All posts by Hillary Hollman

Privately Financing Senior Care

All Posts, Long Term Care Options

With the rising cost of elderly long term care, financial planning is essential to ensuring the ongoing health and well-being of elderly loves ones in your life. Although in-home care is still more affordable than the average $6,235 per month for a semi-private room in a nursing home, families often find themselves searching for the best way to pay for long-term care.

Long term in-home care is often an out-of-pocket expense, meaning the payment is the responsibility of the individual or family. And although Medicare doesn't help families cover their long term care expenses, and Medicaid is often not accepted, there are other options that can help. If you choose to pay out of pocket for care, consider these paths for privately financing senior care:

Long-Term Care Insurance

Long-term care insurance (LTCI) helps pay for costs that private medical insurance does not cover, and  minimizes the financial impact of long-term health care needs. In general, long-term care insurance covers the cost of home care, assisted living, adult daycare, respite care, hospice care, nursing home and Alzheimer's care facilities. However, most companies will not insure people with preexisting conditions, so it is best to buy LTCI before health issues arise.

Learn more about long-term care insurance

Life Insurance Policy Conversions: Long Term Care Benefit Plan

Rather than allowing a life insurance policy to lapse, the owner can convert their policy into a Long Term Care Benefit Plan. It is a unique financial option for seniors because it pays for immediate care needs, all health conditions are accepted, and there are no premium payments. There are also no wait periods, care limitations, costs or obligations to apply, and no requirement to be terminally ill. Policy owners have the right to convert an in-force life insurance policy to enroll in this benefit plan, and are able to immediately direct tax-exempt payments to cover specific costs like senior housing and long term care.

Government Funded Long Term Care

Contrary to popular belief, Medicare is not universal health care for people over 65, and it does not cover long-term care costs for seniors. However, Medicaid and the US Department of Veteran Affairs do offer some assistance programs that can help pay for eldercare in certain circumstances. You can also follow some tips to make sure you are making the most of your Social Security benefits.

Learn more about the Veterans Aid & Attendance Program

Reverse Mortgages

A reverse mortgage, also known as a Home Equity Conversion Mortgage, is a special type of home equity loan specifically created for those over the age of 62 to take out a sum of money against the value of their house. Payments can be made as a single lump sum, monthly, or as a line of credit. So long as the amount of money borrowed is spent in the same month, it does not count against Social Security or Medicare benefits.

The best part of a reverse mortgage is that it allows seniors to stay in their homes and still retain the title so that it can be passed on to an heir or estate, protecting precious family memories.

Annuities

Imagine the steady income stream generated from a good stock portfolio without the risk of a bad investment. That basically describes an annuity. In its simplest terms, an annuity is a product sold by insurance companies where the companies invest your funds and then guarantee regular payouts in return. This process generates a regular income stream for as long as your initial investment continues to grow.

There are two types of annuities: immediate and deferred long-term care. When purchasing an immediate annuity, the buyer puts in a single large sum of money, which is then paid out as a specified monthly income determined by the buyer’s initial input, age, and gender. A deferred long-term care annuity works in a similar fashion, but sets up one account just for long-term care expenses and another to use however the buyer wishes. However, this plan is only available up to the age of 85.

Although annuities provide a steady income stream, they can complicate taxes and interfere with Medicare coverage, so consult a financial professional to make sure it is the right fit.

Trusts

Trusts provide flexible control over sheltered assets. Although many types of trusts exist, a charitable remainder trust is a good option for those who want to use private income to pay for services while greatly diminishing their tax burden by contributing to a charity of their choice. However, the amount of funds available for financing care directly depends on the size of the donation, so careful financial planning is necessary to validate the trust.

No matter how you decide to pay for care, know that it is best to start planning early. At American In-Home Care, we can help you assess all of your financial options, and will work with you directly to ensure you receive the best care for your family. Contact us today at 1-844-505-0004 to schedule a free in-home consultation with your local Client Care Liaison.

 

Stay Safe in the Kitchen: Elderly Kitchen Modifications

All Posts, Family Caregiver Tips

Fruits and veggies, whole grains, low sodium – you’ve heard this all before, right? Eating healthy foods as we age is the key to remaining energetic and managing or preventing chronic diseases such as diabetes. Many studies have shown that eating at home is the best way to ensure that your diet meets recommended guidelines. In addition, preparing food at home gives you control over exactly what goes into your meals – no surprise fats, sugars or additives.

