Betty Berry - Senior Advocate

By Betty Berry Monday, April 14, 2008

Q: My mom who is a widow is considering downsizing and looking into purchasing a condo. In her search for new housing she has encountered, for the first time, homeowners association dues. She is concerned about these monthly charges and has questions I can't answer. Do you know where she could go to help understand the rules and regulations? A: This is a question that may be of interest to many seniors. It is also a question that falls outside my area of expertise....

By Betty Berry Monday, April 7, 2008

Q. I am confused about what Medicare will pay for when someone is in a nursing home. I've heard of cases where Medicare has paid nothing and others where Medicare pays for everything. Why would there be such a range of benefits? A. First, I am assuming that when you mention a nursing home, you are referring to a skilled nursing facility, also known as an SNF, and my response to your question will be based on that assumption. The difference depends on why you are in an SNF. If you are there because you need custodial care, then Medicare will not cover the cost of your stay. However, if you are there because your situation requires skilled care or therapy, then Medicare will fully cover part of your stay. ...

By Betty Berry Monday, March 31, 2008

Q. As I am putting my legal papers in order and completing my estate planning, I am wondering if I should leave particulars about funeral arrangements. I don't think I have ever encountered a presentation on this subject and not exactly sure what options are available. Have you any ideas on where I can find information on the subject? A. I don't think that I have encountered many presentations on this subject either. It is a subject most of us would rather not...

By Betty Berry Monday, March 24, 2008

Q: I am a senior who has just become computer literate. I am enjoying my newfound hobby of visiting the Internet, and have viewed a number of Web sites offering health information. How can I determine if the information provided is reliable? A: First, let me congratulate you on becoming computer literate. It is the way of the future, and seniors should take every opportunity available to keep up with technology. Seniors who don't learn how to use a computer will find themselves isolated from current methods of communication. ...

By Betty Berry Monday, March 17, 2008

Q: I am a caregiver for my mom and also hold down a full-time job. I would like to attend seminars or a support group but find most of them on weekdays. Do you know of any group that offers anything on a weekend? A: Yes, I do. The Alzheimer's Association is offering a half-day caregiver conference for Ventura County caregivers at the end of this month. It may be just what you are looking for. This spring conference, "Caring For You, the Caregiver," is scheduled...

By Betty Berry Monday, March 10, 2008

Q: I have heard that the Thousand Oaks Council on Aging is planning an outreach dinner at the Goebel Senior Adult Center. Can you provide details on this event? Also, I understand that a survey is being conducted for seniors and baby boomers. What is the survey looking at, and where can survey forms be found? A: Well, let's answer your question about the dinner first. Yes, the Council on Aging is hosting a finger-licking good barbecue chicken dinner with all...

By Betty Berry Monday, March 3, 2008

Q. I know that I should have an advance directive for healthcare, but I just haven't gotten around to doing it, and I still have a few questions about the process. Is there a seminar or presentation on the horizon about this subject? A. You are absolutely right about needing an advance directive for healthcare. It is one of the most important estate planning documents we need. To answer your question about a coming seminar — yes, there is one scheduled this...

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...