Betty Berry - Senior Advocate

By Betty Berry Wednesday, December 24, 2008 

Q: My mother is considering moving to California from another state, and I will be helping her make that move. I need to know what steps I should take to make sure her Social Security benefits will be properly transferred.

A: Prompt notification of a change of address always helps make a smooth transition, and notifying Social Security of a change is basically no different.

You didn't indicate whether your mother receives her Social Security...

By Betty Berry Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Q: I am attempting to help an elderly relative select healthcare coverage. I am so confused and I can't believe a senior is required to understand all of the options available. I have run into Medicare, MediCal, Medicad, Medi/Medi, Medigap and Managed Care. Everything starts with "m" and they all sound alike. Can you help a nonsenior make sense of this?

A: At first glance, this may seem to be overwhelming, but I think that I can provide some definitions...

By Betty Berry Wednesday, December 10, 2008   Q: It seems like I've been renewing my license by mail forever and now I have a notice telling me the current renewal must be at the DMV office. I'm wondering, why? Also, I'm sure I'll be required to take a written test and, to say the least, I'm nervous. Any suggestions for success?

A: Very few people look forward to taking any kind of test so you are not alone in your concerns. You've asked two very good questions that I'll try to answer.

Many...

Q: There is a chance my dad will need to go into a skilled nursing facility, and I've been told that Medicare might pay the costs. Do you know under what conditions this would occur?

A: The reason for your dad's stay in a skilled nursing facility will determine whether or not Medicare will cover the cost. There are three types of care an individual can receive in a skilled nursing facility. They are skilled nursing care, rehabilitation therapy and custodial care. Medicare coverage applies only to skilled...

Q: My dilemma has to do with when you should enroll in Medicare. My friends have their own interpretations of when you must enroll. Some say it's 65, others say when you reach full retirement age and others say you don't have to sign up as long as you continue to work. Is there a right answer?

A: Let me assure you that this particular question causes a dilemma for many, and friends and relatives mean well when they answer your questions based on when they were required to enroll in Medicare.

To...

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Q: In the past several years, I have attended the festive shopping event at Senior Concerns Thrift Shop and Boutique in Thousand Oaks. Do you know if there are plans for this event this year?

A: I am glad to hear that you enjoyed that special shopping event. But I do have to tell you that there are no plans to offer it this holiday season.

But don't be too disappointed because the shop is decorated and has its holiday merchandise, as well as regular merchandise,...

By Betty Berry November 10, 2008

Q: Some time ago, you wrote a column about how to help or give assistance to a person who is blind or visually impaired. I found it very informative and wonder if you have any suggestions when encountering those with other types of disabilities. Many times, I find I want to offer assistance but do not want to offend. Do you have a thought or two?

A: Many people want to assist and yet don't know what to offer or if help is needed or wanted.

To find out what...

 

By Betty Berry November 3, 2008

Q: I am the widow of a veteran, and friends have been telling me that I could be eligible for veterans benefits based on my husband's service. I don't know where to start looking. Any suggestions?



A: Your friends could possibly be right, and you should check out the possibility. Your question is also very timely. Senior Concerns' second presentation in the "Solving the Aging Puzzle" series addresses veterans benefits.

The seminar is...

 

By Betty Berry October 27, 2008

Q: As we grow old, many of us have what we jokingly refer to as senior moments. However, I think that when these senior moments occur, we are all a little worried that we are starting to have a memory loss problem. Can you shed any light on this?

A: This is a subject that is near and dear to every senior. Many times, I've heard someone say, "I just can't remember the name of that person," followed by, "I must be getting Alzheimer's." We joke about senior...

By Betty Berry Monday, April 14, 2008

Q: My mom who is a widow is considering downsizing and looking into purchasing a condo. In her search for new housing she has encountered, for the first time, homeowners association dues. She is concerned about these monthly charges and has questions I can't answer. Do you know where she could go to help understand the rules and regulations? A: This is a question that may be of interest to many seniors. It is also a question that falls outside my area of expertise....