Smart Ride: Go Anywhere with a Phone Call
Fraud & Security

New Scam: Can you Hear Me?

by Rod Spurgeon
written by Rod Spurgeon

In the latest ploy by scammers to steal your hard-earned cash, criminals use the lure of a free vacation to convince targets to hand over their credit card information. What these thieves also obtain is involuntary permission to charge expensive trip features on these credit cards by convincing people to answer “yes” to the question, “Can you hear me okay?” New Scam: Can you Hear Me?
In this scam, a robocall (automated dialing system that plays a pre-recorded message) calls a target to pitch the free vacation. Here’s how an actual call begins: New Scam: Can you Hear Me?
“Hello, this is Josh from customer service. Can you hear me okay?” New Scam: Can you Hear Me?
Pause for several seconds. New Scam: Can you Hear Me?
“Great. You have been preselected for an all-expenses paid vacation which includes tickets and…”
The robocall doesn’t sound automated at this point. It attempts to simulate a live person to get the target to respond to the question, “Can you hear me okay?” A person who hears this and doesn’t know the call is from a robocaller will usually respond by saying “yes” in response to the question. If the target responds to the question with a “yes,” the scammer has what he needs to authorize charges on a credit card the scammer hopes to obtain later in the call.
This call continued with the free trip offer and outlined the many benefits of this windfall. To secure the trip and pay for any incidentals that aren’t included in the free package, all a person has to do is offer a credit card number over the phone. The scammer promises that no charges will be applied to the card unless the person makes additional purchases on the trip. That promise couldn’t be further away from the truth.
If a person provides a credit card number to this scammer, the criminal will make expensive charges on the card associated with the “free” trip. When the victim receives a credit card statement that outlines these expenses charges he didn’t agree to, the person will naturally phone the “company” to complain. The scammer who responds will aggressively tell the target that he agreed to the charges during the call, and that they have his “yes” confirmation to approve the charges.
The “yes” confirmation of course came at the beginning of the call in response to the “Can you hear me okay?” question. That’s how devious these criminals can be in their efforts to steal your money.
You have to arm yourself with the knowledge to protect yourself from these deceitful criminals to avoid becoming a victim. Here’s how you can prevent this deceptive crook from stealing your cash: Can you Hear Me Scam

  • Never answer a phone call unless you know the identity of the caller. This will prevent most telephone scams from connecting with you.
  • If you answer the phone and the person doesn’t say the name of the company he or she is connected with, the person is probably a scammer. In the robocall above, Josh stated he is from “customer service.” What company is that? Customer service is usually the name of a department within a company, not the name of the company itself. Hang up the phone.
  • A business will never call random people with whom they have no established relationship to offer free vacation packages. If a person calls to offer anything for free, hang up immediately, especially if the caller doesn’t know your name. The person is using the pretense of offering something for free to try to take your money.

Nobody can stop these criminals from reaching out to you. Nobody is going to tell you when you’re under attack by one of these criminals. Nobody is going to stop you from giving the criminal what he or she wants. Only you can defend yourself when you come under fire by a criminal. Can you Hear Me Scam on Seniors
Always remain skeptical of anything that seems too good to be true and do your best to update your knowledge frequently with the latest tricks scammers might use to steal from you. Own your defense to stay safe from criminals.
For other tips on avoiding scams click here. New Scam: Can you Hear Me?

New Scam: Can you Hear Me?

New Scam: Can you Hear Me? New Scam: Can you Hear Me? New Scam: Can you Hear Me? New Scam: Can you Hear Me?
New Scam: Can you Hear Me?
 

