QUESTION: I am trying to get my affairs in order and am somewhat confused by some of the terms associated with wills and trusts. Could you provide definitions for those terms? ANSWER: An excellent question. I’ll try to define some of the most common terms that you will likely encounter. Some may be very familiar [...]

QUESTION: I am a caregiver for my parents and have been reviewing their financial situation. I have several questions about Veteran’s Benefits that my dad may be entitled to. Do you know who I can contact? ANSWER: You should contact Ventura County Veterans Services. This agency has a staff of professional veterans claim officers who [...]

QUESTION: Some time ago you wrote a column about how to help or give assistance to a person who has a vision problem. I found it very informative and wonder if you have any suggestions when encountering those with other types of disabilities. Many times I find I want to offer assistance but do not [...]

QUESTION: A friend has been attending “OLLI” classes at CAL STATE Channel Islands and said I might be interested in the next session. Have you received information on the upcoming session? ANSWER: Yes – the fall session information has arrived and I have the following information. The program you are asking about is the Ventura [...]

As part of its commitment to provide support for seniors with dementia and their family caregivers, Senior Concerns is offering quarterly Memory Cafes, with the next Memory Café scheduled for Saturday, August 10 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Senior Concerns, 401 Hodencamp Road in Thousand Oaks. Atria Hillcrest will be providing lunch. A [...]

QUESTION:  I just spent some time with my dad who lives in another state and came away with some concerns about him continuing to live alone.  What signs would indicate that it might be time to seek assistance for him?   ANSWER:  A number of signs could send up a red-flag warning that not all [...]

QUESTION:  I have been widowed for almost two years and am now considering a move.  My home and yard are more than I want to continue to take care of.  However, I am active and independent.  I don’t need to be taken care of but at times am very lonely.  I am considering what they [...]

QUESTION:  I am looking for information about hospice. What is it, does Medicare cover it and how does a person qualify for coverage?   ANSWER:  Hospice is a unique way of caring for a person with an advanced illness.  It focuses on palliative care instead of curative care.  It includes pain management and other services [...]

QUESTION:  Every year Cypress Place Assisted Living has a special event in honor of our veterans.  Do you know if that event is scheduled to be held again this year?   ANSWER:  A very timely question and yes the “Salute Our Veterans” event is scheduled for Wednesday June 26 at Cypress Place located at 1200 [...]

QUESTION:  During a recent business trip my husband lost his wallet and I’m trying to replace the contents.  This is a difficult job since he doesn’t remember everything that he carried.  Please tell others to inventory what they carry with them in case they should have the need to replace a wallet’s contents.   ANSWER:  [...]