With modern advances comes those taking advantage of the resources. As a result, studies and reports have shown that fraud has become a rapidly increasing problem. Sadly, seniors are often the target. 

Why should Senior Citizens be concerned?

Through investigation and research, the FBI and several police agencies have developed a list as to why seniors are typically targeted.

1) Older citizens are most likely to have a “nest egg,” own their home and/or have excellent credit, all of which a fraudster will try to get their hands on.

2) The elderly are less likely to report a fraud because they are unsure of who to report it to, are too ashamed to having been scammed, or aren’t necessarily aware a scam has occurred. Protecting yourself is nothing to be ashamed of. IMMEDIATELY report all “out of the norm” activity to either the authorities or a loved one.

3) When a victim does not report a crime, they often make poor witnesses. The fraudster knows the effects of age on memory and he/she is counting on the fact that the elderly victim will not be able to supply enough detailed information to investigators. Always keep a tracking of any phone calls, letters/notes or visits from any suspicious individuals. One’s realization that they have been victimized could take weeks or even months after contact with the con-man. The extended time frame will test the memory of just about anyone.

4) Finally, when it comes to products that promise increased cognitive function, virility, anti-cancer properties and so on, older Americans make up the majority of the population most concerned with these issues. In a country where new cures for old diseases now give us hope for a long and fruitful life, it is not so unbelievable that the products and promises presented by these con-men can do what they say they can do.

Most Common Types of Fraud:
Telemarketing

Health Insurance

Counterfeit Prescription Drugs

Anti-Aging Products

Internet and Investment Schemes

Top Ten Tips for Avoiding Fraud:

10.) Before you consider prepaying, make sure you are well informed.

9.) Require all proposed plans and purchases to be in writing… but remember, just because it is in writing, does not necessarily make it true.

8.) Involve a trusted family member or friend in financial decision making.

7.) Remember that legitimate companies will not pressure you to make a snap decision. If you feel as though you are being “pushed’, evacuate the situation.

6.) An offer you don’t understand thoroughly is not one to which you should respond. Read the fine print and ask questions.

5.) Do your research. In this day and age, there are a countless number of avenues to take in order to check on the legitimacy of a particular company, offer or product; starting with the BBB (Better Business Bureau) and FBI websites or hotlines.

4.) Be wary of those doing business door-to-door or telephone salespeople, specifically one who tells you they are selling medical equipment. 

3.) Avoid prepayment options if at all possible.
2.) Take your time in all purchase decision making.

1.) NEVER give any personal information to anyone over the phone. ALWAYS request a call back number and if they state they are unable to provide one, immediately hang up.

For more information please visit http://www.fbi.gov/ and search “fraud”. To report a fraud or suspicious activity, contact your local authorites or  http://www.fraud.org/

Do you wonder why your Senior loved one doesn’t have the appetite they once had? Do they seem to have lost weight recently for no reason?  Well, the answer may be right under THEIR nose!

As you may have already guessed, most Seniors find they cannot enjoy the aroma of their favorite foods any longer.  It is surprising to learn that almost 1/3 of Americans aged 70-80 have a diminished sense of smell (anosmia).  A reduces sense of smell makes food bland and tasteless, and leads to a loss of appetite, weight loss, poor diet, and inadequate energy consumption.  Smell makes up 80% of the ‘taste’ of food.  Without the sense of smell, food is boring! Be forewarned that your loved one might have a tendency to over-salt their food, which can contribute to high blood pressure or other health problems.

Smells also warn of various dangerous situations. A natural gas leak in your Senior’s home can build to disaster if not detected.  Smoke will build into a major fire if gone unnoticed.  And spoiled food may be ingested if their foul odor is missed.

To some degree, losing one’s sense of smell is part of the natural aging process.  Olfactory cells begin to be replaced more slowly, or not at all.  Certain medications reduce the sense of smell in the elderly, as well as diseases such as Alzeimer’s, Parkinson’s, and certain endocrine disorders.

