Betty Berry Senior Advocate

Be aware of safety when vacationing in hotels

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 17:33:00 GMT

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 room. If it is an unexpected delivery, ask that it be left at the front desk.

Use the hotel safe for valuables rather than leaving them unattended in your room or carrying them.

Never disclose your room is unoccupied. Don't display your room key or give out your room number in public areas. Also, don't show large amounts of cash or an overstuffed wallet. Keep small bills in your pocket to pay for incidentals.

Get to know the locale. Ask whether there are areas you should avoid. When returning to your hotel, always use the main entrance.

When you check into your room, take a few minutes to acquaint yourself with fire exits.

Q: I am a caregiver for an aunt and am finding I have given up all outside activities and friends. I have questions about handling this responsibility. Where might I get answers?

A: The theme of Senior Concerns' seminar series, "Solving the Aging Puzzle," is "The Caregiving Rollercoaster — Caring for the Caregiver."

The next presentation is "The Loneliness of a Caregiver," from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Feb. 14 at the Senior Concerns' Day Care Center, 401 Hodencamp Road in Thousand Oaks.

Lisa Hayden, a research psychologist, will give advice for family caregivers on how to avoid isolation while caring for loved ones.

She will address the benefits of support groups and how meeting with other caregivers makes the job less overwhelming. She will also emphasize the need for respite care for the caregiver.

There will be time at the end of the talk for audience questions.

Reservations are suggested and can be made by calling Senior Concerns at 497-0189. Walk-ins are welcome if seats are available.

If you need respite care for a senior so you can attend the seminar, you can arrange for that care at the center when making your reservation. Reservations for respite care are required.

The rest of the series will include "Balancing Family, Work and Caregiving" and "When It's All Said and Done."

Earlier presentations in this series have been well- attended by caregivers and those who will someday be caregivers.

HAPPENINGS

Feb. 8: "Let's Look at Our Driving Abilities" seminar from 1:30 to 3 p.m. at Westlake Village Civic Center, 31200 E. Oak Crest Drive. For information, call 495-6250. No reservations required.

Feb. 22: Advocate one-on-one counseling services from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Moorpark Active Adult Center, 799 Moorpark Ave. For information or an appointment, call 517-6261.

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What are the signs of criminal activity?

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 16:58:00 GMT

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 or peering into windows would appear to be out of place.

The occupant of a parked vehicle watching a house or business could be a lookout for criminal activity in progress. Also, vehicles slowly cruising through a neighborhood could be casing the area for burglaries.

A door-to-door solicitor might be someone trying to see whether residents are at home. While we have been told to ignore such knocks on the door, we are now being advised to ask, through a locked door, who it is and what the person wants. An unanswered knock could result in a break-in attempt.

Abandoned vehicles might have been stolen, while those in remote areas could be connected to drug or alcohol use.

A person switching vehicles, especially in a public place, might be dumping a stolen vehicle or one used during a crime.

Although some suspicious situations could result in innocent explanations, report what you think might be criminal activity.

If you hear noises such as gunshots, screaming or fighting, report them immediately.

When you report suspicious activity, do your best to describe what happened, where and when it happened and whether anyone was injured.

If a vehicle is involved, a description and, if possible, the license number should be included. If you can, report how many people were in the vehicle and their sex. If you see the vehicle leave a scene, note the direction of travel.

When reporting a suspicious person, describe the clothing worn and unusual characteristics such as glasses, a beard, jewelry, scars or tattoos. If the person has left the scene, report the direction of travel and mode of transportation, if you can.

Q: Will the Senior Advocate series at the Westlake Village Civic Center be continued this year?

A:It will begin again next month. "Let's Look At Our Driving Abilities" will run from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Feb. 8.

The seminar will address physical and mental changes that occur over time and will present ways to compensate for these changes. Through group participation, attendees will collect ideas on how to remain good drivers and enjoy the independence of having a driver's license.

The Civic Center is at 31200 E. Oak Crest Drive in Westlake Village. No reservations are required. Call the advocate's office at 495-6250 for more information.

Happenings

Today: Advocate's one-on-one counseling services, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Moorpark Active Adult Center, 799 Moorpark Ave., Moorpark.

Today: "Will You Pass Your Next Driving Test?" seminar, 1:30 to 3 p.m., Simi Valley Senior Center, 3900 Avenida Simi, Simi Valley.

