By Betty Berry Wednesday, April 22, 2009  Q: My dad has always handled the finances and paperwork for the household. My mother has said she didn’t want the responsibility, but now I am concerned about what will happen if something happened to my dad and he could no longer do it. Any suggestions as to how to get my mother involved?

A: The situation you describe is more common than most people would believe. In many marriages, the household responsibilities are separated, with each spouse concerned only with those responsibilities they have taken on as theirs.

You should be concerned because if something was to happen to your dad, your mother very likely would be panicked about being faced with this responsibility that is foreign to her.

It is very important that each spouse has knowledge of the other’s responsi-bilities. This doesn’t necessarily mean taking over the job but at least having an understanding so that if the need arose they would be able to function or at least know who to...

By Betty Berry Wednesday, April 8, 2009   Q: I am a pre-senior in my 50s and beginning to plan for retirement. I am wondering if there are any events that might address issues that would help make that transition?

A: I know of an event scheduled this month that could be of interest to you.

The Ventura County Area Agency on Aging (VCAAA) and the Ventura County Star, publisher of the Elder Care Directory, are sponsoring an event on April 18, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, 40 Presidential Drive, Simi Valley. This half-day event, “Catch the Wave! Midlife — Crisis or Opportunity,” is geared to the 40- to 60-year-old who is thinking about changing careers, healthy living, retirement or financial planning. Included will be presentations covering health insurance, job changes, lifestyle changes, long-term care insurance, healthy living and financial planning for retirement.

A variety of exhibitors well versed in the field of living and aging well will provide...

By Betty Berry Wednesday, April 1, 2009   Q: I, like many others, have not thought about planning for retirement since it is in the distant future. But now with the economy the way it is, I’m beginning to have some questions. Do you have any referrals as to where to begin my research?

A: You certainly are not alone, and there is no time like the present to start making plans.

Even when the economy has improved, you will need to have a plan in place so you can look forward to retirement.

To get a good basic look at how to start planning for retirement, you might want to mark your calendar for the next Solving the Aging Puzzle seminar offered by Senior Concerns.

The presentation “Financial Planning — Plan Today for Tomorrow” is scheduled for April 14, from 7 to 8:30 p.m., at Senior Concerns Adult Day Center, 401 Hodencamp Road in Thousand Oaks.

This presentation will be facilitated by Adrianne Lowe, who is associated with The Wealth Consulting Group

Lowe will discuss...

By Betty Berry Wednesday, March 25, 2009   Q: I just received an e-mail from a friend that explained how a bystander could detect the possibility that someone was having a stroke and by doing so could perhaps save a life. I thought perhaps it might be a good item for your column.

A: Thank you for sharing. I too received an e-mail explaining how to recognize the symptoms of a stroke. I will be glad to share what that e-mail said as it encouraged all who received it to spread the word.

Sometimes symptoms of a stroke are difficult to identify. Unfortunately, the lack of awareness spells disaster as the stroke victim may suffer severe brain damage when people nearby fail to recognize the symptoms. Doctors have said that a bystander can recognize a stroke by asking three simple questions represented by the first three letters of the word STROKE.

S for smile: Ask the individual to SMILE; if he or she has difficulty or it is a crooked smile, it could be a sign of a stroke.

T for talk:...

By Betty Berry Wednesday, March 11, 2009   Q: A family member has been diagnosed with a terminal illness and while hospice services are not needed at this particular time, I am beginning to think about them. What should I consider when selecting a hospice provider?

A: I commend you on preparing for future needs.

It is something most of us fail to do and then when faced with the actual problem must act in haste, sometimes requiring us to make ill-informed decisions.

Most Americans know very little about hospice care.

They aren’t aware that it provides pain relief for the terminally ill, that it is an option for end-of-life care and that Medicare covers most of the cost.

Hospice care differs from other forms of healthcare in a number of ways.

Hospice offers palliative rather than curative treatment. It treats the person, not the disease.

