hsu, an epidemiologist at UCLA. “When someone is infected with coronavirus, we have to rearrange social contacts to interrupt that person-to-person transmission.” Crowds at sporting events, audiences at concerts, and students in classrooms have been dispersed by cancelling games, events, and classes.

Coalition For Family Harmony Sees Increase In Crisis Calls To Its Hotline

The Coalition for Family Harmony, which provides victims of family violence in Ventura County with the means to help escape from abuse, has seen a 10 to 15 percent increase in crisis calls to its hotline since the COVID-19 stay-at-home order took effect.

“Financial and emotional stresses are taking a toll. Victims are calling our hotline, fearful about staying in their home with an abuser but also worried about leaving and possibly being exposed to COVID-19,” says Dr. Caroline Prijatel-Sutton, Coalition For Family Harmony executive director. “They are in desperate situations.”

County of Ventura COVID-19 update for April 30

Good Evening, Here’s your daily update on COVID-19 in the County of Ventura.

18 new cases
535 total cases
377 recovered cases
27 currently in the hospital (5 patients are long term care facility patients that do not need hospital care but are being cared for in the hospital setting to protect other long term care facility residents)
9 in the ICU
18 deaths (37-99; 9 males and 9 females)
9,962 people tested

Press Conference: Here’s an update from 4/29/20 https://vimeo.com/413333237. Tune in tomorrow at 1 pm for the Friday update. Streamed live on www.vcemergency.com.

County of Ventura COVID-19 update for April 29

Chief Deputy Director of the Ventura County Health Care Agency Barry Zimmerman provided an update on testing this week. View the update here. The County of Ventura is focused on the ability to monitor and protect our communities through testing, contact tracing, isolating and supporting those who are positive or exposed. These steps are critical on the path to reopening.

Santa Barbara County Nonprofits Collaborate to Meet Critical Needs of Isolated Seniors During COVID-19

Many of our older community members, particularly those living alone, are not receiving the support they need during the coronavirus pandemic. To address this gap, several nonprofits in Santa Barbara County have collaborated to identify isolated seniors and connect them to essential services or critical needs, such as food and supplies.