As we age, it is of utmost importance to stay active and healthy. Our bodies change when we get older and it is essential that the elderly and aging are able to move about and get the exercise they need to stay healthy. It is imperative that older adults have a proper diet and exercise as much as they can. Studies have shown that exercising can improve circulation, strengthen the heart and bones and help prevent various forms of cancer.

The Importance of Exercise for Older Adults

Older adults should get proper exercise and stay active in order to maintain their physical health and function. Exercise can help to prevent or delay certain illnesses such as cancer and heart disease. Walking, running, swimming and strength training for at least thirty minutes every day can help older adults keep up their muscle strength. It can also help to ensure their physical independence and ability to handle daily tasks on their own. Increased energy levels and elevated moods are some other benefits.

• Age Page – Why exercise is good for older adults, tips for exercising and much more.
• Reverse Aging – How proper exercise can help to reverse some of the signs of aging.
• Older Women and Exercise – This article explains the importance of exercise for older women.
• Benefits of Exercise – A video guide with added information that can show the many benefits of exercising for older adults.
• For Heart Health – Information about how exercising can improve and maintain proper heart health.

Eating Healthy

 Aside from exercise, a proper diet is also essential for a healthy life. This applies to children, middle-aged people and older adults as well. As the human body ages, the dietary needs may change. High-fiber diets are important for older adults as well as increasing calcium to achieve sufficient levels particularly for women. Diets low in fat and sugar can help to decrease the risk of diabetes or heart disease and keep cholesterol levels low. See a nutritionist or talk to your doctor for some healthy eating guidelines.

• Tips for Healthy Eating– Some easy to follow tips on eating healthy as an older adult.
• Senior Nutrition – Details what senior adults should know about getting the proper nutrition.
• Nutrition and Aging – Facts about the body’s needs for nutrition as we age.
• Nutrition for Older Adults – A helpful site with information about the body’s needs for nutrition and healthy eating.
• Healthy Eating for Older Adults– Some quick and simple tips for healthy eating in older adults.

Tips to Make Exercising Fun

Many people often complain that they do not exercise because it is boring. The best way to work around this problem is to try and find a buddy to exercise with you. Organize a neighborhood walking group or just find a friend who might like to take daily walks with you. You may also join your local senior center or YMCA nearby and take lessons in swimming or participate in group exercises such as aerobics. An exercise program on tape or video can also help make your workout session entertaining and efficient in the process. You could also opt to buy in home exercise equipment making things convenient where you can watch television while you work out. Allowing yourself to come up with ways to add variety to your daily exercise routine is definitely encouraged so your workouts remain fresh and exciting.

• Variety and Fitness – This article discusses how adding variety into your routine can make fitness more fun.
• Choosing the Right Exercise – Information provided allows you to find out more about different types of exercises to see which ones fit your style.
• What Older Adults Want – This page explains what most older adults are looking for in an exercise program.
• Walking Club – Some advice for those who want to walk for exercise and tips for your walking club.
• Games for Groups – An excellent resource of fun exercise and fitness games that can be played as a group with friends or at your local YMCA or senior center.

At Home Exercises

Exercise does not have to be done only at the confines of the gym or in your neighborhood. There are endless ways you can stay physically fit at the convenience of your home. Exercise videos geared towards older adults can be purchased and viewed on your home media system. Some simple forms of exercise like stretching can be done daily at home, whenever you wish. There are numerous things you can do at home to stay active like gardening or doing other chores to help keep your body moving and worked out.

• 10 at Home Exercises – Here is a list of 10 simple exercises you can perform at home without any equipment.
• Building Muscle and Bone at Home – Facts about building up muscle and bone, all while staying at home.
• Chair Exercises-This helpful brochure lays out some chair exercises that older adults can do at home.
• Exercise and Seniors – Informative website with some at-home exercises for seniors.
• Abdominal Exercises – This site discusses some abdominal exercises that older adults can do at home.

Where to Exercise

There are many different places older adults can do their exercise. Often, changing your environment can help make things much less routine and add a bit of excitement to your daily regimen. Public pools are a great place to do water aerobics or swim some laps. Your local park is a great place to take a nice walk with friends. Many localities have fitness classes designed especially for older adults, so look into these as well. No matter where you choose to exercise, it’s important that you try to do this at least three times per week for about half an hour each time. Writing down a few great and engaging places where you could go exercise is definitely a worthwhile exercise in itself. Going out there to those places and getting your needed body and mental conditioning is all the more beneficial to your personal well-being.

• Health Benefits of Trails & Parks – This page explains the many health benefits of spending time at local parks and trails.
• Seniors Only Fitness Centers – An article about how seniors-only fitness centers are becoming more popular.
• Public Swimming Pools– Public pools are an excellent place to get great exercise.
• Older Adult Fitness Classes – This website gives one example of how many organizations across the US offer seniors-only fitness classes.
• Walking Trail Finder – Use this guide to help you find a good walking trail in your area.

