By Betty Berry, Tuesday, Aug. 31, 2010  Q: I keep hearing about the need for seniors to include physical activity in their daily activities, but I never seem to have the time or interest. How can I get started?

A: I am always excited to report on a new program or activity for seniors. Senior Concerns and the SCAN Senior Resource Center, in cooperation with California Lutheran University’s exercise science department, will be offering the Active Living Every Day course, which helps sedentary people become and stay physically active for a lifetime. The course, developed by the Cooper Institute, uses established behavior change models to empower people to overcome barriers to physical activity.

The 14-week course, designed for inactive seniors 60 and older, will be held from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Mondays starting Sept. 13 at Senior Concerns Day Center, 401 Hodencamp Road, Thousand Oaks.

The initial session is free for...

By Betty Berry, Tuesday, Aug. 24, 2010  Q: A group of us were out the other night when one person needed to use an ATM. When she returned to the table a discussion about ATMs and scams took place. It seemed we all had different ideas about how it happens and how to protect against it. Do you have any suggestions?

A: Modern technology is wonderful, but with convenience comes risk. When using an ATM you need to be alert to a number of things to protect yourself from theft.

First you need to be alert to the ATM itself. While looking at the ATM, ask yourself if there is anything unusual about it. Does it appear to have something added to it or are there wires extending from it that don’t appear to belong? Does it have a sign attached indicating it is out-of-order and directing the user to another machine? If something appears to be out-of-line don’t use that ATM.

Next be alert to the location itself. Although scamming can happen at almost any location, some locations can be less desirable than...

By Betty Berry, Tuesday, Aug. 17, 2010  Q: All the talk about healthcare reform has led me to think about my Medicare coverage and whether I really understand all the parts and rules. Is there somewhere I could go for a refresher course?

A: Understanding Medicare isn’t easy. A review of the numerous parts and rules can’t hurt. Every year there are changes, and you need to keep up to date on your coverage to determine if and how those changes might affect you.

A refresher course, called Medicare 101, is scheduled in Thousand Oaks 10-11:30 a.m. Monday at the Goebel Senior Adult Center, 1385 E. Janss Road.

The presentation, facilitated by Senior Concerns, will define Medicare’s parts and options. Those new to Medicare will learn how and when to enroll, and what happens if they don’t enroll. The review also will cover the cost and if a medical review is required. People who work beyond age 65 will learn how their job status might affect...

By Betty Berry, Tuesday, Aug. 10, 2010  Q: I received a letter from a company saying that the state was holding some money that belonged to me and for a fee this company would collect that money and forward it to me. Is this on the up and up or is it some type of scam?

A: This is an excellent question and you are to be congratulated on being so observant. We can never be too careful.

The letter you received in all likelihood is an honest offer. There are companies whose sole purpose is to search public records and do the work required to collect money due an individual for a fee. Sometimes it is a flat fee and sometimes it is a percentage.

However, you can easily search the records yourself and claim the money without the use of private services that want upfront fees.

When someone forgets about or was never aware of an account or refund, and the company holding that money is unable to reach them, the money is turned over to the government of the last state in which the account owner...

By Betty Berry, Tuesday, Aug. 3, 2010  Q: I am a full-time caregiver and at my wits’ end. I am totally worn out and need a break. Placing my loved one in a long-term care facility is not an option at this time and having someone come into my home will not provide me the peace and quiet that I need. Is there an option I am not aware of?

A: First, I want to commend you for reaching out. Many caregivers, for a variety of reasons, resist the need to ask for help.

Now, to answer your question about other options available. You need to investigate adult day care centers, which are available countywide and provide a win-win situation for both the participant and the caregiver.

These centers provide older adults an opportunity to get out of the house and receive mental, social and physical stimulation.

They also give caregivers like yourself a much-needed break to attend to personal needs and relaxation.

Operating during daytime hours, usually from Monday through Friday, these sites...

