Senior Concerns In the News

QUESTION:  I just heard that a new area code will be added to our area and this will result in our having to change the way we dial our friends and neighbors.  Is this correct?   ANSWER:  Yes.  Beginning June 30, 2018 new telephone lines or services in the 805 [...]

QUESTION:  Is this the month that the new Medicare cards will start being mailed to those who are currently receiving Medicare benefits?   ANSWER:  Yes.  The Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015 required the Agency to remove Social Security numbers from all Medicare cards by April 2019.  The [...]

QUESTION:  Just recently a friend of mine was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.  I am at a loss of exactly what Parkinson’s disease is and what I can do to help my friend.  Is there somewhere that I can go to learn more?   ANSWER:  I am sorry to hear about [...]

QUESTION:  I recently met with a group of retired friends and we all spoke about having time on our hands.  Someone suggested volunteering.  Do you have any suggestions?   ANSWER:  Your question is not only a good one but also very timely as April is “Volunteer Appreciation Month.”   Volunteering [...]

  QUESTION:  I am interested in taking a Tai Chi class.  Can you tell me where I can get information about where and when these classes are offered?   ANSWER:  Tai Chi classes are very popular and offered at most senior centers.  Since you didn’t say what city you lived [...]

QUESTION:  Each spring the Goebel Center has had a Community Garage Sale.  Do you know when it is scheduled for this year?   ANSWER:  You can mark your calendar for Sunday April 8th.  As usual it will be from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm at the Goebel Adult Community Center, [...]

QUESTION:  I am about to retire and have mixed emotions about it.  While I hope to enjoy some free time I’m concerned about missing intellectual stimulation and social interaction that you have while working.  Do you have any suggestions for filling this gap?   ANSWER:  As we enter new phases [...]

QUESTION:  I have never been one to exercise but I know that I should.  I’ve attempted several times but always find some excuse to postpone it.  Any suggestions on how I might get myself in the habit.”   ANSWER:  There are many reasons why some people find exercise a chore [...]

QUESTION: I have never been one to exercise, but I know I should. I’ve attempted several times but always find some excuse to postpone it. Any suggestions on how I might get myself "in the habit?” ANSWER: There are many reasons why some people find exercise a chore while others [...]

QUESTION:  I am a believer in sharing and give to a number of charities.  However, lately I am beginning to question how much of the donation, if any, is actually going to those that the charity claims they are helping.  Any suggestions?   ANSWER:  My first thought is give to [...]

QUESTION:  If I remember correctly about this time of year there has been a program recognizing those who serve as family caregivers.  Do you know if such a program is on the schedule for this year?   ANSWER:  Yes it is.  On Friday March 2nd  Senior Concerns will host “Caregivers [...]

QUESTION:  I have heard much said about probate and avoiding it if possible.  I am not exactly sure what happens during probate.  Can you enlighten me?   ANSWER:  Probate is a court procedure which starts with determining the validity of a will presented to the court and ends with the [...]

QUESTION:  For a number of years I have attended a seminar series offered by Senior Concerns.  Do you know if that series will be offered again this year?   ANSWER:  Yes the series for 2018 will again be titled “Path to Positive Aging”.  The series started on January 9th with [...]

QUESTION:  I need to place a family member in a care facility.  Do you have any suggestions on how I should start my search?   ANSWER:  Finding the appropriate facility takes time and effort.  But spending this time early in the process makes the transition to a care facility much [...]

  QUESTION:  Each year I have my income taxes done by volunteers at my senior center.  I have two questions.  Are these services being offered again this year and who is eligible for these services?   ANSWER:  Yes, tax preparation services will be offered again this year.  I have information [...]

  I am sure we are all tired of hearing that we must exercise more.  Well exercise can be fun and one way to do that is by dancing.  Could you tell your readers about the Thousand Oaks Dance Club – they could have fun while they exercise.   ANSWER:  [...]

  QUESTION:  I am looking for a Driver Safety Program for seniors.  Do you have information on such a program and where and when it is given?   ANSWER:  I think you are looking for AARP’s Driver Safety Program.  This is an eight hour classroom refresher class for drivers aged [...]

  QUESTION:  Last year I attended a health and wellness event at the Goebel Center.  Do you know if that event is being offered again and if so when?   ANSWER:  Yes.  The Conejo Senior Volunteer Program’s (CSVP) 4th Annual Wellness Fest is scheduled for Wednesday January 17 from 9:00 [...]

QUESTION:  I am attempting to help several older members of my family with their health care coverage and trying to understand various concepts such as Medicare fee-for-service, original Medicare, health maintenance organization plans, Senior Advantage plans, and Medicare Part A, Part B, Part C and Part D. Can you help? [...]

QUESTION: If I remember correctly, it is about this time of year that Medicare has its annual open enrollment. Can you provide the dates? ANSWER:  Medicare annual open enrollment will start Oct. 15 and run through Dec. 7. During this period, you can change the coverage you have from Medicare-fee-for-service [...]