Tag Archives: Regina Salmi

Protecting ourselves from financial scams

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By Regina Salmi, Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan


Every year millions of Americans are victims of scams or fraud. It is estimated that approximately 11% of the population experiences loss of money or personal property annually. While it can happen to a person at any age, older adults are often the most frequent targets for fraud. Older adults often have access to funds, excellent credit, and own their homes, making them attractive targets for criminals. In fact, older adults lose an estimated 2.9 billion dollars a year to fraud.


These are the current scams targeting older adults: 


Grandchild Scam: A caller will sound distressed and claim to be a grandchild in trouble or in danger and beg to have money wired to them immediately. The best thing to do is to hang up and call family members to insure everyone is safe and sound. 


IRS/Social Security Scam: A person could receive a call, an email or an official-looking letter, demanding immediate payment. They are told information will be forwarded to local law enforcement officials for arrest if they fail to pay. This is not the way any government agency collects debts. If you get this call, hang up immediately or delete the email without opening it. 


Home Repairs: Beware of door-to-door home repair contractors. They intentionally seek out older adults, particularly those living alone. They may say they are ‘working down in your neighborhood’ and are offering discounted work while in the area. They claim you need an expensive repair you cannot do yourself, like a new roof, dangerous branches removed from a tree in your yard, or offer you an amazing deal on new windows. All they need is a deposit and they’ll get to work. The catch is, the deposit is usually a few thousand dollars and they never show up to do the work. The only contractor showing up to your door is the one you called yourself. 


While it seems there are scams everywhere we turn, there are a few ‘rules of thumb’ we can use to protect ourselves from being fooled: 

  • If it sounds too good to be true, it is. Criminals feed on our desires by offering us goods or opportunities we wouldn’t, in reality, be able to attain: vacations, money, miracle cures, property, etc. You can be sure there is always a hidden cost and we end up losing much more than we would have ever gained. 
  • Never send money to someone you do not know. Any business or government agency you owe money to will send you the request through the mail. If a paperless billing notice arrives in your email and you didn’t initiate it, call the company directly to confirm it is from them. 
  • Do not give personal or financial information to someone who calls, emails or shows up at your door. Avoid giving out your bank account, credit card, or Social Security number unless you are positive you know who is requesting the information. Businesses you have accounts with will ask you to verify some information to make sure it’s you, like the last four-digits of your social security number, but they are confirming your information — not receiving it for the first time.
  • If you get an email or pop-up message that asks for personal or financial information, do not reply, open any attachment or click on any link in the message. Legitimate companies don’t ask for this information by email and you’re often opening a door to identity theft. You also risk downloading viruses or software that collects your personal information and/or disables your computer’s security

It’s important that we protect ourselves and share tips and information with family and friends who might also fall prey to these schemes. 


If you’re ever unsure about whether you might be the victim of a scam there are several resources available to you. The Kent County Elder Abuse Coalition updates current scams frequently on their website here.


The Michigan Attorney General also has a consumer alert webpage here.


If you believe you may be a victim of a scam, you can call them at (877) 765-8388.


 

Older Michiganians Day 2019 is May 15th

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By Regina Salmi, Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan


This year’s Older Michiganians Day will be held on May 15, 2019. Michigan’s senior advocates and allies will rally on the lawn of the Capital in Lansing to let legislators know their positions on issues that affect older adults in Michigan.


This is the 11th year of Older Michiganians Day and all seniors interested are encouraged to attend. If you’ve never been involved in advocacy before, Older Michiganians Day is a great way to begin. This year’s platform focuses on four areas to improve services for older adults in the state of Michigan: Rebalancing Medicaid Long Term Care, Support AAASA In-home Services, Support the Direct Care Workforce, and Promote a Dementia Capable Michigan.


The MI Choice Medicaid Waiver Program helps Michigan’s older adults by providing the services necessary to live in their own homes and communities. Costing less than half of what a Medicaid-funded nursing facility costs, MI Choice saves taxpayers’ money, yet only 40% of the state’s Medicaid long-term supports and services (LTSS) budget goes to funding MI Choice and other Home and Community Based Services (HCBS). The national average for funding HCBS programs is 57%. Senior advocates are requesting an increase in the percentage of Medicaid LTSS funds allocated to MI Choice, as well as the ongoing preservation and protection of this important program.


Advocates support the Silver Key Coalition’s request for a $6,000,000 in the Aging and Adult Services budget for 2020. There are currently 6,247 seniors waiting for in-home services, like homemaker services, home delivered meals, care management services, and personal care. Research shows that seniors who receive these services are five times less likely to have been in a nursing home than those who stayed on a wait list. Reducing the wait list times by increasing funding for services will help more seniors remain independent.


Every day, there are professional caregivers going into the homes of older adults to perform all of the tasks that keep them safe, healthy and in their own homes. The wages earned for providing these vital services averages about $9.50/hour, while wages in other service industries like retail and restaurants are increasing to $13.00/hour, making it difficult for agencies to hire and keep enough workers to provide care. Advocates support policies that recruit, train and provide adequate wages, raise the Medicaid cap, include direct care services in Medicaid contracts and call for the inclusion of direct care workers in MI talent development initiatives.

Approximately a half million families in Michigan are caring for a loved one with dementia. Advocates at Older Michiganians Day will be letting legislators know they support a Dementia Capable Michigan in which dementia education, services and policies are enacted that recognize dementia as a public health priority.


Older Michigangians Day is an opportunity for Michigan seniors to speak with a united voice about the issues that directly affect them. It is also an opportunity to meet new people and enjoy a beautiful day in our State’s capitol. Call Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan to register at (616) 222-7042. While the event is free, your ticket provides you with a complimentary lunch. If you live in the Grand Rapids area, you can also ask about transportation to Older Michiganians Day. Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan is chartering buses to Lansing. Seats are limited and will be available on a first come-first served basis.


Visit the Older Michiganians Daywebsite for more details and parking information.


Becoming a dementia-friendly Michigan

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By Regina Salmi, Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan


Today, there are over 5,000,000 people in the U.S. living with dementia. They are members of our churches, our workplaces, our neighborhoods, and our communities. They shop in the same stores we do, dine at the same restaurants, attend the same events, and utilize the same public transportation system. Despite living with dementia, they continue to be vital members of our communities and valued for their contributions. This is the ideal, anyway.


The reality is that for people living with dementia, their world tends to become slowly and consistently smaller, and a lot of this has to do with the difficulty they experience interacting with the world around them. We’ve all come into contact with a person who seems lost, is taking an extremely long time to make a decision or is ‘holding up the line’ because they are confused about a process. We become exasperated; they become upset, and no one leaves the experience feeling good.