So take some extra precautions with your Senior.  Start by installing plenty of smoke detectors & carbon monoxide detectors.  Replace gas appliances, such as the stove, with electric models.  Make sure that leftovers are thrown away regularly before they have a chance to spoil.  And finally, do consult the doctor if you notice a sudden onset of anosmia (inability to smell odors) to see if it may be reversible.

Let’s all enjoy the summer flowers while we can!

For more information, go to http://search.usa.gov  and search “Anosmia”

Did you know that Seniors are much more prone to the dangers of dehydration than the general population?  It is one of the main reasons Seniors are hospitalized every year, and the death rate within a year of hospitalization is almost 50%. How unfortunate that so many Seniors are lost to something so preventable.

It seems that Mother Nature plays a few tricks on Seniors that make it more difficult for them to maintain healthy fluid levels.  The first trick is that their sense of thirst diminishes as they get older, making them think they are drinking enough, when in fact they aren’t.

Another trick is that as they age, they lose muscle, which is 70% water, and gain fat, which is 0% water. Since the body draws on reserves in and around tissues when needed, there are fewer of those reserves as we become Seniors. 

And finally, as Seniors may sometimes experience urinary incontinence, they may try to prevent accidents by cutting back on how much they drink. This just exacerbates the problem.

With all of the above contributing to Seniors being less hydrated than they should, potentially dangerous situations may arise if they are exposed to extremely warm weather conditions, or if they should get sick and begin to experience vomiting or diarrhea.

So it is very important that you have someone who can keep an eye on your Seniors to make sure they are getting sufficient water in both their food and beverages, and closely monitor them when they are sick. 

Here are a few suggestions to help keep your Seniors’ fluid intake at safe levels:

·        Keep a small pitcher of water near their favorite chair, and by their bedside

·        Add foods containing liquid, such as soup, fruit, and ice cream, to every meal

·        Remind them to drink a glass of water before each and every meal

·        Keep a filled water bottle tucked away in a bag when out getting fresh air 

Remember, a refreshing beverage is always nice to enjoy, especially when it keeps your loved one well!

For more information, go to http://search.usa.gov  and search “Dehydration in Seniors”

Ahhh, the long days of summer are almost here. We will soon be out doing the things we love, like swimming, jogging, and just plain sitting on the porch enjoying the sunsets.

The Seniors we care for will likewise be able to enjoy the fresh air by getting reacquainted with nearby neighbors, family outings and……………. the dreaded mosquito!

Not that the mosquitoes themselves aren’t bad enough, but every year, we hear about the effects of West Nile Virus which is spread by mosquitoes.

Most people who get West Nile Virus do not get sick; others may have mild symptoms such as fever, headache, and feeling tired.

Did you know that people older than 65 (even as young as 50) are more likely to get very sick if they get West Nile Virus?  It can cause serious infections of the brain, spinal cord and nerves. If Seniors already have health problems they are at greater risk. So, in order to protect yourself and the Seniors you care for, it is wise to follow some simple guidelines to lower the risk of infection.  The best protection is prevention.

Mosquito Bites Prevention

• Use bug spray. Look for permethrin or DEET on the label. Read & follow the directions.
• If you use bug spray, wash your clothes before you wear them again.
• Get rid of standing water (flower pots, buckets, barrels, and tire swings) Mosquitoes can breed in standing water. Change water in outdoor pet dishes and bird baths often.
• Keep children’s wading pools empty and on their sides when not in use.
• Stay inside during times when there are a lot of mosquitoes (evening or dusk until dawn).
• Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants.
• Put screens on your windows and doors.
• Don’t wear perfume or cologne when you go outside for a long time.
• Check to see if there is a mosquito control program in your area.

If you have taken all of these precautions and you notice that you or your Senior loved one displays any of the following symptoms, call your doctor right away.

• bad headaches
• muscle weakness
• high fever
• loss of eyesight
• stiff neck
• numbness
• confusion
• coma
• shaking and/or jerking movements

Remember, in rare cases, West Nile Virus can cause death or lasting health problems. In 2003, the FDA approved a blood test to help doctors find out if a person has West Nile Virus.  So getting prompt medical attention will ensure prompt treatment.