Staying active and eating right can help people live longer and healthier lives. By exercising with a friend or attending a fitness class, many older adults find it’s much easier to stick to a plan. Simple exercises that can be performed at home can also help keep muscles and bones strong. Older adults should remember the importance of exercise in its many forms and make sure to have it as part of their daily routine.

 Written by Michelle Owen and last updated Jan 5, 2017

 Last reviewed by Jay Frank Vijar on Sep 25, 2016

If you would like a link to this article, click here:

http://www.pacificmedicalacls.com/acls-online-library-staying-active-in-your-golden-years.html

How the Scam Works

Medicare and Social Security beneficiaries across the country report receiving calls from scam operators (frequently with foreign accents), who claim to represent Medicare, Social Security, or an insurance company. These callers claim that new Medicare, Social Security, supplemental insurance benefits cards are being issued or that the beneficiary’s file must be updated. The scam artist asks the citizen to verify or provide their personal banking information, which is then used to commit theft.

Callers involved in this crime ring may be extremely aggressive, calling over and over, and at all times of the day, in an attempt to wear down the potential victim. These criminals will say anything to try to gain a person’s trust. In some cases, the criminals may have already obtained some limited personal information about the citizen, such as his or her name, address, or even Social Security number, which the criminal then uses to try to make the call seem legitimate. In other cases, the callers may claim that they can improve the benefits. Do not believe these claims, and do not carry on a conversation with the caller. Instead, if you receive a call asking you to disclose your bank account or other financial information, hang up immediately. These are criminals, and by speaking with the callers, even to ask them to stop calling, they may be encouraged to continue calling your telephone number.

If you are a Medicare or Social Security beneficiary, the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services and the Social Security Administration do not call you to ask you to disclose financial information in order to get a new card. If you receive such a call, you should report it to these two agencies as follows:

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
7500 Security Boulevard
Baltimore, MD 21244
www.cms.gov

Social Security Administration
Office of Public Inquiries
1100 West High Rise
6401 Security Boulevard
Baltimore, MD 21235
(800) 772-1213
www.ssa.gov

Tips

These three tips should help you avoid falling victim to this scam:

1. Remember, the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services and the Social Security Administration will not call you to update your information or give you a new card.
2. If someone who calls you asks for your personal information, do not provide it.
3. If calls persist, you may wish to speak to your phone company about calling features that would enable you to be selective in the calls that you accept or receive.

If you have already disclosed personal financial information to an unknown party, you may be at risk of identity theft. There are certain steps that you can take to further protect yourself including:

1. Call the three major credit bureaus and place a one-call fraud alert on your credit report:
   • Equifax: Call 800-525-6285, and write P.O. Box 105069, Atlanta, GA 30348-5069.
   • Experian: Call 888-397-3742, and write P.O. Box 9532, Allen, TX 75013.
   • TransUnion: Call 800-680-7289, and write Fraud Victim Assistance Division, P.O. Box 6790 Fullerton, CA 92834-6790.
2. Consider placing a security freeze on your credit reports. In most instances, the freeze prohibits a credit reporting agency from releasing any information from your credit report without your written authorization. To place a security freeze on your credit report, you should send a written request to each of the three nationwide consumer reporting agencies by regular, certified or overnight mail at the addresses below:

   Experian Security Freeze
   P.O. Box 9554
   Allen, TX 75013
   (888) 397-3742 
   www.experian.com/freeze

   Equifax Security Freeze
   P.O. Box 105788
   Atlanta, GA 30348
   (800) 685-1111
   www.freeze.equifax.com

   TransUnion Security Freeze
   P.O. Box 2000
   Chester, PA 19016
   (888) 909-8872
   www.freeze.transunion.com

3. Order a free copy of your credit report and look for unauthorized activity. Many consumers first find out that they are victims of identity theft by discovering inaccuracies on their credit report. The federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (“FCRA”) allows consumers to obtain a free copy of their credit report each year from the three major credit bureaus as follows:
   • Logging on to www.AnnualCreditReport.com;
   • Calling: 877-322-8228; or
   • Writing: Annual Credit Report Request Service, P.O. Box 105281, Atlanta GA 30348-5281
4. Monitor your financial accounts for suspicious activity. Look carefully for unexplained activity on your bank and other financial statements. If you detect unexplained activity, you may want to contact the fraud department of your financial institution.

Related Posts:

The Do Not Call Registry and Unwanted Calls

Many people are bombarded by unwanted telephone calls – even though they are on the Do Not Call Registry. The problem is difficult to stop because the scam artists increasingly use modern technology – including caller ID spoofing and throw-away cell phones – to conceal their identity and location and evade law enforcement.

When in Doubt, Don’t Give it Out

Scams and crooked deals are everywhere today, often where we least expect it. At every turn you can protect yourself by following one easy principle. If someone contacts you and claims to need your private information, think twice and remember: when in doubt, don’t give it out.

Still looking for gifts for seniors? Stretch your imagination! Sometimes gifts for seniors are waiting at the grocery store, in the sewing aisle at your local home goods store, or even on-line.

