Betty Berry - Senior Advocate

By Betty Berry Wednesday, September 16, 2009    Q: If my mother forgets to pay her electric bill, is there a way that Edison can let me know so that service is not disconnected?

A: I checked with Edison and was told about its “Friendly Reminder Notification Program.”

Edison customers can ask to have a third party notified if electric service is ever scheduled to be disconnected for past-due bills. A third party can be anyone who agrees to receive notice. The customer can select a friend, relative,...

By Betty Berry Wednesday, September 9, 2009    Q: I am looking for information about Parkinson’s disease. In my search, I have not been successful in finding any seminars addressing this disease. Do you have any suggestions as to where I can seek information?

A: Your question has come at a perfect time, as I have just learned of an all-day information fair offering numerous presentations, a variety of vendors and Parkinson’s screenings.

Senior Concerns and Hazel Hutchman Memorial Neuroscience...

By Betty Berry Wednesday, September 2, 2009 

Q: I am researching long-term care, and in my search I have encountered the term “activities of daily living.” Can you provide a list and definitions of those activities?

A: The term “activities of daily living,” also known as “ADLs,” refers to the basic personal activities each of us must perform daily. The list typically includes bathing, dressing, eating, continence, toileting, transferring and ambulation.

Bathing is defined as having the...

By Betty Berry Wednesday, August 26, 2009   Q: I am a fairly new caregiver and have heard a lot about caregiver “burnout” and hope to avoid it, if possible. Is there anything in particular I should do or know that would help me do a good job yet not be overwhelmed by the responsibility I have taken on?

A: I am so glad you asked this question. Caregivers both new and who have been involved for some time need to take time to review what they need to do in order to keep themselves healthy.

Caregiver...

By Betty Berry Wednesday, August 19, 2009    Q: Recently a friend and I were discussing healthcare coverage and she told me I should take my questions to an organization called HICAP. I’ve never heard that organization and don’t know what it stands for or how to contact them. Can you shed some light?

A: HICAP stands for Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program. It is an organization that can provide you with excellent unbiased information about healthcare for those who are covered or about...

By Betty Berry Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Q: A friend of mine just told me she attended several presentations of interest to seniors at the Westlake Village Civic Center. Is this an ongoing offering?

A: Yes, Senior Concerns in cooperation with the city of Westlake Village presents a monthly seminar at the Westlake Village Civic Center.

Called “Senior Issues,” the series is scheduled for 1:30 to 3 p.m. the second Wednesday of every month except August and December.

These seminars...

By Betty Berry Wednesday, August 5, 2009    Q: I am about to turn 65 and had planned to enroll in Medicare; however, a friend told me that since I was going to continue working, I shouldn’t enroll until I quit.

Can you explain how my continuing to work has any effect on when I should sign up?

A: Your question is one that many struggle to understand and your friend’s advice could be correct or incorrect depending on your particular situation.

First you must understand that Medicare consists...

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.

...

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...

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...