Betty Berry's Newsletter

Senior Advocate: Strategy needed to dissuade would-be driver with dementia

Wed, 28 Jul 2010 18:26:03 GMT

By Betty Berry, Tuesday, July 27, 2010 Q: I am helping my sister-in-law deal with my brother, who has dementia but insists that he can still drive.

He is very stubborn, and no matter what we say to him, tells us he is a safe driver. Whenever he can, he sneaks out and “takes a ride.”

What can we do?

A: Explaining anything to a person with dementia can be difficult at best; however, talking about taking away driving privileges is even more difficult because this represents a tremendous loss of independence. Bringing up the issue can trigger anger, denial and grief.

Unfortunately, someone suffering from dementia doesn’t recognize that he or she no longer has the ability to make the split-second decisions required to safely operate a vehicle.

You don’t say whether you have talked with your brother’s doctor, but if you haven’t, that might be a place to start. Often, a person with dementia is more willing to listen to a third party such as a doctor than to a family member.

Another approach is to team with family and friends, with each person pointing out a different problem that he or she has observed, such as failing to observe traffic signals, driving at inappropriate speeds, getting lost in a familiar location, or becoming angry, frustrated or confused in traffic.

This “tough love” approach often makes an impression.

If talking doesn’t resolve the problem, making the car unavailable or inoperable can prevent your brother from sneaky driving sessions.

Hide the car keys or substitute unusable keys on his key ring, park the car at a friend’s house so he doesn’t have easy access to it, or have a mechanic disable it.

When your brother wants to go somewhere, offer to drive.

If you do drive, remember to never leave a person with dementia alone in a parked car.

Last but not least, consider selling the car.

Whatever steps you take, be persistent and consistent. The safety of your brother and those who would share the road with him is most important.

Although no one wants to limit independence by taking away driving privileges, please don’t wait for an accident to happen.

Q: My parents were married for more than 60 years and now Mom is gone. Dad insists on living alone but seems unable to manage the household. I’m sure this is common.

Is there a way to plan for living alone after many years of marriage?

A: Yes, this situation is common. Generally, women find that they don’t know enough about finances and men have difficulty with household chores.

After many years together, couples work like a single unit, and with both participating the household runs smoothly. They usually don’t think about which chores each spouse performs until a particular task doesn’t get done.

If we each took time to observe the little things our spouses do, and learn to do those chores ourselves, even if we just learn the basics, we would be better prepared.

Learn how to put gas in the car. Learn how to buy groceries. Learn how to cook enough to survive. Learn how to do laundry or run a vacuum. Learn how to pay bills and organize finances.

Even if the need to do these chores never arises, think how much you will appreciate what your spouse contributes to the smooth running of your household.

— Betty Berry is a senior advocate for Senior Concerns. The advocates are at the Goebel Senior Adult Center, 1385 E. Janss Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91362; call 495-6250 or e-mail betty@seniorconcerns.org (please include your telephone number). You are invited to submit questions on senior issues.

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Senior Advocate: Long-term-care ombudsman is a citizen representative

Wed, 28 Jul 2010 18:22:34 GMT

By Betty Berry, Tuesday, July 20, 2010 Q: I just placed a family member in a nursing facility, which mentioned a long-term-care ombudsman. Can you explain what an ombudsman does?

A: I’d be glad to. “Ombudsman” is a Swedish word that means citizen representative. A long-term-care ombudsman is a state-certified community volunteer who is trained to objectively investigate and resolve problems for residents in long-term-care facilities.

The ombudsman’s main goal is to ensure that residents at such facilities are getting the services to which they are entitled. Many of these residents have little or no contact with the outside world. Nor do they have control over their lives. The ombudsman serves as an advocate for residents and helps to improve their quality of life.

At least one experienced and trained ombudsman is assigned to each facility and is required to spend a specified period of time there each month. He or she is available to assist in resolving problems related to residents’ rights, physical and mental care, personal dignity, meaningful activities, legal or financial problems and regulatory red tape.