Despite the benefits of cooking at home, many elderly people may find the task challenging because of the physical set-up of their kitchen space. Cabinets too high to reach, dishes too heavy to carry, blurred vision creating danger near hot surfaces. Luckily, implementing some elderly kitchen modifications can provide the solution. From simple switches to total renovations, here are some ideas to keep you or your loved ones healthy and at home longer. Start by assessing specific needs to determine which renovations are right for you.

Sinks:

  • Install a shallow, six-inch-deep sink that can be used while seated
  • Consider a motorized sink that can be raised and lowered for maximum comfort
  • Incorporate anti-scald devices on faucets to prevent burns

Cabinets:

  • Removable dish caddies minimize the need to bend over to retrieve dishes
  • Replacing lower cabinets with pull-out drawers can also minimize bending over for those with back pain
  • Pull down shelves in upper cabinets similarly limit straining to reach essential supplies
  • D-shaped pullers are the easiest to use, as they do not require a strong grip
  • Lazy-susan type cabinets keep items from getting stuck out of reach in the back

Counters:

  • Cabinets with round edges minimize the risk of harm for those with blurry vision or balance issues
  • A contrasting color on the edges of counters helps to distinguish them

Stove:

  • A stove in a contrasting color helps those with blurry vision differentiate between stovetop and countertop, preventing burns
  • Front-mounted stove knobs that are large and easy to read get rid of the need to reach over hot surfaces
  • Look for stoves that feature color indicators showing that the surface is hot, such as the ones found on most cooktops

Refrigerator:

  • Look for a refrigerator with large displays, long handles, and lots of side-door storage
  • Freezers located below or next to the main compartment are easier to access than freezers located above the main compartment
  • For a free update, simply cleaning out and organizing the fridge based on how frequently items are used and how soon they will expire minimizes food waste and maximizes ease of utility

Lighting:

  • Proper lighting makes spaces more user-friendly. Install task or track-lighting that illuminates main work spaces.
  • Light switches should be easily reached and located near the entrance of the room

If you or your loved one needs help to remain at home, American In-Home Care refers qualified and compassionate care providers that come to your home and can perform a variety of services, including respite care, medication management, meal preparation and diet monitoring, and Alzheimer's care. Contact us today at 1-844-505-0004 for more information and to schedule your free in-home consultation.

 

 

Loneliness Among the Elderly: The Importance of Community for Seniors

All Posts, Chronic Disease Care, Family Caregiver Tips

Doris remembers her first protest as a young woman in Washington. Marching through the streets of a bustling downtown, arm in arm with her fellow protesters, she was proud to fight on the front lines of women’s liberation in the 1960s. Now at 86-years-old, Doris does not let the calm atmosphere of her longtime home in the Georgia mountains keep her from protesting the issues she has remained passionate about since her 20s.  In fact, staying at home and reconnecting with the community she has lived in for the past 50 years helps to fuel her sense of purpose and meaning as she matures – and keeps her from falling victim to the dangers of loneliness among the elderly.

The In-Home Care Decision

Six years ago, Doris found herself widowed and lonely. The large home in which she had raised her children was empty. The stairs to reach her second-story bedroom were painful to climb because of knee and hip operations. She struggled to reach high cupboards as scoliosis compressed her spine. She needed help navigating the day-to-day needs of staying in her home, and she needed to make a decision about the type of life she wanted to live.

After much reflection and long conversations with friends and family, Doris chose to stay in her home – an option that became possible with the help of household modifications and in-home care. Although thrilled to be staying in the house she calls home, something was still missing. She found herself alone all day with the exception of her caregivers.

Loneliness Among the Elderly

Loneliness among the elderly is approaching epidemic proportions - the AARP estimates that 51 percent of people over the age of 75 live alone, and that as many as 6 million adults over the age of 65 have a disability that prevents them from leaving their home without help. A 2012 study by researchers at the University of San Francisco confirms the implications of the AARP’s research, finding that 43 percent of people over 60 report feelings of loneliness due to being alone or confined in the home.

Feelings of loneliness, defined as “a mismatch between the quantity and quality of social relationships that we have, and those that we want,” can be attributed to personal factors, and societal institutions such as:

  1. The loss of loved ones
  2. Poor health conditions
  3. Sensory loss that make socializing difficult
  4. Poor public transportation systems
  5. Lack of elderly-friendly infrastructure (ramps, benches, public restrooms, etc.)

