Category: Senior Care Technology

12 Tips to Help Protect Seniors from Identity Theft

Posted on by Martin

Identity theft is one of the fastest-growing crimes in the U.S.

Right now, more than 15 million U.S. residents have their identities stolen each year, with losses exceeding a total of $50 billion annually.

While it’s true that identity theft can (And does) affect anyone, seniors are at increased risk. Today, senior identity theft is growing rapidly, and people ages 50 or older are frequently the target of scams and fraudulent activity.

While various factors make seniors especially vulnerable to identity theft, deceased spouses, dementia and cognitive decline, a failure to check credit reports regularly, and often substantial saving or checking account balance are some of the primary draws for identity thieves.

Luckily, there are many ways that friends and loved ones can help protect seniors from the burden of identity theft.

Read on to learn more.

Why are Seniors Vulnerable to Identity Theft? 

While many factors influence seniors’ vulnerability to identity theft, including the ones mentioned above, the issue is complex and multi-faceted. Even seniors who aren’t affected by dementia or cognitive decline are frequently the target of identity theft, but why?

On one hand, the answer may be generational. As a general rule, seniors grew up during a period when people were quick to trust one another, and credit card and banking scams were not as prevalent as they are today.

Alternately, seniors are often concerned about not seeming dependent or overly needy, so they may not ask for help or verification from a friend or family member when something seems fishy, or when they receive an odd phone call asking for personal information.

Finally, seniors may be at increased risk of identity theft because the human brain changes with age. According to a 2012 study conducted by psychologists at UCLA, senior citizens quite literally process risk differently than their younger companions. When presented with mildly risky or dangerous situations, the older people in the study displayed less activity in the portions of the brain responsible for responding to danger, which suggests that they may not recognize or respond to risk the same way as their younger counterparts. 

To help protect seniors from identity theft, it’s critical to understand the various factors that place them at increased risk.

12 Ways to Help Protect Seniors from Identity Theft

 

1. Find trustworthy caregivers

While it may sound shocking, some of the main culprits in senior identity theft are the senior’s caregivers. Because these people have access to the senior’s personal documentation, credit cards, and checking account numbers, it’s easy for an unsavory caregiver to create fake accounts in the senior’s name or wreak havoc on checking and savings account balances.

With this in mind, vet all caregivers thoroughly and consider conducting background searches and checking references. While this may seem paranoid, it’s the first (and arguably most critical) step in ensuring a senior’s identity remains safe and sound.

2. Help the senior be aware of common scams

It’s reasonable for a senior to get excited about a phone call or email stating they’ve won a million dollars and, if nobody bothers to tell them about common scams and frauds, it may not occur to the senior that these types of interactions aren’t legitimate. With this in mind, seek to be informed about common frauds and scams and pass the information along to the senior citizen.

The Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force operates a website called StopFraud.gov, which offers a wealth of information on common scams and how you can protect yourself and others. Check it regularly and keep your senior informed of what you learn. Better yet, turn the senior him or herself onto the website and have them check it frequently.

3. Monitor a senior’s financial activity

One of the most efficient ways to keep a senior out of identity theft troubles is to monitor their financial activity carefully. Since many common scams come in the form of credit card or email scams, monitoring credit card and bank statements can be a useful way to catch fraudulent activity before it blows up.

4. Check in often

While it may seem nosy, checking in often can help keep seniors safe from identity theft. Don’t hesitate to ask your senior friend or relative if they’ve received any suspicious calls or emails lately. While some seniors may get frustrated by these questions (believing they couldn’t possibly be the victims of identity theft), it’s worth it to ask.

While it may cause a small tiff, the tough conversation is ultimately worth it if it protects the senior from financial or personal hardship. Soften the conversation by reminding the senior that identity scammers are excellent at what they do and that the scams may not even seem like scams.

5. Enroll the senior in identity theft protection

There are various credit monitoring services designed to monitor personal and financial information for any red flags. Plans are affordable and can be a crucial tool in the ongoing battle for keeping seniors out of the clutches of identity theft.

6. Shred unneeded personal documents

Old personal documents that contain sensitive information like the senior’s birth date, social security numbers or banking information should be shredded or burned. This prevents them from falling into the wrong hands (in many cities and states, it’s common for identity thieves to comb through trash on public streets in search of such documents) and causing havoc.

7. Verify the validity of any “Free” services gated with personal information

Seniors are often targeted by scammers offering free or highly discounted medical services in return for personal information. While these proposals may seem outstanding, they’re often fraudulent. If the senior in your life receives any such offer, check the company with the Better Business Bureau before proceeding.