First, check out your local garden center, grocery store or a place like Reny’s for bulbs. Amaryllis bulbs make great gift gifts for seniors when you plant them in a nice pot. Put three of a kind in a small window box for a fabulous display. They don’t take up much room, can survive a wide temperature variation (but not freezing), don’t need much watering, and grow slowly and reliably, giving weeks of pleasure. And the blooms last for several weeks. Or make a calendar garden. Start with narcissus in a clear pot with gravel for January. Get a hyacinth or two in little water jars for February. The amaryllis will bloom by March. Add a pot of daffodils kept in a cool location and your senior will have early spring flowers.

While pets can sometimes make great gifts for seniors, they require a financial commitment and care. If a cat, dog or bird is too much for your senior, consider Beta (Siamese fighting fish). They don’t require much care, live in a regular sized fish bowl (rather than an aquarium) and come in a striking array of colors. They do best in a fairly warm house. Make sure you include fish food.

Gifts for Seniors Can Include Services

Give a service. Gifts for seniors could include time with a loved one doing something special. Make up a little manicure kit with clear nail polish and other necessities, and supply a gift card for monthly manicures and a nice visit. Mark it on the calendar so you’ll both remember. Home made gift cards for snow shoveling, foot massages or specific household tasks are appreciated. Or supply an event: movie tickets, theater tickets, a trip to the Gray animal farm, or a lighthouse tour with lunch might be a great gift for someone who wants companionship and time with you. Or offer garden tilling with some seeds, or car washes with a new sponge.

Check out senior gifts for more ideas.

Reprinted with permission from Maine Senior Guide.

Whether mail is stacking up, food is spoiled or something just seems out of the ordinary, it’s important to be aware of the signs that your aging parents may need help.

Sometimes age sneaks up on everyone. Mom and dad may have seemed themselves last time you visited, whether a month—or even year—has passed. Physical and mental health decline often surprises family members, especially if aging parents seemed fine on the last visit. The key is to be aware of the small signs or problems that something may be wrong, so that your family has an inkling of health decline and can properly prepare for the future.

A Place for Mom expert and geriatric psychologist Dr. Melissa Henston provides some guidance on how to not only spot common problems, but tips on how to deal with any issues to get your elderly loved one the help they need.

How to Notice There’s A Problem With Your Aging Parents

Aging parents and their children are often in denial that there is a problem. “It’s often hard for parents to admit that they need help, and no one wants to lose their independence,” notes Henston. “But daily living tasks sometimes get to be too much as we age, and it’s important for family members and loved ones to step up and address the problem when this happens—even if it is painful. The problems will not go away and usually need to be addressed in a timely manner.”

The burden often falls on the family to recognize the signs that an aging parent might need help with daily living tasks. This doesn’t necessarily mean that your loved one has to go to assisted living or a nursing home, but they may need some extra help in their home environment. And if they’re not willing to admit it, there are signs that your elderly parent needs help.

According to Henston, you can spot problems the minute you drive up to your loved one’s house:

“There are a whole bunch of warning signs that are easy to spot. For example, the exterior of the house has peeling paint, or the driveway isn’t shoveled or the walkway isn’t treated. Once you enter the home, newspapers are still in plastic wrap and mail is piled up. Maybe the house isn’t as clean as normal or has an odor. You can usually tell when something is ‘off’.”

Since a health crisis in the elderly can escalate quickly and catch everyone involved off guard, it’s important to not ignore signs that something may be wrong. Ideally, families will have conversations with their children or loved ones about getting their affairs in order and end of life care well in advance of having any issues, but here are some signs to be cognizant of when visiting aging loved ones for the holidays:

1. House and yard need care / maintenance
2. Disheveled clothing
3. Broken appliances
4. Changes in mood or extreme mood swings
5. Spoiled / expired groceries that don’t get thrown away
6. Poor personal hygiene
7. Cluttered, dirty and/or disorganized house
8. Depressed or low energy temperament
9. Unexplained bruising
10. Trouble getting up from a seated position
11. Missing important appointments
12. Uncertainty and confusion when performing once-familiar tasks
13. Forgetfulness
14. Poor diet or weight loss
15. Late payment notices, bounced checks and calls from collections
16. Loss of interest in hobbies and activities
17. Forgetting to take medications
18. Unexplained dents or scratches on car

If health or happiness seems to be compromised, it’s time to have a conversation and address problems, whether it’s finding in-home care, a retirement community or a senior living community. It’s important to find the right care options for each unique family situation.

Henston emphasizes the importance of noting anything out of character or outside of normal behavior as there are ways to improve quality of life if independent living in the family home is no longer working. 

Reprinted from A Place for Mom

3 APPROACHES TO THE TOUGH CONVERSATION AND THE NECESSARY DOCUMENTS

Sometimes joyful occasions visiting family can illuminate health or cognitive issues in our older loved ones.

Mom and Dad may have aged more than expected, or suddenly seem to need more assistance with daily tasks. Or maybe your elderly loved ones are doing fine, but you recognize that they are getting older, and the reality is that you need to discuss important topics and decisions for their retirement, their advanced years and end-of-life wishes.