While we can go about our day collecting better experiences, a person with dementia might be flustered and reluctant to do anything that may recreate it — shopping for groceries, riding a bus, ordering in a restaurant. They gradually become more isolated, less independent and separate from their communities. The isolation and separation people with dementia experience can actually contribute to the acceleration of their disease.


Dementia Friends Michigan (DFMI) is part of a national movement working to educate ‘Dementia Friends’ throughout the state so that people living with dementia can feel comfortable navigating daily life. DFMI strives to move Michigan toward becoming more aware, accessible and inclusive throughout the state. Dementia-friendly communities are more attractive, competitive and sustainable when they become more accessible and inclusive for everyone. 


DFMI’s main focus right now is creating awareness. This is done by teaching people about dementia and helping participants develop practical actions they can use to help someone they may encounter in the community who has dementia.


Jennifer VanHorssen, DFMI Program Coordinator, said, “Whether it be the checkout at a grocery store, on the bus, serving coffee at a coffee shop, or at an art or music performance, each of us can be supportive and help people living with dementia feel welcome and included.”

Dementia Friends Michigan is not only training Dementia Friends, but also educating Dementia Champions who become trainers in their own communities.


Creating dementia-friendly cities and states requires participation from all sectors of society — business, local government, transportation, financial institutions, neighborhood associations, faith communities, emergency responders, healthcare and the legal sector. “In a dementia friendly community” VanHorssen cites, “people living with dementia have autonomy, a high quality of life, and are engaged with the community.”


It begins with generating awareness.


If your business/organization would like to learn about becoming a dementia friend or you’d like to bring Dementia Friends Michigan to your community by becoming a Dementia Champion, contact Dementia Friends Michigan by calling (616) 222-7036 or email info@dementiafriendlygr.com. You can also learn more about DFMI and the dementia friendly movement on their website www.DFMI8.org. 


Regina Salmi is the PR & Communications Coordinator for AAAWM. When not keeping up with two busy teenagers, she enjoys reading, writing, volunteer work, golf, technology and learning something new every day.

Elder abuse: be a part of the solution

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By Regina Salmi, Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan


When we address elder abuse, the focus is often on financial exploitation and avoiding financial scams. Elder abuse includes physical, emotional, sexual abuse and neglect as well as the financial component. Only 1 in 24 experiences of abuse are reported. It is important that we all know the signs of elder abuse to help protect the vulnerable adults in our lives. By being aware of the signs, we can all play a role in preventing abuse.


Acknowledging that abuse may be taking place is difficult for us to comprehend. For most people, when we notice something awry, we are more likely to try convincing ourselves that we are wrong than take action and report suspected abuse. According to Cassie Schrock, Kent County Elder Abuse Coalition Coordinator at Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan, approximately “90% of abusers are either family members or trusted caregivers,” adding to the anxiety of reporting abuse. Yet, “elder abuse is one of the fastest growing crimes in Michigan” asserts Schrock, “90,000 seniors are victimized annually in Michigan.” It’s important we know the signs and report suspected abuse when we see it.

There are several signs of abuse and seeing just one doesn’t necessarily mean a person is being abused or neglected. We know that as we age, we’re susceptible to falls and may experience bruising from time to time. Our skin also thins as we age and so scrapes occur more easily. We can also experience emotional changes and depression as we age. Abuse is usually a collection of symptoms rather than just one thing.


Frequent and “unexplained injuries like bruises, scars, burns, welts, or broken bones” explains Schrock, should raise our suspicion.


There will also be emotional and behavioral changes in a person being physically abused such as rocking, sucking, or mumbling to themselves, seeming timid or fearful, withdrawing from typically enjoyed activities or changes in alertness. Weight loss, continuously poor hygiene, inadequate clothing and isolation by a caregiver can be associated with both abuse and neglect.


Schrock explains, “Some of these changes can be misunderstood as symptoms of dementia” which can cause one to be hesitant to report it as abuse.


If you suspect an older adult is being abused, report it. In Michigan, call Adult Protective Services at (855) 444-3911. This hotline is available 24-hours a day. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger do not hesitate to call 911 for help.


Cassie Schrock reminds us, “There is no liability if you make a report in good faith.”


For more information about reporting abuse, visit www.michigan.gov/mdhhs. To learn more about elder abuse and also stay up to date on the latest financial scams targeting seniors, visit www.protectkentseniors.org.

Gifting family caregivers over the holidays

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By Regina Salmi, Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan

 

Over 40 million people provide unpaid caregiving for a family member in the United States. The daily routine of caring for another often means caregivers are not taking care of themselves. The holidays can be a particularly stressful time for caregivers due to the break in daily routines, the additional planning necessary to join in celebrations, travel or to receive visitors. Some caregivers may choose to isolate rather than to burden themselves with making these plans.

 

The holidays are a wonderful time for other family members to express their gratitude and appreciation for their family member’s caregiving and help them enjoy the holiday season. Caregivers often put their needs second, third or last to other people in their lives. Offering the caregiver some relief would be a marvelous gift for the holidays.

 

Sarah Sobel, AAAWM Caregiver Services & Contract Administrator says, “Caregiving is stressful and the holidays can add to that stress. It is important for caregivers to do self-care.”

 

How can family help with this? Having a friend or family member stay with a loved one would offer the caregiver the freedom to get away for some rest and time for themselves. Stepping into the caregiver’s shoes for a weekend or a day can be eye-opening as to what the caregiver experiences regularly.

 

Julie Alicki, Certified Dementia Practitioner, points out, “This clues the rest of the family in on what the caregiver is going through — it keeps them in the loop.” If family members providing relief isn’t feasible, arranging for professional in-home care or respite services would be a great way to provide relief for a caregiver.

 

Relieving some of the daily tasks of a caregiver can also make a thoughtful gift. A membership to a grocery delivery service like Shipt or a meal delivery service like Hello Fresh would offer the caregiver one less task to manage. With winter coming on, arranging for a snow clearing service would provide some stress relief as well as additional safety for the caregiver.

 

Gifts they can use during some precious time off, like a spa day, tickets to a sporting event or the theatre, gift certificates to favorite restaurants, a round of golf, movie tickets or a weekend get-away make wonderful stocking stuffers for caregivers. If you’re a little more on the creative side, putting together a book of IOU coupons to be used throughout the year would not only help provide support, but would also assist the caregiver in being able to ask for much needed help more easily.

 

The greatest gift a caregiver can receive is time — time for themselves. Being given the ability to be worry-free and able to choose how they want to spend a few hours, a day, a weekend or even a week to themselves is a precious gift to a caregiver. It is also a tremendous acknowledgement on the behalf of family members of the gift the caregiver gives to another all year around.

