Betty Berry’s Column

QUESTION:  I just spent some time with my dad who lives in another state and came away with some concerns about him continuing to live alone.  What signs would indicate that it might be time to seek assistance for him?   ANSWER:  A number of signs could send up a [...]

QUESTION:  I have been widowed for almost two years and am now considering a move.  My home and yard are more than I want to continue to take care of.  However, I am active and independent.  I don’t need to be taken care of but at times am very lonely.  [...]

QUESTION:  I am looking for information about hospice. What is it, does Medicare cover it and how does a person qualify for coverage?   ANSWER:  Hospice is a unique way of caring for a person with an advanced illness.  It focuses on palliative care instead of curative care.  It includes [...]

QUESTION:  Every year Cypress Place Assisted Living has a special event in honor of our veterans.  Do you know if that event is scheduled to be held again this year?   ANSWER:  A very timely question and yes the “Salute Our Veterans” event is scheduled for Wednesday June 26 at [...]

QUESTION:  During a recent business trip my husband lost his wallet and I’m trying to replace the contents.  This is a difficult job since he doesn’t remember everything that he carried.  Please tell others to inventory what they carry with them in case they should have the need to replace [...]

QUESTION:  My mother has been in and out of hospitals for the past two years.  She used her 100 days in a skilled nursing facility and now my father is paying the bill.  She went back into the hospital for four days.  I thought that if you were hospitalized and [...]

QUESTION:  Each year about this time Osher Lifelong Learning Institute offers a single lecture series.  Do you know if that will be offered again this year?   Answer:  Yes it will.  The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute known as OLLI will offer the Summer 2019 Taste of OLLI: Single Lecture Series [...]

QUESTION:  I’m hearing more and more about how overweight the people of this nation are becoming—both young and old.  We are told to eat right, cut back on portions and eat our fruit and vegetables.  I’m not in control of how much food is served.  Are there any guidelines for [...]

QUESTION:  A friend of mine was recently in the hospital and has been talking about several mistakes she found on her hospital bill.  Do you have any suggestions about how to avoid this happening?   ANSWER:  Any bill can contain an error and a hospital bill, which is rather complicated, [...]

QUESTION:  My husband was considered disabled by his employer yet when he applied for Social Security disability he was turned down.  Can you provide an explanation?   ANSWER:  It is not unusual for a person to be turned down when first applying for Social Security disability.  Perhaps Social Security just [...]

 QUESTION:  Medicare has been health care coverage for seniors for many years – are there any recent changes made that improve their services?  ANSWER:  Medicare is now 54 years old.  It was signed into law in 1965 by President Lyndon B. Johnson with President Harry S Truman at his side; [...]

QUESTION:  My parents are getting on in age and will eventually need my assistance.  I have no idea where to start planning.  Can you suggest some starting points?   ANSWER:  Many people avoid dealing with this subject until a crisis arises.  You are to be congratulated for wanting to be [...]

QUESTION:  All of us at sometime will be a patient.  To get well you not only need good medical care but must understand everything your doctor(s) are telling you.  Do you have any suggestions on how to help yourself be a better informed patient and healthier person because of it? [...]

QUESTION: Cypress Place usually has an expo around this time of year, have you heard if they are planning one this year?   ANSWER:  Yes I have and you won’t be disappointed – the program sounds great.   The 11th Annual Health and Wealth Expo is scheduled for Wednesday, April [...]

  QUESTION:  We have all been told to be prepared for emergencies.  I am a pet owner and wondering if there is anything special that should be included in planning for their needs and safety?   ANSWER:  Planning for your pets needs and safety during an emergency is very important [...]

QUESTION:  A friend and I were talking about keeping busy and perhaps taking some classes.  She suggested that you have written about Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, known as “OLLI” in the past.  Do you have any information on upcoming offerings?   ANSWER:  Yes I do – a Spring ll 2019 [...]

QUESTION:  I understand that the Goebel Senior Center is going to do some remodeling and will be closed for a period of time.  Can you provide details of dates and what, if any, activities will be taking place?   ANSWER:  You have heard correctly.  The Goebel Center is getting new [...]

QUESTION:  It is tax time and I usually do my own return.  However, with the new tax laws do you think it would be wise to have them done by a professional this year?   ANSWER:  Your question is a good one and the answer will depend on how complex [...]

QUESTION:  I want to take an active part in my health care but not sure who is involved in my care.  Can you identify the different players?   ANSWER:  Taking an active part in your health care involves a number of things.  First you must understand that your health care [...]

QUESTION:  We’ve all heard and probably even said the following sayings: Laugh and the world laughs with you; Laughter is good for your health; and Laughter is the best medicine.  What about laughter makes it so good for us?   ANSWER:  Laughter and a sense of humor actually play a [...]