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; phone 495-6250 or email betty@seniorconcerns.org. (Please include your telephone number.) You are invited to submit questions on senior issues.

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Senior advocate Betty Berry: Seminar to focus on lifestyle choices

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 18:18:00 GMT

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?

What are the pros and cons of food choices?

How do social activities benefit us?

Too much sleep? Too little sleep?

The forum will take place at St. Maximilian Kolbe Catholic Church, 5801 Kanan Road — corner of Kanan and Lindero Canyon Road — in the Conejo Valley. Door and exhibits will open at 8:45 a.m., and the program will be from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Admission is free, and a light lunch will be provided. Reservations are required by Jan. 25. They may be made by email at info@clvff.org or by calling 818-880-1054. Email responses are preferred.

Q: I retired before age 65 and have health care benefits from my employer. Will this be considered a Medicare supplement when I turn 65 and go on Medicare?

A: Since you are not yet 65, your employer-provided health benefit is your primary health care coverage. When you turn 65 and go on Medicare, any benefits from your employer will become secondary coverage but may or may not provide the same benefits as a Medicare medigap (supplemental) plan.

Employers' retirement plans differ from the state-regulated Medicare supplemental plans. They do not necessarily provide the same services because coverage depends on the contract between the employer and the insurer.

Coverage also will vary depending upon whether the plan is a fee-for-service, managed-care or a preferred provider network.

To determine adequacy of the coverage, consider:

What will the plan pay after Medicare has paid?

Does the plan pay for services Medicare does not cover?

Will the plan cover you if you move to another city or state?

Are there annual or lifetime limits on benefits?

Is there a choice of plans?

What is the ongoing cost to you?

Read your benefits booklet or health care policy carefully because these types of plans are changing rapidly. For unsolved questions, call the employer's human resources department.

Once an employer's plan is given up, reinstatement is almost always impossible. Depending on what the plan offers and what the cost is, continuing the plan as well as buying a supplemental policy is sometimes advantageous.

Happenings

Sunday: Goebel's Antiques and Collectibles Bazaar at Goebel Senior Adult Center, 1385 E. Janss Road, Thousand Oaks, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. General admission is $5. Call 381-2744 for information.

Jan. 25: Advocate one-on-one counseling services at Moorpark Active Adult Center, 799 Moorpark Ave., 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Call 517-6261 for information or an appointment.

Jan. 25: Seminar — "Will You Pass Your Next Driving Test?" — at Simi Valley Senior Center, 3900 Avenida Simi, 1:30 to 3 p.m. Call 583-6363 to make reservations.

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Goebel Senior Center event will evaluate collectibles and antiques

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 20:46:00 GMT

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.

There will be three antique evaluators to answer questions about items, and there also will be antique vendors.

In addition, there will be door prizes and a silent auction. If you get hungry, jumbo hot dogs and pulled-pork sandwiches will be available.

General admission is $5, and evaluation of each item is $5. Call 381-2744 for more information.

Q: It seems like I've been renewing my license by mail forever, and now I have a notice telling me the current renewal must be at the Department of Motor Vehicles office. Why? Also, I'm sure I'll have to take a written test. Any suggestions for success?

A: You've asked two very good questions.

Many of us have enjoyed the luxury of renewing our license by mail. However, according to the DMV, several conditions can preclude a person from having that opportunity.

If you have a probationary license or a "failure to appear" on your record in the past two years, you will not be issued a renewal by mail. Also, if you have been suspended from driving due to an illegal blood-alcohol content level in the past two years or if your record has a violation point count greater than 1, you'll be invited to the DMV office for renewal of your license.

You also will be asked to renew your license in person if you are over 70 or have received two consecutive four- or five-year extensions.

When renewing your license in person, be prepared to take an eye test and the written test. You also will have to have your picture taken and give a thumbprint or fingerprint.

Whether you want to believe it or not, the DMV wants you to pass your test. However, you have the responsibility to be prepared.

If you are due to have your regular vision checkup, arrange to do it before it's time to renew your license. If you need new glasses to improve your vision, you'll be wearing them when you take the test. If you do have new glasses, make sure you are accustomed to them before taking the test.

To prepare for the written test, get the current California driver handbook from your local DMV office. Everything you will be tested on is in this manual.