 

Whatever we can do to though to demonstrate our gratitude and appreciation during this holiday season to the caregivers in our lives will reverberate throughout their year.

 

If you need help making in-home care or respite arrangements, contact Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan at (888) 456-5664 or aaainfo@aaawm.org.

‘Many Hands’ makes light work

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By Regina Salmi, Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan

 

Caregiving for a loved one with dementia is a difficult job. Depending on the progression of the disease, the simplest tasks can often seem impossible — taking a shower, picking up a few items from the grocery story, keeping a hair appointment. Asking for help from family and friends seems like too much and accepting offers of help can feel overwhelming, ‘Where would I start?,’ we think.

 

The Many Hands program helps caregivers access the support networks they may not realize they already have.

 

A majority of family caregivers, 60% according to the AARP, still work outside of the home.

 

Stephanie Hecksel, Outreach Specialist at Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan observes, “It is common to see caregivers helping out with household chores, errands, and transportation for a loved one while trying to balance time with their own personal responsibilities.”

 

As their loved one’s needs increase, the caregiver puts their personal responsibilities aside to dedicate themselves to the needs their loved one. This leads to increased stress and/or burnout, can take a toll on other relationships and even affect one’s employment. This is where Many Hands comes in. With the help of a Licensed Social Worker, participants in the Many Hands program receive help with organizing their friends, other family members, neighbors, church members, co-workers into a network of willing helpers and to restore some balance to their own lives.

 

Asking people for help is difficult, too difficult for many of us to pick up a phone and reach out to a friend, or accept the help extended by people in our community.

 

Hecksel acknowledges, “It can be difficult to ask for help for many reasons, including feelings of inadequacy as a caregiver or simply feeling overwhelmed by having to reach out for support and how to accept help it without feeling like a bother. Likewise, the people in our lives who would like to help are not sure how to go about it, what they can do or what needs to be done.

 

One of the most unique aspects of Many Hands is that you don’t have to be the one to ask for help.

 

Julie Alicki, LMSW and Certified Advance Dementia Practitioner, said, “Many Hands takes the pressure off of you by having a trained Social Worker handle the entire meeting. As a caregiver you attend, but we do the explaining.” Hecksel agrees, “Rather than the caregiver being expected to take on yet another responsibility of coordinating care, Many Hands will provide that assistance.”

 

All the caregiver needs to do is come up with a list of people in their current social circle who may be willing to help provide support with tasks such as laundry, yard work, meal preparation or spending time with a loved one to give the caregiver a rest and time for themselves.

 

How does it work? The caregiver makes a list of potential helpers. When the Social Worker receives this list, they will send invites and organize a Caregiver Support meeting.

 

At the meeting, the social worker will educate participants on dementia along with behaviors that may be present with the disease. They will also go over the effects of stress on the health of the caregiver, present the tasks identified by the primary caregiver and ask for support in these areas. Once a list of helpers is established, the Social Worker will prepare the Caregiver Calendar used to organize and communicate with helpers. “Many hands make light work” and this is the goal of the Many Hands program.

 

Many Hands is free and available to caregivers in Allegan, Ionia, Kent, Lake, Mason, Mecosta, Montcalm, Newaygo and Osceola counties. To learn more about this program, contact Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan at (888) 456-5664 or email aaainfo@aaawm.org. More information about all the services available through AAAWM can be found at www.aaawm.org.

Being a tech-savvy senior: Don’t be tricked by malware

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By Regina Salmi, Area Agency on Aging of West Michigan

 

A couple of weeks ago, I received a text message and several phone calls from a friend frantically trying to reach me, “I got a strange notice on my computer saying I had to call or they would disable me!”

 

When I contacted her later, I was relieved to hear she refused to give them her credit card number and they hung up on her. Too often, people who receive these pop-up notices on their computers, tablets or phones fall prey to these scare tactics, losing hundreds of dollars and sometimes their identity as a result. Tossing your computer out the window or smashing your phone with a hammer are not the answer. You can take steps to avoid falling victim to malware.

 

What is malware? When most people call for help, they say “A virus got into my computer!”. The mess that malware creates can certainly make us feel sick, but it is not a computer virus in the traditional sense. Malware, also referred to as Adware or Spyware, is a type of software that is usually embedded in something else. Whether it is a ‘free’ app you downloaded to your tablet, a ‘free’ software you downloaded to your computer, or a ‘free’ game you play through your internet browser, most likely you clicked ‘OK’ and, buried in the fine print you agreed to having the malware files downloaded to your device. When it comes to apps and software, nothing is free.

 

When these files get downloaded to our devices, strange things begin to occur. Like my friend, a message window might randomly open up saying we have a virus or claim that our computer has been hacked and requires immediate attention. We open our internet browser and without touching a key, it will begin bringing us to websites we don’t want to go to or the screen suddenly fills with 100s of popup windows advertising everything under the sun. We could even find our inbox filling up with messages to buy things that normally require a prescription or even our phone begins to ring with telemarketers.

 

What can we do to protect our devices from these types of software?

  • First, don’t download anything unless it comes through an official app store like Google Play or Apple and even then, use caution if it says are there advertisements in the app.
  • When advertisements pop up in your browser, be careful where you click. Many of these are designed to fool you by including a ‘No Thanks’ button or even a fake X button usually on the opposite side of the window. Close the pop up using the X in the upper corner.
  • If you make a mistake and download some malware to your computer, stay calm and know that any threatening messages you receive are not real. Microsoft, Apple or Google will not send a warning message to your screen demanding you call them ‘or else…’. If you’re getting these messages, it’s most definitely fake.
  • Do not call the 800 numbers that appear on your screen, give out any personal information, or allow anyone remote access to your computer.
  • You can often get free assistance by going to the manufacturer of the device. For a Microsoft device you can get virtual assistance at support.microsoft.com, an Apple device support.apple.com or a Google/Android device go to support.google.com.
  • Sometimes we need more than help articles; there are services you can pay for help. Best Buy’s Geek Squad offers support in-home, in-store, 24/7 online and phone support at (800) 433-5778. HelloTech also offers in-home tech support, online support at hellotech.com and help over the phone (888) 485-9455. These companies are reputable, established companies unlike the 800 numbers offered in the popup windows. You may have local tech support companies in your community.
  • Stay in charge of your devices! While your son, daughter or grandchild may seem tech savvy and well meaning, unless they are a certified technology support specialist, they should not be trying to fix your computer, tablet or phone. People of every age fall victim to malware and internet scams and our well-intentioned relatives might make matters worse.

When we run into problems like these, our inclination may be to give up on technology all together, especially if we’re new to it. Technology is engrained in every part of our society though and can actually go a long way in helping us remain independent as we age. Today we can order our groceries and have them delivered to our home, call for a ride, see our doctor through a video call, pay all of our bills and connect with friends and family using a smartphone, tablet or computer.