These tough conversations can be uncomfortable, but they are necessary. A Place for Mom expert and elder law attorney, Stuart Furman, Esq., shares his opinion on how families can position themselves to help their aging loved ones prepare for the future.

“You need to shift perspective and think of these talks as a gift, both from the parent to the children as well as from the child to the parent. There has to be a trust relationship where the parent understands that you will not be taking control, but rather you are going to be carrying out the aging parent [or loved one’s] objectives. Help them understand why these conversations are crucial to help them prepare for the future.”

ASSURING THAT SENIOR LOVED ONES ARE PREPARED

It’s no secret that the need to care for an aging family member tends to sneak up on everyone involved. Both adult children and their parents tend to avoid thinking about getting sick or old.

Furman, an estate planning eldercare attorney, got thrown into becoming a caregiver and the eldercare journey himself when his own parents began to need help. He realized how important it was to collect information and to have it available to make important life decisions. Through his own personal experience as well as professional experience helping other families, Furman has observed that it is more difficult to cope with the uncertainty, stress, and confusion of eldercare due to a lack of clear understanding and preparation.

“There used to be only two absolute truths. Death and taxes. But there is a third, and that’s eldercare. The only questions are: how long is it going to last, and how intense is it going to be? You need to be prepared while Mom and Dad are still competent. By anticipating what will be needed for your eldercare journey, you can make the trip much less stressful for everyone involved.”

Furman outlines three approaches to delicately handle the ‘tough conversation’ of senior care with your aging loved ones.

1. ALLOW THEM TO HAVE CONTROL

This is difficult on many levels, notes Furman. Most parents still feel they should be the ones in control. After all, they are the parent. However, as the parent’s mental competency wanes, the access to their information and desires is also lost. If you let them be in control while still allowing you to do what needs to be done, that will help ease their distress. Begin the conversation and preparation where they can control what their desires and wishes are for the future, so that you can work together with them to put the right plans in place. Let them know that their wishes are the only things that are important. You are there to assist them. You are“Partners-in-Care.”

2. MAKE SURE TO CREATE A NEW TRUST RELATIONSHIP

There has to be a new trust relationship if you’re going to be carrying out your loved one’s objectives. The role reversal that most people have heard about is real. The parent now has become the cared-for person. But stating it that way tends to upset the parent and create many roadblocks. Look at this in a different way. You are not becoming the authority figure, but rather you are merely becoming the agent for the parents. “Just like with a power-of-attorney, look at it not as control, but that you are the troops helping deliver your parents’ wishes. This helps to soften the conversation,” notes Furman.

3. GATHER THE INFORMATION EASILY

Making guesses about your parents’ wishes and their vital information during a crisis most often results in a bad situation, and potentially bad decisions, for everyone involved. Gathering the information ahead of time is the best way to prevent this problem. Furman says, “I can’t emphasize more how much information needs to be readily at hand and packed in your eldercare suitcase.”

Remember also that just because you are not yet a senior citizen does not make you exempt from dying or becoming mentally incapacitated earlier than expected. So this early preparation and packing your suitcase is for everyone.

NECESSARY DOCUMENTS FOR ELDERCARE READINESS

Our life is bookended by essential documents, many of which are necessary for family members to successfully carry out end of life care and wishes. But which documents are the most important? Here is a quick rundown of the ones you will need and that should be discussed with your aging loved one.

Financial Information You Need

Financial information can be crucial in many instances for timely, efficient and more affordable care. Here is a list of some vital financial information:

• List of all bank accounts
• Pension documents, 401(k) information, and annuity contracts
• Tax returns
• Savings bonds, stock certificates or brokerage accounts
• Partnership and corporate operating agreements
• Deeds to all properties
• Vehicle title
• Documentation of loans and debts, including all credit accounts
• Trust documents and durable financial power-of-attorney (financial proxy)

Also critical is access to the information. Just because you may know what the parents own, does not mean you can get access to information regarding the assets, or be able to transact on behalf of the parent. This is where having proper releases (or a power of attorney or trust) on file with the asset holders and having them accepted as being sufficient for the particular purpose is necessary.

Healthcare Documents You Need

If a senior becomes incapacitated or can’t communicate, it’s important that the senior’s wishes be stated in a living will or health care advance directive, and also that someone with the authority to represent the senior has been designated. Furman advises,

“Since you never know what healthcare problems will arise or when you’ll have to visit a hospital, being able to quickly grab official paperwork such as a healthcare power-of-attorney or an advanced healthcare directive can eliminate a lot of stress at the hospital. Doctors want proof that you are the decision-maker, and all of the decisions should already be made.”

Important healthcare documents include:

• Healthcare proxy (durable health power-of-attorney)
• Authorization to release healthcare information
• Living will (healthcare directive)
• Personal medical history
• Insurance card (Medicare, Medicaid, Independent)
• Long-term care insurance policy
• Lists of current medication and health conditions

When it comes to healthcare decisions, remember that the agent is the proxy for the parent in carrying out these decisions in the same manner that they would have had they been able to. Parents or family members need to provide a lot of detail. A broad statement is not enough.“Many of my clients say they ‘don’t want to be hooked up on tubes,’ or they ‘don’t want life support,’ which really does not give much guidance when a specific healthcare decision needs to be made.