You will need to study the entire handbook. When studying, you may want to make notes in the margin or underline certain points. Reading aloud sometimes helps. Take a sample test or two after reading the book. For questions missed, go back and review the section.

Don't try to study while doing another task that requires concentration or for long periods at a time. Take a break after about 30 minutes.

Get a good night's sleep the night before and arrive in plenty of time for your appointment. Make sure you have your license, a working writing instrument and your glasses, if applicable. If you wear a hearing aid, make sure the batteries are good.

Go in with a positive attitude, and you will do fine.

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Longevity, not birthrates, fueling population growth

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 22:53:00 GMT

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 those 15 and younger by 2045.

There are also some sex gaps. There are 100 women 60 and older for every 83 men in that age group. Eighty percent of men 60 and older are married, and 48 percent of older women are. More older women live alone than men.

The fastest-growing portion of the population is the 80-and-older group, which is growing at about 4 percent a year. Women make up 81 percent of the world's centenarians.

Q: My mother is moving to California from another state. I need to know what steps to take to make sure her Social Security benefits will be delivered properly.

A: You didn't indicate whether your mother receives her Social Security benefits in check form or by automatic deposit. If she still receives her benefits in check form, change to automatic deposit now. (It will be required in March 2013.)

If she receives her benefits in check form, she must tell Social Security of the new address. Because it will take at least 30 days for the change to take effect, give the post office her change-of-address information so that if a check is mailed to the former address, it can be forwarded to her new location.

To complete an address change for automatically deposited benefits, you must do three things.

First, your mother must open an account at a new financial institution.

Next, arrange to have the benefits deposited in that account by giving Social Security the financial institution's routing information and her account number. Also provide Social Security with your mother's new mailing address for other correspondence.

Last, your mother must keep her current account open until the new account has been credited with a monthly deposit. If you close the old account before the change-of-address transaction is completed, there will be nowhere for the automatic deposit to be directed, and it will be returned to Social Security.

Happenings

Tuesday: Solving the Aging Puzzle's third presentation in the Caregiving Roller Coaster Series — "Who Can Help?" — will be from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at the Senior Concerns Day Care Center, 401 Hodencamp Road, Thousand Oaks. Call 497-0189 for information or reservations.

Jan. 25: Advocacy one-on-one counseling services will be offered from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Moorpark Active Adult Center, 799 Moorpark Ave., Moorpark. Call 517-6261 for details or an appointment.

Jan. 25: "Will You Pass Your Next Driving Test?" seminar will be offered from 1:30 to 3 p.m. at the Simi Valley Senior Center, 3900 Avenida Simi, Simi Valley. Call 583-6363 for reservations.

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; call 495-6250 or email betty@seniorconcerns.org. (Please include your telephone number.) You are invited to submit questions on senior issues.

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Exploring resources for caregivers

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 19:42:23 GMT

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 Cantrell, information and assistance specialist for the Ventura County Area Agency on Aging, and Lori Bliss, Senior Concerns case management coordinator.

They will discuss caregiver support, what to look for when selecting in-home care and financial aid resources.

The presentation also will provide information about legal resources, types of long-term care and how to pay for it.

There will be time at the end of the presentation for audience questions.

Reservations are suggested and can be made by calling Senior Concerns at 497-0189. Walk-ins are welcome if seats are open.

If you need respite care for a special-needs senior to attend, you can make arrangements at the center when making your reservation. Reservations for respite care are required.

Other talks in the series will be February's "The Loneliness of a Caregiver," March's "Caregiving for the Caregiver," "Balancing Family, Work and Caregiving" in April and "When it's All Said and Done" in May.

Q: At the start of each year, I get confused about the Medicare Part B deductible. I see several doctors and never know which one I should pay. There must be a simple explanation. Can you provide one?

A: The key to understanding the puzzle appears in the Medicare Summary Notice.

The Medicare Part D deductible is applied on a "first claim received, first claim applied to the deductible" basis. In other words, when the new year begins, Medicare will apply your first claim or claims received to your deductible until the full deductible has been satisfied. The first claim Medicare receives may or may not be from the first doctor you saw in the year.

Your summary notice will show you which provider's services Medicare applied to the deductible, the amount of the deductible owed to that provider and how much of the deductible has been met for the year. The provider will bill you for the amount owed.

Once the deductible has been satisfied, the next summary notices will state that your deductible has been met for the year and Medicare will start to pay its portion of new claims.