Risks of Loneliness

Regardless of cause, loneliness is often painful and difficult to live with. More than a fleeting and unwelcome emotion, chronic loneliness is a serious risk to physical and emotional health. Shockingly, the overall impact of loneliness on mortality rate is comparable to smoking 15 cigarettes a day. In addition, it increases the risk of developing the following:

  1. Obesity and high blood pressure
  2. Physical disabilities
  3. Increased levels of the stress hormone cortisol (this affects the production of white blood cells and reduces the ability to fight infections)
  4. Depression
  5. Cognitive decline
  6. Dementia

In fact, loneliness among the elderly results in a 64% increased chance of developing clinical dementia. All of these conditions influenced by loneliness culminate in a general difficulty with daily activities and increased death rates over the course of 6 years.

Community-Building Resources

Although in-home care plays a vital role in keeping elderly people engaged in socializing and daily living activities, it is important to utilize a full scale of resources to remain connected to a community. According to the organization Action for Happiness, being connected in a community has a big impact on individual happiness and community happiness as a whole. Another study published in Psychology Today shows that increasing the number of interactions people have on a daily basis increases a sense of happiness and belonging in a community, even if the interactions are as simple as speaking to the postman or saying hello to a stranger on the street.

For Doris, reconnecting to her local community was essential to combating her loneliness. She began taking literature courses at a nearby college, reached out to a volunteer organization she had worked with when she was younger, and formed a classical music group by placing an ad in the paper.

Last weekend, she reconnected with her roots and values as she marched with other elderly people down the streets of her otherwise quiet town – not the big protests of her youth, but still a chance to express who she is and what she believes in with the company of friends and neighbors. “I hadn’t been to a protest since 2000,” she said with a grin. “It was exhilarating to stand with my sisters and continue fighting the good fight.”

Although Doris may be feistier than your average octogenarian, she found a community of like-minded people through effort – a new group that will add happiness and years to her life.

Luckily, as the stigma of loneliness among the elderly begins to fade, the resources to combat it increase. Explore the resources below to see if any suit the needs of you or your loved one.

  • Friendship Line – A 24-hour call-in helpline for those who just want a friendly ear and good conversation
  • Administration on Aging – Created under 1965 legislation to authorize state grants for community services for the elderly
  • Shepherd’s Centers – A network of interfaith community-based organizations that help elderly people find purpose and meaning throughout their mature years
  • Eldercare Locator – Directory for general services for the elderly, including community networks
  • National Center for Creative Aging – Connects elderly people and caregivers to communities and lifelong learning opportunities
  • SeniorCorps – National service that pairs elderly people with mentoring opportunities
  • Local resources – Check your local library or newspaper for free events, clubs, and opportunities that suit the needs and interests of you or your loved one
  • University or college courses – Many institutes of higher education offer continuing education classes for the elderly or allow elderly community members to audit courses for a small fee

If you or your loved one could use help to remain at home, American In-Home Care refers qualified and compassionate care providers that come to your home and can perform a variety of services, including companionship and socialization, and help with daily household activities. Contact us today at 1-844-505-0004 for more information and to schedule your free in-home consultation.

 

 

Conquering the Flu with Diabetes: How to Stay Healthy

All Posts, Chronic Disease Care, Health and Wellness

Dancing snowflakes, crackling fires, children sneezing all over the grocery store – all the signs of a winter wonderland also signify that flu season has arrived. Although the thought of being bed-ridden while sipping chicken soup and watching movie marathons may not sound so terrible, the influenza virus poses serious health risks for the elderly – especially those with chronic conditions such as diabetes.

Adults over the age of 65 are probably well aware of the dangerous complications that can arise from the flu, including pneumonia. According to a study by the Public Library of Science Journal, 71 to 85 percent of all seasonal flu-related deaths, and 54 to 70 percent of seasonal flu-related hospitalizations occur in people 65 years and older.

Complications with diabetes

For those with diabetes, the possible complications resulting from infection are even more severe. The flu with diabetes can cause unpredictable changes in blood sugar levels, as well as changes in appetite that can cause dangerously low blood sugar for those with type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

Diabetes can also make it more difficult for the body to fight off infections, leading to complications from the flu - including pneumonia, bronchitis, sinus infections and ear infections - that can lead to hospitalization.