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How Identity Theft Affects Taxes
Fraud & Security

How Identity Theft Affects Taxes

by Kimberly Johnson
written by Kimberly Johnson

Precautions You Can Take Right Now

When your identity is stolen, you have so many potential issues to deal with — changing passwords, closing accounts, dealing with fraudulent charges, and placing fraud alerts with the credit bureaus — that you may forget about potential tax fraud. Armed with your personal information, identity thieves can file a fraudulent tax return in your name and receive a refund before you realize your information has been compromised. Sometimes taxpayers are unaware of the breach until they have problems filing their taxes. How Identity Theft Affects Taxes
What do you do if you fall victim to tax-related identity theft? Start by responding to any IRS notice as instructed. Your first hint that there is an issue could be a notice from the IRS asking you to verify your identity because of a suspicious tax return with your Social Security number. How Identity Theft Affects Taxes
Remember that almost all legitimate IRS contact will be through a letter in the mail. Since your information has already been compromised, you may receive threatening phone calls from scammers pretending to be IRS agents demanding immediate payments under threat of arrests or legal action. Do not fall for these scams.
If you find that you cannot file your taxes electronically because a return has already been filed in your name, you need to take immediate action. To avoid potential penalties, file your taxes using a traditional paper return and pay any taxes that you owe. At the same time, file an IRS Identity Theft Affidavit (Form 14039). You can include the affidavit with the paper return or follow the form’s instructions to send it separately by mail or fax. Only file Form 14039 if your e-filing is rejected because a fraudulent duplicate was filed or if your Social Security number has been stolen and the IRS has notified you that you may be a victim of tax-related ID theft. How Identity Theft Affects Taxes
Once you are a confirmed victim of ID theft, you may be issued a separate and unique six-digit number known as an Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN). To ensure the integrity of your return, the IRS will send you a letter each year containing a new IP PIN. How Identity Theft Affects Taxes
By taking common-sense steps, you can reduce the likelihood that you will fall victim to tax-related ID theft. Protecting your Social Security number is the first step. Never carry your Social Security card with you; keep it in a secure place in your home. Be cautious in providing your Social Security number, and only supply it when absolutely necessary.
Protect your digital information with the same diligence. Make sure that all of your computers and mobile devices are protected with sufficient anti-virus and anti-spamming software. Use sufficiently complex passwords and change them regularly, do not use the same password for multiple accounts, and do not undercut your security by writing down all the passwords in a readily accessible area. Only transfer information using secure methods — avoid unsecure Wi-Fi connections or hot spots.
These steps can help protect your personal information and foil potential tax fraud. For further suggestions on protective measures, see IRS Publication 4524, “Security Awareness for Taxpayers“.
You can also do your part to reduce tax fraud by reporting any suspicious tax-related activity to the IRS, even if you are not directly affected. For instructions on reporting tax fraud, follow this chart on the IRS Website.
The IRS halted 1.4 million fraudulent returns in progress in 2015, saving $8.7 billion — but they can’t do it alone. It takes a collaborative effort from everyone involved to beat tax fraud related to identity theft, including you.
If you would like to prevent becoming a victim of identity theft, check out our credit monitoring service.
 
 

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Friendly Scammers Preying on Seniors

Surprises for Seniors Who Rent Vacation Apartments

by Kimberly Johnson
written by Kimberly Johnson

Apartment Sharing or Red Herring?