Your provider has the option to request the deductible amount at the time of your visit because the status of your deductible may not be known at the time of your appointment. I suggest you wait until you get your summary notice before making any payment. Better still, wait for a doctor's bill.

Final thought

I would like to take this opportunity to wish all of my readers a very happy and safe new year.

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Take precautions to deter burglars

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 19:31:50 GMT

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 suggestions may be helpful to others but not to you.

All exterior doors, including doors into an attached garage, should have high-security deadbolts and keyed knob sets.

The exterior doors should be solid and door frames in good condition so doors fit snugly. If you can't see outside from a nearby window, the door should have a peephole.

The movable panel on sliding doors — the slider — always should be on the inside so a bar can be placed in the track. A lock at the top of the door will add security.

Windows should have high-quality locks. Sliding windows, like sliding doors, should have bars in the tracks.

If you have just moved, if you lose a key or if your keys are in the possession of someone you don't want to have access to your home, get your locks rekeyed.

Make sure you lock up securely every time you leave the house. While you are home, all outside doors should remain locked.

Never hide house keys in a mailbox, in a planter or under a doormat. Burglars know where to look.

Lighting discourages intruders. Make sure all entrance areas and yards are well-lit. Turn on these lights whether you are home or away.

Leave on several interior lights when out. Your home will look occupied.

Doors and windows should not be hidden by overgrown shrubbery. Prune it back and remove any tree limbs that would give an intruder access to second-story windows.

An added note: Many automobile thefts are made easy by people who leave windows open, doors unlocked and in many cases, the keys in the ignition. Always lock your car and take your keys with you, even when you are parked in your driveway.

Q: Many people must use electronically operated life support equipment. Does any program assist with this expense?

A: Yes. Southern California Edison has a Medical Baseline Allocation program.

The program may be available if someone in the home needs the regular use of electric life support equipment or has a qualifying illness. If the applicant qualifies, the portion of the household electricity used for the life support equipment will be billed at a lower rate.

To start the qualifying process, the patient and his or her doctor must complete a two-part application. Once the program is in place, the applicant must keep Edison informed of changes in type of equipment or number of hours it is in use.

Call Edison at the telephone number shown on your electric bill for more information.

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; phone 495-6250 or email betty@seniorconcerns.org (please include your telephone number). You are invited to submit questions on senior issues.

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Senior assistance offered at multiple sites

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 19:29:58 GMT

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 programs. Advocates also help complete forms and applications for programs and services.

The services at the Moorpark center, 799 Moorpark Ave., will be available from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the fourth Wednesday of each month starting Jan. 25. Call 571-6261 for more information.

The advocacy services will continue to be available at the Simi Valley center, 3900 Avenida Simi, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesdays. For information or to schedule an appointment, call 583-6363.

The main office for the advocates is at the Goebel center. An advocate is available there 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays. For information or to make an appointment, call 495-6250.

The Goebel center services also include counseling on Medicare, Medi-Cal, Social Security and long-term care insurance.

In addition to one-on-one counseling, the advocacy program offers seminars at each of these locations.

Q: Will Social Security payments stop being available in check form?

A: Yes. Those new to Social Security no longer may get payments of their benefits in check form. When enrolling, they may have their benefits deposited directly into a bank or credit union account or put on a prepaid debit card.

The change took place this year. This also applies to most other types of federal payments, including veteran, railroad retirement and Supplemental Security Income benefits.

Those who currently get their benefits in check form can continue to receive paper checks until March 2013. Then they must change to direct deposit or a debit card.

Eliminating payment by check will save the government millions of dollars and be a much safer way to receive benefits.

Q: I just placed a family member in a nursing facility, and there was mention of a long-term care ombudsman. What does an ombudsman do?

A: "Ombudsman" is a Swedish word that means "citizen representative." The long-term care ombudsman is a state-certified volunteer trained to investigate and resolve problems objectively for long-term care facility residents.

The ombudsman's main goal is to ensure residents of these facilities get the services to which they are entitled. Many facility residents have little or no contact with the outside world and little control over their lives. The ombudsman is a resident advocate and helps improve their quality of life.

In Ventura County, at least one experienced and trained ombudsman is assigned to each facility and must spend a specified period there each week or month. He or she is available to help solve problems about residents' rights, physical and mental care, dignity, activities, legal or financial problems and regulatory red tape.