Preventing the flu

Although these health complications are serious, preventing the flu is easily. The flu vaccine is a tried and true way to avoid sickness, and it is most likely available at your local drugstore – no doctor’s appointment needed. The flu vaccine is created from a killed virus, making it an effective defense against the most common strains. Contrary to folklore, it is impossible to get the flu from the vaccine. The most common side effect is simply soreness or swelling at the spot in your arm where you receive the shot.

If you or someone you know with diabetes lives with others, the other household members should get vaccinated as well. The flu is often contagious for a few days before symptoms appear so it is best if everyone in the household is protected.

In addition to getting vaccinated, you can take simple, everyday precautions to protect yourself from infection. The CDC recommends covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing, washing your hands often with soap and water, avoiding contact with your eyes, nose and mouth, and staying home when you are sick (except to receive medical care).

Beating the flu with diabetes

If you do fall sick, the CDC recommends the following guidelines for handling your diabetes throughout your flu infection:

  • Be sure to continue taking your diabetes medication. Don’t stop taking them even if you can’t eat. Your health care provider may even advise you to take more during sickness.
  • Test your blood glucose every four hours, and keep track of the results.
  • Drink extra (calorie-free) liquids, and try to eat as you normally would. If you can’t, try to have soft foods and liquids containing the equivalent amount of carbohydrates that you usually consume.
  • Weigh yourself every day. Losing weight without trying is a sign of high blood glucose.
  • Check your temperature every morning and evening. A fever may be a sign of infection.

Although flu season is already underway, it’s not too late to protect yourself and your loved ones from falling ill. If you need help this flu season, American In-Home Care refers qualified and compassionate care providers that come to your home and can perform a variety of services, including respite care, medication management, meal preparation and diet monitoring, and diabetes care. Contact us today at 1-844-505-0004 for more information and to schedule your free in-home consultation.

 

 

Make A Resolution For Healthy Aging This Year

All Posts, Health and Wellness

Every January, over 20 percent of the adult population in the United States pledges to lose weight and eat healthier; however, by the end of the year, the percentage of people who feel that they succeeded in their resolution drops to a paltry 9. If this cycle sounds familiar to you, know that you are in good company with the majority of the American population. If, however, you want to count yourself among the 9 percent who achieve their goals, consider adopting a new goal-setting strategy for your resolutions.

You might be asking yourself why you should bother with a resolution if the chances of success are so low. The answer lies in your own body - As our bodies age, physical health becomes even more important for maintaining quality of life and preventing chronic conditions such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Studies show that regular exercise and a balanced diet help to treat common conditions associated with aging, such as arthritis, high blood pressure, or diabetes, as well as preventing osteoporosis and improving balance and stabilization. If your resolution is to maintain healthy aging in 2017, then be sure to set a goal that will stick.

SMART goals are a fantastic tool to guarantee success – whatever your dream. The SMART system keeps you on track through a series of small victories that progress toward your larger resolution. Breaking your dream into SMART steps is a fun way to take the dread and disappointment out of New Year’s resolutions.

So what is a SMART goal? SMART goals are:

Specific - Measurable - Attainable - Realistic - Time-bound

S - Specific

For example, let’s say your goal this year is to “have healthy aging in 2017.” To turn this statement into a SMART goal, you would first question in what ways you want to have healthy aging. Are you a clean-eating couch potato who wants to move more? Or maybe you want to spend more nights cooking at home with your family in order to eat more vegetables and less processed food. Whatever the case, decide on a specific primary goal and stick to it!

M - Measurable

Remember those star charts you had in elementary school? A gold sticker may not be worth much, but it is meaningful because it achieves the “M” in SMART; it makes your goals measurable. Giving yourself specific parameters for success not only provides a method for tracking your progress, but also paints a clear picture of what exactly your final goal entails. For example, a measurable goal elevates “I want to eat more vegetables” to “I want to eat three servings of vegetables every day in order to manage my chronic conditions.”

