Home Instead Senior Care providing the most trusted elder home care in America! Helps family caregivers cope with senior care in Dallas. Call us today at 972-239-3934.

According to the Federal Trade Commission, 80% of telemarketing scams are directed towards seniors who are unfortunately vulnerable to all types of fraud, since by nature they are more trusting, friendly and generous.

It’s important that seniors exercise caution when making any serious decision, especially when large sums of money are involved. It’s also a good idea to get perspective from someone they trust, like a close family member or friend.

Other Ways Seniors Can Protect Themselves:

• Never give out your Social Security Number (unless absolutely required, then verify the recipient), and don’t allow organizations like hospitals to use it as an ID number; you can request that they use an alternative

• Doctors in the US are business people looking to make a profit and not all of them are honest. If you are diagnosed with a serious illness or condition that will require expensive treatment, don’t hesitate to get a second opinion

• It’s smart to make investments if you do so wisely, so consult an accountant, attorney or legal advisor before exchanging funds

• If hiring a contractor for home repairs or other consumer services, check the Better Business Bureau for a rating and see if there are any scams listed with AARP

• If hiring a caregiver, who will become an integral part of a senior’s life with access to personal information; make sure that a thorough background check is conducted

• Beware of sweepstakes scams, you should never have to pay money in order to receive a prize

• Be careful with mail and other documents that contain personal information. If mail is delivered to your door, try not to leave it sitting outside, and shred all documents before recycling

• Analyze all financial statements closely, and have a trusted family member to take a second look so ensure there are no suspicious charges

If you have been a victim to consumer fraud, contact the Administration on Aging to point you towards resources that will help bring justice. Ombudsman, legal council, the Better Business Bureau and private organizations like Fraud Resolution for Seniors, in Seattle, Washington can all be useful.

Sources: Source: http://www.safeseniors.org/protecting_seniors_from_fraud.htm
                            http://www.dca.ca.gov/consumer/seniors/senior_scam.shtml
                            http://www.usa.gov/Topics/Seniors/Consumer.shtml

Encouraging Independence

Seniors living with Alzheimer’s encounter a number of challenges when it comes to day-to-day living and performing tasks that the rest of us may find routine. Those who are in the later stages of the disease may require the full-time assistance of a professional or family caregiver.

While it is crucial that caregivers provide them with assistance and supervision to maintain their safety, seniors with Alzheimer’s should also be encouraged to maintain as much of their independence as possible. Areas of the home where they may be self-sufficient should be safety-proofed, and access should be made as easy as possible. Caregivers should consider placing senior safety devices in the bathroom in particular, if they are able to remain independent, to reduce the likelihood of accidents.

It is also important to keep seniors away from areas of the home which may pose a physical threat. Caregivers must establish which areas are to be off-limits, and potentially dangerous objects should be kept in areas that cannot be accessed. By establishing these limitations, it will also reduce the senior’s levels of frustration.

Caring for a senior with Alzheimer’s can be challenging, but by establishing guidelines, encouraging independence and providing a safe, structured environment, a senior’s well-being will be greatly enhanced.

Home Instead Senior Care providing the most trusted elder home care in America! Helps family caregivers cope with senior care in Dallas. Call us today at 972-239-3934.