By Betty Berry, Tuesday, Feb. 22, 2011 Q: I have a number of questions about veterans benefits. Do you know if there are any seminars addressing this subject?
A: Yes I do. The next seminar in Senior Concerns’ series “Solving the Aging Puzzle” will address Veterans Benefits.
The seminar is scheduled for 7-8:30 p.m. March 8 at Senior Concerns Day Care Center, 401 Hodencamp Road in Thousand Oaks.
The seminar will be facilitated by two Veteran Claims Officers from the county of Ventura Veterans Service Office.
The facilitators will address eligibility requirements for veterans benefits, family survivor benefits, the Aid and Attendance Program and how VA benefits work with other insurance benefits. They will also answer your questions.
This should be a very informative program providing attendees with a better understanding of these important benefits for our veterans.
Reservations are suggested and can be made by calling Senior Concerns at 497-0189. If you forget to make a reservation walk-ins are always welcome if seats are available.
If you need respite care for a special needs senior so that you can attend the seminar you can make arrangements for that care at the center when making your reservation. Reservations for respite care are required.
There are no fees for these informative discussions, however, donations are always welcome.
Q: A neighbor told me she recently attended a program provided by the Thousand Oaks Council on Aging and was very impressed. Can you provide any information about future programs?
A: I am so glad your neighbor shared her experience and I will tell you about the next program scheduled.
The Thousand Oaks Council on Aging holds their monthly meeting on the first Wednesday of the month (except July and August) at 1 p.m. in the Board Room at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza, 2100 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd. in Thousand Oaks.
These meetings begin promptly at 1 p.m. as they are televised as well as having a live audience.
The next program will be a panel discussion on “Caring for the Caregiver.” It is scheduled for 1-2:30 p.m. March 2.
The program will be moderated by Sue Tatangelo from the Camarillo Health Care District. Eileen Gold will address Communication and Challenging Behavior; Lisa Hayden will discuss Caregiver Burnout; Renee Higgins will talk about Intimacy and Caregiving and Sharon Tatelman will provide information on Community Resources.
This should be a most informative presentation. For more information call 449-2743.
Q: My elderly aunt lives out of state and is not in the best of health. I would like to assist her in getting the services she needs but don’t know what is available in her community. Do you know of any way to get this type of information?
A: Many families who have faced the situation you describe have found the help they needed through the Eldercare Locator. It is a nationwide directory assistance service designed to help seniors and their caregivers locate needed local support resources. The service links the caller with the information and referral networks of state and local Area Agencies on Aging.
When you call the Eldercare Locator, you will talk to a trained professional who has access to an extensive list of information and referral services that lend support to seniors. The locator will be able to provide organization names and telephone numbers so you may contact them directly.
The Eldercare Locator is available 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Pacific time) Monday through Friday. The toll-free number is 800-677-1116.
Read more: http://www.vcstar.com/news/2011/feb/22/senior-advocate-betty-berry-seminar-will-focus/#ixzz1Eph4idR5
– vcstar.com
