By Betty Berry Wednesday, December 24, 2008 

Q: My mother is considering moving to California from another state, and I will be helping her make that move. I need to know what steps I should take to make sure her Social Security benefits will be properly transferred.

A: Prompt notification of a change of address always helps make a smooth transition, and notifying Social Security of a change is basically no different.

You didn't indicate whether your mother receives her Social Security benefits in check form or if she has selected the easy and safe option of automatic deposit.

If she receives her benefits in check form all she needs to do is notify Social Security of the new address. However, since it will take at least 30 days for the change to take effect, you want to make sure you provide the post office with her change of address information so that if a check is mailed to her former address it can be forwarded to her new location.

This might also be a good time to consider...

By Betty Berry Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Q: I am attempting to help an elderly relative select healthcare coverage. I am so confused and I can't believe a senior is required to understand all of the options available. I have run into Medicare, MediCal, Medicad, Medi/Medi, Medigap and Managed Care. Everything starts with "m" and they all sound alike. Can you help a nonsenior make sense of this?

A: At first glance, this may seem to be overwhelming, but I think that I can provide some definitions that will help clear up this confusion. Sorry about everything starting with "m"; however, all plans mentioned are related to Medicare coverage, the main healthcare coverage for seniors, and "m" seems to be the common denominator.

Let's take the items you mentioned in order and start with Medicare. Medicare is a nationwide, federally financed health insurance plan for the senior population (65 and older), the disabled (those eligible for Social Security Disability benefits) and those on dialysis...

By Betty Berry Wednesday, December 10, 2008   Q: It seems like I've been renewing my license by mail forever and now I have a notice telling me the current renewal must be at the DMV office. I'm wondering, why? Also, I'm sure I'll be required to take a written test and, to say the least, I'm nervous. Any suggestions for success?

A: Very few people look forward to taking any kind of test so you are not alone in your concerns. You've asked two very good questions that I'll try to answer.

Many of us have enjoyed the luxury of renewing our license by mail. However, according to the DMV there are several conditions that preclude a person from having that opportunity.

If you have a probationary license or if you have a "failure to appear" on your record within the past two years you will not be issued a renewal by mail. Also if you have been suspended from driving because of an illegal blood-alcohol content level within the past two years or if your record has a total violation point count greater than one you'll be invited to the DMV office for renewal of your license.

...

Q: There is a chance my dad will need to go into a skilled nursing facility, and I've been told that Medicare might pay the costs. Do you know under what conditions this would occur?

A: The reason for your dad's stay in a skilled nursing facility will determine whether or not Medicare will cover the cost. There are three types of care an individual can receive in a skilled nursing facility. They are skilled nursing care, rehabilitation therapy and custodial care. Medicare coverage applies only to skilled care or therapy.

If your dad needs custodial care, Medicare will not cover any of the costs. However, if your dad needs continued skilled care or therapy after having been in an acute care hospital for at least three days, then Medicare coverage is available for a limited period of time. You may have some questions about what constitutes custodial care as compared to skilled nursing care. Custodial care does not require the skills or knowledge of a doctor or registered health personnel. Custodial...

Q: My dilemma has to do with when you should enroll in Medicare. My friends have their own interpretations of when you must enroll. Some say it's 65, others say when you reach full retirement age and others say you don't have to sign up as long as you continue to work. Is there a right answer?

A: Let me assure you that this particular question causes a dilemma for many, and friends and relatives mean well when they answer your questions based on when they were required to enroll in Medicare.

To address your question — "Is there a right answer?" — the answer is there is no "one" right answer because when to enroll in Medicare depends on each person's unique situation.

Currently there are four parts to Medicare coverage. Medicare Part A is your hospital insurance; Medicare Part B is your coverage for medical expenses; Medicare Part C covers Senior Advantage Plans, i.e. HMOs, PPOs; and Medicare Part D covers prescription drugs.

For ease of answering your question I am not going to address...

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,...