Senior Concerns In the News

Q: On occasion my doctor’s office asks me to sign some sort of release saying if Medicare doesn’t pay them I’ll be responsible. Can you explain the reason for such a step? A: Medicare beneficiaries are often asked by their doctor’s office to sign a form agreeing to pay for [...]

Q: I need to find a new doctor. Do you have any suggestions about how to go about this search other than asking friends about the doctors they use? A: There are many reasons for someone to be looking for a new doctor. It could be because of dissatisfaction with [...]

Q: What is considered elder abuse and, if suspected, who can help? A: Elder abuse is a growing concern and can be inflected in numerous ways. It can be actual physical, emotional or financial abuse or it can be a result of neglect or abandonment. It can also be self-abuse. [...]

Q: A friend of mine just told me that she has attended several presentations of interest to seniors at the Westlake Village Civic Center. Is this an ongoing offering and, if so, can you provide particulars? A: Your friend is right on the mark. Senior Concerns and the city of [...]

Starting Aug. 3, a new service will offer seniors van rides between the cities of Thousand Oaks, Moorpark, Simi Valley, unincorporated areas and other places in the East County. The intercity Dial-A-Ride and Americans with Disabilities Act program will allow seniors 65 and older and ADA cardholders to travel between [...]

Q: I’ve been hearing a lot lately about medication errors and am concerned about my dad and his prescriptions. What might I do to help avoid a problem? A: I did some checking with those who work with prescriptions and was told that about half of patient safety issues are [...]

Senior Concerns is pleased to announce a partnership with Hospice of the Conejo to present a free weekly grief support group for seniors who need help to recover from the loss of a spouse or significant other. This new support group is offered in addition to the four support groups [...]

Q: I, like many seniors, want to age in my own home. I have heard people use the terms “aging in place” and “village to village” and would like to learn more about both. Can you suggest where I could start my research? A: You are not alone in wanting [...]

Q: I am ashamed to admit I was a victim of a scam. Can you give some hints that will help others spot a con artist? A: Don’t beat up on yourself for being taken. Anyone can be a victim. A clever con artist is a good actor who disarms [...]

Q: My parents are getting on in age and will eventually need my assistance. I have no idea where to start planning. Can you suggest some starting points? A: Many people avoid dealing with this subject until a crisis arises. You are to be congratulated for wanting to be prepared. [...]

Q: I have Medicare as my health care insurance. I am wondering if I have any say in what hospital I would use if I need that type of care. Are there any rules about where I must or could go? A: Whether you have a choice depends on how [...]

Q: I am researching long-term care and have encountered the term “activities of daily living.” Can you provide a list of these activities and a definition of each? A: “Activities of daily living” are the basic personal activities each of us must perform daily. The list typically includes bathing, dressing, [...]

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

This informative seminar, Paul Norr, a Certified Financial Planner™, will focus on the importance of planning, the three steps you should take to plan for a secure future, the four proven retirement income strategies used by financial planners, safety-first approaches to retirement income planning, and primary financial risks in retirement [...]

Q: In past years Simi Valley has offered a health expo. Will that be on the agenda again this year? A: A very timely question. Yes, the Simi Valley Wellness Expo for 2015 is scheduled for 8 a.m. to noon May 20. The Simi Valley Council on Aging, Simi Valley [...]

Q: In the past I have participated in Senior Concerns’ Love Run. It seems it is about that time of year. Is it on the schedule for June? A: Yes, it is. The 22nd annual Love Run is scheduled for June 7. Registration and start of activities will take place [...]

QUESTION: My husband was considered disabled by his employer but was turned down when he applied for Social Security disability. Can you explain why? A: People may be turned down when first applying for Social Security disability. Perhaps Social Security just needs more information. I always suggest appealing the decision. [...]

Q: I am about to sign up for Medicare and have more than a few questions. But the question I currently have regards doctors and why, when selecting a doctor, you should ask, “Does he or she take assignment?” What does that mean? A: There are many questions that could [...]

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

As part of an ongoing commitment to provide resources and support for family caregivers of those caring for aging loved ones, Senior Concerns will present a community seminar on “Optimal Nutrition During Challenging Times for Caregivers,” on Tuesday, May 19, 2015, 5:30-7:00 p.m. at Senior Concerns, 401 Hodencamp Road, Thousand [...]