 

It’s worth sticking with it and to learn more. Local libraries offer technology classes for adults, as well as many community and senior centers. If you’re a member of a group who would like a class on learning about how technology like tablets and smart phones can enhance your life, Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan will bring a class to your organization. You can contact us at (616) 456-5664 or aaainfo@aaawm.org for more information.

Getting help with Medicare

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File photo

By Regina Salmi, Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan

 

When it comes to figuring out Medicare, it can feel as though we’ve taken on an encore career trying to sort through it all. There’s Medicare, Medicare Advantage, Medicare supplemental insurance, part D coverage and then the retirement insurance you may already have. It can feel overwhelming. With the Open Enrollment period right around the corner, it might be time to get some help with deciding what plans work best for meeting all of your healthcare needs. The Michigan Medicare/Medicaid Assistance Program, or MMAP for short, is available to do just that.

 

MMAP is part of a federal program that provides free local healthcare coverage counseling to people with Medicare. MMAP is non-profit and run by highly skilled volunteers.

 

Bob Callery, MMAP Regional Coordinator, states, “MMAP does not have any affiliations with insurance companies and our volunteers are not licensed to sell insurance.”

 

This is important, because it means the MMAP counselor is looking at what is in your best interest. MMAP counselors will explain Medicare benefits and how they work, review prescription plans, Medicare Advantage Plans and Medigap policies. They are also able to help individuals apply for benefits. Having the right coverage can make a big difference in a person’s life (and their finances).

 

Sharon, a MMAP counselor, met with a woman who was living on about $900 per month. She was a widow and paying for the health coverage her husband had before he died. She was paying approximately $400 a month for this coverage.

 

“That didn’t leave her much to take care of her house and utilities,” Sharon relates, “We talked about getting her on supplemental insurance through Medicare. She was really reluctant at first, but in the end we were able to save her about $300 more a month.”

 

File photo

Another MMAP counselor shared a similar story. Karen received a call from a person living on a little over $700 per month who exclaimed, “I can either eat or take my medications.” Karen was able to get help her do both by reviewing her coverage and helping her get the benefits that worked best for her.

 

Open Enrollment for Medicare begins Oct. 15 and runs until Dec. 7.  MMAP recommends Medicare beneficiaries review their plans every year to check for policy changes. The plan you’re currently on can change the medications they cover, their network of pharmacies, even premiums, deductibles and co-pays. At the same time your own needs might be changing as well, requiring a different kind of coverage than you had this year. Reviewing your benefits and insuring your coverage is right for you might help you avoid costly payments.

 

The Social Security Administration has also begun releasing the new Medicare cards. In an effort to reduce identity theft and fraud, the cards were redesigned to remove your social security number and to replace it with a unique identifier. Michigan residents will see them arriving this fall with all new cards being mailed before March 31, 2019.

 

Callery advises, “These cards will be mailed to the current mailing address on file with Social Security. Make sure you contact them if your address needs to be updated.” Mr. Callery also warns, “Social Security and Medicare do not call beneficiaries to update their records. If you receive a call like this, it is a scam. Do not give any of your personal information to the caller and hang up the phone!”

 

MMAP counselors are available to meet with people in person, over the phone and are available for home visits for those who are home-bound. If you’re interested in working with MMAP to review your Medicare benefits you can reach a MMAP counselor by calling your local Commission on Aging, dialing (800) 803-7174 or contacting Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan at (888) 456-5664 or aaainfo@aaawm.org. You can learn more about MMAP by visiting their website, www.MMAPInc.org.

 

 

 

 

We Have Teeth and We Vote!

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By Regina Salmi, Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan

 

Signed into law in 1965 by President Lyndon B. Johnson, Medicare provides health care coverage to seniors and individuals with disabilities. For most older adults, it is a benefit they have been paying for their entire working lives. Medicare insures older adults have basic healthcare coverage. Many older adults are surprised to discover though, that dental care is not a benefit included in Medicare coverage. There is a campaign underfoot to change this.

 

The original version of Medicare included oral health, but like all bills, in order to become law Medicare went through several revisions. The thought at the time was that a majority of Americans lost all of their teeth by age 65, so dental care was unimportant. Today, thanks to better oral health and fluoridated water, many of us are holding onto our teeth for our entire lives. The ability to care for our teeth is integral to healthy aging.

 

Our mouths have a direct impact on our health. Tooth decay or loss directly affects our ability to take in proper nutrition. The ability to eat and swallow are imperative to maintaining good health as we age. Maintaining adequate nutrition is often key to remaining independent. A decline in oral health also affects our self-esteem and willingness to communicate, leading to social isolation and loneliness. Poor oral health can also have a negative impact on our general physical health. Periodontal disease has been shown to affect blood glucose levels in people with diabetes and has recently been associated with cardiovascular disease. Receiving basic oral health services helps prevent these outcomes.

 

Led by Oral Health America, Demand Medicare Dental is a national campaign to improve oral health (and overall health) for older adults by adding a dental care benefit to Medicare. Right now, they are working in several states and partnering with local organizations to raise awareness of the issue and to encourage legislators to begin having the conversation about including dental benefits in Medicare. Demand Dental Care has recently partnered with Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan and the Tri-County AAA in Lansing to bring their Brush Brigade to local events, asking people interested in this issue to sign their name on a toothbrush, which will be delivered to legislators this fall. It is important for lawmakers to know this issue is important to their constituents.

 

If you’re interested in learning more about their efforts or volunteering for the campaign, you can visit their website at www.DemandMedicareDental.org. On the website, you can also choose to send your legislator a toothbrush to let them know – “I Have Teeth and I Vote!”

Safe Resources for LGBT Seniors

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By Regina Salmi, Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan (AAAWM)

 

While society has taken great strides toward acceptance of LGBT citizens, what remains invisible are the issues and challenges that LGBT adults face as they begin to age. Too often, LGBT seniors have felt the need to go back ‘into the closet’ in order to receive services or deny themselves much need care in order to avoid having to do so. The LGBT Initiative, funded by the Michigan Health Endowment grant, is seeking to change that for LGBT seniors throughout the state of Michigan, by creating safe channels for LGBT older adults to seek services.

 

West Michigan is one of the three regions where this effort is taking place. Kendrick Heinlein, AAAWM Contract Administrator, is heading up this project for Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan.

 

“Right now, the LGBT initiative is looking at different outreach strategies to reach members of the LGBT community” Heinlein states. Working with the other two regions: the Upper Peninsula and the Bay City/Saginaw region of the state, committee members recognize what works for Grand Rapids doesn’t necessarily work for the U.P., so finding the best methods for each region is the current focus.