Finally, to help control the spread of the disease, please call your state or local health department if you find a dead bird.

With the above simple precautions, we can all look forward to an enjoyable summer outdoors!

For more information go to www.CDC.gov.

Spring is here, and along with it come Spring Showers!   Once in awhile, though, the showers evolve into storms and tornadoes. 

We all know how to prepare for these emergencies.  But have you considered whether your senior loved-ones are ready to deal with a bad storm and its aftermath?

Something as simple as having the lights go out can cause much distress for the elderly, even for those that are still quite independent.   By planning ahead, you can reduce any fear and anxiety they may experience in the event something happens.  So here are some simple precautions to take for the ones we love.

First, make sure there are flashlights handy anywhere they may find themselves should the power go out, such as their bedroom, kitchen, bath and living room.

Second, take time right now to help them pre-determine the safest place to wait out a severe storm (such as a safe room, basement, storm cellar, or the lowest building level) and remind them to go there at any hint of severe weather.  Remember, if there is no basement, the next best place is on the lowest level, with as many walls between them and the outside as possible (usually an interior closet, bathroom, or hallway). If possible, prepare the spot with a comfortable chair, and a battery powered radio, flashlight, and warm blanket, so that they can sit out the storm in relative comfort.

Third, make sure there are smoke detectors in or near the attic, as lightning can strike well before the storm, and many homeowners are unaware their house has been struck until too late.

Fourth, if you are quite a distance away, make sure you keep handy the phone numbers of some neighbors who would be happy to help fix the aforementioned tripped breaker, and check in to make sure they are well.

And finally, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security recommends every household have a Basic Emergency Supply Kit for ANY emergency.

It should include:  Water: one gallon of water per person; at least 3 days worth

                              Food: at least a 3 day supply of non-perishable food; and Can-opener!

                              Radio: Battery powered (with extra batteries) or hand-cranked

                              Flashlight (and extra batteries)

                              First Aid Kit

                              Whistle: to signal for help

                              Dust mask: to filter contaminants from the air

                              Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation

                              Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities

                              Local Maps

In addition to the above, we would remind you to include 3 days worth of any prescription medications they are taking.

By taking a little time now and planning ahead, you and your elderly loved-ones will have more peace of mind, and be able to face whatever Spring may bring!

For more information please visit  www.ready.gov

Tax breaks for caregivers…it is true.

Almost half of baby boomers are finding themselves caring for one or both of their parents whether it is health related or offering financial support while raising their own families. The new term for the above baby boomers…the sandwich generation.
If you are assisting your Parents or loved ones with housing, food, transportation, medical or dental care, you may be eligible for a $3,600+ relative exemption. There are a number of qualifications involved; we suggest contacting your certified CPA for assistance.
The following are just some of the dependent qualifications for claiming adults:

• You must provide more than 50 % of your loved ones support costs
• You must either live with the taxpayer year round or be related
      (Loved one: parent, grandparent, stepparent, aunt or uncle)

For more information or to read more “Tax Breaks Available for Parents Helping Their Parents Sandwich Generation Feeling the Squeeze of Supporting Elderly Parents, Boomerang Kids go to:

http://money.cnn.com/news/newsfeeds/articles/marketwire/0592795.htm

While we still have a couple of months away before the filing deadline, somehow it always seems to sneak upon us and before you know it April 15 is here. Here are some tips for seniors that will help filing taxes run easier.

• Collect all your records early. Start by gathering all your documents, records and receipts that you may have that will help with your return.   

• Contact your current/past company to make sure you are getting your W2s. Follow up with your statements from any investments that you may have i.e. Roth IRA’s, 401k etc. 

• Consider E-File. Filing electronically will lessen the math mistakes, the software will handle all your math calculations for you.  

• Get your refund quicker and hassle free by considering direct deposit.

• Educate yourself, know your tax credits. Be aware of all the tax code changes. Seniors may qualify for the credit for the elderly or disabled if you are 65yrs. old. There is a certain income requirement to be eligible and the long form 1040 or 1040A has to be completed.   

