About Betty Berry

Betty Berry brings a deep understanding of senior issues to her position as Senior Advocate for Senior Concerns. She has advocated for seniors since 1993. Through the Health Insurance Counseling Advocacy Program, known as HICAP, she is registered with the State of California as an Insurance Counselor, a Long-Term Care Insurance Counselor and a Community Educator. She has served on the Area Agency on Aging’s Advisory Council as a member and Chair, has been a member of the Financial Abuse Strategic Team (FAST) and currently serves on the Conejo Senior Volunteer Program (CSVP) Advisory Board and authors the Senior Advocate column that appears in the Ventura County Star. Betty completed her undergraduate degree at California Lutheran University and earned her Juris Doctorate degree at Ventura College of Law.

Work-At-Home Jobs: Legitimate or Scams?

  QUESTION:  I have found a number of ads for work-at-home jobs.  How can I determine if these are legitimate businesses or a scam?   ANSWER:  An excellent question.  My advice is – don’t take their word for it – you need to do your own investigation.   These ads make working-at-home sound like a [...]

By |2018-12-12T18:06:55-08:00November 21st, 2018|News|0 Comments

Pre-planning Can Bring Relief to a Surviving Spouse

QUESTION:  Several of my friends recently lost their spouses and have commented on some of the difficulties they are facing due to lack of information on financial matters, people who should be contacted and legal issues.  Can you provide some steps that should be taken to avoid this type of problem?   ANSWER:  An excellent [...]

By |2018-12-12T18:07:15-08:00November 14th, 2018|News|0 Comments

Fitness Is Important for Our Brains and Bodies

  QUESTION:  I am a senior approaching 75 and very concerned about cognitive decline.  Are there any steps a person can take to eliminate or reduce the risk?   ANSWER:  I am sure there are a number of readers who have this same concern.  We all know that exercise and healthy habits help keep our [...]

By |2018-12-12T18:07:23-08:00November 7th, 2018|News|0 Comments

Prescription Cost Cutting Suggestions

  QUESTION:  I have been talking with some friends about health care coverage and the conversation turned to the cost of prescriptions.  It seems each time I pick up a prescription the cost is higher. Any suggestions on how to cut costs?   ANSWER:  There are a number of steps you can take and it [...]

By |2018-12-12T18:07:34-08:00October 31st, 2018|News|0 Comments

Avoiding Holiday Scams

  QUESTION:  The holiday charity and fundraiser requests have already started to arrive in the mail and on the phone.  Do you have any advice on how to avoid scams?    ANSWER:  A timely and excellent question.  Giving to charities and supporting fundraisers is a way of American life – but we want to make [...]

By |2018-12-12T18:07:43-08:00October 24th, 2018|News|0 Comments

A Guidebook for Dementia Caregivers

  QUESTION:  I am a new caregiver for a loved one with dementia and have more questions than answers.  Is there a program or guidebook to help me find my way?   ANSWER:  The answer to your question is yes.  There is a very complete detailed caregiver’s guide and an interactive workshop that will prepare [...]

By |2018-12-12T18:07:52-08:00October 20th, 2018|News|0 Comments

Advance Planning for a Crisis is Crucial

QUESTION:  With all the fires, floods and storms that have occurred during the past year I have been thinking more about planning for an emergency – but I don’t know exactly where or how to start.  Do you have any suggestions?   ANSWER:  Planning for any event takes a lot of time and hard work.  [...]

By |2018-12-12T18:08:03-08:00October 17th, 2018|News|0 Comments

Program offered to help seniors avoid scams

QUESTION:  If I’m not mistaken, in the past Cypress Place has offered a unique program about how to avoid senior scams.  Do you know if that program will be repeated?   ANSWER:  You remember correctly.  This program, Stop Senior Scams (SM), brings laughter and excitement to a commonly frightening and frustrating topic.   In collaboration [...]

By |2018-12-12T17:29:07-08:00September 26th, 2018|News|0 Comments

Free CarFit program in Ventura County

QUESTION: I have just heard about a program called CarFit. Do you have any information about that program? ANSWER: Sure do - CarFit is a program that provides a quick, yet comprehensive review of how well you and your vehicle work together. CarFit is not a driving test nor does it focus on the ability [...]

By |2018-12-12T17:29:35-08:00September 19th, 2018|News|0 Comments

An evening of fun supports local nonprofits

QUESTION:  I heard that the Conejo Senior Volunteer Program (CSVP) was hosting a special fund raising event.  Do you have the where and when?   ANSWER:  Yes, I was given the flyer just this week and it sounds like an evening of fun while supporting our local non-profits.   CSVP is hosting a Charity Karaoke [...]

By |2018-12-12T17:29:45-08:00September 13th, 2018|News|0 Comments
Go to Top