Q: I live in Thousand Oaks and am planning to restrict my driving. Sometime ago there was a seminar on how to use public transportation. Do you know if that seminar will be offered again?
A: Yes, this transportation seminar is offered several times a year at the Goebel Adult Community Center. The next seminar is 12:30-1:30 p.m. Feb. 25.
The seminar is followed by an optional bus tour that provides orientation of the Thousand Oaks Transportation Center and The Oaks mall, which is another major transfer point for connection to other Ventura County cities and the Los Angeles Metro System.
The seminar itself provides an overview of the transportation routes and highlights the alternatives to driving both locally and regionally. The Mobility Management Partners invites all seniors to take advantage of free one-on-one or group training.
Transportation systems in Ventura County cities vary. This becomes somewhat of a daunting task to understand and navigate.
Every senior, whether they continue to drive or not, should be aware of the alternatives that are available to them in their community. In addition to public transportation each city has a dial-a-ride program and now with the county offering the Mileage Reimbursement Program seniors have a variety of ways to get around.
While nothing really replaces driving yourself, if you are aware of and enrolled in the other programs you have choices should the need arise.
To reserve a seat at this seminar call the Goebel Center at 381-2744. I suggest you call now, as it is a popular seminar and seating at both the seminar and on the bus is limited.
To learn more about the Mileage Reimbursement Program call MMP at 888-667-7003, ext. 516. This program can be scheduled to your needs.
Q: My elderly uncle lives out of state and is not in the best of health. I would like to assist him in getting the services he needs but don’t know what is available in his community. Is there any way to obtain this type of information?
A: Yes. The Eldercare Locator is a nationwide directory assistance service designed to help seniors and their caregivers find local support resources.
The service links the caller with information and referral networks in the senior’s area and the local Area Agency on Aging.
You will talk with a trained professional who has an extensive list of information and referral services.
The Eldercare Locator is available from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. The toll free number is 800-677-1116. Be prepared to provide the county, city and ZIP code of the person you are assisting.
Â
HAPPENINGS:
Wednesday: Tax services begin. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Conejo Creek South Community Room (across Janss Road from the Goebel Center) and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Newbury Park Library. No reservations needed.
Wednesday: Thousand Oaks Council on Aging presentation “Prevention and Treatment of Heart Disease.” 1 p.m. at Civic Arts Plaza Board Room, 2100 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., 3rd floor.
Feb. 15: Presentation of History Comes Alive “Reflections on a Golden Age.” Fred Stone will present his personal reflections on great horses he has painted. 2 p.m. at the Goebel Adult Community Center, 1385 E. Janss Road in Thousand Oaks. Tickets are $5.
Feb. 18: “Will You Pass Your Next Driving Test” seminar. 1:30-3 p.m. at Westlake Village Civic Center, 31200 E. Oak Crest Drive, Westlake Village. For information call the Advocate’s office at 495-6250.
Feb: 24: The Empowered Caregiver Series, “Compassionate Conversations for Caregivers.” 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Senior Concerns Day Care Center, 401 Hodencamp Road in Thousand Oaks. For reservations call 497-0189.
