Betty Berry - Senior Advocate

By Betty Berry, Tuesday, July 27, 2010  Q: I am helping my sister-in-law deal with my brother, who has dementia but insists that he can still drive.

He is very stubborn, and no matter what we say to him, tells us he is a safe driver. Whenever he can, he sneaks out and “takes a ride.”

What can we do?

A: Explaining anything to a person with dementia can be difficult at best; however, talking about taking away driving privileges is even more difficult because this represents a tremendous loss...

By Betty Berry, Tuesday, July 20, 2010  Q: I just placed a family member in a nursing facility, which mentioned a long-term-care ombudsman. Can you explain what an ombudsman does?

A: I’d be glad to. “Ombudsman” is a Swedish word that means citizen representative. A long-term-care ombudsman is a state-certified community volunteer who is trained to objectively investigate and resolve problems for residents in long-term-care facilities.

The ombudsman’s main goal is to ensure that residents at such...

By Betty Berry, Tuesday, July 6, 2010  Q: I retired before age 65 and have healthcare benefits from my employer. Will this be considered a Medicare supplement when I go on Medicare?

A: Since you are not yet age 65 your employer-provided healthcare benefit is your primary coverage. When you turn 65 and go on Medicare those benefits become your secondary coverage and may change. They may or may not provide the same benefits as a Medicare medigap...

By Betty Berry, Tuesday, June 29, 2010  Q: While paying into Social Security I have had several name changes. How can I determine if my earning records are accurate?

A: I asked Social Security to explain the process followed when it receives an earnings report that does not match the name and Social Security number in the files.

The agency goes to great length to find the correct record to which to credit the earnings. It checks for common errors such as use of nicknames, misspellings or transposition...

By Betty Berry, Tuesday, June 22, 2010  Q: We have heard over and over that we, the users of the system, should review our Medicare Summary Notices and report any errors found.

What action can we expect from the Medicare System when we make a fraud complaint? What, if anything, is done to the providers who are found guilty of fraud?

Also, I understand that the healthcare reform that has just been passed will be addressing Medicare fraud...

By Betty Berry, Tuesday, June 15, 2010  Q: I’ve been widowed for almost two years and am considering a move. My home and yard are more than I want to continue to take care of. However, I am active and independent. I don’t need to be taken care of but at times am very lonely. I’m considering what they call retirement living. Can you provide any guidance about this?

A: I’d be delighted to tell you what I know about retirement living. It is one of the numerous alternatives the retirement housing industry...

By Betty Berry, Tuesday, June 8, 2010  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 I should ask them to provide?

A: Your situation is not uncommon. We are all guilty to some degree of not planning for the future, which includes getting our financial...

By Betty Berry, Tue. June 1, 2010  Q: I don’t know if it is because I’m a senior, but I’m tired of receiving poor responses to problems I try to resolve. Can you make any suggestions on how to “get what you pay for?”

A: I’m sure your frustrations are shared by the general public and are not limited to senior citizens. When you find that a service or merchandise is less than acceptable, you have the right to complain.

To be effective, you need to be brief and to the point, and above all else, polite....

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...