8. Encourage the senior to check credit reports often

Since seniors are typically not applying for mortgages or other large loans, they may not check their credit reports as often as younger people. Unfortunately, this is how so much fraudulent activity goes unnoticed for so long.

To be on the safe side, encourage the senior to check his or her credit report at least once a year. This can help keep tabs on financial and personal information and ensure it’s not being used incorrectly.

9. Help the senior understand link scams

Many scammers masquerade as reputable companies and use fraudulent links to gain personal information. Help the senior understand how these scams work and how to stay safe: instead of supplying personal information via a questionable link, go directly to the company’s website and complete an application or sign-up process there.

10. Maintain open communication about phone scams

Many identity scams use callers pretending to be court representatives or medical establishments, claiming outstanding balances for past bills. Instead of giving personal information to these callers, help the senior understand the need to call the company directly instead, and resolve the issue there.

11. Consider hiring an attendant

In the grips of dementia or Alzheimer’s, many seniors begin to make risky financial decisions and become intensely vulnerable to scammers. If this is the case with your loved one, consider hiring a professional caregiver to keep the senior out of financial trouble and away from the clutches of scammers.

12. Get the senior a secure mailbox

With a traditional, street-side mailbox, it’s easy for anyone to steal a senior’s sensitive mail. To protect your loved one, opt for a secure mailbox option like a post office or locking box.

Senior Identity Theft Stops Here

Seniors are a vulnerable population when it comes to identity theft. Luckily, you can help your loved ones stay secure with these twelve helpful tips. In addition to protecting a senior’s personal and financial information, these steps also go a long way toward ensuring healthy, happy, secure golden years for the senior in your life.

 

 

 

 

 

13 Ways We Can All Counter the “Disadvantages” of Old Age

Posted on by Martin

People have varying impressions of old age.

Some people believe that getting older is a beautiful thing and that it offers the perfect opportunity for people to spend quality time with their friends and loved ones. Some people, however, believe that aging is frightening and that people who are getting older lose their freedom and well-being in the process.

Whichever side of the aisle you find yourself on, it’s undeniable that there are disadvantages to aging, and many people dread it because of that. Luckily, there are several smart ways to combat those disadvantages and ensure that aging is as graceful and enjoyable as possible.

Read on to learn more.

13 Ways to Beat the “Disadvantages” of Getting Older

Aging, just like anything else, is a battle of mind over matter.

While it’s true that we can’t prevent certain chronic diseases by maintaining a positive outlook, it’s also true that we can make the process of aging much more enjoyable and civil by maintaining a sense of optimism. Whether you’re a senior interested in improving your quality of life, or a senior’s loved one who wants to help boost outlook and create a happier, healthier lifestyle for the person you love, here are thirteen smart ways to do it.

1. Seniors feel as if life is “passing them by.”

Solution:

Seniors often feel that they have become irrelevant. In many cases, a senior’s spouse has died, and the person’s social relationships may have declined from what they used to be.

In these cases, it’s easy for older people to become depressed or to feel neglected and forgotten. Luckily, this doesn’t have to be a given for all seniors.

Instead, it’s easy to combat this “disadvantage” by ensuring that seniors are included in family gatherings, social events, and community affairs. In addition to combatting feelings of loneliness, this also helps to encourage the development of new relationships and experiences.

2. Dating can be difficult

Solution:

Encourage seniors to join like-minded groups, clubs, and organizations. While dating may look different at 70 than it did at 17, it’s far from impossible, and many seniors find that they sincerely enjoy dating at an older age.

3. Seniors often feel tired and worn out

Solution:

While it’s normal for older adults to feel less energetic and outgoing than they used to, it’s not normal to expect to spend every waking moment of the day in seclusion because of it. Instead of feeling worn out all the time, seniors can boost their energy by engaging in exercise, eating a healthy diet, getting plenty of high-quality rest, and spending time with family and friends. If tiredness persists, a trip to the doctor may be in order, as certain supplements may help boost energy levels.

4. Exercise and activity can be trying or painful

Solution:

To stay in optimal health, seniors need to stay active. Unfortunately, this often becomes more difficult with age. To keep joints, bones, and the cardiovascular system healthy and functional without becoming exhausted in the process, seniors need only to adjust their activity type and level.

For example, if a senior used to be a long-distance runner but finds that difficult, something like water aerobics, yoga, or swimming may be ideal. While many seniors assume that aging means the end of their active lives, it’s more typical that an adjustment is all that’s needed.

