Staying Connected and Supported: How the Campbell Adult Center Serves Seniors and Family Caregivers in Silicon Valley

Aug 14

Community Centers: Senior & Caregiver Resources

Caring for an aging loved one, whether you’re juggling work and family or a spouse managing daily routines, can be overwhelming. In Silicon Valley, where fast-paced lifestyles often leave little time for in-person connection, local resources that promote independence, social engagement, and caregiver support are invaluable.

In a recent Synergy Sessions: Aging Smarter in Silicon Valley conversation, Tom Nelson sat down with Tina Wong-Erling, Senior Services Supervisor for the City of Campbell, to share how the Campbell Adult Center helps older adults and their family caregivers thrive. From fitness classes and day trips to caregiver consultations and case management, the center offers more than many people realize.

Watch the full episode on YouTube.

A Place for Connection and Well-Being

Located at the Campbell Community Center, the Campbell Adult Center serves adults age 50 and over from Campbell, Santa Clara County, San Mateo County, and beyond. Its mission is to keep older adults active, engaged, and connected — helping to reduce isolation while promoting good health and quality of life.

Tina describes the center as a hub for three generations of older adults, from active 50-year-olds to those in their 90s. Programs are tailored for different needs, interests, and abilities.

Programs for Every Stage of Aging

Fitness, Arts, and Dance

The center offers a wide range of classes to support physical and mental wellness:

Chair exercises and Tai Chi for gentle movement
Aqua aerobics and strength training for heart and muscle health
Zumba Gold for fun, high-energy activity tailored for older adults
Art and dance classes for creative and social engagement

Tina emphasizes that physical health is closely tied to mental health, making these programs vital for overall well-being.

Day Trips Around the Bay Area

Participants enjoy planned excursions such as:

Theater performances in San Francisco
Whale watching on the coast
Oakland Zoo visits
Fleet Week’s Blue Angels show

Transportation, tickets, and planning are handled by staff so seniors can relax and enjoy the day while meeting new friends.

Drop-In Social Activities

Volunteer-led groups like book club, knitting, card games, and flower arranging give participants flexibility. These gatherings provide low-pressure ways to stay connected.

Community Lunch Program

As one of 40 Santa Clara County sites, the center serves lunch Monday through Friday. During the pandemic, the team adapted with walk-up meals and delivery to homebound seniors — efforts that continue to keep participants nourished and connected.

Support Services for Seniors and Families

While recreation is a big draw, the Campbell Adult Center also offers practical support services:

Case management for assistance with home care, transportation, housing, and home modifications
Legal aid appointments
Health insurance counseling
Technology tutoring through partnerships with local high school volunteers

And, as Tina points out, the center is an informational hub. If they do not have an answer, staff will work to connect people to the right resource.

Overcoming Cost and Transportation Barriers

Tina acknowledges that cost and transportation can be barriers for some seniors. Class and trip fees are kept significantly lower than general adult programs, with only slight differences for non-Campbell residents. For those without transportation, staff connect participants to ride share options and volunteer driving programs through their case management team.

Support for Family Caregivers

Family caregivers—often adult children in their 50s and 60s—play a critical role in the lives of seniors. Many juggle caregiving alongside work and raising children, putting them at risk for burnout.

The Campbell Adult Center helps caregivers in three ways:

Caregivers Network Consultations
In partnership with SourceWise, caregivers can schedule free one-hour sessions with a case manager to discuss needs and explore care options.
Onsite Case Management
The center’s case manager works directly with caregivers to address topics such as home care services, transportation, home safety modifications, and housing.
Caregivers Count Conference
Now in its 15th year, this annual event offers education, empowerment, and networking for family caregivers. This year’s theme focuses on accepting care as part of a sustainable caregiving plan.

Upcoming Caregivers Count Conference

The 2025 conference includes:

Sept. 6 (Virtual): Seven questions that worry caregivers, with guidance from a psychologist
Sept. 13 (Virtual): Tailoring care through life transitions, presented by the Alzheimer’s Association
Sept. 20 (In Person): Care transitions and technology, plus discussions on in-home and residential care options

Past conference sessions are available online at caregiverscount.net, making it a valuable year-round resource.

Accessible Registration and Newcomer Orientation

The center makes participation easy:

Online, phone, or in-person registration
Monthly Newcomers Orientation with tours and introductions to programs
Citywide Activity Guide mailed to Campbell residents and available by request for others

Tina stresses that you do not have to live in Campbell to participate. Many people travel from surrounding cities in Santa Clara County.

How SYNERGY HomeCare Supports Seniors and Caregivers

As Tina highlights, accepting help early can make a tremendous difference in maintaining independence and quality of life. This is where SYNERGY HomeCare of Silicon Valley comes in.

For over 16 years, we have partnered with families to provide:

Personal care assistance (bathing, dressing, grooming)
Companionship and social engagement
Meal preparation and light housekeeping
Transportation to appointments and social activities
Specialized dementia and Alzheimer’s care
Respite care for family caregivers

Our flexible, personalized approach ensures that seniors can remain safely and comfortably at home while their family caregivers get the support they need.

Connect With the Campbell Adult Center

If you are a senior or family caregiver in Silicon Valley, the Campbell Adult Center can be an incredible resource for staying connected, healthy, and supported.

Learn more about Campbell Adult Center programs: City of Campbell – Adult Center
Register for the Caregivers Count Conference: caregiverscount.net
Facebook: facebook.com/CampbellRecreation
Instagram: instagram.com/campbellrecreation

Whether you join a fitness class, enjoy a day trip, or connect with a caregiver support network, taking the first step toward community involvement can make caregiving more sustainable and life more fulfilling.