“Lots of space, great savings over hotels, and I don’t feel like a tourist.” That’s why A.J. decided to rent a vacation apartment in France. A.J. doesn’t want his full name published but he does want to caution other senior travelers to do their homework before booking. Surprises for Seniors Who Rent Vacation Apartments
Noisy sleepless nights, vandalism, no hot water, waiting in the rain in a nearby bodega after dark for the owner to arrive with the key… like A.J. older travelers have been subjected to everything from rattled nerves to broken hearts. Surprises for Seniors Who Rent Vacation Apartments
He and his wife looked at dozens of photos before settling on a beautiful French apartment. But after weeks of planning and anticipation, they arrived to a noisy flat. A.J. says “the traffic and fumes were very intrusive.” And that was the least of it. A.J. is in good physical shape, but stairs are stairs. The owner had assured him that getting up to the second floor apartment would be no problem. The so-called second floor was up 53 uneven steps. That’s a long way to walk and a very long way to haul heavy suitcases.
Travelers can find a lot of holiday apartment options on websites like Airbnb (www.airbnb.com) and Homeaway (www.homeaway.com) But the problem with those sites says Jules Kragen, President of a new Senior oriented vacation apartment rental company called Scertified Stays (www.scertified.com) is that “there is nothing to protect you from omitted facts, aggressive selling and even outright fraud such as posting fake positive reviews.” He says there are hundreds of on-line agencies competing for business and it isn’t in their interest to tell older travelers why their choice might not be the best one.
Satisfaction with where we stay can make or break an entire holiday. And for many, renting a holiday apartment can be roll of the dice. A deep sleeper may enjoy the bustle and location of an apartment on a busy boulevard. This would be a disaster for a light sleeper. Nor do any of the big sites look at things like local crime statistics, interior noise levels, graffiti or empty shops in the neighborhood, basic accessibility, or the pros, cons and idiosyncrasies of each apartment they offer.
Unfortunately, no one is regulating the vacation apartment rental industry. And with growing competition, more apartments being available does not mean better apartments are available. Airbnb and a dozen other top apartment rental agencies offer over a million vacation apartments. I looked at ads for 300 one and two bedroom apartments in popular destinations like Miami, London, and Paris. Not one of the ads I looked at said something like, “this apartment may not be suitable for mature guests.” In fact none of them suggested that even in some circumstances the fit might not be right.
I saw one big difference with Scertified Stays. Next to every listing they talk about what might not be suitable for older guests. Noise on a busy boulevard, poor lighting and security, difficulty finding public transportation, bad conditions in the neighborhood – all of these things add up to the success of a vacation. According to their website, they inspect up to sixty senior-centric features in and around every apartment they offer. They use both technology and old-fashioned checklists to assess noise levels in bedrooms, graffiti in the neighborhood, local crime rates, building security, property management and dozens of other features. They even back the accuracy and relevance of their assessments with a money-back guarantee. Surprises for Seniors Who Rent Vacation Apartments
Vacation apartments can add real value and flexibility to your holiday plans. But when you select your holiday lodging, if you aren’t given all the information you need to guarantee a successful stay, then it may be best to move on. Surprises for Seniors Who Rent Vacation Apartments
by Ron Bolton, Guest Blogger Surprises for Seniors Who Rent Vacation Apartments
Ron Bolton has been writing about travel and entertainment for over two decades. His work takes a fresh look at matters of special interest to independent and intrepid travelers.
Surprises for Seniors Who Rent Vacation Apartments

Surprises for Seniors Who Rent Vacation Apartments Surprises for Seniors Who Rent Vacation Apartments Surprises for Seniors Who Rent Vacation Apartments

Surprises for Seniors Who Rent Vacation Apartments

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Organizing Care for an Aging Loved One
Caregiving

Putting Your Older Parent in a Home

by Kendall VanBlarcom
written by Kendall VanBlarcom

The time has come. You made the decision to put your older parent in a nursing home or assisted living facility. You didn’t necessarily want to do it, but you know deep down inside it’s best. Why do you feel so guilty and sad about it, though? How to Deal with Putting Your Older Parent in a Home
The answer lies in how you’re dealing with the decision of putting your older parent in a home. Even though it may be the best decision for your mom or dad, it’s what you’re thinking and believing about yourself that matters. How to Deal with Putting Your Older Parent in a Home

Not Good Enough

Many people who decide to put their older parent in a home feel as though they are just not good enough to care for their mom or dad adequately. They usually don’t have the time or feel they don’t have the skills.
Just because you believe you aren’t good enough doesn’t mean that you’re not. Actually, you probably are giving your mom and dad just the right amount and quality of care needed. You may be too hard on yourself.

Lazy

You may feel as though you are lazy. While you want to care for your older parent, a part of you really doesn’t want the work that comes along with it.
There’s nothing wrong with this because it is a lot of work. Caregiving is demanding – phsysically, emotionally, and mentally.
You are NOT lazy just because you have decided you don’t want to devote all of your spare time to taking care of your parent. You are choosing to protect the relationship you have with your parent, by not ruining it with resentment when you feel as though you’ve had enough after a long day of caregiving.