A – Attainable

Three servings a day may not sound like much to a health-nut, but setting an attainable goal all depends on your starting point. Choosing an attainable goal requires that you make an honest assessment of where you are in your journey at this exact moment – not where you wish you were or want to be later. Although it may be challenging, an honest and fair assessment will pay off more than one that is false but flattering. Once you have identified where you currently stand, set a mini goal in the right direction, one that you can achieve in anywhere from a week to a month. Sure, eating 3 servings of vegetables a day is still below federal diet guidelines. But if you eat 3 servings of vegetables every day in January, you can easily eat 4 every day in February, and you’ll be eating a super-fresh 5 by March.

R - Realistic

While attainable goals reference your capabilities, realistic goals are based on your willpower. You will test the reality of your goal on a day-to-day basis, when you come home from work and want nothing less than to cook an entire meal from scratch or when you wake up before dawn for a three-mile run. A more realistic scenario might entail a meal that you prepped in the morning and threw in the crockpot, or a brisk evening jog with your pooch rather than a dawn half-marathon.

T - Time-bound

Lastly, SMART goals have a time limit on them. As Leonard Bernstein said, “To achieve a goal you need two things: a plan and not quite enough time.” Giving yourself a date to implement each specific, measurable, attainable and realistic mini-goal will ensure that you achieve it by its deadline. The date that you choose for each mini-goal can be based on a special event in your life or simply on a regular calendar interval. For example, you could aim to lose 15 pounds before a big anniversary party or by the end of three months. Think about a date that is meaningful for you and stick with it!

Still thinking about a good SMART resolution for 2017? Check out some of the healthy examples below for inspiration:

  • Goal: “I want to be more active.” SMART goal: “This week, I will walk 1 mile every day. By increasing my pace every week, I will be ready to run regularly by March.”
  • Goal: “I want to eat a more healthy diet to manage my chronic conditions.” SMART goal: “This month, I will replace my usual snacks with fresh fruits or vegetables. By the end of the month, I will have created a new habit of reaching for healthy food when I’m hungry, so next month I can focus on setting mini-goals for my other meals.”
  • Goal: “I want to be more mindful.” SMART goal: “Every day this week, I will listen to a guided meditation for 5 minutes after dinner. By June, I will have a regular meditation practice for 30 minutes a day.”

Don’t let another year slip by without achieving your goal. By breaking up your resolution into specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and time-bound mini-goals, you can make this year different. Let 2017 be the year that you count yourself among the 9 percent who stick to their resolution for healthy aging all year long.

 

Cited:

“New Year’s Resolution Statistics.” Statistics Brain. Statistics Brain Research Institute. 2016. http://www.statisticbrain.com/new-years-resolution-statistics/

“Healthy Aging: Lessons from the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging.” National Institute on Aging. 2015. http://www.aahf.info/sec_appendix/Articles/healthy_aging_lessons_from_the_baltimore_longitudinal_study_of_aging.pdf

 

 

http://www.statisticbrain.com/new-years-resolution-statistics/

AIHC in the Community: Walk to End Alzheimer's

News & Events

On October 22nd the Advocate Home Care Team gathered with 3,000 other participants as the sun rose on a crisp Saturday morning on Hollywood Beach to take part in the annual Broward County Walk to End Alzheimer's. With so many of our clients suffering from this illness, we all feel the need to help find a cure to improve their lives and the lives of their loved ones. As devastating as this disease is, it was an inspirational morning with many messages of hope. The Advocate team raised over $1000 to help contribute to the Walk goal of $300,000. At last count the goal has been exceeded with a total raised to date of $325,000.

Advocate Home Care is an American In-Home Care family company.

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The Do’s and Don'ts for Visiting a Loved One with Alzheimer's

All Posts, Alzheimer’s and Dementia

Visiting a loved one with Alzheimer’s can often be a difficult experience that can elicit a variety of emotions. Depending on your loved one’s response and their immediate reactions, the visiting experience can be rewarding and joyful, or it could be sad and frustrating for both you and your loved one. Here are a few helpful do’s and don’ts that can help to make each visit a happy success.

DO

1.Begin by introducing yourself, even if you’re sure that they must know you. If you have to wake them up, try a gentle massage or warm hello.

2. Avoid conversations dealing with the “here and now”. Tap into their pleasant past memories.

3. Visit in small groups. Sometimes one to one is best.

4. Give your loved one enough time to respond to questions or directions – do not rush him or her.

5. Consider the person’s interests and abilities and come prepared with an activity, such as looking through a photo album or listening to music. Also be flexible, you may have to change an activity depending on the mood or the situation.

