The shape of a heart has represented the Camarillo Health Care District and its mission for years. To staff, it symbolizes community, care and compassion. The District remains true to its core values of building community health and engagement through education, service and community partnerships to preserve function, independence and dignity.
Staff make up the Heart of the District. Today’s focus is on the Fall Prevention team, which includes three fall prevention specialists and a fall prevention coordinator supervised by Care Services Director Asa Vaughn-Burnett, MPA. Some staff are relatively new to their roles while others are more seasoned. All bring a wealth of knowledge and experience.
“The Fall Prevention Programs at Camarillo Health Care District truly transform the lives of participants,” Asa Vaughn-Burnett said. “Our fall prevention specialists are incredibly knowledgeable, compassionate experts who take the time to understand each person’s unique needs and tailor the program to support their individual progress. Their genuine care creates a safe, uplifting environment where participants gain confidence, reduce their fear of falling, and celebrate real improvements.”
Fall prevention has been a longstanding program with the District, understanding that falls can (and do) happen at any stage and age of life. However, as we age, falls can become more serious. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports falls are the leading cause of injury deaths among those 65 and older. Falls can result in serious injuries, from fractures and head trauma to sprains, and those injuries can lead to a diminished quality of life.
The District’s Fall Prevention Team, through various class and program offerings, work with you to improve confidence while decreasing any fear of falling. This type of training, offered individually and in group sessions, can result in fewer falls and fall-related injuries.
Below is a complete list of Camarillo Health Care District’s Fall Prevention offerings, so you can start or enhance your health journey today.
BINGOCIZE is a fun and interactive program combining education with exercise and social engagement.
Bingocize is a popular class that combines exercise with Bingo, fall prevention tips, jokes and trivia.
MATTER OF BALANCE focuses on managing concerns about falls through discussions about safety techniques and setting goals for increasing activity.
TAI CHI FOR ARTHRITIS is designed for anyone looking to relieve pain from arthritis or other chronic conditions and improve movement, balance, strength, flexibility, and relaxation.
BALANCEFIT focuses on reducing fall risks and improving cognition while progressing participants through a series of games that get more complex and challenging as you move through the levels.
POWERFIT combines additional rounds of BALANCEfit games with the use of resistance bands to help strengthen the upper body while building on the success of the previous BALANCEfit work.
SMARTFIT is physical and cognitive training disguised as fun games that make you think while you move.
WALKING GROUP helps you strengthen your legs, reduce stress, benefit your heart and improve your overall sense of well-being.
“I’ve seen firsthand how these classes empower people to move with greater assurance, independence and joy. The entire fall prevention team is remarkable, not just for their expertise, but for their heartfelt dedication to helping every participant thrive,” Vaughn-Burnett said.
Tai Chi for Arthritis is part of the Camarillo Health Care District’s Fall Prevention Programs.
CAMARILLO HEALTH CARE DISTRICT ASKED ITS FALL PREVENTION SPECIALISTS …
What aspect of your job brings you the most joy?
Lesa: “I truly love working with our clients. They are a constant source of inspiration. Despite life’s challenges, they show remarkable resilience and continue to invest in their wellbeing by participating in our programs. Their determination to improve their lives is both motivating and very rewarding to see.”
Mikaela: “One of the aspects of this job that brings me joy is witnessing my clients’ success, whether that be increased confidence, improved balance or more engagement with life. Sometimes I don’t see that success right away; sometimes it reveals itself later when I see a former client share their story in the form of a thank you note or a voicemail. It means a lot to me, and I love celebrating their success alongside them.”
Describe how you connect with clients and make them feel comfortable:
Junette: “I connect with my clients by practicing client centeredness, ensuring that they have fun experiences while feeling heard and supported. I listen to their goals, interests and individual needs, and I emphasize working together as a team. Clear communication, mutual respect and offering adaptable activities help create a safe and welcoming environment.”
NOTEWORTHY:
The District’s Fall Prevention Program won “Innovative Program of the Year” in 2024 from the California Special Districts Association.