 

Heinlein says, “We want to provide resources and reduce isolation for LGBT seniors and we’re working on the best strategies to go about that.”

 

There are currently about 1.5 million people age 65+ who identify as lesbian, gay or bisexual. There are also many aging LGBT people who live alone, without family to help with the aging process. This puts many LGBT seniors in the position of requiring income-based aging services available in their communities. Needing to ask for help though is often a difficult experience for these seniors.

 

Older adults who are LGBT don’t often find a warm welcome when they begin to participate in aging services. Sometimes this is due to the discrimination they encounter when seeking services; most times though, it is not hostility but cultural assumptions that can cause LGBT seniors to be reluctant to ask for help. An intake form might ask questions about marriage and children, but not about same-sex partnerships. A senior might be asked about their racial identification or religion, but not gender or sexual orientation.

 

Many older LGBT seniors carry with them memories of a time when they lost jobs, homes and family for being gay and could be jailed or committed to an asylum for being different. Because many seniors don’t want to “go back into the closet” but fear discrimination, they will avoid asking for help, which can result in a health crisis. This is what the LGBT initiative is working to alleviate. Through outreach to community service providers, AAAWM in partnership with the Grand Rapids Pride Center is in the process of creating a resource guide of senior service providers in West Michigan who are LGBT-friendly.

 

Anyone can call themselves LGBT-friendly, but what this means in terms of the LGBT initiative is that each provider in the LGBT Senior Resource Guide will be vetted to insure they will provide equal services to LGBT older adults that they would to any other seniors,

 

“A majority of providers are open to serving LGBT clients,” Heinlein highlights. “A lot of providers have been serving the LGBT community and consider being part of the guide recognition for services they have been providing all along.” By creating this resource guide, the committee hopes to provide safe avenues for LGBT older adults to find the services they need to age gracefully like their peers.

 

The debut of the LGBT Senior Resource Guide will occur at the Grand Rapids Pride Festival on June 16, 2018, beginning at 12 pm. AAAWM will have the guides available at their vendor table and they encourage people to stop by and take a look.

 

If you’d like to learn more about this project, contact Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan at (888) 456-5664 or email aaainfo@aaawm.org.  To learn about their services, you can visit their website: http://www.aaawm.org.

 

Senior advocates to gather in Lansing on May 16 for 10th annual Older Michiganians Day

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Courtesy oldermichiganiansday.com

By Regina Salmi, Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan

 

On May 16, 2018, over a thousand of Michigan’s senior advocates and allies will gather on the lawn of the Capitol in Lansing. This free event is an opportunity for older adults to meet with their legislators over lunch on the lawn to discuss a platform of issues that affect seniors in Michigan.

 

This year marks the 10th annual Older Michiganians Day and any and all seniors interested are encouraged to attend. If you’ve never been involved in advocacy before, Older Michiganians Day is a great way to begin. This year’s platform focuses on 4 areas to improve services for older adults in the state of Michigan: Preserving and Protecting MI Choice, Support AAASA In-home Services, Support the Direct Care Workforce, and Prevent Elder Abuse.

 

The MI Choice Medicaid Waiver Program helps Michigan’s older adults and adults living with a disability by providing the services necessary to live independently in their communities. Costing less than half of what a Medicaid-funded nursing facility costs, MI Choice saves taxpayers’ money. MI Choice currently serves approximately 15,000 people with about 3,200 currently on the waiting list for services. These services are administered through Area Agencies on Aging. Changes to how Medicaid services are delivered could have a detrimental effect on the services available to seniors. Senior advocates are requesting that the MI Choice program and the role Area Agencies fulfill in the oversight, administration and delivery of these services be preserved.

 

Advocates support the Silver Key Coalition’s request for a $3,000,000 budget increase to in-home services, forwarding the goal of making Michigan a “no wait state” for senior services. There are currently over 6,000 seniors waiting for in-home services, like homemaker services, home delivered meals, care management services, and personal care. Research shows that seniors who receive these services are five times less likely to have been in a nursing home than those who stayed on a wait list. Reducing the waitlist times by increasing funding for services will help more seniors remain in their homes as they age. Since 2014, waitlists for home delivered meals has been cut in half thanks to previous investment in services for seniors.

 

Courtesy oldermichiganiansday.com

Providing services for older and disabled adults in Michigan has become hampered by the instability of the Direct Care workforce. The median income of a Direct Care worker is $10,000. While wages in other service industries are increasing, direct care wages have remained stagnant, making it difficult for agencies to hire and keep enough workers to provide care. Advocates support policies that recruit, train and provide adequate wages and call for the inclusion of direct care workers in MI talent development initiatives, in order to build a sustainable support system for senior services throughout Michigan.

 

Approximately 125, 000 seniors are victims of elder abuse and fraud every year in Michigan.  Advocates at Older Michiganians Day will be letting legislators know they support of adequate funding for elder abuse prevention programs and policies. It is important to protect Michigan’s seniors from physical, psychological, and financial abuse.

 

Older Michigangians Day is an opportunity for Michigan seniors to speak with a united voice about the issues that directly affect them. It is also an opportunity to meet new people and enjoy a beautiful day in our State’s capitol. If you’re interested in attending you can call Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan to register for a ticket to attend the event at (888) 456-5664. While the event is free, your ticket provides you with a complimentary lunch. You must register in advance to take advantage of the lunch. If you live in the Grand Rapids area, you can also ask about transportation to Older Michiganians Day. Courtesy of AARP, Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan is chartering a bus to Lansing. Seats are limited and will be available on a first come–first served basis.

 

If you plan to make your own way to Lansing, visit the Older Michiganians Day website for more details and parking information: http://www.oldermichiganiansday.com/home

 

 

 

 

Getting Involved: The Importance of Senior Advocacy

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By Regina Salmi, Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan

 

In 1970, Maggie Kuhn was forced to retire from her job on the day she turned 65. At this time, the mandatory retirement law allowed her employer to make her retire. Maggie felt this was unfair, so she began talking to friends who experienced forced retirement and together they began writing letters, making phone calls, and visiting legislators.

 

The law enforcing retirement at age 65 wasn’t abolished by Congress until 1986, but it was thanks to Kuhn and her friends bringing awareness to the issue that we are no longer forced out of jobs because of our age. Maggie’s group, dubbed the Gray Panthers, were also at the forefront of nursing home reforms, fighting ageism, and preserving social security until her death in 1995. That same year she was also inducted into the National Women’s Hall of Fame.

 

Maybe we cannot all be Maggie Kuhn, but what we can learn from her legacy is that our age doesn’t have to stop us from having a voice and making a difference in our communities. In fact, Kuhn might argue, no one is going to care more about issues that affect us than we are. Upon her forced retirement, she said, “With this new freedom we have, let’s see what we can do to change the world.” Like Maggie, we all have the opportunity to become advocates, especially those of us who find we have more time on our hands after we choose to retire.

