Betty Berry - Senior Advocate

Q: I am taking my first vacation since being widowed and will be staying alone at several locations. Do you have hotel safety tips?

A: Ask for a room near the elevator rather than down an isolated hallway. Don't accept a room with only a single lock or without a peephole. While in your room, always use the dead bolt or chain lock.

Never open your door without knowing who is on the other side. If it is someone claiming to work at the hotel, call and verify that an employee has been sent to your...

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Q: We are constantly being told that if we see suspicious people or activities, we should report them. I'm not sure I know what a suspicious person looks like. Do you?

A:There is no particular description of a suspicious person. Generally, anyone who seems out of place for an area, time of day or an event could be considered suspicious. His or her presence might indicate present or future criminal activity.

An unknown person seen entering a neighbor's side or backyard...

By Betty Berry, Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2012

Q: I am interested in finding information on presentations that are of general interest. What do you see on the horizon?

A:The Conejo/Las Virgenes Future Foundation will present its eighth Senior Congress on Feb. 1.

The seminar, "Eat, Play, Sleep: Healthy Senior Living," focuses on how lifestyle choices lead to a happier, more healthful life in your senior years.

The program will have four segments:

Why are our choices important?

...

By Betty Berry, Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Q: During the past few months, I have been helping a friend get rid of clutter in her home. We've come across items that may be collectibles or antiques and are looking for a good source to evaluate them. Do you have any resources?

A: An upcoming event could be the answer to your need.

Goebel's Antiques and Collectibles Bazaar is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Jan. 22 at the Goebel Senior Adult Center, 1385 E. Janss Road in Thousand Oaks.

...

By Betty Berry, January 3, 2012

Q: It was announced last fall that the world population would reach 7 billion. Do any studies show details about these people?

A: Such statistics are tracked and reported by many sources, such as the U.N. Population Division and the Census Bureau.

Reports showed birthrates are not up. Longevity is on the rise, and part of what is happening is a global aging trend. With average life expectancy increasing, it is expected that people 60 or older will outnumber...

By Betty Berry, Dec. 27, 2011

Q: I have been attending the Senior Concerns seminars for caregivers. The last presentation was in November, and we were told the series would continue in January. Do you have particulars on the next presentation?

A: Solving the Aging Puzzle's third presentation in the Caregiving Rollercoaster series — "Who Can Help Me?" — will be from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Jan. 10 at Senior Concerns Day Care Center, 401 Hodencamp Road in Thousand Oaks.

It will be facilitated by Christy...

By Betty Berry, Dec. 20, 2011

Q: It seems like there are more break-ins than ever. Do you have suggestions on how to make my home more secure?

A: I did some research on your question and was surprised to learn how lax many people are about their safety. I was told more than one-third of residential burglaries are not truly break-ins but entries through an unlocked windows or doors. For starters, use your locks.

You didn't mention whether you live in an apartment or house, so some of these...

By Betty Berry, Dec. 13, 2011

Q: I have used Senior Concerns advocacy services at the Goebel Senior Adult Center in Thousand Oaks and wonder whether those services are available elsewhere.

A: The services also are available at the Simi Valley Senior Center and will be available beginning in January at the Moorpark Active Adult Center.

Advocates can assist with questions about housing, transportation, legal issues, health issues, in-home care, facility placement, senior programs and assistance...

By Betty Berry, Dec. 6, 2011

Q: My husband lost his wallet on a recent trip, and I am trying to replace the contents. It is very difficult because he has some memory loss and doesn't remember everything he carried. Please tell others to take a few minutes to inventory what they carry with them.

A: This is difficult regardless of whether one has memory loss. I'm sure most of us could not accurately list the contents of our wallets.

An inventory can provide an accurate record of your wallet's...

By Betty Berry, Nov. 29, 2011

QUESTION: Even though money is tight, my friends and I would like to give to charities in our community that really are helping those in need. Do you have suggestions?

ANSWER: You must be on the same wavelength as the Thousand Oaks Council on Aging.

The council will present speakers from Many Mansions, Lutheran Social Services and Habitat for Humanity, with moderator Rob Orth from Project Understanding, at its monthly meeting Dec. 7. The speakers will discuss...