“If specific wishes are not clearly communicated, the family and kids have to step up and decide what to do based on their own idea, or best guess, of what Mom or Dad may have wanted in a specific healthcare situation. This fuels the flames of family battles as these decisions, albeit in good faith, are made subject to each child’s biases and life experiences. It is up to the parents to clearly state what they want, so that everyone can just focus on delivering those wishes.”

End-of-Life and Estate Planning Documents You Need

It’s emotionally challenging when a loved one dies. Family members don’t need to also feel overwhelmed trying to sort out end-of-life affairs. “We can save ourselves and our loved ones the burden of disorganization at this crucial time by making sure that documents related to estate planning and end-of-life have been drawn up, are up-to-date, and easily available,”Furman reminds us. Essential end-of-life documents include the following:

• Will and trust
• Life-insurance policies
• End of life instructions letter (regarding wishes not covered in will, for example regarding memorial, or items not covered in the will)
• Organ donor card or information

Appropriate estate planning documentation is also necessary if you’re in any situation where the ability to do estate planning is at risk. Get more detailed estate planning preparation information in Furman’s “Why Estate Planning Procrastination Kills Your Options” article.

BEGINNING THE ELDERCARE JOURNEY

When you are ready to begin the eldercare journey, Furman recommends that you evaluate your family’s legal capacity, or consult with an elder law attorney first, to ensure that there are not any misconceptions about your loved one’s care.

“Many prospective clients see me when something has happened to one of them, or something has progressed and they need to have control of assets,” he says. “The wife may have Alzheimer’s or dementia and the husband waited until he must act due to an external event forcing them to see me (such as a financial institution refusing to let the husband have information about an account in the wife’s name, for instance). At that point, the individual may have already lost capacity to execute documents which creates a much more challenging estate planning project.

“I have also had countless families tell me that they have had Mom or Dad declared incompetent so that they can sign the power of attorney or trust and another person can then take over. Although their intentions were in the right place, you must have mental capacity to sign, not lack mental capacity. So families are often mixed up on this issue.”

TAKING ACTION

This type of planning must also take place well in advance to protect assets, Furman says. “One must be very proactive, not reactive. If families are reacting to events that occur without the planning in place, it is often too late, or it becomes much more challenging and consequently much more expensive.”

Furman concludes, “So, if you are headed home to visit, plan ahead. Even if your senior loved ones are in good health, start the conversation about end-of-life wishes early. It’s better to be prepared and to let your parents know you are their advocate, or their ‘troops.'”

Reprinted from A Place for Mom

The Carrabassett Valley network has a medical aid closet with items that can be loaned out for free.  Contact Sugarloaf Christian Ministry for more info at 207-237-2304 or Gerry Baril at 207-235-3782

Here is the most recent list of items available.

Valley Network

Medical Aid Closet Inventory

Walkers

Non-folding – w/o wheels         3   (1 loaned out)

Fold-up with large wheels                     10 (1 loaned out)

Fold-up with small wheels                     1

Child’s walker                                      1

Clip on basket                                      1

Vinyl storage bag for walker                 1

Portable Toilet Chairs                                   2

Transfer Chairs                                              2 (1 loaned out)

Hospital Bed  (electric)                                   1

With mattress, cushions, rails

Recliner (electric lift-assist)                              1 (loaned out/Orchard Park Assisted Living)

Crutches                                                         Pairs

Wooden                                               1

French Cuffs                                         3

Metal   (assorted sizes)             8

Ergo-Cooler & cuff                                        3

Athletic Knee Brace                                      2

To donate any gently used and serviceable items or inquire for available use, contact Sugarloaf Christian Ministry at 207-237-2304.

Elderly scams are the most common form of fraud. Sadly, scam artists relentlessly prey on seniors because they are easy targets; they tend to be gullible, live alone and usually do not have someone watching over their finances regularly. Even though senior fraud is more prevalent than ever, most cases are never reported for a multitude of reasons.

Learn more about how senior citizens lose billions, yet are fearful of reporting fraud.

Seniors Are Fearful of Reporting Fraud

Sadly many senior citizens are fearful of reporting fraud, even though they comprise 65% of fraud victims. Fraud can happen to wealthy seniors, and those of limited means; and most of them are embarrassed and don’t feel they have the resources to report the incident or try to get their money back.

In fact, even though an estimated $36 billion worth of financial exploitation a year towards seniors has been reported, according to a recent USA Today article, only one out of every 24 cases is reported. Sandy Markwood, CEO of the National Association of Area of Agencies on Aging says this is due to embarrassment, fear or lack of evidence. She notes,

“Seniors may be fearful that if they report they have been duped, somebody may say, ‘It is time for mom to move out of her house,’ and again, most older adults don’t want to move out of their house.”

Financial exploitation is the most frequently reported form of abuse against adults as one in five has been financially exploited, with the average victim losing $120,303, according to a study by the American Association of Retired Americans Bank Safe Initiative. Studies show con artists are more likely to target senior citizens than other age groups because they believe seniors are more susceptible to such scams.