The Long Term Care Services of Ventura County Ombudsman Program is a nonprofit organization. Services are free of charge and confidential. The program can be reached from Mondays through Fridays at 656-1986.

Q: My neighbor receives an SSI check from the federal government each month. Is this the same as Social Security?

A: No. SSI, Supplemental Security Income, is not the same as Social Security. Although the Social Security Administration oversees the SSI program, the money comes from the general fund of the U.S. Treasury.

SSI is a program for people who are in financial need. Checks are paid to people who are 65 and older, or blind or disabled if they meet the strict eligibility requirements. Some of the funds in the SSI check might come from the state. For the recipients’ convenience, state and federal governments have agreed to combine their payments into one check that is rendered by the federal government.

To qualify, applicants must have little or no income and very few assets. They must be either United States citizens or in this country legally. In addition they must live in the United States or the Northern Mariana Islands.

If the applicant is eligible for other benefits such as Social Security, he or she must apply for those benefits before SSI can be determined. For more detailed information about eligibility and benefits, contact the Social Security Administration.

Q: I have a friend who recently lost her sight. When I’m visiting I want to help her, but I’m not sure what I should or shouldn’t do.

A: How thoughtful of you to consider your friend’s special needs. Whenever possible treat your friend as you would any sighted person. Most people who have a disability learn to work with their limitations and want to do for themselves wherever possible.

Help your friend use whatever vision she may have. Legal blindness is not necessarily total blindness; wide gestures and contrasting colors, especially black and white, are more easily seen.

Always ask how you can be of help before taking the initiative to act. For example, if you are in a restaurant don’t assume you need to read the menu aloud — ask if doing so would be helpful.

When walking from one area to another allow your friend to take your arm; don’t take hers. As you walk, alert your friend to changes such as a narrowing of walkway or steps ahead. Relax and enjoy your visits. You will soon learn when assistance is appreciated.

— Betty Berry is a senior advocate for Senior Concerns. The advocates are at the Goebel Senior Adult Center, 1385 E. Janss Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91362; or call 495-6250 or e-mail betty@seniorconcerns.org. You are invited to submit questions on senior issues.

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Senior Advocate: Employer policy not same as medigap

Wed, 07 Jul 2010 17:41:00 GMT

By Betty Berry, Tuesday, July 6, 2010 Q: I retired before age 65 and have healthcare benefits from my employer. Will this be considered a Medicare supplement when I go on Medicare?

A: Since you are not yet age 65 your employer-provided healthcare benefit is your primary coverage. When you turn 65 and go on Medicare those benefits become your secondary coverage and may change. They may or may not provide the same benefits as a Medicare medigap policy.

Employer retirement plans are not the same as the state-regulated Medicare medigap plans. They do not necessarily provide the same services, since coverage depends on the contract between the employer and the insurer. Coverage will also vary depending upon whether the plan is a fee-for-service, managed-care HMO or preferred-provider network.

To determine the adequacy of the coverage ask the following questions: What will the plan pay after Medicare has paid? Does the plan pay for services Medicare does not cover? Will it cover you if you move? Is the plan guaranteed renewable? Are there annual or lifetime limits on benefits? Do you have a choice of plans? What is the ongoing cost to you?

Read your benefits booklet or healthcare policy carefully because these types of plans are changing rapidly. For all unresolved questions call your employer’s human resources department.

Q: I’m hearing more and more about elder abuse. What is considered elder abuse and if suspected, who can help?

A: Elder abuse is a growing concern for the agencies and individuals serving the senior population. Abuse can be physical, emotional or financial, or it can be a result of neglect or abandonment.

Physical abuse is any pain or injury inflected by a person in charge of care or in a position of trust. It is probably the easiest to recognize.

Emotional abuse is willful inflection of mental suffering. Examples are verbal assaults, threats, harassment and isolation. It is more difficult to detect and usually exists for quite some time before discovery.

Financial abuse is any theft or misuse of an elder’s assets by a person in a position of trust. Detection is sometimes made difficult by the way an elder has elected to hold title to his or her assets.

