Betty Berry’s Column
Senior Concerns’ Senior Advocate Betty Berry’s column appears weekly in the Ventura County Star.
Hospital discharge planning: successful transitions are key
Recently, my mother’s 88-year-old sister fell. As she went down, her husband said, “You just broke your hip.” I am not sure if being a medic in the army sixty years ago qualified him to make that diagnosis, but he was right. My aunt and uncle live about 90 [...]
Navigating grief during the holidays
This will be the first Thanksgiving since my dad passed away, and I know things will be different this year. Grief is not a linear process. Some days we may feel like things are normal, and other days a little thing may trigger our emotions and bring the feelings [...]
The Importance of being prepared and having a plan in an emergency
Q: With the recent Mountain Fire and all the power outages, I am feeling anxious about what to do in an emergency. How should I prepare in case something happens to me? A: The Mountain Fire that started in early November has been a stark reminder of the dangers [...]
Tact is key when having tough conversations
Conversations with aging parents require compassion I recently witnessed a conversation at a restaurant between a woman and her mother. The woman appeared to be in her fifties or sixties and her mother in her seventies or eighties. The waitress was quickly listing the specials of the day, looking [...]
Making the Holidays a Less Stressful Time
Q: The holiday season is beginning and every year I feel like it rushes by, and I always feel so stressed with all there is to do. How can I make the holidays less stressful this year? A: The holidays are often a busy time and there are many [...]
November is National Caregivers Month
Q: What is National Family Caregivers Month? A: November was first declared National Family Caregivers Month in 1997, and it has been declared every year since by the President in office. It is a time to celebrate, recognize and thank those who provide care for loved ones. Family caregivers [...]
When someone has dementia it helps to align yourself with their feelings
Q: My mother has dementia, and she keeps asking to go home even though she lives with me now. How do I convince her she is home? A: When someone with dementia is asking to go home, it usually means they want the feeling of home and the safety [...]
Carving out “me time” has many mental health benefits
While a lot is being said these days about the effects of loneliness and social isolation on older adults’ mental and physical health, I am going to turn to the other side of the coin for a moment. If you, like me, are an extrovert, and have a busy [...]
Celebrating life’s accomplishments with a Reverse Bucket List
Q: What is a reverse bucket list? A: A reverse bucket list is basically the opposite of a regular bucket list. A bucket list is a list of things you want to do or achieve before you “kick the bucket.” It can be motivating and help guide people towards what [...]
Eating healthy is important even if you don’t enjoy cooking
Q: How can I eat healthy when I do not enjoy cooking anymore? A: The food we eat, our overall diet, is very important for our health. It helps keep us healthy, boosts our energy, and even improves our mood. It is important to pay attention and give care [...]
DMV drops written test for most senior drivers
t is my family’s belief that my mother is the best driver among us. In addition to a spotless driving record, when she parks her car at her house, she must back into a tiny one car garage that has an unforgiving margin of error. None of us are [...]
Ageism Awareness Day is October 9th
Q: What is Ageism Awareness Day? A: Ageism Awareness Day is October 9th and is a day to bring awareness to the impact of ageism in our society. The American Society on Aging (ASA) is leading the 2024 Ageism Awareness Day campaign. Ageism refers to stereotypes, prejudice and discrimination [...]
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 December 7th. Any changes you make will become effective on January 1st of [...]
Par and Away Golf Tournament to benefit Senior Concerns Logix Federal Credit Union Returns as Title Sponsor
Senior Concerns and Title Sponsor Logix Federal Credit Union are proud to present the 3rd Annual Par and Away Golf Tournament on Tuesday, November 19, at Moorpark Country Club. “We are grateful for the opportunity to host the Par and Away Golf Tournament for a fourth consecutive year with [...]
Elks support Senior Concerns with the 2024 Elks Poker Tournament & Casino Night
It’s in the cards to support Senior Concerns 2024 Elks Poker Tournament & Casino Night Join the Thousand Oaks Elks Lodge Poker Tournament (Texas Hold’em) as they support local nonprofit organizations. • When: Saturday, October 26 o Dinner: 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. o Poker/Casino: [...]
Getting a grey divorce requires financial planning
A few weeks ago, I attended the national conference of the Society for Certified Senior Advisors. The Certified Senior Advisor (CSA)® credential can be earned by professionals by demonstrating their competence and knowledge in working with older adults. I have held this designation since 2008. I attended the conference [...]
Reducing stress as a working family caregiver
Q: How can I reduce my stress as a working family caregiver? A: Caring for a loved one can be a full-time job and feel stressful on its own. For those who are also managing a job outside the home while providing care for a loved one, it can [...]
Easing a loved one into assisted living
Q: I am moving my mother into an assisted living facility next week. How can I make the transition easier for her? A: A move into an assisted living facility can be filled with emotions. While there can be excitement about a new home that has meals provided and [...]
Get educated about sepsis and you might just save a life
Many years ago, I volunteered at a hospital. One of my duties was filling in for the floor secretary (remember, it was years ago) when she went to lunch or was on break. As part of the job, I had a copy of the census or a listing of [...]
Short term worry vs prolonged anxiety
Q: My worrying has become so much worse this last year and now I feel like I cannot relax. I worry about my health, my family, the state of the world and everything in between! What can I do to help relax? A: Worrying as we age is very [...]