5. Seniors often have a difficult time feeling attractive

Solution:

Aging means changes in the body and appearance, but seniors don’t have to feel self-conscious as a result.  

Many seniors find that visiting the salon or indulging in beauty or self-care rituals that they couldn’t justify when they were younger (such as facials, massages, or pedicures) are all wonderful ways to feel more attractive.

6. The senior may feel “out of whack” with the times

Solution:

It’s common for seniors to be confused about Justin Bieber and The Kardashians. Luckily, it’s easy for seniors to feel more engaged and involved in either learning more about the pop culture of today or spending time with people who treasure the same eras and memories they do.

Seniors who have no interest in reading pop culture magazines will enjoy taking part in themed parties or getting together to rehash old memories with friends. 

7. Driving can become difficult or disallowed

Solution:

One of the things seniors dread most about aging is the loss of certain freedoms, like driving. While it’s inevitable that some seniors will lose their driving privileges, this doesn’t have to mean the end of an ability to do things for oneself.

In fact, there are many ways for seniors who can’t drive to get around. In many cases, public transit may be a good option. In other situations, a senior may enjoy using a senior-specific shuttle that helps seniors run errands like shopping. In many cases, seniors even choose to enjoy a nice leisurely walk to their destination.

While the right answer will differ depending on a senior’s health and energy levels, getting older doesn’t have to mean a total loss of freedom. 

8. Being away from family can be lonely

Solution:

One thing many seniors struggle with is being far away from family and friends. Luckily, regular phone calls, Skype sessions, and hand-written letters can help close even the largest physical gaps and ensure happy, close relationships between seniors and their families. 

9. Seniors are often bored in their day-to-day routines

Solution:

Let’s be frank: getting older can be boring! Luckily, seniors can combat this boredom by signing up for an art course, auditing a class at the local university, volunteering, or learning new things. While old age presents many challenges,

it also offers a level of free time that allows seniors to take full advantage of opportunities and better themselves in dozens of ways.

10. It can be difficult to find clothing that a senior likes

Solution:

Many seniors find that, as they age, their previous fashion tastes don’t work well with their lifestyles. Luckily, this is just a matter of adjustment. While seniors may not be able to wear the flared dresses or dapper suits they once favored, it’s easy to find clothing that a senior loves and feels comfortable in. A simple shopping trip might just be in order!

11. Seniors aren’t used to the fast pace of today’s world

Solution:

Go slower. Seniors have a right to be somewhat alarmed by how quickly everything moves nowadays, and it can benefit them (And us) to slow down and be more intentional during our time with them. When we’re not rushing or hurrying, we have space and freedom to enjoy our interactions with the senior rather than racing through them.

12. Seniors often don’t feel well

Solution:

Seniors who have conditions that can be treated with diet, exercise or medication will often feel better after receiving the proper care. While it’s unrealistic for many seniors to expect that they’ll feel as spry at 80 as they did at 20, there’s also no reason to assume that aging has to mean feeling poorly at all times.

 

13. Seniors have a difficult time adjusting to older age

Solution:

Help the senior understand that every life stage is beautiful, and there are many things to love about aging. While many seniors have a difficult time facing getting older, accepting the realities of it and moving into the next phase gracefully make the entire process easier for seniors to bear.

The Disadvantages of Old Age, Turned Upside Down

While many people fear “the ravages of age,” it’s possible for seniors and caregivers to take a series of simple steps to make aging into a positive, upbeat, exciting process rather than a disappointing and frightening one. 

 

Knowing When it’s Time to Ask for Help in Home Care

Posted on by Martin

Whether a person is elderly or disabled, it can be difficult to know when to ask for help. Societally, we are taught that asking for help is a sign of weakness and a cause for embarrassment. Unfortunately, nothing could be further than the truth. If one of your friends or loved one is facing difficulty due to age or disability, certain telltale signs can help indicate when it is time to hire in-home help.

General Signs that It’s Time to Ask for Help

When an elderly or disabled friend or loved one needs help, the signs may manifest in a variety of ways. Some signs are clearly big-picture issues that will be obvious to friends and family, regardless of distance or relationship. Keep an eye out for the following:

Close Calls or New Difficulties

If your elderly or disabled loved one has been living alone, it’s likely that they have been relatively self-sufficient for some time. However, if your loved one has recently begun having new difficulties or suffering from close calls, like falls, medical scares or even car accidents, it’s likely that it is time to ask for help.

When an elderly or disabled person lives alone, these close calls are more likely to happen again and again and, when they do, it is wise to employ a trusted caretaker in order to ensure that somebody is there to respond to falls or other accidents.