Neglect can result from failure of a caregiver to provide reasonable personal hygiene care, medical care or protection from health and safety hazards. Abuse also occurs from self-neglect when elders don’t provide for themselves through inattention or inability to manage.

Abandonment is the desertion of an elder by someone who is responsible for the care and custody of a senior when the senior can’t perform the duties.

Suspicion of any type of elder abuse should be reported. Adult Protective Services can be reached at 654-3200. If the elder is in a long-term care facility contact the Long Term Care Ombudsman at 656-1986.

Happenings

Month of July: 50 percent off sale at Senior Concerns Bargain Boutique and Thrift Shop, 80 E. Hillcrest Drive (Under One Roof Building), Thousand Oaks, open 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. Information: 373-0504.

July 14: Seminar “Will You Pass Your Next Driving Test?” 1:30-3 p.m. Westlake Village Civic Center, 31200 E. Oak Crest Drive, Westlake Village. For more information, call 495-6250.

— Betty Berry is a senior advocate for Senior Concerns. The advocates are at the Goebel Senior Adult Center, 1385 E. Janss Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91362; phone 495-6250 or e-mail betty@seniorconcerns.org (please include your telephone number.) You are invited to submit questions on senior issues.

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Senior Advocate: Keep Social Security informed of any name changes

Wed, 30 Jun 2010 21:03:00 GMT

By Betty Berry, Tuesday, June 29, 2010 Q: While paying into Social Security I have had several name changes. How can I determine if my earning records are accurate?

A: I asked Social Security to explain the process followed when it receives an earnings report that does not match the name and Social Security number in the files.

The agency goes to great length to find the correct record to which to credit the earnings. It checks for common errors such as use of nicknames, misspellings or transposition of letters or numbers. If these methods don’t work it attempts to contact the worker or employer to resolve the discrepancy.

If earnings remain unassignable they are placed in a “suspense” file; however, investigation continues.

You can help ensure accurate records. When a name change occurs advise Social Security so it can update the records. If you change jobs use the same name with each employer. Avoid using nicknames on your payroll records and review your W-2 form to make sure your employer has your correct name and Social Security number.

Review your personal earning statement that you receive from Social Security each year. If you find an error contact Social Security so the discrepancy can be investigated.

Q: My doctor has determined that I am unable to work, and I wonder if I am entitled to Social Security disability benefits. What are the eligibility requirements?

A: Requirements for qualifying for and collecting Social Security disability benefits are very strict.

Eligibility is based on inability to do any kind of work for which you are suited, a disability that must be expected to last for at least one year, and the length of time you have paid into Social Security.

The process used to determine eligibility requires detailed answers to several basic questions. Are you working? Can you do the work you previously did? Can you do any other type of work?

You should apply for disability as soon as you become disabled. The claims process generally takes three months; however, benefits do not begin until your sixth full month of disability.

Information you need to provide includes Social Security number, proof of age, names and addresses of medical providers, work record for the past 15 years and a W-2 or federal tax return for the past year.

Disability benefits are available only if you have enough work credits, and the number required depends on your age. Disability benefits are available at any age, but your monthly benefit will be based on your lifetime average earnings covered by Social Security.

If you are receiving disability benefits when you reach your full retirement age your benefits will become retirement benefits. The benefit amount will remain the same. You will be automatically enrolled in Medicare after you have collected disability benefits for 24 months or when you reach age 65 whichever comes first.

Happenings

Thursday 11 a.m. “Salute To Our Veterans” ceremony and barbecue at Cypress Place Senior Living, 1200/1220 Cypress Point Lane, Ventura. For information call 650-8000.

Brain Fitness Program: Six-week program July 19-Aug. 27 at Senior Concerns Day Center, 401 Hodencamp Road, Thousand Oaks. For more information and reservations, call Susan at 497-0189.

