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 area may be given numbers from the new 820 area code.
Beginning June 2, 2018 you must start using the new dialing procedure for all calls – even for local calls. If you don’t your calls will not be completed and a recording will instruct you to hang up and dial again using the new procedure.
The new dialing procedure from a landline phone requires you to dial 1 + area code + telephone number. An example – to reach the Senior Advocate you would have to dial 1 + 805 + 495-6250.
To complete calls from a cellular or mobile phone callers may dial area code + telephone number or 1 + area code + telephone number.
In addition to changing your dialing procedure, all services automatic dialing equipment or other types of equipment that are programmed to dial 7 digits will need to be reprogrammed.
Your current telephone number will not change and you can still dial just three digits to reach 911.
If you have questions about this change call Frontier Communications at 1-800-921-8101 or access frontier.com or www.cpuc.ca.gov/805areacode/.
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QUESTION: At one time you provided information on the Eldercare Locator which is a resource available to those who do long distance caregiving. Could you repeat that information?
ANSWER: I would be glad to. The Eldercare Locator is a nationwide directory assistance service designed to help seniors and their caregivers find local support services.
This service links the caller with information and referral networks in the senior’s area and 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 am to 5 pm Monday through Friday. The toll free number is 1-800-677-1116. Be prepared to provide the county, city and Zip code of the person you are assisting.
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HAPPENINGS:
SATURDAY – April 28 – 11:30 am to 1:00 pm – “Memory Café” – a social gathering for those with memory loss and their family caregivers – at Senior Concerns Day Care Center, 401 Hodencamp Road in Thousand Oaks. Reservations are required and can be made by calling (805) 497-0189.
WEDNESDAY – May 2 – 1:00 pm – Ventura County Crime Stoppers will present – “Keeping Our Community Safe” – at Thousand Oaks Council on Aging Meeting – at the Civic Arts Plaza Board Room, 2100 Thousand Oaks Boulevard in Thousand Oaks.
FRIDAY – May 4 – 5:00 pm – Cinco de Mayo Celebration – enjoy dinner, live music and dancing – at Goebel Adult Community Center, 1385 E. Janss Road in Thousand Oaks. Tickets are $9 and available at Goebel’s front desk.
THURSDAY – May 10 – 10:00 to 11:30 am – Seminar – “Now I Am Wise” – at Agoura Hills Recreation & Event Center, 29900 Ladyface Court in Agoura Hills. For reservations call (818) 597-7361.
Thursday/FRIDAY – May 10/11 – 8:30 am to 12:30 pm – Initial eight hour AARP Smart Driver course at Goebel Adult Community Center, 1385 E. Janss Road in Thousand Oaks. Cost is $15 for AARP members, $20 for non-members. Reservations can be made at (805) 381-2744.
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Betty Berry is a senior advocate for Senior Concerns. The advocates are located at the Goebel Adult Community Center, 1385 E. Janss Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91362 or call (805) 495-6250 or e-mail bberry@seniorconcerns.org (please include your telephone number.) You are invited to submit questions on senior issues.
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