The FTC reports that fraudulent telemarketers direct from 56-80% of their calls to seniors, making the need for senior fraud prevention greater than ever. There are ways to prevent senior fraud, though. Seniors, their families and their caregivers just need to be cognizant of how to avoid senior fraud.

Senior Fraud Prevention Tips

Education is king when it comes to avoiding fraud. Seniors are often vulnerable to cons and scammers for many reasons, including impaired judgment from cognitive impairment, financial ignorance and loneliness. Being aware of these scams can help you protect your elderly parents so that they do not fall victim to fraud and and can be spared not only heartache, but also financial duress.

Here are four ways seniors, their families and their caregivers can help protect the aging population from fraud:

1. Be aware that you are at risk from both strangers and those close to you.

Often times elder abuse is committed by the senior’s own family members as they are most familiar with their finances and personal information. Most often their adult children, followed by grandchildren, nieces and nephews, among others, according to the National Council on Aging. Tactics include the following:

• Depleting a joint checking account
• Forms of abuse
  • Physical
  • Threats
  • Intimidation
  • Neglect of basic care needs
• Outright theft
• Promising but not delivering care in exchange for money or property

Strangers also prey on seniors because of their vulnerability, so it’s important to be aware of the most common scams targeting seniors.

2. Avoid isolation by staying involved.

Isolation is a huge risk for elder abuse as most family violence occurs behind closed doors. Many seniors withdraw from their communities for a number of reasons, including depression, lack of transportation or a physical disability. Many seniors are simply fearful of leaving the comfort of their own homes. Visit your local senior center to learn about transportation and social services available to seniors, or view the Eldercare Locator to find services that can help your elderly loved one stay active.

3. Be forthright with solicitors.

Always tell solicitors: “I never buy from (or give to) anyone who calls or visits me unannounced. Send me something in writing.” Seeing written material about the fundraiser or charity helps to both validate that it’s legitimate, as well as avoids seniors providing personal banking information from their credit cards or checks to solicitors. Of course neighborhood children you know who are selling Girl Scout cookies or school fundraising forms are different, so just be discerning and help to educate your elderly loved ones.

It’s also a good practice to obtain the following from a salesperson:

• Business identity
• Business license number
• Name
• Street address
• Telephone number

4. Shred all receipts with a credit card number.

Identity theft is a huge problem and shredding receipts and mail, such as bank and credit card statements, that have your credit card number is important. Monitor yours and your loved ones’ bank and credit card statements and never give out personal information over the phone to someone who initiates contact or seems suspicious.

5. Sign up for the “Do Not Call” list and remove yourself from mailing lists.

Visit “Do Not Call” to stop telemarketers from contacting you or your elderly loved one. Being careful with mail is also important. Do not let incoming mail sit in the mailbox for a long time, and when sending out sensitive mail, consider dropping it off at the post office. Regularly monitoring crediting ratings and /or incorrect information can also be helpful.

6. Use direct deposit.

Direct deposit is an easy way to ensure checks go directly into accounts and are protected so that you don’t need to worry about scammers or scrupulous loved ones who have been known to steal benefit checks out of mailboxes or even from seniors’ homes.

7. Never give banking, credit card, Medicare, social security or other personal info.

Misuse of Medicare dollars is one of the largest scams involving seniors. Common schemes include billing for services never delivered and selling unneeded devices or services to beneficiaries. Protect your Medicare number as you do your banking and social security numbers and do not allow anyone else to use it. Be wary of salespeople trying to sell you something they claim will be paid for by Medicare.

Review your Medicare statements to be sure you have in fact received the services billed, and report suspicious activities to 1-800-MEDICARE.

Stay Educated on the Latest Scams

Unfortunately, fraud against older Americans is a serious problem affecting thousands every year. Many senior centers are trying to educate the public about the growing problem by discussing signs of financial exploitation and equipping people with resources.

Many seniors grew up during a time when they trusted people. Mark Shea, director of York County Area Agency on Aging notes:

“The world is vastly different today. Scammers often acquire information about their victims by scouting neighborhoods and going through trash. Families should keep an open relationship with their loved ones and watch out for changes or anxiousness as these are all common signs there is a problem.”

If seniors don’t have a family to support them, educating themselves is also key. To stay on top of the very latest scams hitting seniors, sign up for scam alerts from the National Consumer Protection Bureau

Reprinted from A Place for Mom

Cancer Screening Timelines for Seniors

Taking advantage of preventative health can make seniors less vulnerable to the various forms of cancer. According to the National Institute of Health, advancing age is a high risk factor for cancer, with persons over 65 accounting for 60% of newly diagnosed malignancies and 79% of all cancer deaths.

Furthermore, with people living longer these days, it is expected that by 2050, approximately 70 million individuals will reach age 65 and older, compared to half that — 35 million today—which will create both socioeconomic and political consequences, as more healthcare resources and personnel will be needed to care for the elderly, as reported by the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

These numbers show the importance of being proactively healthy through diet, exercise and other lifestyle habits; in addition to preventative health screenings and donations to help fund medical research.

