Betty Berry’s Column
Senior Concerns’ Senior Advocate Betty Berry’s column appears weekly in the Ventura County Star.
How To Decide If Therapy Is Right For You
Q: I am considering going to therapy, but I have never been before. How can I know what to expect and if it will help me? A: I commend you for doing something good for yourself and your mental health. Start by being proud of yourself for wanting to take [...]
Join Us At The Stand Fundraiser
Enjoy a delicious meal and support a great cause all at the same time! Join us at THE STAND in Westlake Village, June 25th, 11:00 am – 9:00 pm. Twenty percent of your food and beverage purchase will support CONEJO VALLEY SENIOR CONCERNS. See you there! Download the Flyer [...]
Necessary Legal Documents For Seniors
Q: What legal documents do I need to have in place as I age or if my spouse or I become ill? A: Every adult should think about and put documents in place for their advance care planning. This means preparing for future decisions to be made about your medical [...]
The Gift of Friendship – Asking Tough Questions
My friend, a fellow solo-ager (older adult without children), recently asked me some provocative questions. They were, I think, a sign of the times that people are broadening their thinking around what’s important. She began by sharing a recent article in the New York Times about individuals who bequeathed assets [...]
How Can I Stop Worrying About Things I Can’t Control?
Q: I often find myself worrying about things I cannot control. How can I stop myself from worrying all the time? A: Worrying and anxiety can be a normal part of our lives. In fact, some worrying helps ensure we get things done. We worry about bills being paid, or [...]
If You’re A Caregiver, Do You Have A Backup Plan?
Q: I care for my husband who has dementia. How can I have a plan for what happens if I suddenly cannot care for him? A: I strongly urge all family caregivers responsible for a loved one to come up with a backup plan in case they suddenly are not [...]
The Importance of Caregivers
Every day at Senior Concerns, we get a first-hand and up-close look at the crucial role caregivers play in the lives of their loved ones. That’s why it was no surprise that Carol Leish recently profiled Senior Concerns Director of Programs in an article for VenturaBreeze.com. In The [...]
Community Spotlight – May 11
Welcome to Community Spotlight Each month we shine a spotlight on community events that we believe will be of interest to seniors in our community and their family caregivers. Check out a couple of events coming up quick! Wellness Expo 2023 When: Wednesday, May 17 — 8:00 am to [...]
What Is Older Americans Month?
Q: What is Older American’s Month? A: May is recognized as Older American’s Month and is led by the Administration for Community Living. This year is the 60th anniversary of the year that President John F. Kennedy issued the first proclamation marking this month. It is recognized as a [...]
Local Services for the LGBT+ Community
Q: I am caring for my same-sex partner who has dementia. As a gay couple, are there any local services or support that can address our unique care needs? A: Caring for someone with dementia is challenging for everyone. However, people in the LGBT+ community may face compounded challenges due [...]
Great Local Hiking Trails
Q: Do you have suggestions on hiking outdoors now that the weather is getting nicer? A: Spring is my favorite time of year. I always mark the beginning of the season with a pedicure so that I am ready to wear sandals and enjoy the warm weather. The blue skies [...]
Howie Neftin Is Inviting YOU To The LOVE RUN!
Take it from Howie! The LOVE RUN is the place to be June 4, in Westlake Village. Watch the video and then Sign Up Here!
“Coming of Age”
Here’s a question for you, what do I have in common with Madonna, Ellen DeGeneres, and Jamie Lee Curtis? How about Kevin Bacon, Alec Baldwin, and Drew Carey? If you guessed that we are all turning 65 this year, you would be right. All of us, along with another 3.65 [...]
Q: What is the Power Saver Rewards program, and do I need to apply?
Q: What is the Power Saver Rewards program, and do I need to apply? A: Southern California Edison has created a program to help incentivize people to reduce their use of energy during heat waves. As we have all seen last year, when there are heat waves the energy grid [...]
Welcome To Senior Concerns’ Collection of Resources
Senior Concerns has begun compiling a collection of downloadable resources for your use. These are starting points and guides to help you think through your needs. However, the best resource is always talking to one of our trusted staff! Call us to talk through these resources so we can best [...]
How To Protect Yourself From Fraud
Q: What do seniors need to know to protect themselves from fraud? A: Older adults are targeted by scammers because they are believed to have a lot of money in the bank. They also are at a greater risk of cognitive decline, which may impair their judgement and make them [...]
Contemplating the Yin and Yang of Rain
If you are feeling very good or very bad these days, it may be due to the recent rains. Take it from two musical camps. In his hit “Laughter in the Rain,” Neil Sedaka croons “Ooh, how I love the rainy days, and the happy way I feel inside,” while The [...]
The Difference Between Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease
Q: Can you explain the difference between dementia and Alzheimer’s disease? A: I often get this question from people who are confused about the terms. Dementia is an umbrella term that describes the symptoms of memory loss that are severe enough to interfere with your daily life. Alzheimer’s is a [...]
Alternatives to Driving
Q: I am no longer driving, and I am having trouble figuring out how to do my errands and get groceries. Do you have any suggestions? A: It is a challenge to figure out new ways to do things when you no longer can drive yourself. Especially in this area [...]
Q: How much water should I drink every day to stay healthy?
Q: How much water should I drink every day to stay healthy? A: Staying well hydrated is always important, but even more so as we age. One National Institute of Health study showed that those who drink enough fluids stay healthier and develop less chronic conditions than those who do [...]
