Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Q: In the past several years, I have attended the festive shopping event at Senior Concerns Thrift Shop and Boutique in Thousand Oaks. Do you know if there are plans for this event this year?

A: I am glad to hear that you enjoyed that special shopping event. But I do have to tell you that there are no plans to offer it this holiday season.

But don't be too disappointed because the shop is decorated and has its holiday merchandise, as well as regular merchandise, out on display just waiting for the holiday shoppers to find great bargains and just the right gift for someone on their holiday list.

I was in the shop the other day and found nativity scenes, holiday crystal and china, whimsical snowmen and Santas, and holiday linens.

There were also many one-of-a-kind items and beautiful holiday clothing both casual and formal, as well as the usual wonderful merchandise.

You can find gifts for as low as 75 percent off retail prices and, at the same...

By Betty Berry November 10, 2008

Q: Some time ago, you wrote a column about how to help or give assistance to a person who is blind or visually impaired. I found it very informative and wonder if you have any suggestions when encountering those with other types of disabilities. Many times, I find I want to offer assistance but do not want to offend. Do you have a thought or two?

A: Many people want to assist and yet don't know what to offer or if help is needed or wanted.

To find out what is needed or wanted, I spoke with several individuals who had some type of physical challenge, and they willingly provided some simple ways to make everyone more comfortable when in such a situation.

When meeting someone who is deaf or partially deaf, you should always face the person directly when speaking. You should speak clearly, and please don't shout, as that makes hearing even more difficult.

Speak at a normal speed, enunciate clearly, and keep objects and hands away from your mouth....

 

By Betty Berry November 3, 2008

Q: I am the widow of a veteran, and friends have been telling me that I could be eligible for veterans benefits based on my husband's service. I don't know where to start looking. Any suggestions?



A: Your friends could possibly be right, and you should check out the possibility. Your question is also very timely. Senior Concerns' second presentation in the "Solving the Aging Puzzle" series addresses veterans benefits.

The seminar is scheduled Nov. 11, Veterans Day, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Senior Concerns Adult Day Center, 401 Hodencamp Road, Thousand Oaks.

The session will be facilitated by George Compton, retired Army colonel and county veterans service officer, and will cover eligibility requirements, family survivor benefits and how VA benefits work with other insurance benefits. There will also be information on veteran facilities and the Aid and Attendance program.

For reservations and information, call Terry at...

 

By Betty Berry October 27, 2008

Q: As we grow old, many of us have what we jokingly refer to as senior moments. However, I think that when these senior moments occur, we are all a little worried that we are starting to have a memory loss problem. Can you shed any light on this?

A: This is a subject that is near and dear to every senior. Many times, I've heard someone say, "I just can't remember the name of that person," followed by, "I must be getting Alzheimer's." We joke about senior moments, but also are very concerned.

A number of years ago, I attended a seminar given by the Alzheimer's Association where this subject was addressed. At the end, attendees were provided with a useful packet of information, which contained a list of normal versus abnormal situations. I have kept that list all these years and will share it with you.

- If you forgot where you left your keys, that is normal. However, if you find those keys and don't know what they are for, that is abnormal.

...

By Betty Berry Monday, April 14, 2008

Q: My mom who is a widow is considering downsizing and looking into purchasing a condo. In her search for new housing she has encountered, for the first time, homeowners association dues. She is concerned about these monthly charges and has questions I can't answer. Do you know where she could go to help understand the rules and regulations? A: This is a question that may be of interest to many seniors. It is also a question that falls outside my area of expertise. However, through networking I recently talked with someone who has information on this subject and who is going to offer a presentation on the very subject you are seeking information about. Tina Rasnow, coordinator for the Self-Help Legal Access Center, has arranged a presentation about homeowners association dues and assessments. It is scheduled for April 23 from 1:30 to 3 p.m. at the Simi Valley Senior Center, 3900 Avenida Simi in Simi Valley. The presenter will be Marjorie Murray, founder,...