6. Keep your tone and body language friendly and positive. Speak in a gentle manner and maintain eye contact.

7. Visit as a third person. Instead of calling her “mom”, say her name. The Alzheimer’s could cause her to still imagine her kids as little, and now you might be lying because you can’t be her kid…you’re old!

8. Be ok with sitting in silence, they may enjoy that as much as talking.

DON'T

1.Don’t force conversation, topics or activities.

2. Don’t say “do you remember?” This can cause anger or embarrassment.

3. Don’t argue or point out mistakes if they say something incorrect. This only makes them feel bad and doesn’t help the situation. Instead try to enter their reality and go with the flow of the conversation.

4. If they ask the same question over and over again, don’t point out they just asked it. Keep your answer short and to the point.

5. Don’t quiz or try to reason with them because it could end up upsetting them and causing frustration.

6. Don’t take mean or nasty things they say personally. Alzheimer’s can twist their words, or make them react badly out of fear, confusion or anger.

7. Don’t get angry or frustrated yourself. Your mood will affect their mood, so stay calm even if there are issues. Always refer to their residence as “home” and a positive place.

8. Don’t talk about them with other people as if they are not present.

 

Taking the time to learn the ‘do’s and don’ts of visiting a loved one with Alzheimer’s can help you to get the most out of your visits and also make the person with Alzheimer’s feel more comfortable. It is also important to remember that you are a human, and you have good and bad days too. If you need to shorten a visit or even skip one from time to time in order to recharge yourself, remember that is ok.

Respite Care is often a good option when you are the caregiver for a loved one with dementia or Alzheimer’s because you can take time to recharge mentally and physically while feeling confident that your loved one is safe and receiving professional care. If you need additional information or would like to schedule a free in-home consultation to discuss your families in-home care needs, contact us today at 1-844-505-0004. American In-Home Care refers qualified and compassionate care providers that can help with many services, including Personal Care, Live-In Care, Respite Care, and Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care.

 

 

Safety Tips for Elderly Toilet Use

All Posts, Family Caregiver Tips

Falling is one of the most common and dangerous accidents for older adults, and falls happen frequently when going to the bathroom.

Although it might be embarrassing for them to ask, many seniors might need help getting on and off the toilet. Even if your loved one has remained independent, they might still need a little help when they go to the bathroom because it is easy for falls to happen when hurrying to the bathroom, or when sitting or standing from the toilet due to blood pressure changes.

Caregiver Safety is Important

If you are the family caregiver, you likely haven't had formal training in safe lifting and transfer techniques, so it’s too easy to hurt yourself when you’re helping your older loved one. These safety tips allow you to help your loved one use the toilet, while reducing the risk that you’ll get injured yourself.

Basic Safety Tips for Elderly Toilet Use

Getting to the bathroom safely can take some time. To reduce the chance of an accident, make regular trips to the bathroom to reduce urgency – try after meals and every couple of hours.

  • Allow your loved one to walk to the bathroom at their own pace, but stay close and be ready in case they wobble or trip.
  • Once they’re near the toilet, ask them to use small steps to slowly turn around until the toilet is directly behind them.
  • Encourage them to move on their own as much as possible to reduce the risk of injury for both of you. Your main responsibility is to be there for balance and stability as they lower or raise themselves.
  • Never lift your senior outright or ask them to pull on you. This is likely to cause injury to one or both of you.
  • Hold on to their trunk and hips to keep them stable as they lower or raise themselves. Don’t pull arms or legs, as this could injure fragile extremities or throw them off-balance.
  • Always bend your knees and have a steady base with your feet when supporting your loved one as they lower or raise themselves. If you bend at the waist, you risk injuring your back.

Transferring & Lifting Techniques

  • Ask them to lower themselves slowly onto the toilet seat while placing their hands on your forearms. Steady them with your hands on their trunk. Bend your knees as they lower themselves.
  • Before standing up, ask them to scoot forward a little and place their hands on your forearms before slowly raising themselves up. Keep your hands on their trunk and bend your knees.
  • Don’t let them hold on to their walker as they sit or stand because it could tip over and cause a fall.
  • If they are transferring from a walker to a toilet seat with arms, have them reach take their hands from the walker and place both of them on the toilet seat arms. They should keep both feet firmly on the floor as they lower using a squatting motion.