It emphasizes quality of life rather than length of life and it considers the entire family, not just the patient.

When...

By Betty Berry Wednesday, March 4, 2009   Q: My dad will be coming to live with me in my home. He has some problems with mobility, and I want to make the house as free from potential falls as possible. Do you have any suggestions on what I can do?

A: One of the added benefits of making your home safe for your dad is it will also be safer for you and the rest of your family, as anyone can take a tumble if areas are not well lit and free of clutter.

The suggested safety measures will be helpful for all.

- Bathrooms account for many falls. Adding grab bars in the shower, tub and toilet areas will make getting around in this room much safer.

A word of caution about installation of grab bars: They must be attached directly into the studs in order to provide the strength needed when grabbed.

If you don’t know how to do the installation, I strongly suggest you have it done by a professional, as it is well worth the money.

Incorrectly installed grab bars are more dangerous...

By Betty Berry Wednesday, February 25, 2009   Q: I am a fairly recent widow and at a bit of a loss when it comes to issues concerning finances. I know I should be reviewing the legal papers we had prepared and do some planning, but I’m not sure where to begin. Do you have any suggestions?

A: When it comes to legal issues and making important decisions, I believe that many people, men and women, feel at a bit of a loss.

To ease into this complex subject, I would like to suggest you mark your calendar for the next “Solving the Aging Puzzle” seminar being offered by Senior Concerns.

The “Estate Planning — Don’t Leave Your Family in the Dark” presentation is scheduled for March 10, from 7 to 8:30 p.m., at Senior Concerns Adult Day Center, at 401 Hodencamp Road in Thousand Oaks.

This most informative presentation will be facilitated by Cheri L. Kurman, attorney at law. She is certified by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization as a certified specialist in estate planning,...

By Betty Berry Wednesday, February 18, 2009    Q: Every day I seem to have a mailbox full of invitations to free seminars on living trusts and financial planning. I’m not really sure I need to be concerned with such topics, but if I do, would these seminars provide me with the information I need?

A: This is not only an excellent question but also a very timely one, since many people are now concerned about how, where and when to invest their money.

It also is one I would like more seniors to ask before they sign up for one of these “free” presentations.

Will attending such a seminar provide you with the information and services you need? The answer is maybe yes — but more likely no.

These community seminars address the issue of estate planning or financial planning in a general manner, and the right strategies needed for an individual to make proper decisions depend on that individual’s unique circumstances.

What might be the right action for your neighbor will most likely...

By Betty Berry Wednesday, February 11, 2009   Q: In the past I have had my taxes done at my local senior center. Will they be doing them again this year?

A: Yes, preparation of income tax returns is being provided again this year. Services started Feb. 1 and will run through April 15 and are for those 60 and over and for those under 60 whose income is $45,000 or less.

As in the past, taxpayers whose returns include Schedule E (rental income) or Schedule C (Profit or Loss from Business ) are not eligible.

Participants should be prepared to present a picture ID, their Social Security card and a copy of their 2007 federal and state income tax returns. They should have with them all 2008 documents (W-2s and 1099s) showing income from wages, Social Security, interest, dividends, investments, self-employment and pensions.

Some senior centers are requiring appointments while others are running on a first come, first served basis.

To check the days and hours, call your local senior...

By Betty Berry Wednesday, February 4, 2009   Q: My parents are very private about their finances and personal records. Until now this hasn’t been a problem, but they are beginning to need my assistance and I don’t have the information I need to help them get the care and services they require. Do you have any suggestions about what would be useful for me to ask them to provide?

A: Your situation is not uncommon. We all are guilty to some degree about lack of planning for future situations.

Planning for the future should include among other things getting our financial and personal records in order and at least letting a family member or close friend know where the records are kept should an emergency arise.

While each person’s situation is unique and requires different action, there is specific information and basic documents that should be available.

The following suggestions may help to organize personal and financial records not only for your parents but perhaps also for yourself.

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