Most people are aware that there are people in the world who have no issues with taking advantage of and specifically targeting senior citizens using fraudulent tactics or schemes. When a senior is home alone for periods of time, they may be especially vulnerable.  

Why are seniors targeted so much more frequently? 

According to research, those over the age of 65 are more likely to have taken a financial loss due to a scam than those that are in their 40’s, but why? 

Seniors are more likely to have excellent credit, to have a savings build up, and to own their home, which are all reasons that make them more susceptible to becoming the victims of fraud.  

They also are less likely to report fraudulent activity, whether it’s due to shame or embarrassment, confusion about what happened or where and how to report it, memory loss, or the fact that they are just unaware that they have even been the victim of fraud in the first place.  

Here are some practical tips for protecting your senior parent or loved one from becoming another unfortunate victim of fraud.

Invest in a shredder.  

It is important to protect your senior’s personal information and one way to do so is by purchasing a shredder. You can find small, inexpensive, and portable machines and we recommend keeping it in an area where it will be more likely to be used, such as wherever your senior opens their mail or near the trash receptacle. Show your senior how to use it and err on the side of caution, shredding anything that isn’t of importance but has their name, address, or any other sensitive personal information.  

Hire help. 

If your senior spends time at home alone, and especially if they are experiencing any cognitive impairments such as dementia, hiring a home care company to provide the assistance of caregivers is a way to be sure that your senior is safe at home from people that want to take advantage of them. A home care aide can make sure that any unsolicited visitors don’t gain access or information from your senior and they can also monitor any phone calls that are made or received by them. 

Take over finances. 

Another way to be on the front lines against elder fraud is to be active with their finances. Taking control of any checkbooks or credit cards, and having your name added to their bank accounts might be one way to help prevent money from being used in ways it shouldn't. It’s a good idea to regularly monitor your senior’s bank accounts so that you can have an idea of incoming and outgoing funds and can catch any fraudulent activity right away.  

Talk about it.  

Don’t forget to talk to your senior about identity fraud and tactics that are used against the elderly to gain access to their information and funds. Explain why they need to be careful and tell them that you are looking out for their best interests as they get help with their home care.  

Source:  https://www.acfe.com/fraud-examiner.aspx?id=4294997223 
https://www.fbi.gov/scams-and-safety/common-fraud-schemes/seniors 

If you or an aging loved one are considering Home Care Services in Glenview IL, contact the caring staff at Gentle Home Services. Call today (800) 860-9823.

Home Care in Glenview IL

From Nature Photography Day to National Rivers Month and beyond, the summer has many special holidays, observances, and opportunities for your aging parent to get outside and enjoy the beauty of nature. This is a fantastic way for them to get more active and make their care experience with their home care provider more exciting and memorable. 

As with anything in your parent's home care journey, it is important that they focus on health and safety when spending time out in nature. Whether they are with their in home health care services provider for the adventure or you are planning some quality time together, proper preparation will make the entire experience less stressful and more enjoyable for everyone involved. 

Use these tips to help keep your aging parent safe and healthy when they are spending time in nature: 

• Always let someone know. Even if your parent's time out in nature is just visiting a local hiking trail or going to the beach, make sure that they let others know where they are going to be before they leave. Check in with their home care provider to get an idea of when they are planning to go and to return, where they will be, and what they will be doing. Have them write these details down and leave a note in their home. This will ensure that if there is an emergency such as sudden inclement weather or an urgent medical situation it will be faster and easier to find them.

• Know the area. If your parent is planning on venturing anywhere that is further away or larger than just a basic park or a beach, make sure that they are familiar with the area. Do not let them rely completely on technology such as phones to keep them aware of where they are. Remember that this technology is vulnerable to batteries dying, service not being available, or the device breaking. Instead, make sure that they pack a map that will keep them feeling in control and confident.

• Prepare before leaving. Safety tools such as sunscreen and bug repellant are not effective the instant that they go on. Particularly sunscreen, these need several minutes and up to half an hour to actually become useful in protecting your parent. Make sure that they put on their sunscreen and bug repellant prior to leaving the home so that they are guarded from the moment that they arrive and do not get distracted and forget to apply them. Remember that if your parent is going into an area that has tall grasses or is wooded that they will need protection from potentially dangerous pests such as ticks. Use a bug repellant that contains DEET and spray it on their shoes, socks, and the cuffs of their pants as well as their skin to ensure they are fully protected.

• Have an emergency kit. Be sure that your parent has all of the supplies that they might need when they are out in nature. This includes a first aid kit, emergency items such as a loud whistle, and plenty of water and non-perishable food. Even if they are only going somewhere local and intend on being out for a short time, being prepared will give them a sense of confidence and help them to enjoy the experience more. 

​If you or an aging loved one are considering home care in Glenview, IL, contact the caring staff at Gentle Home Services. Call today (800) 860-9823.