
Senior Advocate
Martha Shapiro, Director of Programs at Senior Concerns, authors a weekly column for the Ventura County Star titled “Senior Advocate,” focusing on issues affecting seniors and their family caregivers.

Martha Shapiro, Director of Programs at Senior Concerns, authors a weekly column for the Ventura County Star titled “Senior Advocate,” focusing on issues affecting seniors and their family caregivers.
Q: I keep hearing there are shipping delays. Do I need to start my holiday shopping now? A: Starting your holiday shopping early is definitely a good idea. The shipping delays you are hearing about are caused by several issues. The largest ports on the West Coast are backed up with delays in unloading cargo. [...]
Q: I received a medical bill that it is very expensive. I cannot afford to pay this huge bill. What should I do? A: When you receive a medical bill that looks larger then expected it can feel very stressful and upsetting. Right away you are wondering how you will pay this bill and you [...]
Worried about your memory? It may be stress. It has been 19 months since the COVID pandemic upended our daily lives. The ups and downs we have experienced, the almost constant change in plans and new ways of life have no doubt added to feelings of stress, grief, and anxiety. This stress has consequences on [...]
Q: My spouse was recently diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. What do we need to do to prepare legally for the future? A: A diagnoses of Alzheimer’s disease can be very scary and un-nerving. You do not know what the next few years will look like, and there is usually worry about maintaining the same quality [...]
Q: Do I still need to get a flu shot this year? A: Yes, the flu shot is still an important protection against the flu and is especially important this year. The flu season generally lasts from October through May. Experts suggest the best time to get the flu vaccination is from early September though [...]
Q: I have seen a few friends become widows and it suddenly occurred that it could happen to me! What do I do to prepare myself in case my husband passes away before I do? A: Preparation will always make a stressful situation more manageable. When a loss occurs suddenly and someone is thrust into [...]
Q: My husband needs more care than I can provide, but we cannot afford the cost of home care agencies. We make too much money for Medi-Cal services, but not enough to pay for private care. What can I do to get help? A: You bring up a very difficult situation that we hear about [...]
Q: My doctor suggested I use a walker and my kids are pressuring me to get one. I know it may be helpful, but I hate the idea of having to use one. Should I get the walker and feel old, or should I keep going without one and still feel like myself? A: I [...]
Q: I postponed my last doctor’s visit because of COVID. I know I need to go but I am so anxious about it. Do you have any tips on how to handle the appointment? A: Anxiety over a doctor’s visit is very common and understandable. A visit to your doctor often triggers fears in us [...]
Q: I turn 65 this winter. Do I have to sign up for Medicare or does it happen automatically? I am still working so I really do not need Medicare yet because I have insurance through my work. What do I need to do? A: Generally, most people must initiate Medicare enrollment through the Social [...]