Betty Berry - Senior Advocate

By Betty Berry Monday, February 25, 2008

Q: I have a friend who is really in debt because of her credit cards. I've tried to talk to her about the problem, but my words seem to fall on deaf ears. I think if she read about credit card debt in your column she might realize the trouble she is in. Would you help? A: You have brought up a very serious problem that is being experienced by many, including seniors. Having a credit card can certainly be a convenience and, in the case of an emergency,...

By Betty Berry Monday, February 18, 2008

Q: When I was growing up, memory loss, often called senility, was just normally expected to occur with old age. Today I hear memory loss referred to as Alzheimer's. Has senility just been given a new name or is Alzheimer's something different? A: I can remember being told exactly what you heard and am sure many others were told the same about aging and memory loss. However, what we were told many years ago about aging is not accurate. Senility and Alzheimer's...

By Betty Berry Monday, February 11, 2008

Q. A neighbor told me that the Senior Concerns Advocate services were available at the Simi Valley Senior Center. If this is true, can you tell me when the service is available and how I can arrange to meet with him or her? A. Yes, it is a fact that the services of Senior Concerns Senior Advocate are available through a partnership between the city of Simi Valley and Senior Concerns, a nonprofit organization that serves seniors and their families. The...

By Betty Berry Monday, February 4, 2008

Q: I have been led to believe that long-term care and how to pay for this type of care should be part of a person's financial planning. I am at a loss when it comes to talking about this subject, what it encompasses and what options are available. Where can I go for help in getting started? A: You are absolutely right that long-term care, available options and how to pay for such care should be part of your overall financial and estate planning. I don't...

By Betty Berry Monday, January 28, 2008

Q: For the past several years I have attended a daylong conference sponsored by the Conejo/Las Virgenes Future Foundation. If I remember correctly it was held in the early months of the year. Is one being planned for this year? A: Yes. The fourth annual Senior Congress is being offered this very week, and I am told there are a few seats still available. One of these seats could be yours if you act quickly. This year's presentation is "How Safe Are You?"...

By Betty Berry Monday, January 21, 2008

Q: Can you tell me what steps should be taken regarding Social Security benefits when a person collecting those benefits dies? A: A very good question. Many people are unsure about what needs to be done when a Social Security beneficiary dies. A result of not knowing exactly how the Social Security process works can result in delaying benefits survivors may be entitled to or being required to pay back overpayments received in error. First, it is necessary...

By Betty Berry Ventura County Star Monday, January 14, 2008

Q. I am trying to get my affairs in order and am somewhat confused by some of the terms associated with wills and trusts. In the past, you have provided definitions of terms used by various industries or professions. Could you do the same for the vocabulary of wills and trusts?

A. An excellent question. Terms that are part of everyday conversation for those working in a particular field are often used with very little thought about how confusing it may be to those of us who only encounter such terms on occasion.

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By Betty Berry Ventura County Star Monday, January 7, 2008

Q: Lately it seems I am reading and hearing more and more about medication errors. It appears that these errors happen in numerous ways both at home as well as in healthcare facilities such as assisted living and hospitals. Do you have any safety tips for unsuspecting consumers?

A: A person can never be too careful in understanding their medications. Let's start at the doctor's office. First, make sure all of your doctors know about everything you are currently taking. This includes prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and any dietary or herbal supplements.

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