By Betty Berry, Tuesday, March 29, 2011 Q: I am thinking about investing in long-term care insurance but don’t really know what questions to ask. Is there somewhere I can get information before I talk to a salesperson?
A: You are a very wise person. It is always best to do your own research before making any kind of investment.
I can tell you about an upcoming seminar that will provide a good base from which to work.
The Senior Concerns Advocate will present a seminar “Understanding Long-Term Care and Insurance” from 1:30 to 3 p.m. April 13 at the Westlake Village Civic Center, 31200 E. Oak Crest Drive in Westlake Village.
The presentation will explain what long-term care is and insurance available to pay for it.
The focus is to get attendees familiar with terminology and options and to put seniors on an even keel with the salesperson in discussing their needs.
The next seminar scheduled for May 11, “Supplementing Your Medicare Coverage,” is a subject seniors should become familiar with. This seminar will address the need and ways to supplement Medicare coverage.
It will address Medigap policies, supplemental policies, employers’ retirement policies and veterans benefits. Attendees will learn how policies work and whether more than one is needed. The seminar will also touch on Senior Advantage Plans.
This series of presentations, “Senior Issues,” is offered by Senior Concerns in cooperation with the city of Westlake Village. The seminars are given on the second Wednesday of the month except in August and December.
Reservations are not required. For more information, call 495-6250.
Q: I am a senior new to the area and have some questions about services and resources. Do you know who might be a good contact for unbiased information?
A: Yes I do. Senior Concerns’ “Solving the Aging Puzzle” seminar series will address the subject you have asked about.
You might want to circle April 12 on your calendar.
The seminar titled, “This Is Where You Go for Information,” will provide attendees with general information about Senior Concerns programs and give details on the counseling and information and referral services.
Lori Bliss, case management coordinator, will discuss the role of the case management coordinator and how she can assist caregivers and seniors with information and resources available to help fill their needs. Her discussion will include information about in-home care, in-home care agencies, placement and eligibility for various programs.
At the meeting, I will explain what services the senior advocates’ office provides and how those services assist seniors and their families in resolving questions about a variety of senior issues. I will include information about Medicare, Medi-Cal, Social Security and insurance options, and also talk about the importance of completing various forms in a timely manner.
It should be a very informative evening, and I think attendees will be surprised to find that all these services are available right here in the area and easily accessible.
The presentation will be from 7 from 8:30 p.m. at Senior Concerns Day Care Center, 401 Hodencamp Road in Thousand Oaks. Reservations are suggested and can be made by calling Senior Concerns at 497-0189.
If you need respite care for a special-needs senior so that you can attend the seminar, you can make arrangements at the center when you make your reservation. Reservations for respite care are required.
Betty Berry is a senior advocate for Senior Concerns. The advocates are at the Goebel Senior Adult Center, 1385 E. Janss Road in Thousand Oaks, phone 495-6250 or email betty@seniorconcerns.org (please include your telephone number). You are invited to submit questions on senior issues.