By Betty Berry, Tuesday, July 27, 2010  Q: I am helping my sister-in-law deal with my brother, who has dementia but insists that he can still drive.

He is very stubborn, and no matter what we say to him, tells us he is a safe driver. Whenever he can, he sneaks out and “takes a ride.”

What can we do?

A: Explaining anything to a person with dementia can be difficult at best; however, talking about taking away driving privileges is even more difficult because this represents a tremendous loss of independence. Bringing up the issue can trigger anger, denial and grief.

Unfortunately, someone suffering from dementia doesn’t recognize that he or she no longer has the ability to make the split-second decisions required to safely operate a vehicle.

You don’t say whether you have talked with your brother’s doctor, but if you haven’t, that might be a place to start. Often, a person with dementia is more willing to listen to a third party such as a doctor than to a family member.

...

By Betty Berry, Tuesday, July 20, 2010  Q: I just placed a family member in a nursing facility, which mentioned a long-term-care ombudsman. Can you explain what an ombudsman does?

A: I’d be glad to. “Ombudsman” is a Swedish word that means citizen representative. A long-term-care ombudsman is a state-certified community volunteer who is trained to objectively investigate and resolve problems for residents in long-term-care facilities.

The ombudsman’s main goal is to ensure that residents at such facilities are getting the services to which they are entitled. Many of these residents have little or no contact with the outside world. Nor do they have control over their lives. The ombudsman serves as an advocate for residents and helps to improve their quality of life.

At least one experienced and trained ombudsman is assigned to each facility and is required to spend a specified period of time there each month. He or she is available to assist in resolving problems related to residents’ rights,...

By Betty Berry, Tuesday, July 6, 2010  Q: I retired before age 65 and have healthcare benefits from my employer. Will this be considered a Medicare supplement when I go on Medicare?

A: Since you are not yet age 65 your employer-provided healthcare benefit is your primary coverage. When you turn 65 and go on Medicare those benefits become your secondary coverage and may change. They may or may not provide the same benefits as a Medicare medigap policy.

Employer retirement plans are not the same as the state-regulated Medicare medigap plans. They do not necessarily provide the same services, since coverage depends on the contract between the employer and the insurer. Coverage will also vary depending upon whether the plan is a fee-for-service, managed-care HMO or preferred-provider network.

To determine the adequacy of the coverage ask the following questions: What will the plan pay after Medicare has paid? Does the plan pay for services...

By Betty Berry, Tuesday, June 29, 2010  Q: While paying into Social Security I have had several name changes. How can I determine if my earning records are accurate?

A: I asked Social Security to explain the process followed when it receives an earnings report that does not match the name and Social Security number in the files.

The agency goes to great length to find the correct record to which to credit the earnings. It checks for common errors such as use of nicknames, misspellings or transposition of letters or numbers. If these methods don’t work it attempts to contact the worker or employer to resolve the discrepancy.

If earnings remain unassignable they are placed in a “suspense” file; however, investigation continues.

You can help ensure accurate records. When a name change occurs advise Social Security so it can update the records. If you change jobs use the same name with each employer. Avoid using nicknames on your payroll records and review your W-2 form to make sure your...

By Betty Berry, Tuesday, June 22, 2010  Q: We have heard over and over that we, the users of the system, should review our Medicare Summary Notices and report any errors found.

What action can we expect from the Medicare System when we make a fraud complaint? What, if anything, is done to the providers who are found guilty of fraud?

Also, I understand that the healthcare reform that has just been passed will be addressing Medicare fraud — what can we expect?

A: An excellent question. Your question is also very timely as a panel presentation on this very subject is scheduled this month.

“Medicare Fraud — How Does It Happen? — How Is It Detected? — How Is It Investigated?” is scheduled for Monday from 1:30 to 3 p.m. at the Goebel Senior Adult Center, 1385 E. Janss Road, Thousand Oaks.

Panel presenters from the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare and the Senior Medicare Patrol will discuss how fraud happens, areas in which...