Q: I am looking for something different to do to celebrate a very good friend’s special birthday. Have you heard of anything coming up in the next few weeks?

A: Your timing couldn’t be better. The “2nd Chance Fashion Show” benefiting Senior Concerns programs would be an excellent event. It will take place at 11:30 a.m. April 23 at Muvico at The Oaks shopping center at 166 W. Hillcrest Drive in Thousand Oaks.

The event will include lunch, a silent auction, a fashion show featuring clothing and accessories...

Q: I am caregiving for a family member and feel our communication could be improved. Are there any sources that can help me?

A: The next seminar offered by Senior Concerns in the series Caregiving ‘U’ will address that exact subject.

On Tuesday, Senior Concerns is offering “Compassionate Communication.” Shoshana Wheeler, a teacher and counselor, and Kelila Heller, an advocate for seniors, will present a communication process that will very likely increase connections and understandings in many...

Q: Some time ago you wrote a column about “senior moments” and what was normal versus abnormal. Could you print that again?

A: A number of years ago I attended a seminar on this topic given by the Alzheimer’s Association. At the end of the session, all attendees received a list of normal versus abnormal situations. I will be glad to share it with my readers again.

Forgetting where you left your keys is normal. Finding those keys and not knowing their purpose is abnormal.

Repeating a story...

Q: What will Senior Concerns' February caregiving seminar have in store?

A: "The Emotional Ups and Downs of Caregiving" will take place from 4:30-6 p.m. Feb. 12. The session will review techniques for caregivers to care for themselves emotionally.

The speaker will be Felice Urban, a licensed clinical social worker. She will answer questions such as: Is there a normal way to feel about being a caregiver? What does it mean to have positive and negative emotions about caregiving?

Urban will...

Q: I am my dad's caregiver. He is not very talkative, and when I talk to him I am never sure he hears me since he rarely makes comments. What can I do to improve communication with him?

A: Communication is vital especially when a caregiver is trying to give instructions about medications, appointments or information for making important decisions.

Many older people experience progressive hearing loss. An estimated 60 percent of Americans older than 65 have hearing impairment, with men experiencing...

Q: What is identity theft and how does it happen?

A: Identity theft occurs when someone obtains personal information about you and uses it as if it were his or her own.

With such information as your Social Security number, credit card numbers and bank account numbers, someone can open additional credit card accounts, withdraw from bank accounts or make purchases on accounts. This is all done with no intention of paying for the merchandise and services obtained.

Some thieves steal your purse...

Q: Will there be a Senior Concerns seminar on caregiving in January?

A: The Caregiving "U" series will start again in January with the presentation "Caregiver Wake Up Call." This session of the series will look at any changes or problems that have recently occurred with your loved one and cover what these changes may mean and what actions should be considered.

There will be three speakers, and each will address a different aspect of working with these problems or changes.

Maureen Symonds,...

Q: When I receive bills and statements I always throw all the inserts away. After talking with a neighbor I realize some of those inserts may have been privacy notices on which I should have taken action. Is there anything I can do?

A: Even if you threw away the notices, you can act at any time to protect your personal information. Contact your bank or any other company, ask for a copy of its privacy notice and follow the instructions for protecting your privacy.

You can also draft your own notice....

Q: I recently became aware of scams involving misuse of personal checks. Do you have suggestions on how to avoid becoming a victim of this crime?

A: The most effective steps consumers can take are to store checks safely and destroy them properly when appropriate.

When you receive an order of new checks, promptly review them to ensure they are correctly printed and that all were received. The blank checks should then be stored in a safe, preferably locked, place.

If you find an error on your...

Q: When does the annual open enrollment period for making changes to Medicare close?

A: The annual open enrollment period for making changes to Medicare plans and Part D prescription drug coverage for 2013 ends Dec. 7.

If you still need help in selecting new coverage there are just three days left to make that change. Assistance will be available at the Area Agency on Aging office at 646 County Square Drive in Ventura from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m....