•  Don’t rush! Be thorough… One of the most common mistakes that seniors make is overlooking  something and they end up missing out on a credit that they were entitled to.  

• Make sure it’s legible, if you aren’t able to write because of a disability ask someone to help you. 

•  Double check everything.  A simple mistake on your social security number can slow the process of getting your refund quicker. 

•  Know that you have options. If you don’t feel comfortable filing your own taxes contact a professional. There are many different establishments that seniors can go to. H & R Block,  Jackson Hewitt to just name a few. If it’s a simple return you might be able to get a discount of the processing fee. Also consider TCE Tax Counseling for the Elderly. They provide free tax help to people over the age of 6o years old.   

• Visit IRS.gov for a FREE file. If your income is limited you may be eligible for free tax preparation software and free electronic filing.

The Township of Lyons is sponsoring a FREE H1N1 shot clinic on Saturday, February 13 from 9am-1pm at the LTHS Corral, 4940 S. Willow Springs Rd., LaGrange. Community Nurse will administer the vaccines to those 18 years and older.

Those interested must be a Lyons Township resident which includes: Bedford Park, Bridgeview, Brookfield, Burr Ridge, Countryside, Hickory Hills, Hinsdale, Hodgkins, Indian Head Park, Justice, LaGrange, Lyons, McCook, Riverside, Summit, Western Springs, Willow Springs. ID for proof of residency is required.

Information provided by Aging Care Connections

Caring for your parents when you are far away can be quite a task to manage. It is even harder when you don’t live in the same city, let alone the same state. There are caregivers that can do it all from a distance and ones who are eager to lend a hand even when they aren’t the ones that are in charge.

Below are some helpful tips for the caregivers that live long distance who wants to try to do it all:

• Avoid the relocation reaction.  Before moving your elder to your home allow extra time for them to consider other options.
• Do an on-site comprehensive assessment of your elder’s situation.
• Arrange for home health care providers and special programs like Meals on Wheels and transportation services for the frail elderly.
• Ask for help from family members, friends and even neighbors.
• Ask neighbors, friends, or relatives to visit your elder regularly to spot problems that are impossible to know over the phone, such as mail or newspapers piling up outside the home.
• Contact the local post office, informing the local letter carrier that a frail elder is on his/her route and to report any worrisome signs on the property.
• Tell the local police department that an elder lives alone in the community. This may encourage officers to give a little extra attention, especially during heat waves, cold spells, earthquakes and any other natural disasters.
• Check with local utility companies as they may have “elder watch” programs

Tips for the far-away caregiver that isn’t quite the one in charge but nevertheless wants to help:

• Save vacation days and personal holidays for emergency visits.
• Set aside emergency money for those unexpected travels.
• Call often and visit often, don’t wait until the last minute.
• Offer the primary caregiver a welcome break. 
• Be diplomatic. Offer your help and let the primary caregiver know that you are there to lend a helping hand. Don’t overstep your boundaries, the primary caregiver knows the situation more than you do.

Article provided by Rachele Zukerman

Americans are often faced with having to make difficult decisions, therefore  we do our best to prepare for all the unexpected things. The decision to place a  loved one in someone else’s care or a long term facility is a struggle in every family. We strive to always be there for our loved ones and help them with whatever we can do. When it is out of our reach and when we no longer can help them, the decision to seek for help can be quite a struggle.  We want to make sure that they are ok and are getting the best care. So when we hear of new report done by USA today that 1 IN 5 NURSING HOMES GET LOW STARS,  it concerns a lot of family that are struggling to make an already tough decision.  

USA Today found  that nearly all of the nursing homes that were awarded one or two stars are owned by for-profit corporations.  This finding however was not well received with Medicare’s Thomas Hamilton, who spearheaded the rating system.  He would like to see more improvements. Thomas did say that one positive thing with the data finding is that there was a decrease in the number of one star nursing homes.   

When you are considering of placing your loved ones in a long term care facility, do your research.  Better yet,  choose an alternative option. 

 Choose for your loved ones to stay home surrounded by the people and memories they love. 

 Choose Home & Hearth Caregivers…….

For more on this article visit www.cbsnews.com