 

What do we mean by advocacy? The word advocate comes from the Latin ad- meaning “toward” and vox meaning “voice”. When we engage in advocacy, we are lending our voices to a particular issue. The traditional forms of advocacy are to send letters or make phone calls to legislators. AAAWM’s Advocacy Coordinator and Planner, Lacey Charboneau explains, these methods have “stood the test of time” and “neither needs to take much time or prolonged effort.

 

The best advocacy letters are no longer than one page, include succinct and straightforward facts and end with a call to action of some kind.” In addition to these formal methods of advocacy, email and social media engagement are also becoming effective forms of engaging with decision makers. Charboneau emphasizes though that, “No matter what the issue, or who the audience, there is no more effective way to get your point across than showing up and speaking up in person.”

 

Millennials may have surpassed Baby Boomers as the largest eligible voting block in the United States in 2018, but Boomers remain a powerful group when it comes to legislative matters. As seniors it is important we recognize the ability we have to create change.

 

“Older adults are the keepers of vast amounts of experience and knowledge” Charboneau observes, “They have seen and experienced history — both the positive and negative.  Older adults should be empowered to share their opinions and thoughts with those in power so we can learn from our past as we move forward.”

 

According to the AARP, the recent passing of the “Tax Cut and Jobs Act” activated an automatic $25 billion cut to Medicare. As a result of advocacy efforts on the part of seniors, the House and Senate “waived the required cuts as part of a temporary spending bill to prevent a government shutdown.”

 

Advocacy is often a matter of education. It is important to make legislators aware of the concerns of older adults and how certain policy decisions may affect seniors. As Charboneau says, “No single elected official can be expected to be an expert on everything. It is our responsibility to educate our legislators on the issues that matter to us.” 

 

As long as Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security remain the three largest government-funded programs, there will always be a need to build awareness, educate and advocate elected officials.

 

So, how does one get involved in advocacy? Charboneau advises the first step, “Decide what issue is most important to you.” As you research about that issue, you may find there is already an advocacy group working on the issue and you can join. Maybe your issue is a local one and, like Maggie, you talk with other people affected by this concern and form your own group.

 

Maybe there are people in your church or senior center who would be interested in forming an advocacy group. AAAWM has an advocacy group called Advocates for Senior Issues if you are in or near Kent county, they welcome new members. There are also nationally recognized groups, like the AARP or AMAC that offer opportunities to get involved in advocacy campaigns. The most important step toward advocacy is to find a way to get involved.

Caring for the Caregiver During the Holidays

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By Regina Salmi, Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan

 

Given that almost 20% of the population in the United States is aged 60+ and that more than 5 million people in the United States live with some form of dementia, it is likely that we have at least one person in our family who is a caregiver. We may not recognize them as being a caregiver — we might look at it as mom taking care of dad, or the sister who drives mom and dad places since she lives nearby.

 

As the holiday season comes into full swing, the caregiving role can take on added stress. Reaching out to caregivers and helping them plan for holiday festivities can go a long way toward helping the caregiver and their loved ones enjoy the holidays alongside family and friends.

 

We can begin by helping to choose holiday activities. As invitations arrive, it can be challenging for a caregiver to decide what to accept and what to decline. An evening out with old friends might be something the caregiver would like to do, but might be difficult for their loved one to attend. A family gathering might require a long trip and an overnight stay. Having family in for the weekend might be overwhelming for caregiver and loved one, alike. Some people might decide the amount of planning required is too much and decide to just stay home.

 

Social isolation is an unfortunate reality for many caregivers and their loved ones. It doesn’t have to be this way though. Julie Alicki, Certified Advanced Dementia Practitioner, agrees.

 

“Particularly in people with dementia, the tendency is to want to isolate, but being included in gatherings is beautiful,” Alicki said. “It allows them the opportunity to be social and this is important.”

 

Planning is key in helping caregivers approach the holiday season. Sitting down with a caregiver and mapping out the holidays can help us plan in advance for how we’re going to manage the holidays. Sarah Sobel, LMSW, AAAWM Caregiver Services & Contract Administrator has a suggestion.

 

“Decide what invitations the caregiver would like to accept and, of those, which events the loved one would like to attend and start from there,” she said.

 

Knowing in advance what events will be attended helps with the next phase, which is to make plans for each event — a Plan A, Plan B and even a C just in case. This will help determine what resources and assistance will need to be put in place ahead of time, so the person in the caregiving role does not feel that they’ve been left in a lurch.

 

For example, if there is a large family gathering, a person with dementia may require a quiet place to go when things become loud or chaotic. Arranging this in advance will help the caregiver be able to relax and enjoy, knowing there is a plan in place.

 

Alicki said, “When getting together as a family, if there are big, important things planned to take place, like gift opening, move those to the beginning of the gathering so both the caregiver and loved one can participate, and they can leave when necessary without missing out.”

 

Caregivers often put their needs second, third or last to other people in their life. Offering the caregiver some relief would make a tremendous gift for the holidays.

 

“Caregiving is stressful and the holidays can add to that stress. It is important for caregivers to do self-care,” Sobel said.

 

How can friends and family help with this? Having a friend or family member stay with a loved one for a weekend would offer the caregiver the freedom to get away for some rest and time for themselves or stepping in for a day so the caregiver can take in a concert or do some shopping. Arranging for professional in-home care can also provide some relief for a caregiver.

 

“This also clues the rest of the family in on what the caregiver is going through — it keeps them in the loop,” said Alicki.

 

Try to make the holidays guilt-free for caregivers.

 

“Caregiving for someone every day can be so unpredictable. It’s important that plans are flexible,” Sobel said.

 

If a caregiver needs to leave a gathering early, let them know how happy you are that you got to spend time with them rather than how disappointed you are that they have to leave. If traveling is too much, consider changing the location of a gathering to accommodate them. If a plan needs to be cancelled, be understanding.

 

During the holidays, like everyone else, caregivers and the loved ones they care for want to be involved in holiday festivities: attending parties, gatherings, concerts and events. The holidays are time to connect with friends, relatives who live states away, nieces, nephews, grandchildren, etc. Those who care for caregivers can help the holiday season be an enjoyable one by offering support, participating in planning, and sharing in the responsibilities of caregiving.

 

If you need help making in-home care or respite arrangements, contact Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan at 888.456.5664 or aaainfo@aaawm.org.

