By Betty Berry, Tuesday, December 29, 2009  Q: With the busy holiday season almost behind us and a new year approaching, I am wondering if there are any seminars or workshops scheduled in January.

A: For a number of years, January has not had a lot of activity in the seminar-workshop area. However, from where I sit it looks like 2010 will be different.

I can tell you about four events scheduled for the first half of January. Each addresses a subject of interest to a particular group of people, so I am sure you will find at least one of them of interest to you.

Senior Concerns and Coast Caregiver Resource Center, a program of Cottage Rehabilitation Hospital, are co-sponsoring a seminar, “Coping Strategies for Family Caregivers.” It is scheduled for Jan. 12, from 4 to 5:30 p.m., at Senior Concerns Day Care Center, at 401 Hodencamp Road in Thousand Oaks.....

By Betty Berry, Tuesday, December 22, 2009  Q: A while back, my neighbor attended a seminar providing information about how to study for the DMV written test. I now find that for the first time in many years I will be required to take the written test in order to renew my driver’s license.

I sure could use a little help in preparing. Do you know if that seminar will be given again and, if so, where and when?

A: Many seniors are as surprised as you are to receive a notice that a test is required in order to renew their driver’s license.....

By Betty Berry, Wednesday, December 9, 2009  Q: I am a caregiver for a family member and currently doing OK, but I know in the future I will need to seek placement. What should I look for in selecting a facility?

A: You are to be commended for looking into placement well in advance of when you are actually going to need this type of care.

Since you didn’t mention what type of care your family member may need, let me start with some simple explanations describing the types of facilities you might be considering.

A residential-care facility for the elderly, also referred to as a board-and-care or an assisted-living facility, is a home for those who can no longer live safely on their own but do not require any type of skilled nursing care. To accommodate patients with special needs, many of these facilities have obtained special waivers that allow them to provide dementia and end-of-life care....

By Betty Berry, Monday, November 30, 2009 Q: I have a friend who is legally blind and I’m at a loss as to how to act around him or what sort of help to offer or what to say. Any suggestions?

A: I too have a friend who is legally blind and I asked her for help in answering your questions. This is her response:

“People’s concept of blindness has become quite an issue in my life. The most annoying comment I’m faced with is, ‘ but you don’t look blind.’

“That makes me ask: ‘What does blind look like? Is it wearing dark glasses, carrying a cane or perhaps stumbling around?’

“The answer is it could be all of, some of or none of the above....

By Betty Berry, Tuesday, November 24, 2009 Q: Due to several unexpected events, my parents are finding their income is not sufficient. They have been hearing from friends that they should look into a reverse mortgage.

Before they take any steps in that direction, I would like to learn more about the process and pros as well as cons. Do you know where I can receive unbiased information?

A: Your parents, like many seniors, find themselves in a situation where they are “cash-poor but land-rich.” For those seniors who own their homes, a reverse mortgage is one of several options they can consider to supplement their income....

By Betty Berry, Wednesday, November 4, 2009 Q: Do I imagine it or are there more burglaries? It seems that is all you read about in the paper or see on TV news. As a senior living alone, I wonder what I can do to make my home safer?

A: This is a good time of year to ask this question and review safety measures, since the holiday season is a time when some crimes seem to increase.

I did some research on your questions and was surprised to learn how many people are lax about their safety. I was told that more than one-third of residential burglaries are not truly break-ins; the home is simply entered through an unlocked window or door....

Betty Berry, Wednesday, October 28, 2009  Q: Is there any type of testing that might provide information about potential risk for memory loss? Who should be screened?

A: Your questions are very timely.

Every year the Alzheimer's Foundation of America selects a day in November as National Memory Screening Day, when sites nationwide offer free confidential memory screenings and educational materials. This year, Senior Concerns will hold its "Memory Screening Day" seminar from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 14. The event will be at the Senior Concerns Adult Day Care Center, 401 Hodencamp Road, Thousand Oaks....

By Betty Berry, Wednesday, October 21, 2009  Q: I recently visited someone in a nursing facility and noticed a poster providing contact information for the ombudsman. I don’t know what an ombudsman does and what, if any, organization is involved.

A: The program you are asking about is the Long Term Care Ombudsman Program. It is a nationwide nonprofit organization that helps ensure quality care for residents of skilled nursing and assisted-living care facilities.

The word ombudsman is derived from a Swedish word and generally means a friend from the community. The long-term-care ombudsman is a specially trained and certified individual who advocates for quality care for the elderly residents in care facilities....

By Betty Berry, Wednesday, October 14, 2009  Q: I’m hearing more and more about how overweight the people of this nation — both young and old — are becoming, and how it is affecting our health.

We are being told to eat right and cut back on portions.

I am not in control of how much food is served to me. Are there any guidelines for determining portion size or hints on how to cut down on calories for someone in my situation?

A: Where there is a will, there is a way.

Since you didn’t state why you are not in control of how much food is served to you, I am assuming you either eat most of your meals in a restaurant or your living situation has meals included.....

By Betty Berry, Wednesday, October 7, 2009 Q: For the past few years, I have enjoyed the series of seminars Senior Concerns has offered. I believe they usually started in October but so far I haven’t seen anything in the paper. Is that series going to be offered again this year?

A: Oh yes, yes, yes; Senior Concerns will once again be offering the Solving the Aging Puzzle series.

The powers behind these presentations have been hard at work putting together another informational and helpful program.

This year’s theme is Growing Older and Staying Young.

Each presentation will focus on a specific area of importance to seniors and soon-to-be seniors....