By Betty Berry Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Q: Recently a neighbor returned home from the hospital and needed some assistance. I was surprised when I was told she had to pay for these services. Doesn’t Medicare pay for in-home care?

A: Although it sounds simple, in-home care is a complex subject and you are not alone in your thinking.

Keep in mind that Medicare pays only for “medically necessary” services. Medicare does not pay for “custodial” care.

Custodial care essentially covers the assistance with meeting the activities of daily living. It includes care with walking, getting in and out of bed, assistance with bathing, dressing, eating and going to the toilet.

It could also include preparation of special diets and supervision of taking medication that can be self-administered. It does not require the services of trained medical or paramedical personnel.

Home healthcare is skilled nursing care and certain other healthcare services received in the home for treatment of...

By Betty Berry Wednesday, June 17, 2009   Q: In May, a friend attended a seminar in Ventura on “Financial Safety in the Golden Years.” She came back raving about how informative it was. Is there any chance that it might be repeated somewhere in the east county?

A: I am very glad to be able to tell you that this panel presentation will be repeated in the east county.

“Financial Safety in the Golden Years” is scheduled for June 25, from 9 a.m. to noon, at the Goebel Senior Adult Center, 1385 E. Janss Road, Thousand Oaks.

Subjects to be addressed include “What You Should Know About Reverse Mortgages,” “Protecting Your Assets When Hiring In-Home Care,” “Financial Elder/Dependent Adult Abuse” and “Mental Health and Financial Vulnerability.”

Also learn about Ventura County Area Agency on Aging Programs and Community Resources and the Long Term Care Ombudsman’s role when investigating financial abuse. Also hear first-hand from a county prosecutor and FBI agent about frauds and scams they...

By Betty Berry Wednesday, June 10, 2009   Q: I have been a very busy person all my adult life and was looking forward to having free time. Now I find myself with time on my hands, and it is not all I thought it would be.

I’m considering volunteering my time but am not sure what opportunities are available. Can you provide some direction?

A: You couldn’t have asked this question at a more opportune time. With the budget crisis and many other problems now facing many nonprofits as well as for-profit service organizations, the use of volunteers is an answer to prayers.

Volunteering is a wonderful and rewarding undertaking, and no matter what venue you select, you will be greeted with open arms.

I don’t know of a single nonprofit organization and even some for-profit agencies that aren’t looking for volunteers to help them provide the services they have promised to the public but that may now be in question because of lack of funding.

There are many ways that you can offer your...

By Betty Berry Wednesday, June 3, 2009  

Q: In the past few months, I have had several friends laid up because of falls. I believe this is one of the most serious things that can happen to a senior. Do you agree, and, if so, do you have any hints on how to avoid falls especially in the home?

A: Yes, I do agree. A fall in itself is bad enough, but it can, and many times does, result in additional problems. Some victims never fully recover from the effects of a fall. While not every fall can be prevented, many can be and so a little pre-thought on behalf of the senior and family can help reduce such occurrences. A fall can occur in any room of the house, but there are several rooms that can prove to be more dangerous than others.

Let’s take the smallest room in the house — the bathroom. Much can go wrong there. A wet, soapy floor, tub or shower can be more slippery than a skating rink, and just getting in or out of the shower or tub can throw one off balance.

Grab-bars should be installed...

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.

...

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...