Betty Berry - Senior Advocate

By Betty Berry Monday, March 24, 2008

Q: I am a senior who has just become computer literate. I am enjoying my newfound hobby of visiting the Internet, and have viewed a number of Web sites offering health information. How can I determine if the information provided is reliable? A: First, let me congratulate you on becoming computer literate. It is the way of the future, and seniors should take every opportunity available to keep up with technology. Seniors who don't learn how to use a computer will find themselves isolated from current methods of communication. ...

By Betty Berry Monday, March 17, 2008

Q: I am a caregiver for my mom and also hold down a full-time job. I would like to attend seminars or a support group but find most of them on weekdays. Do you know of any group that offers anything on a weekend? A: Yes, I do. The Alzheimer's Association is offering a half-day caregiver conference for Ventura County caregivers at the end of this month. It may be just what you are looking for. This spring conference, "Caring For You, the Caregiver," is scheduled...

By Betty Berry Monday, March 10, 2008

Q: I have heard that the Thousand Oaks Council on Aging is planning an outreach dinner at the Goebel Senior Adult Center. Can you provide details on this event? Also, I understand that a survey is being conducted for seniors and baby boomers. What is the survey looking at, and where can survey forms be found? A: Well, let's answer your question about the dinner first. Yes, the Council on Aging is hosting a finger-licking good barbecue chicken dinner with all...

By Betty Berry Monday, March 3, 2008

Q. I know that I should have an advance directive for healthcare, but I just haven't gotten around to doing it, and I still have a few questions about the process. Is there a seminar or presentation on the horizon about this subject? A. You are absolutely right about needing an advance directive for healthcare. It is one of the most important estate planning documents we need. To answer your question about a coming seminar — yes, there is one scheduled this...

By Betty Berry Monday, February 25, 2008

Q: I have a friend who is really in debt because of her credit cards. I've tried to talk to her about the problem, but my words seem to fall on deaf ears. I think if she read about credit card debt in your column she might realize the trouble she is in. Would you help? A: You have brought up a very serious problem that is being experienced by many, including seniors. Having a credit card can certainly be a convenience and, in the case of an emergency,...

By Betty Berry Monday, February 18, 2008

Q: When I was growing up, memory loss, often called senility, was just normally expected to occur with old age. Today I hear memory loss referred to as Alzheimer's. Has senility just been given a new name or is Alzheimer's something different? A: I can remember being told exactly what you heard and am sure many others were told the same about aging and memory loss. However, what we were told many years ago about aging is not accurate. Senility and Alzheimer's...

By Betty Berry Monday, February 11, 2008

Q. A neighbor told me that the Senior Concerns Advocate services were available at the Simi Valley Senior Center. If this is true, can you tell me when the service is available and how I can arrange to meet with him or her? A. Yes, it is a fact that the services of Senior Concerns Senior Advocate are available through a partnership between the city of Simi Valley and Senior Concerns, a nonprofit organization that serves seniors and their families. The...

By Betty Berry Monday, February 4, 2008

Q: I have been led to believe that long-term care and how to pay for this type of care should be part of a person's financial planning. I am at a loss when it comes to talking about this subject, what it encompasses and what options are available. Where can I go for help in getting started? A: You are absolutely right that long-term care, available options and how to pay for such care should be part of your overall financial and estate planning. I don't...

By Betty Berry Monday, January 28, 2008

Q: For the past several years I have attended a daylong conference sponsored by the Conejo/Las Virgenes Future Foundation. If I remember correctly it was held in the early months of the year. Is one being planned for this year? A: Yes. The fourth annual Senior Congress is being offered this very week, and I am told there are a few seats still available. One of these seats could be yours if you act quickly. This year's presentation is "How Safe Are You?"...

By Betty Berry Monday, January 21, 2008

Q: Can you tell me what steps should be taken regarding Social Security benefits when a person collecting those benefits dies? A: A very good question. Many people are unsure about what needs to be done when a Social Security beneficiary dies. A result of not knowing exactly how the Social Security process works can result in delaying benefits survivors may be entitled to or being required to pay back overpayments received in error. First, it is necessary...