Q. A neighbor told me that the Senior Concerns Advocate services were available at the Simi Valley Senior Center. If this is true, can you tell me when the service is available and how I can arrange to meet with him or her?

A. Yes, it is a fact that the services of Senior Concerns Senior Advocate are available through a partnership between the city of Simi Valley and Senior Concerns, a nonprofit organization that serves seniors and their families.

The advocate services have been available at the Simi center for some time. These services are available two full days a month. Currently, those days are the third Thursday and fourth Monday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The advocate also provides a monthly seminar on senior issues. The topic and date are announced monthly in the center's newsletter.

The advocate is available by appointment and for walk-in clients. To make an appointment or for information, call the Simi Valley Senior Center at 583-6363.

Q. I have been widowed for almost two years and am now considering a move. My home and yard are more than I want to continue to take care of. However, I am active and independent. I don't need to be taken care of, but at times am very lonely. I'm considering what they call retirement living. Can you provide any guidance in this area when looking at different facilities.

A. I'd be delighted to tell you what I know about retirement living. It is one of the numerous alternatives that the retirement housing industry offers seniors. You'll find this type of accommodation referred to as a retirement community, a retirement facility, or independent or congregate living.

No matter what the title, these accommodations are designed specifically for independent senior adults and provide apartmentlike living with 24-hour on-site staff available should a problem occur. Services usually included are meals, housekeeping, non-personal laundry, social activities and transportation.

The social activities span both entertaining and educational events, and participation helps make the residents feel a sense of community.

You should definitely plan to visit all of the retirement facilities available in your area. It is the only way that you can determine what services are included in each and to compare the facilities. Plan to tour the entire facility. Ask about any rules and regulations they may have. Are residents allowed to have a small pet in their apartment?

Some facilities offer the opportunity to stay two or three days so that you can actually experience the feel of living there. If you are offered such an opportunity, I encourage you take it.

You should inquire about the cost and determine exactly what is included in the monthly fee. Checking on meal service is very important. How many meals per day are included in the basic monthly fee? If you have special dietary needs, can they be met? If you are ill, is tray service available and at what cost?

If you no longer drive, is transportation available — how much and how often? If you still drive, is parking available? Is parking in a garage, carport or out in the open?

Check on laundry facilities, availability of extra storage and premium services such as barber or beauty shop. If you have out-of-town friends or relatives who may come to visit, does the facility offer guest accommodations?

Look into the type and frequency of social activities. Are they the type of events you would be interested in taking part in? Also, are trips away from the facility offered?

Since you will be living in much smaller quarters than you are currently used to, make sure that you look into the types of public rooms available for your use and enjoyment. Is the dining room pleasant? At what times are meals served? If there is an activities room, what type of activities can it accommodate? Are evening activities planned as well as daytime activities? Is there an exercise room? Is so, what type of equipment is provided? Is there a small private dining room where you could host a family get-together? Do these rooms appear well-used?

Ask to have a current resident act as a guide for your tour. If possible, try to have a meal as part of your visit. Be aware of how friendly the staff is to the residents. They should treat residents with respect and know the residents by name.

Take some time after your visit to consider whether a particular facility is designed to allow you to live as easily and independently as you would like.

Good luck on your search. I am sure there is a facility out there that will meet your desires and budget.

— Betty Berry is a senior advocate for Senior Concerns. The advocates are at the Goebel Senior Adult Center, 1385 E. Janss Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91362, or call 495-6250. You are invited to submit questions on senior issues.