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, clergyman or even a public agency to be that party. The third party never becomes responsible for the payment of the bill.

Because customer account information is confidential, Edison requires both the customer and the third party to sign the authorization form in order to participate.

It sounds like this program might be just what you need. Although you asked specifically about Edison, this program is also available from other utility companies. If you plan to apply for this type of service,...

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 of Reseda will sponsor “Living Well with Parkinson’s” on Sept. 26, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Senior Concerns Adult Day Center, 401 Hodencamp Road, Thousand Oaks.

The presentations will include sessions on nutrition, therapies, safety and exercise. There also will be information on medications and drug trials.

Movement disorder specialists Dr. Robert M. Hutchman and Dr. Jerome Lisk will conduct on-site individual Parkinson’s assessments. There will be no charge for these assessments; however,...

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 ability to wash oneself on a routine basis in the tub, shower or by sponge bath.

Dressing is the ability to put on and take off all garments and medically necessary braces or artificial limbs, if worn.

Eating is the ability to get nourishment into the body by any means once it has been prepared and made available.

Continence is defined as the ability to control bowel and bladder functions and to maintain a reasonable level of personal hygiene. Toileting includes the ability to go to and from the toilet.

...

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 burnout is a real problem that doesn’t occur overnight but creeps up on the caregiver before he or she is aware it has been building over a period of time. I congratulate you on your awareness and on seeking assistance before the problem presents itself.

To start with, there are two goals of equal importance that all caregivers should adopt. The first, which almost all caregivers do automatically, is to provide the best possible care for their loved ones. The second, which many caregivers never...

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 to be covered by Medicare. Your friend was absolutely correct in suggesting you contact it.

HICAP’s counseling services are provided by fully trained volunteer counselors who are registered by the California Department of Aging and who act in good faith to provide information about health insurance policies and benefits to the senior population.

The counselors provide assistance to those with questions about Medicare, MediCal, Senior Advantage plans such as HMOs and PPOs, Medigap and long term...

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 are free, and no reservations are required.

For more information, call the Senior Concerns Advocates’ office at 495-6250 or Westlake City Hall at 818-706-1613.

Q: Many people like myself must use electronically operated life-support equipment. With the high cost of electricity, I was wondering if there is any program that assists with this expense?

A: Yes, there is a program to help with the cost of electrically operated life-support equipment. Southern California Edison has a program...

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 of several parts. Part A is hospitalization coverage, Part B is medical coverage and Part D covers prescription drugs.

Medicare Part A comes to beneficiaries with no monthly fees. All beneficiaries should sign up for this coverage when they turn 65.

Medicare Part B — for doctor services, lab fees, etc. — comes with a price tag. There is a monthly premium for this coverage. Whether you should sign up for this coverage depends on whether you plan to continue working.

If you are 65 or older or if you have a spouse of any age who is working and either your or your spouse’s employer has 20 or more employees, that employer must offer you the same health insurance that is offered to younger workers and their spouses.

...

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.

Medicare Basics is scheduled for Aug. 7 at the Goebel Senior Adult Center, 1385 E. Janss Road, Thousand Oaks, from 1 to 3 p.m.

This seminar is open to everyone — those who have Medicare fee-for-service, those who have an HMO or PPO, those who are new to Medicare and those who have had Medicare for years. There will be information helpful to all.

...

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.

Medicare Basics is scheduled for Aug. 7 at the Goebel Senior Adult Center, 1385 E. Janss Road, Thousand Oaks, from 1 to 3 p.m.

This seminar is open to everyone — those who have Medicare fee-for-service, those who have an HMO or PPO, those who are new to Medicare and those who have had Medicare for years....

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 provide vital services and programs to seniors, caregivers and their families.

Ultimate Dining 2009 is scheduled for Sunday, Aug. 2, starting at 5 p.m. It will take place at the Hyatt Westlake Plaza, 880 S. Westlake Blvd., in Westlake Village.

Talented chefs will present gourmet selections featuring their favorite recipes, which will include Mediterranean, Southwestern and French influences.

In addition to fine dining, there will be silent and live auctions. For information or reservations,...