The Long Term Care Ombudsman Program is a nonprofit. Its services are free of charge and confidential. Call 656-1986 weekdays.

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. Call 495-6250 or email betty@seniorconcerns.org (please include your telephone number.) You are invited to submit questions on senior issues.

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Senior advocate advises readers to inventory contents of their wallets

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 19:26:23 GMT

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 contents and give you an opportunity to "weed out" what you carry.

Experts say a thinner wallet is safer as thieves would have less information and therefore less opportunity to defraud.

To do your inventory, empty your wallet of its contents. Review each item to determine whether this is something you must carry, something you should put away for safekeeping or something you don't need.

Your Social Security card, for example, should not be carried with you. The Social Security Administration recommends it be placed in safekeeping and carried only when you need to present it.

List all items to be carried in your wallet on your inventory sheet. Write down the identity of the item — XYZ credit card or California driver's license, for instance — the account or registration number, name of registrant, any expiration date and number to contact in case of loss. Date the list and file it with your important papers.

Update your list when you change any content of your wallet.

Q: I have just moved to California from another state and want to know whether I must have a new will prepared. If not, in which state would my executor present my existing will for probate?

A: You do not need to execute a new will because of your move from one state to another. A written will made outside California is valid in California if it complied with the laws of the state in which it was executed.

You should, however, review your will periodically to ensure it reflects your wishes. Addition or deletion of assets as well as family changes such as marriage, death, divorce or adoption should serve as reminders to review your legal papers and if necessary to update them to reflect your current wishes.

Your executor must present your will for probate in the jurisdiction — county and state — where your were when you died. If your estate includes real property in other jurisdictions, more probate will be required there for the purpose of proving title and for protection of creditors at those locations.

HAPPENINGS

Wednesday: Wednesday is the last day of annual open enrollment for Medicare enrollees to change health care coverage for 2012. The coverage you have today will be the coverage you will have for 2012. For help, call 800-434-0222.

Wednesday: Panel discussion on "Purposeful Giving in Challenging Times," at the Thousand Oaks Council on Aging meeting at 1 p.m. in the boardroom of the Civic Arts Plaza, 2100 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd.

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; phone 495-6250 or email betty@seniorconcerns.org (please include your telephone number). You are invited to submit questions on senior issues.

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Presentation will talk about giving in a tight economy

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 19:24:23 GMT

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 the services they provide.

This presentation will provide ways to give and serve in an economy like the present one and offer advice on giving a hand up and not a handout. Discover how giving your time, talent and treasure will have meaningful results for the recipient and you.

The meeting will begin at 1 p.m. at the Civic Arts Plaza, 2100 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., in the boardroom on the third level.

Also, a "Meet the Speakers" reception is planned from noon to 12:45 p.m. Reservations are requested for the reception. Call 449-2743.

QUESTION: While paying into Social Security, I have had several name changes. How can I determine whether my earnings records are accurate?

ANSWER: I asked the Social Security Administration to explain what it does when it gets an earnings report that does not match the name and Social Security number in the files.

The agency tries to find the correct record to which to credit the earnings. It checks for common errors such as use of nicknames, misspellings, or transposition of letters or numbers. If these methods fail, it tries to contact the worker or employer to resolve the discrepancy. If earnings remain unassignable, they are placed in a "suspense" file, but investigation continues.

You can help ensure accurate records. When a name change occurs, contact Social Security so it can update its records. If you change jobs, use the same name with each employer. Avoid using nicknames on your payroll records and review your W-2 form to make sure your employer has your correct name and Social Security number.

Review personal earnings statement that Social Security provides each year. Contact Social Security if you find an error.

QUESTION: At the end of your column, you provide information on how to contact you and ask that the questioner include a telephone number. Why?

ANSWER: Most questions can't be answered with a general response. With a number, I can call to ask more questions. This eliminates the need to email back and forth and allows a faster response.

HAPPENINGS:

The annual open enrollment period for Medicare enrollees to change their health care coverage and prescription drug coverage for 2012 will end Dec. 7. The plans you have Dec. 7 will be yours for 2012.

If you need to change your coverage, counseling will be available from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Monday at the Area Agency on Aging, 646 County Square Drive in Ventura. Call 800-434-0222 for more information.

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 or email betty@seniorconcerns.org (please include your telephone number.) You are invited to submit questions on senior issues.

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