Betty Berry - Senior Advocate

By Betty Berry Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Q: All the talk about healthcare reform has led me to thinking about my Medicare coverage and if I really understand all the parts and rules. Is there somewhere I could go to get a refresher course?

A: Understanding Medicare isn’t easy. There are numerous parts with different rules and a review of those parts and rules can’t hurt. Every year there are some changes and you need to keep up to date on your coverage to avoid unnecessary surprises.

You...

By Betty Berry Wednesday, July 22, 2009   Q: I have just returned to the Conejo Valley after being gone for five years and am trying to get caught up on activities that take place in the community. If I remember correctly, every summer Senior Concerns had a fundraiser called the Ultimate Dining Experience. Can you tell me if that event still takes place?

A: I am happy to tell you that Ultimate Dining is still an event in the Conejo Valley. This event is a fundraiser that enables Senior Concerns to...

By Betty Berry Wednesday, July 15, 2009   Q: I just discovered an IRA that I started years ago in another state and forgot about. It is a small amount but even so, I would like to update the beneficiary. Is that difficult to do?

A: Well first, congratulations on finding lost money.

No, it is not difficult to change the beneficiary.

You will need to obtain a Designation of Beneficiary form from the trustee holding that IRA, complete the form and return it to the trustee.

Make sure to name both a primary and contingent beneficiary for each IRA you own. If you’re naming multiple beneficiaries, be sure each beneficiary’s share is clearly defined with a fraction or percentage amount or with the word “equally” if that is appropriate.

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By Betty Berry Wednesday, July 8, 2009   Q: I am concerned about whether my parents are handling their finances properly and if or when I should attempt to help. Are there any signals that could alert me to specific trouble?

A: This is a situation that many families are faced with and one that both parents and children hesitate to discuss. Many families do not discuss finances until a crisis occurs and by then many times it is too late.

Some adult children hesitate to discuss financial concerns...

By Betty Berry Wednesday, July 1, 2009   Q: In my everyday schedule, I deal with many older adults and am finding that communication is becoming more difficult. Are there any suggestions on how to make some improvement?

A: Since you didn’t mention the type of contact you have with these elders nor the reason for the difficulty I will address your question in general terms.

People may experience physical impairments that interfere to some degree with the ability to communicate.

The four...

By Betty Berry Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Q: Recently a neighbor returned home from the hospital and needed some assistance. I was surprised when I was told she had to pay for these services. Doesn’t Medicare pay for in-home care?

A: Although it sounds simple, in-home care is a complex subject and you are not alone in your thinking.

Keep in mind that Medicare pays only for “medically necessary” services. Medicare does not pay for “custodial” care.

Custodial care essentially covers...

By Betty Berry Wednesday, June 17, 2009   Q: In May, a friend attended a seminar in Ventura on “Financial Safety in the Golden Years.” She came back raving about how informative it was. Is there any chance that it might be repeated somewhere in the east county?

A: I am very glad to be able to tell you that this panel presentation will be repeated in the east county.

“Financial Safety in the Golden Years” is scheduled for June 25, from 9 a.m. to noon, at the Goebel Senior Adult Center, 1385...

By Betty Berry Wednesday, June 10, 2009   Q: I have been a very busy person all my adult life and was looking forward to having free time. Now I find myself with time on my hands, and it is not all I thought it would be.

I’m considering volunteering my time but am not sure what opportunities are available. Can you provide some direction?

A: You couldn’t have asked this question at a more opportune time. With the budget crisis and many other problems now facing many nonprofits as well as for-profit...

By Betty Berry Wednesday, June 3, 2009  

Q: In the past few months, I have had several friends laid up because of falls. I believe this is one of the most serious things that can happen to a senior. Do you agree, and, if so, do you have any hints on how to avoid falls especially in the home?

A: Yes, I do agree. A fall in itself is bad enough, but it can, and many times does, result in additional problems. Some victims never fully recover from the effects of a fall. While not every fall can be prevented, many can be and so a little pre-thought on behalf of the senior and family can help reduce such occurrences. A fall can occur in any room of the house, but there are several rooms that can prove to be more dangerous than others.

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By Betty Berry Wednesday, May 27, 2009    Q: I am attempting to help an elderly relative select healthcare coverage. I am so confused and I can’t believe that a senior is required to understand all of the options available.

I have run into Medicare, Medi-Cal, Medicaid, Medigap and Medicare Advantage. Everything starts with “m” and they all sound alike.

Also, can a senior have only one of these items or can they have a combination? Can you help a nonsenior make sense of all of this?

A:...