Betty Berry - Senior Advocate

By Betty Berry, Tuesday, May 25, 2010  Q: I am trying to educate my parents about identity theft, but I don’t think they believe what I’m saying. Perhaps they would listen more if it came from a third party. Can you address how identify theft happens?

A: I would be glad to. Identity theft occurs when someone steals your personal information and uses it without your knowledge to commit fraud or crimes. Skilled identity thieves use a variety of methods to get their hands on your personal information. The...

By Betty Berry, Tuesday, May 18, 2010  Q: In the past I have participated in Senior Concerns’ Love Run. It seems that this is about the time of year it usually takes place. Can you give me details for this year’s event?

A: The 17th annual Love Run is scheduled for June 6. Registration and the start of activities will take place at 3011 Townsgate Road (corner of Townsgate and Lakeview Canyon roads) in Westlake Village.

The event offers something for every member of the family. Race-day registration...

By Betty Berry, Tuesday, May 11, 2010  Q: I can’t understand why they make senior healthcare coverage so difficult to understand. Plans refer to deductibles, coinsurance, copayments and share-of-cost. Are these terms interchangeable?

A: The insurance industry, like any other business, has a unique vocabulary to describe its services and fees. Going a step further, each type of coverage could also have unique words to describe the plan. The government plans that cover senior healthcare are no different.

...

By Betty Berry, April 27, 2010  Q: My friends and I are closing in on the magic age of retirement and thinking about our plans for the future. Some of us are considering retirement while others are not. We are looking for a class, workshop or seminar that might address our options. Do you know of any?

A: It is never too early to start planning for the rest of your life. Because we are living longer, millions of people can expect to live many healthy active years after reaching “retirement” age.

...

By Betty Berry, Tuesday, April 20, 2010  Q: Spring is in the air, which usually means it must be time for organizations to put on fairs and expos. Do you know of anything being planned?

A: Yes. The Camarillo Council on Aging is planning a day full of fun and great information geared toward boomers, centenarians and everyone in between.

The Camarillo Senior Expo, “Living Life to its Fullest,” is scheduled from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 4 at the Camarillo Community Center and Pleasant Valley Senior...

By Betty Berry, Tuesday, April 13, 2010  Q: I recently heard about a program called CarFit. Could you tell me something about this program and if it is available in Ventura County?

A: CarFit is an educational program created by the American Society on Aging in collaboration with the American Automobile Association, AARP and American Occupational Therapy Association.

The program has a 12-point checklist designed to help drivers find out how well they “fit” their automobile and offers suggestions...

By Betty Berry, Wednesday, March 31, 2010  Q: Since driving is so important in our part of the world, my friends and I are concerned about driving safely and keeping our licenses as we age. Do you know of any seminars that address this subject?

A: You and most seniors are very concerned about keeping the privilege to drive. The secret to keeping that privilege is understanding how the aging process affects our ability to drive, knowing the rules of the road and taking the responsibility of knowing when...

By Betty Berry, Tuesday, March 9, 2010  Q: Some time ago you mentioned Senior Concerns Thrift Shop in an article and my friend gave me the address — but I lost it. Could you provide the address again and perhaps tell me a little about the shop and any special events they might be planning?

A: I am so glad your friend told you about Senior Concerns Bargain Boutique. Everyone who has ever entered the shop has had wonderful things to say about the merchandise.

First, the shop is at 80 E. Hillcrest...

By Betty Berry, Tuesday, March 2, 2010  Q: I’ve read that one of the benefits under Medicare coverage is hospice care. Can you explain exactly what hospice care is and does that replace regular Medicare benefits?

A: Hospice is a type of care for the terminally ill.

The focus of hospice care is comfort and pain relief rather than treatment of the disease itself.

Those qualifying for hospice care can obtain medical and support services...

By Betty Berry, Tuesday, February 16, 2010  Q: I recently made a purchase and paid for it with a check. When I received my bank statement, it showed that check to be an electronic check conversion. Can you explain?

A: What you experienced was a process where your check was used as a source of information — but the check itself was not considered as the method of payment. That information was then used to make a one-time electronic payment from your account.

When you provide your check, you must...