Betty Berry - Senior Advocate

By Betty Berry Wednesday, April 22, 2009  Q: My dad has always handled the finances and paperwork for the household. My mother has said she didn’t want the responsibility, but now I am concerned about what will happen if something happened to my dad and he could no longer do it. Any suggestions as to how to get my mother involved?

A: The situation you describe is more common than most people would believe. In many marriages, the household responsibilities are separated, with each spouse concerned...

By Betty Berry Wednesday, April 8, 2009   Q: I am a pre-senior in my 50s and beginning to plan for retirement. I am wondering if there are any events that might address issues that would help make that transition?

A: I know of an event scheduled this month that could be of interest to you.

The Ventura County Area Agency on Aging (VCAAA) and the Ventura County Star, publisher of the Elder Care Directory, are sponsoring an event on April 18, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at The Ronald Reagan Presidential...

By Betty Berry Wednesday, April 1, 2009   Q: I, like many others, have not thought about planning for retirement since it is in the distant future. But now with the economy the way it is, I’m beginning to have some questions. Do you have any referrals as to where to begin my research?

A: You certainly are not alone, and there is no time like the present to start making plans.

Even when the economy has improved, you will need to have a plan in place so you can look forward to retirement.

...

By Betty Berry Wednesday, March 25, 2009   Q: I just received an e-mail from a friend that explained how a bystander could detect the possibility that someone was having a stroke and by doing so could perhaps save a life. I thought perhaps it might be a good item for your column.

A: Thank you for sharing. I too received an e-mail explaining how to recognize the symptoms of a stroke. I will be glad to share what that e-mail said as it encouraged all who received it to spread the word.

Sometimes...

By Betty Berry Wednesday, March 11, 2009   Q: A family member has been diagnosed with a terminal illness and while hospice services are not needed at this particular time, I am beginning to think about them. What should I consider when selecting a hospice provider?

A: I commend you on preparing for future needs.

It is something most of us fail to do and then when faced with the actual problem must act in haste, sometimes requiring us to make ill-informed decisions.

Most Americans know...

By Betty Berry Wednesday, March 4, 2009   Q: My dad will be coming to live with me in my home. He has some problems with mobility, and I want to make the house as free from potential falls as possible. Do you have any suggestions on what I can do?

A: One of the added benefits of making your home safe for your dad is it will also be safer for you and the rest of your family, as anyone can take a tumble if areas are not well lit and free of clutter.

The suggested safety measures will be helpful...

By Betty Berry Wednesday, February 25, 2009   Q: I am a fairly recent widow and at a bit of a loss when it comes to issues concerning finances. I know I should be reviewing the legal papers we had prepared and do some planning, but I’m not sure where to begin. Do you have any suggestions?

A: When it comes to legal issues and making important decisions, I believe that many people, men and women, feel at a bit of a loss.

To ease into this complex subject, I would like to suggest you mark your...

By Betty Berry Wednesday, February 18, 2009    Q: Every day I seem to have a mailbox full of invitations to free seminars on living trusts and financial planning. I’m not really sure I need to be concerned with such topics, but if I do, would these seminars provide me with the information I need?

A: This is not only an excellent question but also a very timely one, since many people are now concerned about how, where and when to invest their money.

It also is one I would like more seniors to...

By Betty Berry Wednesday, February 11, 2009   Q: In the past I have had my taxes done at my local senior center. Will they be doing them again this year?

A: Yes, preparation of income tax returns is being provided again this year. Services started Feb. 1 and will run through April 15 and are for those 60 and over and for those under 60 whose income is $45,000 or less.

As in the past, taxpayers whose returns include Schedule E (rental income) or Schedule C (Profit or Loss from Business ) are...

By Betty Berry Wednesday, February 4, 2009   Q: My parents are very private about their finances and personal records. Until now this hasn’t been a problem, but they are beginning to need my assistance and I don’t have the information I need to help them get the care and services they require. Do you have any suggestions about what would be useful for me to ask them to provide?

A: Your situation is not uncommon. We all are guilty to some degree about lack of planning for future situations.

Planning...