By Betty Berry Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Q: All the talk about healthcare reform has led me to thinking about my Medicare coverage and if I really understand all the parts and rules. Is there somewhere I could go to get a refresher course?

A: Understanding Medicare isn’t easy. There are numerous parts with different rules and a review of those parts and rules can’t hurt. Every year there are some changes and you need to keep up to date on your coverage to avoid unnecessary surprises.

You asked if there was somewhere to get a refresher course and I am glad to tell you that one is planned for August and it will cover the basics of Medicare and answer any questions you may have.

Medicare Basics is scheduled for Aug. 7 at the Goebel Senior Adult Center, 1385 E. Janss Road, Thousand Oaks, from 1 to 3 p.m.

This seminar is open to everyone — those who have Medicare fee-for-service, those who have an HMO or PPO, those who are new to Medicare and those who have had Medicare for years....

By Betty Berry Wednesday, July 22, 2009   Q: I have just returned to the Conejo Valley after being gone for five years and am trying to get caught up on activities that take place in the community. If I remember correctly, every summer Senior Concerns had a fundraiser called the Ultimate Dining Experience. Can you tell me if that event still takes place?

A: I am happy to tell you that Ultimate Dining is still an event in the Conejo Valley. This event is a fundraiser that enables Senior Concerns to provide vital services and programs to seniors, caregivers and their families.

Ultimate Dining 2009 is scheduled for Sunday, Aug. 2, starting at 5 p.m. It will take place at the Hyatt Westlake Plaza, 880 S. Westlake Blvd., in Westlake Village.

Talented chefs will present gourmet selections featuring their favorite recipes, which will include Mediterranean, Southwestern and French influences.

In addition to fine dining, there will be silent and live auctions. For information or reservations,...

By Betty Berry Wednesday, July 15, 2009   Q: I just discovered an IRA that I started years ago in another state and forgot about. It is a small amount but even so, I would like to update the beneficiary. Is that difficult to do?

A: Well first, congratulations on finding lost money.

No, it is not difficult to change the beneficiary.

You will need to obtain a Designation of Beneficiary form from the trustee holding that IRA, complete the form and return it to the trustee.

Make sure to name both a primary and contingent beneficiary for each IRA you own. If you’re naming multiple beneficiaries, be sure each beneficiary’s share is clearly defined with a fraction or percentage amount or with the word “equally” if that is appropriate.

Verify that the records on file with your IRA trustee agree with your choices and keep a copy of your designations with other important papers and let your family know how to locate them if needed.

Q: I recently heard a doctor referred to as...

By Betty Berry Wednesday, July 8, 2009   Q: I am concerned about whether my parents are handling their finances properly and if or when I should attempt to help. Are there any signals that could alert me to specific trouble?

A: This is a situation that many families are faced with and one that both parents and children hesitate to discuss. Many families do not discuss finances until a crisis occurs and by then many times it is too late.

Some adult children hesitate to discuss financial concerns with their parents for fear of appearing overly interested in their possible inheritance. Others don’t want to think about the day when their parents are unable to manage on their own.

Parents, on the other hand, are often reluctant to admit they need help, while others equate asking for help with loss of independence.

Timely discussions before a crisis help. They help ensure your parents are part of the decision-making process. After all, we are talking about their lives.

These discussions...

By Betty Berry Wednesday, July 1, 2009   Q: In my everyday schedule, I deal with many older adults and am finding that communication is becoming more difficult. Are there any suggestions on how to make some improvement?

A: Since you didn’t mention the type of contact you have with these elders nor the reason for the difficulty I will address your question in general terms.

People may experience physical impairments that interfere to some degree with the ability to communicate.

The four common physical impairments that come to mind are hearing loss, loss of or low vision, speech impairment and cognitive ability.

If the person you are trying to communicate with has a hearing problem, make every attempt to be face to face when speaking, as most people do some lip reading.

Speak clearly and at your normal volume.

Your words will be much harder to understand if you are chewing or smoking. Remember to keep your hands or other objects away from your mouth or face and keep...

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),...