ENLACES A PÁGINAS
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, older adults have a higher risk of developing depression. Risk factors may include chronic conditions, decreased functional ability, reduced mobility, chronic pain, financial issues related to retirement, elder abuse, caregiver stress, lack of physical ability, loneliness or bereavement.
If you are having thoughts about suicide or harming yourself, please contact a trusted friend, family member or health care provider immediately, or contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by dialing or texting 988 on your phone.
Please see the following programs that may help an older adult experiencing depressive symptoms.
PEARLS: Program to Encourage Active, Rewarding Lives
The Program to Encourage Active, Rewarding Lives (PEARLS) is a national evidence-based program for late-life depression. The 12-week program, which launched in April 2020 as part of a partnership between the VCAAA and Ventura County Behavioral Health, provides early intervention for people who need help. A specially trained social worker will help teach an older adult skills to maintain their health, happiness and independence.
Eligibility for PEARLS
- Live in Ventura County
- Be 60 years of age or older
- Be experiencing depressive symptoms
Senior Support Line: 800-235-9980
The Senior Support Line is a toll-free telephone number for residents age 60 and older that provides compassionate, confidential conversation and emotional support over the telephone. Personnel trained in resources and referrals are ready to speak with you to offer encouragement and connection.
The Senior Support Line is operated through the Distrito Sanitario de Camarillo. Clinically trained interns and volunteers staff the Senior Support Line from Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
If you or someone you know can relate to any of the following criteria, the Senior Support Line is here for you:
- Live alone and feel isolated or depressed
- Have few or no connections to family and friends
- At risk of losing independence
- Recently been discharged from a hospital setting or other health setting
Ventura County Behavioral Health
For more advanced mental health issues, the Ventura County Behavioral Health‘s Access/Crisis Line is the entry point for access to all services.
Individuals needing health services or who are experiencing a mental health crisis should call 1-866-998-2243. The crisis line is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. They provide support for individuals and families who are in crisis, people considering suicide, or those struggling with mental illness and/or substance use.