 

 

 

Protecting Ourselves from Fraud — Watch out for ‘fake bills’

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By Regina Salmi, Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan

 

A few weeks ago, I came home to an envelope on my kitchen counter and a note from my mother-in-law, stating “I received this bill. I will pay it tomorrow.” It was a bill for $179.00. I called her immediately and told her not to pay the bill. Her response, “Well, I already put a check in the mail.”

 

My mother-in-law didn’t owe anyone $179.00. She knew there was something wrong with the bill, which is why she brought it to my house and left a note. In the two hours between the time she left my house and I returned her call though, she convinced herself it was something she must owe, wrote out a check and put it in the mail. It took several phone calls, a check cancellation fee, and three days to resolve the issue. At the end of it, my mother-in-law exclaimed, “Why I’ve never gotten into so much trouble for paying a bill!”

 

Of the many scams out there right now, one of them involves ‘fake bills’. Scammers produce mailings pretending to be companies like Consumers Energy, AT&T, and even the IRS — companies with whom most people would likely have an account. These mailings claim that there is a past-due amount and the bill needs to be paid immediately to avoid legal action.

 

These scams prey on values like stewardship, responsibility, trustworthiness, and honesty. They also prey on fear. People like my mother-in-law would be troubled to think they owe a utility company money and inclined to pay it immediately. When people pay these fake bills though, they lose more than money. In the process of paying, whether by check or credit card, they are releasing even more personal information to these criminals. In addition, because they fell for the scam, their information is sold to other unscrupulous people for future scams. An innocent person can become stuck in a terrible web of fraud.

 

It’s important that we begin to develop behaviors to protect ourselves from those who want to take advantage of us. There are actions we can take to avoid becoming their prey when we encounter these scams.

 

Don’t Panic. Even if something says, “Pay Immediately!” you can allow yourself 3-5 days to make sure the bill is legitimate. It is much more difficult to unpay a bill than it is to pay it.

 

Be skeptical. Did the bill come in a different envelope than your usual bill? Does the account information match your current account information? Do you owe this company money? Nancy Kropiewnicki, AAAWM Contract Administrator and Coordinator of the Kent County Elder Abuse Coalition, advises, “Being skeptical needs to be our first response when we receive these requests and we need to take the time to make sure it is legitimate before we send anyone our money.”

 

Check your records. Confirm the accuracy of the bill. Whether we write it down, keep a file of previous bills, use our bank’s bill pay service, or sign up for an online account with companies we do business with, we should be able to find out rather quickly whether we owe money.

 

If you’re questioning a bill, compare account numbers. Often the fake bill has a completely different account number than your actual account. Additionally, Kropiewnicki warns, “Do not call the phone number listed on the bill as it is most likely fraudulent. Look up the company’s phone number on a previous bill, the phone book or Google and call to verify the authenticity of the bill.” Calling the number listed on the bill could result in more scams coming your way.

 

Get another set of eyes on it. Do you have a friend or family member who would agree to be your go-to person for questionable bills/requests for payment? If you don’t have someone, you could ask your bank teller to review it, a staff person at your senior center, or trusted member of your church. It’s important to have another person look at it who might be able to notice oddities about the bill that you did not. 

 

Educate yourself. The Michigan State Attorney General website has a page dedicated to consumer alerts. You can also access help and resources from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

 

The bottom line is take your time. Kropiewnicki states, “Scammers use fear tactics to frighten people into paying phantom bills. They threaten legal action and arrest. Don’t fall for it!”

 

If you believe you have been a victim of fraud, contact your local law enforcement agency for help. Financial exploitation can also be reported to Adult Protective Services at (855) 444-3911. If you’re not sure where to turn, you can also call Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan at (888) 456-5664 or email us aaainfo@aaawm.org.

Becoming a dementia-friendly Grand Rapids

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By Regina Salmi, Area Agency on Aging of West Michigan

 

Today, there are over 5,000,000 people living with dementia. They are members of our churches, our workplaces, our neighborhoods, and our communities. They shop in the same stores we do, dine at the same restaurants, attend the same events, and utilize the same public transportation system. Despite living with dementia, they continue to be vital members of our communities and valued for their contributions. This is the ideal, anyway.

 

The reality is, for people living with dementia, their world tends to become slowly and consistently smaller, and a lot of this has to do with the difficulty they experience interacting with the world around them. We’ve all come into contact with a person who seems lost, is taking an extremely long time to make a decision, or is ‘holding up the line’ because they are confused about a process. We become exasperated; they become upset, and no one leaves the experience feeling good about ourselves.

 

While we can go about our day, collecting better experiences, a person with dementia will be reluctant to have that experience again, and will begin to avoid doing anything that may recreate it — shopping for groceries, riding a bus, ordering in a restaurant. They gradually become more isolated, less independent and separated from their communities. The isolation and separation people with dementia experience can actually contribute to the acceleration of their dementia. This isolation takes a great toll on care partners as well. Since they spend most of their time in the company of their loved one, they experience the same isolation and detachment from community.

 

Dementia Friendly Grand Rapids (DFGR) is part of a national movement working to create aware and supportive ‘Dementia Friends’ throughout all sectors of our community so that people living with dementia can comfortably navigate daily life. DFGR strives to move Grand Rapids toward becoming a more aware, accessible and inclusive city. A dementia-friendly city improves the community for everyone and is more livable through implementation of universal design. Dementia-friendly communities are more attractive, competitive and sustainable when they become more accessible and inclusive for everyone.

 

We’re learning more everyday about the various dementias, like Alzheimer’s, and the ways we can help people with dementia live fuller, more active and engaged lives, and extend independence and participation in their communities. For this to happen though, everyone needs to work together to create communities where any person, including a person with dementia, can live and thrive. This is dementia friendly.

 

DFGR’s main focus right now is creating awareness. This is done by teaching people about dementia and helping participants develop practical actions they can use to help someone they may encounter in the community who has dementia. Jennifer VanHorssen, DFGR Program Coordinator, says, “Whether it be the checkout at a grocery store, on the bus, serving coffee at a coffee shop, or at an art or music performance, each of us can be supportive and help people living with dementia feel welcome and included.” In the last year alone, volunteers with Dementia Friendly Grand Rapids have provided over 30 trainings enabling more than 400 people to become new Dementia Friends.

 

Creating a dementia-friendly city requires participation from all sectors of society — business, local government, transportation, financial institutions, neighborhood associations and faith communities, emergency responders, healthcare and the legal sector. DFGR’s focus for 2017-2018 is business. VanHorssen’s hope is to focus on sub-sectors “like restaurants, grocery stores, hair salons/barber shops, local retail, libraries and other public spaces” where business owners and/or employees are interacting with customers who may have dementia.

 

Often the slightest shift in our approach to working with a customer who seems indecisive, confused, or unsure of themselves can help them feel safe, supported and empowered. “In a dementia friendly community” VanHorssen cites, “people living with dementia have autonomy, a high quality of life, and are engaged with the community.”