— Betty Berry is a senior advocate for Senior Concerns. The advocates are at the Goebel Senior Adult Center, 1385 E. Janss Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91362; phone 495-6250 or e-mail betty@seniorconcerns.org. You are invited to submit questions on senior issues.

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Senior Advocate: Medicare fraud will be discussed at senior center

Wed, 23 Jun 2010 18:53:00 GMT

By Betty Berry, Tuesday, June 22, 2010 Q: We have heard over and over that we, the users of the system, should review our Medicare Summary Notices and report any errors found.

What action can we expect from the Medicare System when we make a fraud complaint? What, if anything, is done to the providers who are found guilty of fraud?

Also, I understand that the healthcare reform that has just been passed will be addressing Medicare fraud — what can we expect?

A: An excellent question. Your question is also very timely as a panel presentation on this very subject is scheduled this month.

“Medicare Fraud — How Does It Happen? — How Is It Detected? — How Is It Investigated?” is scheduled for Monday from 1:30 to 3 p.m. at the Goebel Senior Adult Center, 1385 E. Janss Road, Thousand Oaks.

Panel presenters from the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare and the Senior Medicare Patrol will discuss how fraud happens, areas in which it occurs and what to look for.

The presenters will also provide tips on what you can do to help prevent fraud and abuse. As a consumer you are often in the best position to alert Medicare to possible fraudulent activity.

This should be an eye-opening presentation and one that every user of the Medicare program should attend to learn how scammers work.

If you have questions about how fraud affects your benefits or how it taxes the system overall, this is the seminar you should attend.

Q: I can’t understand why they make senior healthcare coverage so difficult to understand. Plans refer to deductibles, coinsurance, copayments and share-of-cost. Are these terms interchangeable?

A: The insurance industry, like all other businesses, has a unique vocabulary to describe its services. The government plans that cover senior healthcare are no different.

While the terms you mention do sound alike there are subtle differences and the terms are used in conjunction with different types of healthcare coverage.

A deductible is the initial specific amount of money that the insured is required to pay toward healthcare expenses before the insurance company will start to cover the cost. You’ll find this term is used by Medicare in Part A (hospital coverage), which has a deductible of $1,100 each time you enter the hospital. Part B (medical coverage) has an annual deductible of $155 before Medicare covers the costs and Medicare Part D (prescription coverage) plans have variable deductibles of zero to $310 depending on the plan selected.

Coinsurance is the percentage of the cost of care the insured is required to pay after the healthcare plan has paid. Medicare Part B’s coinsurance is usually 20 percent of the Medicare approved amount.

Many employer’s plans also use the 80/20 coinsurance ratio with the insurance paying 80 percent of the cost and the patient being responsible for the remaining 20 percent.

A copayment is a fixed amount the insured is required to pay for each medical service received, such as a doctor’s visit or prescription purchase. Co-payments are usually found in managed care coverage such as HMO and PPO plans. They usually range from $5 to $25 per service.

The term share-of-cost is associated with the Medi-Cal program. It is actually another way of describing a deductible. The amount of share-of-cost, however, is not a fixed amount but varies depending on the income of the insured.

— Betty Berry is a senior advocate for Senior Concerns. The advocates are at the Goebel Senior Adult Center, 1385 E. Janss Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91362; phone 495-6250 or e-mail betty@seniorconcerns.org. You are invited to submit questions on senior issues.

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Senior Advocate: Ask questions when considering retirement community

Wed, 16 Jun 2010 20:22:03 GMT

By Betty Berry, Tuesday, June 15, 2010 Q: I’ve been widowed for almost two years and am considering a move. My home and yard are more than I want to continue to take care of. However, I am active and independent. I don’t need to be taken care of but at times am very lonely. I’m considering what they call retirement living. Can you provide any guidance about this?

A: I’d be delighted to tell you what I know about retirement living. It is one of the numerous alternatives the retirement housing industry offers seniors. You’ll find this type of accommodation referred to as a retirement community, a retirement facility, or independent or congregate living. These accommodations are designed for independent senior adults and provide apartmentlike living with 24-hour on-site staff available should a problem occur. Services usually include meals, housekeeping, laundry, social activities (entertaining and educational) and transportation.

