Betty Berry’s Column
Senior Concerns’ Senior Advocate Betty Berry’s column appears weekly in the Ventura County Star.
Important information regarding Medicare’s Upcoming Open Enrollment
Q: What do I need to know about Medicare Open Enrollment this year? A: Medicare Open Enrollment is a set time each year when anyone who has Medicare health insurance can change their health plan and their prescription drug plan. Open Enrollment starts on October 15th and ends on [...]
Fifty Years of Care – Pacific Coast Business Times
Pacific Coast Business Times recently posted Senior Concerns in their Giving Guide. Click on image above to see enlarged. Or see it directly linked on their website: https://www.pacbiztimes.com/50-years-of-caring/
Improving your brain health
Q: I am so worried about losing my memory and am starting to see some signs. What can I do to help my memory? A: Most people have some level of fear of developing dementia and having memory loss as they age. This fear is so prevalent because people [...]
Tips for encouraging older adults to embrace new technology
Q: My parents resist all new technology, and I think they are missing out. How can I encourage them to try new technology? A: Technology can feel very overwhelming to people who did not grow up using it. And yet our society has moved so quickly that anyone who [...]
Senior Concerns Swings for Seniors at 4th annual “Par and Away” Golf Tournament, featuring MLB legend Mike Scioscia
Senior Concerns Swings for Seniors at 4th annual “Par and Away” Golf Tournament, featuring MLB legend Mike Scioscia Thousand Oaks, Calif.— Registration is open for Senior Concerns’ 4th annual “Par and Away” Golf Tournament, presented by Logix Federal Credit Union, on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at the Moorpark [...]
Being seen helps caregivers seek support
Over lunch the other day, a dear friend was talking about the fact that she has been caring for her mother since her dementia diagnosis 14 years ago. She shared key points in her journey, like when she moved her mother into residential care, and how now, many years [...]
Devices and Gadgets that can make your day-to-day activities easier and safer
Q: I have Parkinson’s Disease. What are some gadgets or devices that might make my life easier? A: Using assistive devices to promote your own independence and safety is an excellent idea. Not only can it make things easier, but it also means saving your energy, reducing your stress, [...]
Planning for the future is important at every age
Q: I am 80 years old and still live independently. My kids are telling me I need to think of a plan, but I am not ready. Why should I make any changes until I need to? A: Planning for the future is important at every age. It is [...]
The quiet intimacy of caregiving
I have just returned from time in New Hampshire caring for my mom. In overwhelming pain, my mother became violently ill. My sister called 911, and Mom was transported to the hospital. The diagnoses came fast and furious - gout in her affected hand, aspiration pneumonia, and orthostatic hypotension, [...]
Finding the right therapist
Q: I am looking for a therapist. How do I know if I should look for a psychologist, a psychiatrist, an LCSW or an LMFT? A: When looking for a therapist you will want to consider your needs and find the best match to work with you. It can [...]
Tips for a smoother transition to assisted living
Q: I’m helping my mother move from her house into an assisted living facility next week, and I am so worried all the time. How can I make sure she will be happy there? A: The love and care that you feel for your mother means you want the [...]
When seconds count – be sure to have an emergency contact
The Senior Concerns Director of Nutrition, who leads the Meals On Wheels program, recently asked if I would write a column about why older adults should designate an emergency contact. She relayed that more Meals On Wheels clients than we would like do not identify an emergency contact in [...]
BE FAST: Understanding symptoms of a stroke
Q: What are signs that someone is having a stroke? A: It is vital for people to be aware of stroke symptoms so they can react quickly to get medical attention. I recently spoke with a 77-year-old woman, Angela, who had a minor stroke. She was unaware of her [...]
Motivating your loved ones to exercise
Q: My husband resists being active and following the physical therapy recommendations. How can I convince him to do his exercises? A: It can be very frustrating to see your loved one not engaging in physical activities when you know it will help them. This is very common and [...]
Age and reliance go hand in hand
Just when I begin to wonder what to write about next, life offers up a moment -a lesson- and I am reminded that these everyday experiences often hold meaning worth sharing. Last week, my mom, who turned 91 on July 26th, woke up and the top of her right [...]
Supporting Seniors and Caregivers in Ventura County
"Supporting Seniors and Caregivers in Ventura County" President & CEO of Senior Concerns and Certified Senior Advisor, Andrea Gallagher, speaks with Our Ventura TV host, Sandra Siepak, about the nonprofit, Senior Concerns. The discussion focuses on the organization’s mission, history, and the services it provides to seniors and [...]
Understanding CalFresh Benefits
Q: I want to apply for food stamps, but I heard the program is being cut. Is it worth applying? A: Yes; if you are struggling to afford food and think you may qualify you should apply for benefits. What we refer to as “food stamps” is now called [...]
Advice Worth Sharing
A few weeks ago, I asked you all to write in with your best advice. I believe our best gift to each other is to impart our wisdom and to learn from each other. That is how we grow and help the next generation move forward and prosper. We [...]
When making Medicare choices, don’t go it alone
I have been on the phone with my sister for the last few days. She has some big decisions to make about her Medicare coverage, and it can be a confusing process. My sister turns 65 in October. Because she is currently receiving Social Security benefits, she will automatically [...]
Hydration is crucial for individuals with dementia
Q: My husband has dementia, and I have trouble getting him to drink enough water. How can I help keep him hydrated in the hot weather? A: People with dementia can easily become dehydrated because they may not recognize thirst in the same way. They may forget to drink [...]
