Betty Berry’s Column
Senior Concerns’ Senior Advocate Betty Berry’s column appears weekly in the Ventura County Star.
A Train Trip May Create Lasting Memories
Many years ago, when my husband Peter and I lived in New Jersey, he took the train to Manhattan for work. It was far from a glamorous experience. Cutting it close each day, (because he wanted to squeeze out every minute of sleep in the mornings) he jockeyed for [...]
The Importance of Creating Connections
Recently, I participated in a support group and I was reminded about the importance of creating connections. In my career working with older adults and family caregivers I have often commented that my goal is to create community. Creating community, to me, means that people start to see they [...]
Talking Respectfully To A Person With Disabilities
Q: How can I be sure that I am treating people with disabilities with respect? I always worry I will say the wrong thing. A: I really appreciate your question and think it is always important to remind ourselves not to stereotype people with disabilities or make assumptions about them. [...]
Beware, Mail Fraud Is On The Rise
My husband and I became recent victims of check fraud. Our story begins a month ago when I wrote a check out to a company who will be doing some work for us later this year. The contract required a 10% deposit at the time of booking. I mailed [...]
Talking To A Parent Who May Not Drive Safely Anymore
Q: I don’t think my mother is a safe driver anymore. How can I talk to her about stopping driving? A: Driving is a sensitive topic at any age. Especially here in Southern California where most of us rely on our cars as our only means of transportation. Transportation equals [...]
What Can We Do To Help Combat Ageism?
Q: What can we do to help combat ageism? A: This is a great question and one we all need to think about. Just today I was at the Ventura County Area Agency on Aging Advisory Council meeting where ageism was discussed by the Chair of the Council, Dr. [...]
Selecting A Personal Emergency Response System
Q: My sister lives alone and recently fell and broke her hip. Thankfully someone was there at the time, but it got me thinking about emergency lifeline buttons. How do I know how to select the right one for her? A: Lifeline is a brand name for what is called [...]
Addressing Women’s Concerns About Planning For Their Future
Recently, a female friend asked me if there is a book she can read to learn about the things she should be doing to plan now that she is getting older. She mentioned that she has other single female friends of varying ages, who are also wondering the same thing. [...]
ELKS 1st Annual Texas Hold’Em Tournament & Casino Night
Mark your Calendar and get in on the action! You Know You’re Feeling Lucky! 1st Annual Texas Hold’Em Tournament & Casino Night Saturday, September 30 – 5:00 pm. Sponsored by the Thousand Oaks Elks Lodge. Admission: Poker $100 / Casino $35. Proceeds from the Event go in part [...]
What Are Some Useful Tools To Help Care For Someone With Mobility Problems?
Q: I care for my husband, and he is having more and more mobility problems. What are some useful tools to help me care for him that I can get for my home? A: There are many different devices that can assist you in your care of your husband. These [...]
What Does Medicare Pay For At Home?
Q: I thought Medicare would pay for care at home after my surgery. What does Medicare pay for at home? A: I often hear from people a misconception about what Medicare covers for care in the home. It is very important for people to understand the benefits and limits [...]
Here’s Your Chance to Be Heard
The first-ever statewide needs assessment for Californians aged 55 years and older just launched. The Community Assessment Survey for Older Adults (CASOA) is not just another survey; it's your chance to shape the future. Designed by experts and backed by solid statistical validity, CASOA empowers you to voice your needs and [...]
Community Conscience Welcomes Two New Non-Profit Tenants
Community Conscience is a non-profit that owns an office building at 80 E. Hillcrest Drive in Thousand Oaks. They provide rent-free office space to 13 social service agencies in the 22,000 square-foot building, and they have just announced the addition of two new tenants to the Human Services Center [...]
The California Department of Aging Announces A New Program For Caregivers
The California Department of Aging has announced a new program for both paid and unpaid Caregivers: “CalGrows – Supporting Care in the Home and Community.” CalGrows is the California Department of Aging’s workforce training program that provides free career building resources for paid and unpaid caregivers of older adults and [...]
Does Our World Shrink As We Get Older?
A few weeks ago, my husband and I went to visit my sister in Del Mar. Though I love my sister and we are very close. I knew we hadn’t been to see them in quite a while, but I was shocked to learn our last visit had been [...]
‘Intergenerational Programming’ – What It Is And Why It’s Important
Q: I keep hearing about the value of intergenerational programming. What is it and why is it important? A: Intergenerational programming is just as it sounds. It is when programs include people of all ages and generations, older and younger, to benefit all groups of people. You may notice that [...]
Caregivers Need Care Too
Q: My friend is caring for her husband who needs her full assistance. How can I get her to take better care of herself while still caring for him? A: People who are caring for a loved one often put their own care and needs last. As a friend and [...]
Problem Solving Means Honoring Others’ Choices
Early in my career working with older adults, it was my strong belief that if a person needed help, and we were able to offer it, it should be provided. However, several times our efforts were not met with acceptance. There was the senior who refused home delivered meals [...]
Tips For Turning Over A New Leaf In Life – Whatever Your Age
Q: I have been unhappy lately and I feel like I need a new start in my life. How can I find ways to make changes and start over in a later phase of life? A: It is one thing to get a fresh start by moving or changing careers, [...]
Senior Concerns In The Winner’s Circle at Charity Karaoke “Sing For A Cause”
A big Thank You to all who supported Senior Concerns at the 2023 Charity Karaoke Sing For A Cause! Sunday night at the Canyon was wild, and Senior Concerns Board Member Peter Cappos gave his all performing Justin Timberlake's Can't Stop The Feeling! Your tremendous enthusiasm — and your [...]