Clear Communication is Important

Before making any move to help, use short sentences to explain the next step so your loved one knows what to expect. Also give them plenty of time to execute the steps before moving on to the next.

For example, you could say the following instructions:

  • The toilet seat is right behind you. Squat down slowly to sit.
  • I’m going to help you stand up now. Scoot forward on the seat.
  • Lean forward and put your hands on my forearms when you’re ready.

If you feel more comfortable having a professional care provider aid your loved one with transfers and toileting, American In-Home Care always refers qualified and compassionate care providers that can perform a variety of services, including Companion Care, Personal Care, Live-In Care, and Respite Care. Contact us today at 1-844-505-0004 to schedule your free in-home consultation to discuss your care needs.

 

Preventing Senior Phone Fraud

All Posts, Family Caregiver Tips

Has one of your elderly relatives been the victim of phone fraud? Do you feel like you could have done more to protect them?

Seniors can make easy targets for phone fraud. According to the Federal Trade Commission, studies show con artists are more likely to target senior citizens than other age groups because they believe seniors are more susceptible to scams. The FTC reports fraudulent telemarketers direct anywhere from 56 to 80% of their calls at seniors. This means the need for preventing senior phone fraud has become greater than ever.

Seniors are targeted for several reasons

  1. Seniors tend to be retired and at home more often, meaning they have more time to answer and talk on their phones.
  2. There is a prevailing idea that seniors grew up in a more polite time when it was considered rude to hang up, giving fraudulent callers time to pull their con.
  3. Seniors are often living alone or are lonely, making them willing to talk, even to strangers.

What you need to know about senior phone fraud

There are five basic techniques that fraudulent telemarketers can use:

  • Scarcity: A senior is announced as the Grand Prize Winner, but if he/she doesn’t accept the prize immediately (and pay that "handling charge") the runner-up will get the prize instead.
  • Hype: The telemarketer uses excitement about a senior winning the prize.
  • Authority: The telemarketer passes the phone to his "boss," so his target will know the offer is "legitimate."
  • Phantom Fixation: The prize is too good to pass up, and the targeted senior becomes fixated on it.
  • Reciprocity: The telemarketer explains that they don't receive their commission unless the senior accepts the prize and pays the handling fee. If the senior says that he or she doesn't have enough money to pay the fee, the con artist asks how much they can afford, and offers to pay the smaller difference, just because they are happy the senior has won the prize.

There are some techniques that you can practice with your loved ones to help them not fall victim to telephone fraud. Tape a list of responses on the wall or desk near their phone so your loved one will always have a polite but firm comeback to unwanted telemarketers. And remind them that the best way to get rid of someone you don't want to talk to, is to simply hang up.

Tips for avoiding senior phone fraud

  • Tip #1: Never give personal information, such as bank account or social security numbers, to anyone over the phone, unless you initiated the call and know you've reached the right agency.               Comeback: "I don't give out personal information over the phone. I'll contact the company directly."
  • Tip #2: Never believe it if the caller tells you to send money to cover the "handling charge" or to pay taxes.
    Comeback: "I shouldn't have to pay for something that's free."
  • Tip #3: Limited-time-offers shouldn't require you to make a decision on the spot.
    Comeback: "I'll think about it and call you back. What's your number?"
  • Tip #4: Be suspicious of anyone who tells you not to discuss the offer with someone else.
    Comeback:"I'll discuss it with my family and friends and get back to you."
  • Tip #5: If you don't understand all the verbal details, ask for it in writing.
    Comeback:"I can't make a decision until I receive written information."

Remember that the scammer will most likely keep trying to convince the intended victim, so it's best to hang up after delivering the comeback line.

Practice these comebacks with your loved one. Also, have your loved one tell telemarketers to take his or her name off their call list. If the telemarketers don't, they're breaking the law. Sign up for the National Do Not Call Registry. As a last resort, get your loved one an unlisted phone number.

If you feel more comfortable having someone with your loved one for companionship and safety, a professional caregiver can help observe phone calls, or even answer directly on their behalf. Care providers are also a good source of socialization, so that your loved one does not feel lonely. American In-Home Care always refers qualified and compassionate care providers that can perform a variety of services, including Companion Care, Personal Care, Live-In Care, and Respite Care. Contact us today at 1-844-505-0004 to schedule your free in-home consultation to discuss your care needs.