By Betty Berry Monday, April 7, 2008

Q. I am confused about what Medicare will pay for when someone is in a nursing home. I've heard of cases where Medicare has paid nothing and others where Medicare pays for everything. Why would there be such a range of benefits? A. First, I am assuming that when you mention a nursing home, you are referring to a skilled nursing facility, also known as an SNF, and my response to your question will be based on that assumption. The difference depends on why you are in an SNF. If you are there because you need custodial care, then Medicare will not cover the cost of your stay. However, if you are there because your situation requires skilled care or therapy, then Medicare will fully cover part of your stay. If you are in an SNF because of the need for custodial care, it means that you need help with daily living activities known as ADLs, including bathing, dressing, eating, using the bathroom and transferring — getting from a bed to chair or chair to bed-type...

By Betty Berry Monday, March 31, 2008

Q. As I am putting my legal papers in order and completing my estate planning, I am wondering if I should leave particulars about funeral arrangements. I don't think I have ever encountered a presentation on this subject and not exactly sure what options are available. Have you any ideas on where I can find information on the subject? A. I don't think that I have encountered many presentations on this subject either. It is a subject most of us would rather not talk about — but a subject that should be included in estate planning. Now having said that, I can tell you that the fifth and final presentation in the 2007-08 Senior Concerns Solving the Aging Puzzle series addresses the subject that you are asking about. This presentation, "Final Wishes — How Do You Want to Be Remembered," is scheduled April 8 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Senior Concerns Adult Day Center, 401 Hodencamp Road, Thousand Oaks. The facilitator for this presentation will be Lorelee...

By Betty Berry Monday, March 24, 2008

Q: I am a senior who has just become computer literate. I am enjoying my newfound hobby of visiting the Internet, and have viewed a number of Web sites offering health information. How can I determine if the information provided is reliable? A: First, let me congratulate you on becoming computer literate. It is the way of the future, and seniors should take every opportunity available to keep up with technology. Seniors who don't learn how to use a computer will find themselves isolated from current methods of communication. According to the Center for Medicare Education, an estimated 100 million Americans sought healthcare information on the Internet in the past year. That number is expected to rise as more Web sites are established and the number of Americans increases. However, since the Internet allows anyone to set up a Web site, you will find unreliable and biased information along with reliable and unbiased information. Checking the quality and reliability of information on the Internet is not much different than checking other resources. ...

By Betty Berry Monday, March 17, 2008

Q: I am a caregiver for my mom and also hold down a full-time job. I would like to attend seminars or a support group but find most of them on weekdays. Do you know of any group that offers anything on a weekend? A: Yes, I do. The Alzheimer's Association is offering a half-day caregiver conference for Ventura County caregivers at the end of this month. It may be just what you are looking for. This spring conference, "Caring For You, the Caregiver," is scheduled from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 29 at the Camarillo Community Center at 1605 Burnley St., Camarillo. This event, which is free, is designed to relax and re-energize caregivers as well as provide tools and knowledge to help sustain family caregivers through the caregiving experience. This half-day session will include a continental breakfast, yoga, meditation and other workshops to help caregivers relax and renew themselves. Then at lunch, Gail Rink, director of Santa Barbara Hospice, will...

By Betty Berry Monday, March 10, 2008

Q: I have heard that the Thousand Oaks Council on Aging is planning an outreach dinner at the Goebel Senior Adult Center. Can you provide details on this event? Also, I understand that a survey is being conducted for seniors and baby boomers. What is the survey looking at, and where can survey forms be found? A: Well, let's answer your question about the dinner first. Yes, the Council on Aging is hosting a finger-licking good barbecue chicken dinner with all the fixings at the Goebel Senior Adult Center on April 4 starting at 4:30 p.m. Tickets are $5 and are available at the senior center this month. The event will provide an opportunity to share your concerns and wishes about senior issues and learn what others are concerned about or would like to see happen in our city. The senior advocate will also be on hand to bring you up to date on events and programs that could be of interest to you. She will also be available to answer questions. Now let's...