Take Action Against Cancer

Seniors and their caregivers can help avoid complications from breast cancer, colon cancer and more by simply being motivated to lead healthy lifestyles and by getting the proper cancer screenings. Dr. Constance Lehman, professor of radiology at the University of Washington School of Medicine and director of breast imaging at the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance comments:

“I cannot stress enough the importance of early detection and screening. Unfortunately, there has been a disturbing decline in annual screenings, and people need to by proactive about working with their insurance and Medicare to get the recommended screenings.”

In order to help avoid the disease, the American Cancer Society recommends cancer screenings by age and gender. The recommendations are noted below.

Charitable donations are tax-deductible and can also help scientists find the next breakthrough cancer treatments.

Cancer Screenings for Men Age 65 or Older

Colon Cancer Testing

There are many colon cancer testing options. It’s important you talk with your health care provider about which tests are best for your unique situation and how often you should be tested. Medicare does cover testing.

Prostate Cancer Testing

It’s important to consider overall health status, not just age, when deciding about the best prostate cancer testing. Men who expect to live at least 10 more years should talk with a care provider about the uncertainties, risks and potential benefits of testing to determine whether they want to be tested. Medicare covers prostate cancer testing.

Lung Cancer Testing

Seniors who smoke are more at risk for lung cancer and should discuss with their health care provider whether they should get an annual low-dose CT scan to screen for early lung cancer. Screening may benefit seniors who are either active or former smokers, who quit within the past 15 years, have no signs of lung cancer, and have a 30 pack-year* smoking history. You should discuss the benefits, limitations, and risks of screening with a health care provider before testing is done. Medicare covers testing.

*A pack-year is 1 pack of cigarettes per day per year. One pack per day for 30 years or 2 packs per day for 15 years would both be 30 pack-years.

Cancer Screenings for Women Age 65 or Older

Breast Cancer Testing

It is important that women report any changes in the way their breasts look or feel to their caregiver and/or a healthcare provider right away. They should get a mammogram every 2 years, or can even choose to get one every year, if they fall in the risk category (breast cancer runs in their family or they’ve had breast tissue issues before). It’s important for seniors and their caregivers to understand the pros and cons of breast cancer screening.

It’s also important to know if a senior has a higher than average risk for breast cancer. Health care providers help you determine whether they senior needs to get other tests done along with mammograms.

Cervical Cancer Testing

No cervical cancer testing is needed if the senior has had regular cervical cancer testing with normal results during the previous 10 years.

No cervical testing is needed after a hysterectomy that removed the uterus and cervix as long as it was done for reasons not related to cervical cancer.

Senior women with a history of a serious cervical pre-cancer should continue testing for 20 years after that diagnosis, and the testing is covered by Medicare.

Colon Cancer Testing

Testing is recommended for colon cancer, and there are many testing options. It’s important to talk with a health care provider about which tests are best for you and how often testing should be done. Medicare covers colon cancer testing.

Lung Cancer Testing

If the senior has a history of smoking, talk to a health care provider about it and whether you should get an annual low-dose CT scan to screen for early lung cancer. Screening may benefit the senior if they are an active or former smoker who has quit within the past 15 years, have no signs of lung cancer, and have a 30 pack-year smoking history. It’s important to discuss the benefits, limitations, and risks of screening with a healthcare provider before testing is done. Medicare does cover lung cancer testing.

*A pack-year is 1 pack of cigarettes per day per year. One pack per day for 30 years or 2 packs per day for 15 years would both be 30 pack-years.

Reprinted from A Place for Mom

Dealing with Dementia Behavior

Communication difficulties can be one of the most upsetting aspects of caring for someone with Alzheimer’s or some other type of dementia — and it’s frustrating for those with the disease and for loved ones.

Although it can be hard to understand why people with dementia act the way they do, the explanation is attributable to their disease and the changes it causes in the brain.

Familiarize yourself with some of the common situations that arise when someone has dementia, so that if your loved one says something shocking, you’ll know how to respond calmly and effectively.

Common Situation #1: Aggressive Speech or Actions

Examples: Statements such as “I don’t want to take a shower!,” “I want to go home!,” or “I don’t want to eat that!” may escalate into aggressive behavior.

Explanation: The most important thing to remember about verbal or physical aggression, says the Alzheimer’s Association, is that your loved one is not doing it on purpose. Aggression is usually triggered by something—often physical discomfort, environmental factors such as being in an unfamiliar situation, or even poor communication. “A lot of times aggression is coming from pure fear,” says Tresa Mariotto, Family Ambassador at Silverado Senior Living in Bellingham, WA. “People with dementia are more apt to hit, kick or bite” in response to feeling helpless or afraid.

Ann Napoletan, who writes for Caregivers.com, is all too familiar with this situation.

“As my mom’s disease progressed, so did the mood swings. She could be perfectly fine one moment, and the next she was yelling and getting physical. Often, it remained a mystery as to what prompted the outburst. For her caregivers, it was often getting dressed or bathing that provoked aggression.”

