Betty Berry’s Column
Senior Concerns’ Senior Advocate Betty Berry’s column appears weekly in the Ventura County Star.
Protecting yourself while online shopping
QUESTION: Its more difficult these days for me to go shopping in stores and I am thinking I would like to start online shopping. How can I protect myself from fraud? ANSWER: It is important to pay attention when online shopping to make sure you are not only protecting yourself [...]
Can lifestyle affect memory?
QUESTION: I keep hearing that our lifestyle can affect our memory. Can diet and exercise really help our memory and prevent dementia? ANSWER: I wish I had the perfect answer that by changing your diet and exercising more you could prevent dementia or Alzheimer’s Disease. Unfortunately, we still have no [...]
Finding gratitude during the stress of the holidays
QUESTION : I always hear everyone talk about being grateful this time of year. Sometimes I just don’t feel so grateful though! My life has changed so much these past few years as I have gotten older and the holidays just aren’t the same as they used to be. How [...]
Family caregiving needs are on the rise
QUESTION: I am reading and hearing more and more about family caregivers and family caregiving. Do you have any facts or figures about this subject? ANSWER: You are hearing more and more about family caregiving and family caregivers because the need for this type of care is growing every day. [...]
Navigating placement options
QUESTION: I am a caregiver for a family member and currently doing okay but I know in the future I will need to seek placement. What should I look for in selecting a facility? ANSWER: You are to be commended for looking into placement well in advance of when you [...]
Navigating placement options
QUESTION: I am a caregiver for a family member and currently doing okay but I know in the future I will need to seek placement. What should I look for in selecting a facility? ANSWER: You are to be commended for looking into placement well in advance of when you [...]
Spouses need knowledge of each other’s responsibilities
QUESTION: My dad has always handled the finances and paperwork for the household. My mother has said she didn’t want the responsibility but now I am concerned about what will happen if something happens to my dad and then could no longer do it. Any suggestions as to how to [...]
Walkers need to be alert at all times
QUESTION: I have been told walking will help my physical problems. While I think walking a great exercise I am concerned with traffic and potential accidents. Do you have any hints on ways to reduce a chance of an accident?