Aug6Written by:Betty Berry
8/6/2009 11:20 AM 
By Betty Berry
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Q: All the talk about healthcare reform has led me to thinking about my Medicare coverage and if I really understand all the parts and rules. Is there somewhere I could go to get a refresher course?
A: Understanding Medicare isn’t easy. There are numerous parts with different rules and a review of those parts and rules can’t hurt. Every year there are some changes and you need to keep up to date on your coverage to avoid unnecessary surprises.
You asked if there was somewhere to get a refresher course and I am glad to tell you that one is planned for August and it will cover the basics of Medicare and answer any questions you may have.
Medicare Basics is scheduled for Aug. 7 at the Goebel Senior Adult Center, 1385 E. Janss Road, Thousand Oaks, from 1 to 3 p.m.
This seminar is open to everyone — those who have Medicare fee-for-service, those who have an HMO or PPO, those who are new to Medicare and those who have had Medicare for years. There will be information helpful to all.
The presentation will define what Medicare is and explain how and when you should sign up and what happens if you don’t. Also covered will be what Medicare costs and whether a medical review is required. Find out what you need to do if you continue to work past 65.
This education seminar will walk you through the ABCs of the Medicare program. It will be facilitated by the Senior Concerns advocate. This is one seminar you should not miss.
For reservations, call 800-600-4182 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. Reservations are highly recommended.
Hope I see you there.
Q: I keep reading about and seeing on TV all types of crime and I’m at the point where I’m almost afraid to leave my house for fear of becoming a victim. Am I, as a senior, more vulnerable and what can I do to reduce my chances of becoming a statistic?
A: We do see and hear about a lot of crime but that shouldn’t stop us from living our lives. We just must be more aware of what is going on around us and be prepared.
According to information from the District Attorney’s Office, some categories of crime, such as robbery and purse snatching, are more likely directed toward the elderly. Offenders view elderly women as easier targets than elderly men, but men are also often victims of these personal thefts.
By taking a few simple precautions, you should be able to reduce your risk of becoming a victim.
Always be prepared. Be alert and aware of your surroundings and the people around you at all times, both night and day.
Walk with confidence. Give the appearance of knowing where you are going — even if you don’t.
If you look lost or confused, you appear to be an easy target. How you present yourself is very important and could be enough to deter a potential crime.
Women’s purses and men’s wallets are always targets. Women should carry their purses close to their bodies, never dangled from an arm. Purses should never be left unattended on a store counter or in a shopping cart.
Men should never carry wallets in their back pockets. Even amateur pickpockets can remove a wallet from that location before you realize what has happened. Wallets should always be placed in an inside jacket pocket.
Carry your cash and credit cards in separate locations. Never carry more cash than necessary and restrict the number of credit cards in your wallet.
When making a purchase, avoid showing your cash.
There is some truth in the saying, “There is safety in numbers,” so plan to go with a friend whenever possible. Besides being safer, it could be a lot more fun.
— 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; or call 495-6250. You are invited to submit questions on senior issues.