Plan visits to all the retirement facilities available in your area so you can compare.

Some facilities offer the opportunity to stay for two or three days so you can experience what it’s like to live there. If you are offered such an opportunity, I encourage you to take it.

During a tour, ask about rules and regulations, such as whether residents are allowed to have a small pet in their apartment.

Find out about the cost and what is included in the monthly fee. Checking on meal service is very important. How many meals per day are included in the basic monthly fee? If you have special dietary needs, can they be met? If you are ill, is tray service available and at what cost? If you no longer drive, is transportation available, and if so, how much and how often? If you still drive, is parking available? Check on laundry facilities, and the availability of extra storage and on premises services as a barber or beauty shop. If you have out-of-town friends or relatives who might visit, does the facility offer guest accommodations? Look into the type and frequency of social activities. Do the events interest you? Are trips away from the facility offered?

Because you would be living in much smaller quarters, be sure to look at the public rooms available for your use and enjoyment. Is the dining room pleasant? At what times are meals served? Is there a small private dining room where you could host a family get-together? What kind of activities does the activities room accommodate, if one is available? Are evening as well as daytime activities planned? Is there an exercise room? If so, what type of equipment is provided? Do residents appear to use these rooms?

Ask a current resident to act as a guide for your tour. If possible, try to have a meal as part of your visit. Be aware of how friendly the staff members are to residents. They should treat the residents with respect and know the residents by name. Take time after your visit to consider whether the facility will allow you to live as easily and independently as you would like. Good luck on your search.

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Senior Advocate: Make sure your parents' records are in order

Wed, 16 Jun 2010 20:19:17 GMT

By Betty Berry, Tuesday, June 8, 2010 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 I should ask them to provide?

A: Your situation is not uncommon. We are all guilty to some degree of not planning for the future, which includes getting our financial and personal records in order and letting a family member or close friend know where the information is kept.

Although each person’s situation is unique, some basic information and documents should be available.

The following suggestions might help you organize not only your parents’ records but also your own.

First, compile a personal records file that includes the individual’s full legal name, legal residence, date and place of birth, and Social Security number. Without these four pieces of information, obtaining services can be difficult.

This file should also include the names of spouses and children and whether they are living or deceased. Information on where to find a will or trust, certificates (of birth, marriage, divorce or death) and citizenship papers should be provided.

A record of employment (employers and dates of employment), education (schools, degrees and dates obtained) and military service (enlistment and discharge dates, branch of service and rank) are useful in determining what benefits might be available.

Requests, preferences or prearrangements for burial and religious affiliation as well as names and addresses of close friends, relatives, doctors, lawyers or financial advisers can make the caregiver’s task much easier.

Second, create a financial records file that lists information about insurance policies, bank accounts, deeds, investments and other valuables.

This file should show all sources and amounts of income (pension, Social Security, interest, etc.) and types of assets (stocks, bonds, property, bank accounts, etc.).

Details of insurance coverage are also needed. Names of insurers and policy numbers for healthcare, life and property coverage and contact telephone numbers for those policies will provide the caregiver with the ability to handle almost any crisis.

If there are outstanding liabilities, a list of what is owed, and to whom and when payments are due, should be included.

This would cover such debts as mortgages, charge accounts, and property and income taxes.

The financial record file should also provide the location of a safe deposit box, if applicable, and the name or names of those who have access to it. A copy of the most recent income tax return is useful.

Additional issues that should be considered are the execution of two documents: an advance directive for healthcare and a general durable power of attorney, which allow someone named in the document to act on behalf of the person.

Before completing any legal documents, don’t hesitate to consult with an attorney for advice.

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Senior Advocate: Seminar will offer help getting your complaints heard

Wed, 16 Jun 2010 20:15:19 GMT

By Betty Berry, Tue. June 1, 2010 Q: I don’t know if it is because I’m a senior, but I’m tired of receiving poor responses to problems I try to resolve. Can you make any suggestions on how to “get what you pay for?”