Selfish

You may feel as though you are selfish. Taking care of your older parent may not fall into your schedule as nicely as you would like it to, so you feel guilty about not doing it. You don’t have to feel this way, and you are NOT selfish.
You are thinking of your older parent when you decide to put him or her in a home. You are trying to provide your mom or dad with a good place for them to live where they will have everything they need. If you were selfish, you would ONLY think of yourself, and wouldn’t care where they lived or how they cared for themselves.
Pat yourself on the back. You’re stepping up and caring for your older parents.

Beliefs

Some people have a belief they MUST care for their aging parents. They believe it makes them a bad person if they don’t do it. This is untrue.
You are not obligated to care for your parents. Sure, it’s a nice thing to do, but finding a safe, healthy home for your parent is also nice.
Not all beliefs people have are warranted. You made up that belief because you felt as though that’s what you should do – it’s not what you need to do. If you can remember that, a lot of the pressure you’re putting on yourself will be relieved.
Are you still feeling bad about putting your older parents in a home? I understand how hard it is for you. That’s why I work as a personal consultant. I help people just like you deal with situations such as this, so they feel better about themselves and their situation in life. Book a session with me now. We can tackle the feelings and thoughts you’re having, so you can feel good about yourself again.
How to Deal with Putting Your Older Parent in a Home How to Deal with Putting Your Older Parent in a Home How to Deal with Putting Your Older Parent in a Home How to Deal with Putting Your Older Parent in a Home

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Caregiving

Making The Most of Visits With Aging Parents

by Kathy Macaraeg
written by Kathy Macaraeg

Do These Simple Things to Ensure Your Aging Parents are Safe in their Home

Whether you visit your aging parents weekly or a few times a year, there are certain safety issues you should walk for during your visits. Many times, during visits with family, we spend the entire visit in their living room and don’t see some of the safety hazards in the rest of their home. Making The Most of Visits With Aging Parents
While your aging parent may seem safe in his or her home, their mobility or balance can change quickly. Staying on top of their home safety is critical to helping them age in place for as long as possible. Here are some ways to maximize your visits with you aging parents so that you get quality time but also stay on top of their ability to safely live independently. Making The Most of Visits With Aging Parents

Leave the House

This may sound like an odd suggestion, but I worked with many families who visited their aging parent regularly and had no idea that their parent had a hard time getting out of the house. Whether your aging parent has front steps that don’t have a railing or use a walker that can’t be maneuvered down the steps, there are many hazards that make it difficult for a person with mobility challenges to safely exit their home.
Even if your parent is homebound, being able to exit the home is critical to their safety. What if there is a fire? What if they forget about their limitation and try to go out for a walk or get the mail. Are they able to exit and enter the house from all exits? You never know what situation could arise, so plan ahead to keep your aging parent safe.
While you are checking their ability to safely enter and exit their home, you should also take the opportunity to evaluate your parent’s driving. Perhaps you ask them to drive you to the grocery store or bakery for a treat. Riding in the car with them will give you a better perspective of their driving ability.

Cook Together

You won’t just get to learn your mother’s special pasta sauce recipe, you’ll also be able to see if she is safely able to maneuver her kitchen. Does she have the heavy pots on a high shelf? Help her find a new, easier location to store them. Are the knobs on the stove difficult to turn on/off due to arthritis? Look into new knobs or a hack to help make it easier to use.
While you’re in the kitchen, check the refrigerator for old or expired food and the food supply, in general. Is the refrigerator bare? Why? Does your parent have a hard time getting out to shop or is he/she becoming forgetful about stocking necessities. I once worked with a woman who had dementia who bought soda every time we went to the store, but she never actually drank soda. She had six packs stacked in her pantry. Do you see any oddities that were never an issue before?
Do a little digging to find out why. It may be that your parent struggles with carrying groceries into the house, so isn’t able to buy much. You may want to consider setting up online grocery delivery, or at minimum, delivery of heavier pantry items.

Allow Them to Host You

Sometimes, when we see our parents looking more frail, our instinct is to jump in and do everything. It is a wonderful gesture, but the problem is, you can’t be sure of their capabilities if you don’t watch them operate independently in their own home. Let your parent set the table, turn off the stove, clear the table (with your help of course!).
Watch to see if they are struggling with any tasks. You may be able to come up with solutions together on how to simplify tasks or you may need to consider bringing help into their home.