 

Grand Rapids is experiencing an enormous amount of growth and development – we have the opportunity to do things differently so all Grand Rapids residents and visitors can have autonomy while navigating our city. It begins with awareness. If your business/organization would like to learn about becoming a dementia friend, contact Dementia Friendly Grand Rapids by calling (616) 222-7036 or email info@dementiafriendlygr.com. You can also learn more about DFGR and the dementia friendly movement on their website: www.dementiafriendlygr.com

   

Caregivers Corner: Empowering Seniors with Technology

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File photo

By Regina Salmi and Kendrick Heinlein, Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan

 

The use of smartphones, tablets and computers has become firmly integrated into our daily lives. Even the most resistant adopters of electronic devices in their daily lives often find themselves on the way to their local library or a family member’s house in order to ‘get online’ to complete an important task. Fast-moving technologies can make once simple tasks like banking or ordering from a catalog difficult for those who have not stayed up to date with changes.

 

While in many ways it can seem like technology has overtaken our lives, it has brought us many opportunities we previously didn’t have. Being able to place a video call to grandchildren who may live miles and miles away from us, or to consult with a physician and get help without an appointment, enriches our everyday experience. Using electronic devices can also empower us, increase our independence and safety, and reduce isolation by connecting us to our communities.

 

In May, the Pew Research Center (2017), released results on a study of the use of technology by older adults and the results indicated a significant increase of electronic devices in the few years. Since 2011, the use of smartphones among older adults increased 35%. Today 4 in 10 adults age 65+ own a smart phone. There were similar increases in tablet use. One third of seniors own a tablet, like an iPad, which is a 19% increase from 2010. These results indicate that older adults are just as connected as other age groups, yet for many older adults, their devices seem more a hindrance than a help in their daily lives.

 

While 75% of older adults surveyed in the Center’s study are online several times a day, only 26% of those same adults feel confident in their use of electronic devices. There are several factors that contribute to this experience, but one of the main ones is the feeling of disorientation that older adults sometimes experience when they first get a smartphone, tablet or computer. Well-meaning family members, may get a device for a family member, set it up for them with passwords and security questions they don’t share with the new owner, and then become impatient with them when the device isn’t working properly.

 

Seniors will often limit themselves to only using features of their devices that they are certain they know how to operate, like making a phone call or playing a favorite game, missing out on a world of functions and apps that can actually enhance their lives and help them continue to be independent.

 

There are many organizations working to help seniors become more comfortable and proficient on using electronic devices throughout the nation. Public libraries are a great resource for seniors to learn the basics about how to use computers and even tablets and smartphones. Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan (AAAWM) is developing a class to teach seniors how to use their devices, and show them specific applications available that can support their independence and connection to their communities. We’ll also teach seniors how to protect themselves from scams while on the internet.

On Tuesday, August 22nd from 1-3 pm as part of Family Caregiver University, AAAWM will be introducing our new technology class. On this day, participants will learn the best ways to integrate new technology into the lives of older adults, some of the assistive technologies built into many devices, review apps that can help caregivers manage their lives, as well as give a preview of an upcoming course designed specifically to help seniors use mobile devices like a smartphone or tablet. The class will take place at Area Agency on Aging located at 3215 Eaglecrest Dr. NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525.

For a full list of Family Caregiver University classes provided by the Caregiver Resource Network, please call 888.456.5664 or go here.

Caregiver’s Corner is provided as a public service of the Caregiver Resource Network. The Caregiver Resource Network is a collaboration of West Michigan organizations dedicated to providing for the needs and welfare of family and professional caregivers within the community. Funded by the Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan with Older American’s Act Title IIIE, Family Caregiver Support funds.

Don’t be duped! Guarding ourselves against fraud

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By Regina Salmi

Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan

Every year, millions of Americans are victims of scams or fraud. It is estimated that approximately 11% of the population experiences loss of money or personal property annually. While it can happen to a person at any age, older adults are often the most frequent targets for fraud. Older adults often have access to funds, have excellent credit and own their homes, making them attractive targets for criminals. In fact, older adults lose an estimated 2.9 billion dollars a year to fraud.
These are the current scams particularly targeting older adults:

  • Grandchild Scam: A caller will sound distressed and claim to be a grandchild in trouble or in danger and beg to have money wired to them immediately. The best thing to do is to hang up and call family members to insure everyone is safe and sound.
  • IRS Scam: A person could receive a call, an email or an official-looking letter, demanding immediate payment. They are told information will be forwarded to local law enforcement officials for arrest if they fail to pay. This is not the way the IRS collects debts. If you don’t owe taxes, hang up immediately or delete the email without opening it. If you do owe on your taxes, call the IRS at 800-829-1040 for assistance to pay them.
  • Gift Cards: Many people are being tricked into buying hundreds of dollars in gift cards or pre-paid money cards and sending them to a person in order to receive a prize, pay off a debt, purchase goods or services, or to help a grandchild pay off student loans. There isn’t any legitimate business conducted this way, so refuse any request to pay with gift cards or pre-paid credit cards.

While it seems there are scams everywhere we turn, there are a few ‘rules of thumb’ we can use to protect ourselves from being fooled:

  • If it sounds too good to be true — it is. Criminals feed on our desires by offering us goods or opportunities we wouldn’t, in reality, be able to attain: vacations, money, miracle cures, property, etc. You can be sure there is always a hidden cost and we end up losing much more than we would have ever gained.
  • Never send money to someone you do not know. Any business or government agency you owe money to will send you the request through the mail. If a paperless billing notice arrives in your email and you didn’t initiate it, call the company directly to confirm it is from them.
  • Do not give personal or financial information to someone who calls, emails or shows up at your door. Avoid giving out your bank account, credit card or Social Security number unless you are positive you know who is requesting the information. Businesses you have accounts with will ask you to verify some information to make sure it’s you, like the last four digits of your social security number, but they are confirming your information — not receiving it for the first time.
  • If you get an email or pop-up message that asks for personal or financial information, do not reply, open any attachment or click on any link in the message. Legitimate companies don’t ask for this information by email and you’re often opening a door to identity theft. You also risk downloading viruses or software that collects your personal information and/or disables your computer’s security.

It’s important that we protect ourselves and share tips and information with family and friends who might also fall prey to these schemes. If you’re ever unsure about whether you might be the victim of a scam there are several resources available to you.

The Kent County Elder Abuse Coalition updates current scams frequently on their website: http://www.protectkentseniors.org. You can call them at 855.444.3911.

The Michigan Attorney General also has a consumer alert web page here. If you believe you may be a victim of a scam, you can call them at 877.765.8388.