A: I’m sure your frustrations are shared by the general public and are not limited to senior citizens. When you find that a service or merchandise is less than acceptable, you have the right to complain.

To be effective, you need to be brief and to the point, and above all else, polite. For a good review on how to complain effectively, you should mark your calendar for the next Senior Issues seminar at the Westlake Village Civic Center.

“How to Right a Wrong — Complain Effectively and Get Results” is scheduled from 1:30-3 p.m June 9 at the Westlake Village Civic Center, 31200 E. Oak Crest Drive, Westlake Village.

The seminar will be facilitated by the senior advocates and will cover the what, why, when, how, where and who of effectively advocating for yourself when something has gone wrong.

For more information, call the advocates’ office at 495-6250.

Q: Several months ago, you had an article on volunteering with places and names to contact. I cut out the article and subsequently lost it. Would you be able to provide that information again?

A: I certainly can.

If you are 55 or older, you may might to consider volunteering your time through the Retired Senior Volunteer Program, better known as RSVP.

This program places volunteers in almost every type of volunteer position that exists.

There are three RSVP chapters in Ventura County. For more information about volunteer opportunities, contact Kathleen Tarrats in Ojai at 646-0144, Marisue Eastlake in Oxnard at 385-8023, or Cindy Powers in Thousand Oaks at 381-2742.

Q: I know to call 911 in an emergency, but I’m not exactly sure what to expect when the operator answers.

A: You will be much more effective when reporting an emergency if you know in advance what you are likely to encounter and what will be expected of you.

The dispatcher is a professionally trained person who has the responsibility to obtain necessary information and send the appropriate assistance to the scene of the emergency as quickly as possible.

The most important thing you can do is to stay calm. When you are connected with 911, you might hear a recording asking you to wait for a dispatcher. Do not hang up and attempt to place a second call. This will only delay the response time to the emergency you are reporting.

Calls to 911 are handled in the order received. If you hang up and redial, you go to the end of the line.

When the dispatcher does come on the line, explain your situation clearly and briefly. Answers to questions you are asked should be short and direct.

If the dispatcher gives you directions, follow them exactly. If this requires that you leave the phone, do not hang up. Keep the line open. When you have completed whatever you were instructed to do, return to the phone for further instructions.

Never hang up on a 911 call until the dispatcher tells you to do so.

Call 911 anytime there is an emergency. This call is free from all telephones, including pay phones. Nonemergency calls should be made to the local number provided for the agency you are trying to reach.

— Betty Berry is a senior advocate for Senior Concerns. The advocates are at the Goebel Senior Adult Center, 1385 E. Janss Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91362; phone 495-6250 or e-mail betty@seniorconcerns.org (please include your telephone number). You are invited to submit questions on senior issues.

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Senior Advocate: Be diligent and you can help prevent identity theft

Wed, 26 May 2010 22:57:13 GMT

By Betty Berry, Tuesday, May 25, 2010 Q: I am trying to educate my parents about identity theft, but I don’t think they believe what I’m saying. Perhaps they would listen more if it came from a third party. Can you address how identify theft happens?

A: I would be glad to. Identity theft occurs when someone steals your personal information and uses it without your knowledge to commit fraud or crimes. Skilled identity thieves use a variety of methods to get their hands on your personal information. The most common are Dumpster diving, skimming, phishing, changing your address, and just plain stealing.

Dumpster diving is exactly what it sounds like: rummaging through your trash looking for documents that include information such as Social Security numbers, account numbers and birth dates. Always cross-shred documents with this information.

Skimming involves using a special storage device to skim the magnetic strip of your credit or debit card as it is being processed. Never let your credit or debit cards out of sight when using them.

Phishing occurs during computer use. The identity thief, pretending to be a financial company, sends spam or pop-up messages that ask you to reveal account numbers or other information. Never respond.

