Older adults are often the targets of scams and mistreatment by individuals seeking financial gain. Telemarketers, salespersons, and others sometimes take advantage of older adults who live alone. It’s crucial to arm older adults with information to help them recognize how criminals and dishonest people prey upon them. If you’re providing care for an aging loved one, the following are some specific topics you can address to keep him or her safe.
Scams
Seniors often share stories of getting several calls every day from telemarketers trying to sell insurance, burial plots, and miracle cures. Others call claiming to be from charities collecting money or a sweepstakes center informing seniors they’ve won prizes but must submit money to claim it. Scammers use many tactics to try to get seniors to answer their phones. Many use local telephone numbers that look familiar. Remind your loved one that he or she shouldn’t give out personal information like social security numbers or his or her birth date over the telephone. Criminals often pose as Social Security or Internal Revenue Service representatives to get personal information, but neither of these organizations will call and ask seniors for personal information. Tell your loved one to hang up when receiving such calls.
Avoiding scams is just one of the challenges older adults may encounter in the golden years. Seniors can face a variety of challenges as they age, many of which can be mitigated with the help of professional in-home caregivers who provide high-quality home care. Tucson families trust Home Care Assistance to help their elderly loved ones age in place safely and comfortably.
Home Safety
When older adults live independently, they can be vulnerable to hazards. Seniors may have lived in a home for several years without any issues. However, as they age, individuals may develop mobility or vision problems. Help your loved one understand the need to clear out clutter, remove or secure loose rugs, and make sure doors and windows are locked to keep out intruders. Teaching older adults to select and use home security technology such as cameras that allow them to monitor their property can provide a feeling of security.
For many seniors in Tucson, live-in care is an essential component of aging in place safely and comfortably. However, it’s important for them to have caregivers they can trust and rely on. At Home Care Assistance, we extensively screen all of our live-in and 24-hour caregivers and only hire those who have experience in the senior home care industry. Our strict requirements ensure seniors can remain in the comfort of home with a reduced risk of injury or serious illness.
Safe Internet Use
According to experts, over 60 percent of seniors use the Internet, and four in ten own smartphones. The Internet offers the convenience of telehealth or online medical visits, shopping, and paying bills at the click of a mouse. The Internet can also be a place where hackers and scam artists run rampant. Older adults benefit from information on how to recognize reputable websites. They also need to be reminded to safeguard personal data and use antivirus software to protect their computers.
Trusted Resources
Older adults who live a long distance from family may rely on friends and organizations for transportation or help around the house. Sometimes these arrangements work well, but at other times older adults might find they can’t get assistance when they need it. Seniors can benefit from resources such as in-home care agencies with staff who can provide transportation to appointments and other services. Equipping seniors with information about trusted resources means they can call and request assistance when needed.
Families shouldn’t have to worry about finding reliable elderly home care. Home Care Assistance is a leading provider of elderly home care. We offer a proprietary program called the Balanced Care Method, which uses holistic methods to promote senior health, our caregivers and Care Managers are available 24/7, and all of our in-home care services are backed with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Call (520) 276-6555 today to speak with one of our qualified Care Managers.