Senior Advocate: Events to cover planning for midlife, senior healthcare
Apr
9
Written by:
4/9/2009 9:25 AM
By Betty Berry
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Q: I am a pre-senior in my 50s and beginning to plan for retirement. I am wondering if there are any events that might address issues that would help make that transition?
A: I know of an event scheduled this month that could be of interest to you.
The Ventura County Area Agency on Aging (VCAAA) and the Ventura County Star, publisher of the Elder Care Directory, are sponsoring an event on April 18, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, 40 Presidential Drive, Simi Valley. This half-day event, “Catch the Wave! Midlife — Crisis or Opportunity,” is geared to the 40- to 60-year-old who is thinking about changing careers, healthy living, retirement or financial planning. Included will be presentations covering health insurance, job changes, lifestyle changes, long-term care insurance, healthy living and financial planning for retirement.
A variety of exhibitors well versed in the field of living and aging well will provide a wealth of information. For more about exhibitor participation, call 800-434-0222. This event has limited seating, which makes reservations a must. To make your reservation, call 477-7300. Don’t delay — call early so you won’t miss out.
There is no charge for this day, which is packed with useful information and resources. Attendance includes admittance to the museum after the event.
Q: In the past, I have attended an educational event sponsored by the Ventura County Homecare Association and thought it very well done. Do you know if it is continuing to do them?
A: Yes, I do, and there is one scheduled for this month. The event is set for April 18, from 8 a.m. to noon, at Community Memorial Hospital, 147 N. Brent St., Ventura. This symposium is “Options for Care — Boomers & Beyond: Health Care in the 21st Century.”
Dr. Bruce A. Woodling, medical director of New Horizons Outreach, will be the keynote speaker. He will also be joined by a local pharmacist, and the theme of the event will be “Are You a Walking Pharmacy? Managing Your Medications.” The event will include a continental breakfast, door prizes and exhibitors offering information and resources. Space is limited so reservations are required. To RSVP, call 389-0997. There is no charge for this day.
Q: Why do I need an advance directive for healthcare, and, if I decide I want one, do I need an attorney’s assistance to obtain such a document?
A: An advance directive for healthcare, formerly referred to as a durable power of attorney for healthcare (DPAHC), is a legal document that allows you to appoint someone as an agent to speak for you when you are unable to speak for yourself.
Your agent will have the authority to carry out your wishes as stated in the advance directive about accepting or refusing treatment, accessing your medical records, organ donations and autopsy, to mention just a few items.
It is important to remember your named agent has no authority to act as long as you can act for yourself. When you are incapacitated, your agent can then make decisions consistent with your wishes.
The most important purpose of an advance directive for healthcare is to inform medical providers who has the authority to speak for you. Even though an advance directive is a legal document, you do not need an attorney to complete the form. However, if there is anything in the document you don’t understand or if you want to expand the powers of your named agent, you should consult with an attorney. This form is not only important for seniors to have but also is one that everyone over 18 should have in place.
Happenings
Today: Seminar on “Volunteering: A Win-Win Situation”: 1:30 to 3 p.m., Westlake Village Civic Center, 31200 E. Oak Crest Drive.
April 14: Seminar on financial planning: 7 to 8:30 p.m., Senior Concerns Adult Day Center, 401 Hodencamp Road, Thousand Oaks. For information, call 497-0189.
— Betty Berry is a senior advocate for Senior Concerns. The advocates are at the Goebel Senior Adult Center, 1385 E. Janss Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91362; 495-6250. You may submit questions on senior issues.