A thief who changes your address can divert your billing statement — with account numbers and other information — to another location. You never receive a bill and the thief, of course, doesn’t pay it. Know when your bills are expected each month; if you don’t receive them, contact the credit card companies.

More familiar forms of stealing have not gone away. Wallets, purses, bank and credit card statements, pre-approved credit offers, new checks or tax information can be stolen by strangers breaking into your home or removing mail from your mailbox. These items can also be stolen by people you hire to work in your home or by someone who lives with you. Personal records can also be stolen from employers.

Deter identity theft by safeguarding your personal information. Shred documents, and protect your Social Security and account numbers. Never give out personal information over the phone or on the Internet unless you clearly know the other party. On the Internet, never click on links sent in unsolicited e-mails. Make sure you have current anti-virus software to protect your computer. Change passwords and PIN numbers frequently, and make them a combination of numbers, symbols and letters — never your birth date, mother’s maiden name or the last four digits of your Social Security number. Keep your personal information in a secure place.

Happening

Brain Fitness Program, Mondays from June 7 through July 6, Senior Concerns Day Center, 401 Hodencamp Road, Thousand Oaks. For information and reservations, call Susan at 497-0189.

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Senior Advocate: Support Meals On Wheels by joining the Love Run

Wed, 19 May 2010 20:11:56 GMT

By Betty Berry, Tuesday, May 18, 2010 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. Can you give me details for this year’s event?

A: The 17th annual Love Run is scheduled for June 6. Registration and the start of activities will take place at 3011 Townsgate Road (corner of Townsgate and Lakeview Canyon roads) in Westlake Village.

The event offers something for every member of the family. Race-day registration is at 7 a.m., with a 5K run at 8 a.m., 10K run at 8:50 a.m. and one-mile run/walk at 9 a.m. Races will be timed using microchips; the top three male and female finishers will receive awards. Medals will be awarded to all children younger than 11.

Registration is $25 in advance and $30 the day of the event. For more information, visit http://www.seniorconcerns.org and click on the Love Run logo.

The Love Run is a major fundraiser for Senior Concerns’ Meals On Wheels program. All proceeds go toward providing meals to the area’s homebound, frail elderly who cannot shop or prepare food for themselves.

There are many ways that individuals, businesses, other organizations, families and neighborhood groups can support the Love Run. Volunteering time and making monetary donations is of course helpful, but participating in the event itself also offers support. Forming a team can be fun and a great way to promote teamwork, spotlight a business and increase community awareness of the event.

For more information about forming a team, contact Ashley at 497-0189 or ashley@seniorconcerns.org.

Participation in this annual event is a win-win opportunity. Meals On Wheels wins because of the proceeds, and you win because you get good exercise plus quality time with family and friends.

Q: I have some questions about Medicare coverage and wonder where I can get help with answers.

A: Medicare is a complex plan with many parts, and rules and regulations for each part.

People who are approaching retirement age usually have questions about enrollment and options. Those with Medicare fee-for-service (original Medicare coverage) want to know about supplemental insurance and separate coverage for prescriptions. Beneficiaries who have assigned their Medicare coverage to a Senior Advantage Plan have inquiries about that coverage.

All these questions can be addressed at a workshop scheduled 1:30-3:30 p.m. Monday at the Simi Valley Senior Center, 3900 Avenida Simi.

The workshop facilitator also will point out preventive health care options available under Medicare.

For reservations or information, call the center at 583-6363.

Happenings

Saturday: Information Fair and Expo, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Goebel Senior Adult Center, 1385 E. Janss Road, Thousand Oaks. For information, call 381-2744.

Sunday: Ms. Senior Conejo Valley Preliminary Pageant, 1:30 p.m. at Goebel Senior Adult Center. For ticket information, call 381-2744.

— Betty Berry is a senior advocate for Senior Concerns. The advocates are at the Goebel Senior Adult Center, 1385 E. Janss Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91362; or call 495-6250 or e-mail betty@seniorconcerns.org, You are invited to submit questions on senior issues.

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