Get One Step Ahead

While you’re there, look for safety risks or fall risks and work with your parent to address them. You can also take a look at the following household tasks that they may need help with:

  1. Are there any burned out light bulbs? Change them while you are visiting so that your parent won’t attempt to do it on his/her own.
  2. Is the season changing? If so, ask your parent if they have blankets or clothing that is stored up high that they may need help bringing down.
  3. Are tall bookshelves strapped to the wall? You may want to consider using earthquake furniture straps so that they are secure. If your parent trips and grabs a bookshelf to stop their fall, you want to be sure they are nicely secured to the wall and don’t come down on top of them.
  4. If they are reaching for books or items on high shelves, make sure they have a sturdy step ladder with a handrail – and that they actually use it!

What other things can you think of to make a pre-emptive “strike” to ensure your parent is making dangerous decisions?
Making The Most of Visits With Aging Parents Making The Most of Visits With Aging Parents Making The Most of Visits With Aging Parents

Making The Most of Visits With Aging Parents

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Pets

Symptom Checker Could Help Diagnose Your Dog

by Jeff Dailey
written by Jeff Dailey

When your dog is under the weather or experiencing a more serious health issue, you probably dread the thought of an expensive veterinarian bill. However, as your dog can not tell you what he or she is experiencing, you will need to clearly watch your dog to make the best guess.Symptom Checker Could Help Diagnose Your Dog
The more information you can provide to your vet, the lower the bill may be, as you could eliminate unnecessary tests from being administered. This is why you should utilize a dog symptom checker on the Internet. Symptom Checker Could Help Diagnose Your Dog
A dog symptom checker will help you to narrow down what could be wrong with your pet. If your canine has obvious problems, such as a skin condition, you would think that your vet could immediately state what is wrong. However, even something as noticeable as a skin condition is not that easy to diagnose, as it could be caused by a thyroid problem or Cushing’s disease.
The key is know what signs you should look for, so that your vet can come up with the right diagnosis, while keeping your bill as low as possible. Some of the most common things to look for is any changes in their behavior, odors, whether or not their bowel movements are normal, and their nose and ears.
When you go online and start using this tool, you should look for those that let you type the various indicators you have noticed or choose them from a diagram. After choosing the symptom that describes your dog, it will then list out a variety of things that could cause this to happen to your dog.
While you should not use the dog symptom checker to diagnose and treat your dog yourself, it can be a very useful tool for every pet owner. Obviously, if you diagnose your dog with fleas, you should treat them yourself. However, most issues are going to need the assistance of a veterinarian and you should never not take your dog to a vet because you do not think it is a serious problem

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Caregiver’s Asylum from Parkinson’s Psychosis
Caregiving