Chronic Health Conditions or Worsening Health

Progressive issues like dementia, congestive heart failure and COPD can result in marked, rapid decline a loved one. Generally, the presence of these issues means that it is time to ask for help from a qualified caregiver or to move the person to an assisted living facility.

Difficulty Recovering

In elderly or disabled people, common illnesses like colds or the flu can produce serious health issues. If an elderly or disabled loved on has recently suffered from a common illness but is having a difficult time recovering, consider asking for help. This is especially true if your loved one was unable  or unwilling to get the help he or she needed during the time of the illness, which resulted in the illness becoming much more serious.

Difficulty With Activities of Daily Living

The activities of daily living (ADL’s) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL’s) are the skills an adult needs to live independently – without the care of a relative or caregiver. These skills include dressing oneself, cooking, driving, shopping, using the bathroom, bathing, doing laundry, taking medications and cleaning.

Unfortunately, age or disability often rob people of these abilities and make it increasingly difficult for them to live alone. Fortunately, if a loved one is having difficulty with ADL’s or IADL’S, bringing in-home help into the equation can often restore some independence and help the person live a better life.

Social Signs That It’s Time to Ask for Help

Often, when an elderly or disabled person is beginning to decline, it will become obvious through their social interactions, or lack thereof.  In order to determine if your friend or loved one needs help, keep an eye out for these important social waning signs:

Lack of Friendships

Age and disability make it easy to become reclusive and a person who no longer keeps close companions or pursues friendships may very well be declining. Generally, lack of active friendships is a sign of depressive symptoms and may indicate that it is time to secure in-home help or a change of scenery for your friend or loved one.

Refusal to Leave the Home

When an elderly or disabled person is afraid to drive and unwilling to take public transportation alone, they often begin to go days on end without leaving their home. Often, these individuals benefit from hiring in-home help, which may help them regain their mobility and resume regular outings.

No Activities or Interests

If your friend or loved one has abandoned activities and interests, it is time to call for help. Isolation is generally related to depressive symptoms and acting quickly is the best way to prevent your loved one from becoming further depressed and isolated.

Physical Signs That it’s Time to ask for Help

An elderly or disabled person who is declining will exhibit noticeable physical signs that indicate in-home help is needed. Any of the following signs warrant a call for assistance:

Weight Loss

If your friend or loved one feels thinner or looks like he or she is swimming in their clothing, there’s a good chance that something is wrong. Physical conditions ranging from tumors to depression can cause weight loss, as can declining motor skills that may result in a loss of cooking or shopping ability.

Additionally, some elderly or disabled people may be forgetting how to cook or eat. In these cases, it is wise to ensure there is food in the house and spend some time watching the person prepare a meal for him or herself. In any event, drastic weight loss is a valid reason to call an in-home caregiver.

Weight Gain

Like weight loss, sudden and drastic weight gain can indicate serious health issues like diabetes. Additionally, weight gain may indicate that a person is having financial troubles and subsisting on cheap, processed foods rather than healthy fare. Watch meal prep and call for help if you notice that the person is forgetting having eaten or binge eating all day long.

Frailty

If you notice that your friend or loved one is having difficulty completing simple tasks like removing shoes, opening drawers, sweeping or getting out of a chair, it is time to call for help. As people age, they generally become frailer, which may lead to difficulty completing everyday activities.

Disheveled Appearance

It is generally possible to tell a great deal from a person’s appearance. If you notice that your typically well-kept loved one is wearing stained, sloppy or torn clothing or that hair and makeup are noticeably different or disarranged, consider asking for help. These signs typically indicate that the person has lost strength, dexterity or memory and are a valid reason to call for in-home help. Elderly or disabled people often need help dressing, shaving and fixing their hair and an in-home caregiver can help them meet those needs.

The Case for In-Home Help

Realizing that a friend or loved one needs help is never an easy experience. Watching a person decline is difficult and it is made worse by the fact that they often need help we are simply incapable of giving. In these cases, the most important thing you can do is notice signs that indicate physical or mental deficiencies and take it upon yourself to secure help for your friend or loved one.

Often, elderly or disabled people are embarrassed to ask for help and see it as a sign that they are becoming infantile or incapable. Assure the person that this is not true, that there is nothing to be embarrassed about and that extra help can help them preserve the quality of their life rather than subtracting from it. Although it can be difficult, asking for help is never anything to be embarrassed about and in-home caregiving can often preserve, extend and boost a person’s quality of life for many years.