Betty Berry’s Column
Senior Concerns’ Senior Advocate Betty Berry’s column appears weekly in the Ventura County Star.
Aggressive behavior and dementia
Q: Why do some people become aggressive when they have dementia? A: Dementia is a general term for memory loss and loss of other cognitive abilities that is severe enough to interfere with daily life. The most common form is Alzheimer’s disease, which accounts for 60-80% of all cases of [...]
Be mindful: Brain injuries can cause change in personality
I have a 79-year-old friend who I have lunch with about once a month. We met many years ago by happenstance, as she had a weekly appointment that ended when mine began. We started to chat in the waiting room and over time became friends. She is a smart woman [...]
Does Medicare cover therapy services?
Q: Does Medicare cover therapy services? A: Medicare Part B does cover therapy services and other mental health outpatient services. Individual and group psychotherapy with approved licensed professionals is covered. In addition, psychiatric evaluation, medication management, family counseling (if important to help with your treatment), depression screening, and more are [...]
Are there really secrets to healthy aging and longevity?
Q: What are the secrets to healthy aging and longevity? A: Perhaps the secrets to healthy aging and living a long life are not so secret! When I look this up online the main answers are what one would expect: staying engaged with friends and family, eating healthy, and exercising [...]
Eating with others can provide an emotional boost
One thing the past few years has taught us is the value of breaking bread with family and friends. Holiday meals, casual barbecues, Sunday suppers and milestone dinner celebrations were sorely missed during the height of the pandemic. My friend Nancy and I were talking recently about one of her [...]
Managing new roles when a spouse has health issues
Q: My husband just had a stroke and now has some memory problems. He had been taking care of all the household finances. How do I know where to start to figure out what bills to pay? A: Caring for your husband after a stroke can be all consuming. There [...]
Trusting your “gut” is a large piece in making decisions
Q: It feels like there is so much available information when I am trying to make decisions, from deciding if I should move, to what doctor to see, to even which restaurant to go to! How can I know if I am making the right decisions? A: I think the [...]
Got a feeling? Trusting your gut can aid in decision-making
“Go with your gut” is a piece of advice given to me many years ago, somewhere in the middle of my business career. What my boss was trying to convey to me was to trust or follow my intuition, or instinct, as opposed to only basing my opinion or decision [...]
Quitting smoking at any age has benefits
Q: I am over 70 years old. Is there really any benefit to quitting smoking now when I have already smoked most of my adult life? A: The short answer to your question is yes. However, the longer answer is not as simple. If you have been smoking for over [...]
Senior Concerns and the Goebel Adult Community Center Presents Free Seminar on “The DMV, Seniors and Safety”
Senior Concerns, in partnership with the Goebel Adult Community Center, will present a free seminar titled “The DMV, Seniors and Safety” on Tuesday, August 2 at 11:00 a.m. This seminar will be held at the Goebel Adult Community Center, 1385 E. Janss Road, Thousand Oaks. Seminar attendees will learn about [...]
Senior Concerns Presents Free Seminar on “What Seniors Need to Know About Cancer”
Senior Concerns, as part of its commitment to provide support and education for seniors and family caregivers, will present a virtual seminar titled “What Seniors Need to Know About Cancer.” The seminar will be held via Zoom from 3:00-4:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 28, 2022. This informative seminar will providing [...]
Managing inflation on a fixed income
Q: How can I help manage my money better when inflation has prices rising and my income is fixed? A: The rising prices of everything from groceries to gas are squeezing budgets tighter. Yet, for most older adults their income is staying the same. According to the National Council on [...]
Making childhood memories last well into adulthood
This month my 3-year-old grandnephew, Wyatt, took his first airplane ride. What’s more, he was chosen to visit with the pilot and co-pilot, and he even got to sit in the cockpit in the pilot’s seat. My sister sent my mom and me the pictures of the occasion. In addition [...]
Managing the hot weather
Q: I find that high temperatures put me in a bad mood. Do you have any tips for managing the hot weather? A: Weather often affects our mood, and can really change the way we feel about our day. When the weather is sunny and mild, it can increase good [...]
Understanding the difference between home caregivers and Home Health Care Agencies
Q: Can you explain the difference between in home caregivers and home health care agencies? A: Many people do not understand the difference between in home caregivers and Home Health Care Agencies that are covered by Medicare. It is important to understand the difference and the limits of each type [...]
Clearing the way for reading enjoyment
If your friends are anything like mine, casual conversations these days often turn to a discussion of the amazing television series they’ve been watching on streaming services like Netflix, Hulu and Amazon. I appreciate their enthusiasm and write down their recommendations, fully intending to check them out as soon as [...]
Memory problems, even at a young age, need to be assessed
Q: I am worried about my friend who seems to be having memory problems. Could she have dementia at only age 55? A: It is possible for someone to have dementia, or Early onset Alzheimer’s disease, at age 55. However, any time you notice memory changes it is always important [...]
Pride Month is significant to everyone, including older adults
Q: What is the significance of Pride month for older adults? A: All people deserve an opportunity to age with dignity, free from discrimination, and surrounded by not only the people they love but also by service providers that support their needs. Pride month was created to support this goal [...]
That cold might be COVID, so it’s best to play it safe
Last week my sister’s father-in-law, who lives on the East Coast, was mowing his lawn. After he finished, he started feeling respiratory discomfort, chalking it up to the grass and weeds he’d stirred up while mowing. A few days later, his wife experienced a runny nose, cough and muscle aches. [...]
Is a second opinion necessary when considering surgery?
Q: My friends all say I should get a second opinion from another doctor before scheduling surgery. I trust my doctor and do not want to go through the hassle of finding someone else. Is getting a second opinion necessary? A: Having a planned surgery that is not an emergency [...]