By Betty Berry Wednesday, May 27, 2009    Q: I am attempting to help an elderly relative select healthcare coverage. I am so confused and I can’t believe that a senior is required to understand all of the options available.

I have run into Medicare, Medi-Cal, Medicaid, Medigap and Medicare Advantage. Everything starts with “m” and they all sound alike.

Also, can a senior have only one of these items or can they have a combination? Can you help a nonsenior make sense of all of this?

A: At first glance this may seem to be overwhelming, but I think 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),...

By Betty Berry Wednesday, May 20, 2009   Q: In the past, I have participated in Senior Concerns’ Love Run. It seems that this is about the time of year it usually takes place. Will it be an event again this year?

A: The 16th annual Love Run is scheduled for Sunday, June 7. Registration and the start of activities will take place at 3011 Townsgate Road (corner of Townsgate Road and Lakeview Canyon), Westlake Village.

This event provides something for every member of the family.

Race day registration is at 7 a.m., with runs scheduled to start at 8 a.m. for the 5K runs, at 8:50 a.m. for the 10K runs and at 9 a.m. for the 1 mile run/walk. Races will be microchip timed, with awards to the top three male and female finishers. Children younger than 12 also will be recognized.

Pre-registration is $25; day-of-the-event registration is $30. For more information about the race, go to http://www.seniorconcerns.org and click on the Love Run logo.

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By Betty Berry Wednesday, May 13, 2009   Q: I am about to sign up for Medicare and have more than a few questions. But the question I currently have regards doctors and how, when selecting a doctor, you should ask, “Does he or she take assignment?” What does that mean?

A: There are many questions that could and perhaps should be asked about Medicare before enrolling. The subject you have asked about is one that many enrollees have trouble understanding.

Many doctors and other healthcare providers agree to accept the Medicare-approved amount as their total payment for services rendered. This is known as “accepting assignment.”

Assignment applies if you are covered by the original fee-for-service Medicare program. It does not apply if you are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan such as an HMO, PPO, etc.

If your provider accepts assignment, Medicare will, in most cases, pay your provider 80 percent of the amount approved by Medicare and you or your secondary insurance will be responsible...

By Betty Berry Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Q: All you ever hear or read about anymore is crime; the nightly news just reports one crime after another. It makes one reluctant to leave home.

I’ve heard that seniors are more vulnerable to crime and, if so, is there anything that can be done to reduce chances of becoming a victim?

A: I don’t know if there is more crime happening or if we are just more aware of what is happening due to instant media coverage. But whether crime has increased or not, it is always wise to take steps to ensure against being the next victim.

According to the District Attorney’s Office, some categories of crime, such as robbery and purse-snatching, are more likely directed toward the elderly. Offenders view elderly women as easier targets than elderly men, but men also are often victims of these personal type thefts.

By taking a few simple precautions, you should be able to reduce your risk of becoming a victim.

Always give the appearance of knowing...

By Betty Berry Wednesday, April 29, 2009    Q: I am dealing with a family member who has dementia but still insists he can drive. My dad is very stubborn and no matter what I say to him, he tells me he is a safe driver. Whenever he can he sneaks out and takes a ride, I’m at my wits end. What can I do?

A: Explaining anything to a person with dementia can be difficult at best. However, when talking about taking away driving privileges, it becomes even more difficult as this loss represents a tremendous loss of independence.

Bringing up the issue of no longer being able to drive could trigger anger, denial and grief for the person with dementia and guilt and anxiety for the person making the decision. Unfortunately the person suffering from dementia doesn’t recognize that he or she no longer has the ability to make the split-second decisions that are required to safely operate a motor vehicle.

You don’t say whether you have talked with your father’s doctor, but if you haven’t that may be a place to start. Many times a person will listen to a third party such as a doctor more than a family member.

...

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...