Valley Vista Neighbors Magazine
March 2025 Edition
Senior Concerns: A 50-year Lifeline for Seniors
Living in this area of southern California, we enjoy a wealth of resources, not the least of which are available for the elderly in our communities and for those who care for them. This year marks the 50th anniversary of one of the premiere providers – Senior Concerns.
In 1975, a small group of Conejo Valley residents came together with a shared mission: to create an organization that would support frail seniors and their families. Little did they know that this initiative, Conejo Valley Senior Concerns, would grow into a lifeline for thousands of seniors as the aging population in the region surged.
At the time, the biggest challenge was addressing the needs of what were often referred to as the “invisible elderly” — seniors who were homebound and socially isolated. These individuals faced both physical and emotional struggles, with many experiencing deep loneliness.
To address these issues, Senior Concerns launched the Meals On Wheels program. The goal was simple, yet impactful: provide nutritious meals while fostering daily social interaction. For many homebound seniors, the friendly face of a volunteer driver might have been their only connection to the outside world.
What started in the early days with just 30 seniors being served has blossomed into a vibrant program that now delivers over 65,000 meals annually to more than 450 homebound seniors, thanks to the help of over 200 volunteer drivers.
“The need for Meals On Wheels in our community has been overwhelming,” says Andrea Gallagher, President of Senior Concerns. “With the aging of the Baby Boomer generation and the rise in life expectancy, the 90-plus population has grown by more than 17 times since 1975.”
A Community-Focused Approach
Today, more than 95-percent of seniors live in their own homes, choosing to age in place rather than moving into facilities. This shift has created an increasing demand for services that help seniors remain independent. Senior Concerns has risen to meet this need by expanding beyond meals to offer a wide range of supportive services for seniors with varying needs.
In addition to daily meals, the organization now provides seasonal information, like cooling center locations in the summer and emergency preparedness tips during high winds. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Senior Concerns went even further, establishing a pantry that delivered essential food staples and household items to seniors. Each meal recipient also received a COVID preparedness toolkit, including masks, gloves, sanitizers, and thermometers.
In response to the unique challenges of long-distance caregiving, Senior Concerns introduced In-Home Geriatric Assessments, offering families expert guidance on caregiving, safety, and medical needs. This program has been invaluable for caregivers, whether they’re caring for elderly parents or spouses.
Expanding Services for Seniors in Need
A partnership with the Westlake Sunrise Rotary in 2023 led to the introduction of free home repair services for seniors in certain areas of the Conejo Valley. Additionally, thanks to a generous grant, Senior Concerns hired a full-time social worker who assists seniors with transportation, low-income housing, and accessing essential services like Veteran’s Benefits and CalFresh.
“The program has grown into so much more than a meal,” says Gallagher. “Since receiving Meals On Wheels, seniors have experienced a 38-percent reduction in hospitalizations, a 21-percent decrease in emergency room visits, and a 37-percent decline in nursing home admissions. The program and its services have become a lifeline for seniors.”
A Rich History of Support for Caregivers
In 1978, Senior Concerns expanded its offerings with the introduction of a Senior Day Program aimed at promoting physical, mental, and social engagement for frail seniors. It was also designed to give family caregivers much-needed respite. The program started in a small, renovated home called the Fitzgerald House and served just 12 participants each day.
As the need for these services grew, so did the organization. Ten years later, the Fitzgerald Center was built to house all of Senior Concerns’ programs. It was here that the first caregiver support group was formed in collaboration with Los Robles Regional Medical Center. Over time, this one group expanded into specialized groups for dementia, Parkinson’s, stroke, and grief, as well as other areas of need.
Gallagher notes, “Caregiver support groups are essential for providing emotional support and practical advice. They offer caregivers a safe space to share their experiences and gain guidance from others facing similar challenges.”
With the new facility, Senior Concerns also launched the first Alzheimer’s Day Support Program in Ventura County. The program, which helps seniors with memory impairment, operates at full capacity each year, offering more than 20,000 hours of care and crucial respite for family caregivers.
Educating and Empowering Seniors
The organization’s commitment to educating the public has expanded with the addition of the Senior Resource Center, providing outreach and education for families of memory-impaired individuals. What began as a three-year state grant has grown into a series of workshops that reach over 500 seniors annually, addressing topics such as hospice care, hearing loss, and navigating in-home care services.
Gallagher is particularly excited about Senior Concerns’ newer initiatives for women who are aging alone. “Solo agers face unique challenges, and we’re committed to helping them plan ahead and age well,” she explains.
Additionally, Martha Shapiro Director of Programs and Gallagher regularly write newspaper columns for the Ventura County Star and The Acorn, reaching 386,000 readers on key topics affecting seniors and caregivers.
A Lifeline for 13,000 Seniors
Today, Senior Concerns impacts the lives of more than 13,000 seniors in the Conejo Valley, offering essential programs such as Meals On Wheels, the Adult Day Program, caregiver support groups, legal and financial services, and advocacy for housing and healthcare needs.
For Gallagher, the mission is deeply personal. She recalls how she and her husband became caregivers for two elderly neighbors, Fred and Hildy, who had no family nearby. “Senior Concerns was a lifeline for us,” she says. “The emotional support and guidance they provided were invaluable. It made me realize how challenging it can be to care for aging loved ones and how much help and support seniors and caregivers need.”
Today, Gallagher’s leadership is shaping the future of Senior Concerns, ensuring that the organization remains a vital resource for seniors in the Conejo Valley.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Senior Care
As the population ages and faces increasing challenges like financial strain, chronic health issues, and housing shortages, Gallagher sees the future of Senior Concerns as one focused on providing improved care and support.
She concludes, “Our goal is to make the Conejo Valley the best place to grow old.” With the ongoing expansion of services and the continued dedication of its staff and volunteers, Senior Concerns is well on its way to achieving that vision.
The organization’s commitment to helping seniors age with dignity and support is more important than ever, and its next 50 years promise an even greater impact for the community it serves. For more information about Senior Concerns and its programs, go online to www.seniorconcerns.org.