DO: The key to responding to aggression caused by dementia is to try to identify the cause—what is the person feeling to make them behave aggressively? Once you’ve made sure they aren’t putting themselves (or anyone else) in danger, you can try to shift the focus to something else, speaking in a calm, reassuring manner.

“This is where truly knowing your loved one is so important,” says Napoletan. “In my mom’s case, she didn’t like to be fussed over. If she was upset, oftentimes trying to talk to her and calm her down only served to agitate her more. Likewise, touching her–even to try and hold her hand or gently rub her arm or leg–might result in her taking a swing. The best course of action in that case was to walk away and let her have the space she needed.”

DON’T: “The worst thing you can do is engage in an argument or force the issue that’s creating the aggression,” Napoletan says. “Don’t try to forcibly restrain the person unless there is absolutely no choice.” Mariotto agrees: “The biggest way to stop aggressive behavior is to remove the word ‘no’ from your vocabulary.”

Common Situation #2: Confusion About Time or Place

Examples: Statements such as “I want to go home!”, “This isn’t my house.”, “When are we leaving?  “Why are we here?”

Explanation: Wanting to go home is one of the most common reactions for an Alzheimer’s or dementia patient living in a memory care facility. Remember that Alzheimer’s causes progressive damage to cognitive functioning, and this is what creates the confusion and memory loss.

There’s also a psychological component, says Mariotto:

“Often people are trying to go back to a place where they had more control in their lives.”

DO: There are a few possible ways to respond to questions that indicate your loved one is confused about where he or she is. Simple explanations along with photos and other tangible reminders can help, suggests the Alzheimer’s Association. Sometimes, however, it can be better to redirect the person, particularly in cases where you’re in the process of moving your loved one to a facility or other location.

“The better solution is to say as little as possible about the fact that they have all of their belongings packed and instead try to redirect them–find another activity, go for a walk, get a snack, etc.,” says Napoletan. “If they ask specific questions such as ‘When are we leaving?’ you might respond with, ‘We can’t leave until later because…’ the traffic is terrible / the forecast is calling for bad weather / it’s too late to leave tonight.”

“You have to figure out what’s going to make the person feel the safest,” says Mariotto, even if that ends up being “a therapeutic lie.”

DON’T: Lengthy explanations or reasons are not the way to go. “You can’t reason with someone who hasAlzheimer’s or dementia,” says Ann. “It just can’t be done.” In fact, says Mariotto. “A lot of times we’re triggering the response that we’re getting because of the questions we’re asking.”

This was another familiar situation for Ann and her mother. “I learned this one the hard way. We went through a particularly long spell where every time I came to see my mom, she would have everything packed up ready to go–EVERYTHING! Too many times, I tried to reason with her and explain that she was home; this was her new home. Inevitably things would get progressively worse.”

Common Situation #3: Poor Judgment or Cognitive Problems

Examples: Unfounded accusations: “You stole my vacuum cleaner!” Trouble with math or finances: “I’m having trouble with the tip on this restaurant bill.” Other examples include unexplained hoarding or stockpiling and repetition of statements or tasks.

Explanation: The deterioration of brain cells caused by Alzheimer’s is a particular culprit in behaviors showing poor judgment or errors in thinking. These can contribute to delusions, or untrue beliefs. Some of these problems are obvious, such as when someone is hoarding household items, or accuses a family member of stealing something. Some are more subtle, however, and the person may not realize that they are having trouble with things that they never used to think twice about.

According to Napoletan,

“There came a time when I began to suspect my mom was having problems keeping financial records in order. At the time, she was living independently and was very adamant about remaining in her house. Any discussion to the contrary, or really any comment that eluded to the fact that she may be slipping, was met with either rage or tears. It was when she asked me to help with her taxes that I noticed the checking account was a mess.”

DO: First you’ll want to assess the extent of the problem. “If you’re curious and don’t want to ask, take a look at a heating bill,” suggests Mariotto. “Sometimes payments are delinquent or bills aren’t being paid at all.” You can also flip through their checkbook and look at the math, or have them figure out the tip at a restaurant.

The Alzheimer’s Association says to be encouraging and reassuring if you’re seeing these changes happen. Also, you can often minimize frustration and embarrassment by offering help in small ways with staying organized. This is what Napoletan did for her mother: “As I sifted through records to complete her tax return, I gently mentioned noticing a couple of overdraft fees and asked if the bank had perhaps made a mistake. As we talked through it, she volunteered that she was having more and more difficulty keeping things straight, knew she had made some errors, and asked if I would mind helping with the checkbook going forward. I remember her being so relieved after we talked about it.” From there, over time, Napoletan was gradually able to gain more control over her mother’s finances.

DON’T: What you shouldn’t do in these circumstances is blatantly question the person’s ability to handle the situation at hand, or try to argue with them. “Any response that can be interpreted as accusatory or doubting the person’s ability to handle their own affairs only serves to anger and put them on the defensive,” says Napoletan.

reprinted from A Place for Mom.