Caregiver’s Asylum from Parkinson’s Psychosis

by Kimberly Johnson
written by Kimberly Johnson

I have spent the majority of my life surrounded by Parkinson’s disease, which affects over 1 million Americans. Both of my parents passed away from complications related to the disease and my sister was recently diagnosed as well. Beyond the debilitating and recognizable motor symptoms (such as freezing), my loved ones also developed Parkinson’s disease psychosis (PDP), a common aspect of the disease characterized by hallucinations and delusions, and affecting more than half of all people with Parkinson’s over the course of the disease. Caregiver’s Asylum from Parkinson’s Psychosis
PDP is a common, but still very misunderstood, especially for a caregiver. I know firsthand how emotional and frustrating it can be. I’ve since learned that research has shown there is a strong correlation between the onset of psychosis and increased stress by those who care for PD psychosis sufferers.
My father, John, was the production manager on the control panels for the Gemini, Mercury and Apollo Space missions. It made little sense to me when an intelligent man, like my father, said he saw old colleagues from the space program gathered at our kitchen table. It was as if he was re-living an event from over twenty years prior with people who weren’t really in the room with him. As a result of my parents’ illnesses, I elected to move back home to New Jersey to care for them and gave up a dream career opportunity in Nashville. I didn’t regret my decision, but it did change my future path. Caring for my parents was challenging and there were times I felt alone and unsure how to cope. I often second-guessed myself, taking on guilt and regret over the many decisions I had to make on my parent’s behalf.
More recently, my sister, Judy, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2014. The disease forced Judy to end her career as an English teacher and social worker, move out of her home, and, like our father, she began to experience PDP. Judy frequently sees snakes on her hand, men in the trees, babies upstairs, dogs at the door, or even barbershop quartets in walls. One day she ran out of the house after a car because she thought she saw her daughter, whom she had been missing, in the front seat. But, like my dad’s episodes, her daughter wasn’t really there. Additionally, Judy has been struggling with depression and as her sister it is very distressing to see your loved one so down. My dear sister had a great sense of humor, but today her delightful personality is overshadowed by hallucinations.
Caring for a loved one can be overwhelming, which is why it’s important to have an outlet to find a balance. For me, that has been raising awareness for PDP and becoming active in the Parkinson’s disease community to help others who may be in the same situation realize that they are not alone.
My experience with PDP gave me the purpose and passion to make a difference. In January of 2016 and 2017, I performed a song I wrote at the Light of Day Winterfest, a non-profit to fight Parkinson’s disease, ALS and related complications. As a songwriter, there is nothing like performing on stage in front of an audience. There is something very special about connecting with your audience – in this case, caregivers or patients – about something you can all relate to.
In addition, one of the most rewarding experiences of my life was the opportunity to testify about the impact of Parkinson’s disease psychosis on me and my family at the FDA hearing in DC to evaluate the first treatment for hallucinations and delusions associated with Parkinson’s disease. It was thrilling when the FDA approved the medication for the treatment of hallucinations and delusions just a few weeks later in May 2016. I felt like my participation at that meeting benefitted the entire Parkinson’s disease community.
At its most basic level, advocacy means to help or assist. As I shared my story, I felt comfort and camaraderie among the other caregivers and advocates I’ve met along the way. Through raising awareness of PDP, I am hopeful that patients with PD, like my sister Judy, will have the opportunity to access better treatments that were not available to our parent’s generations ago.
To learn more about PDP and how you can become an advocate, visit National Parkinson Foundation at caremap.parkinson.org.
By Mary Ann Conway
Caregiver’s Asylum from Parkinson’s Psychosis Caregiver’s Asylum from Parkinson’s Psychosis Caregiver’s Asylum from Parkinson’s Psychosis Caregiver’s Asylum from Parkinson’s Psychosis Caregiver’s Asylum from Parkinson’s Psychosis Caregiver’s Asylum from Parkinson’s Psychosis

Caregiver’s Asylum from Parkinson’s Psychosis

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Benefits of Seniors Having a Fraud Alert
Money Tips

Benefits of Seniors Having a Fraud Alert

by Kimberly Johnson
written by Kimberly Johnson

With higher credit scores and large nest eggs, seniors are particularly susceptible to financial fraud. According to an article in Time, almost 40 percent of seniors have been victims. While most people are aware of scams, few imagine that they could be a victim. However, it’s smart to be vigilant at all times. A fraud alert can help you feel safer, so think about whether it’s right for you. Benefits of Seniors Having a Fraud Alert

What Is a Fraud Alert?

A fraud alert flags your account with the credit bureaus so that they can be on the lookout for suspicious activities. It’s intended to be used by those who have a reasonable suspicion that their identity may be stolen. For instance, you might set the alert after learning about a data breach at your bank or after realizing that you may have fallen prey to a phishing scam.
The initial fraud alert lasts 90 days, and you’ll have to prove your identity. Extended fraud alerts are intended for those who have experienced identity theft. They last for seven years, but require you to show a copy of the identity theft police report.
When you have an alert on your account, the companies will provide you a copy of your credit report and will let you know if anyone tries to set up a new account using your personal information.
To set the alert, you simply have to notify one of the three credit bureaus – Experian, TransUnion, or Equifax. Once you’ve filed with one company, they’re required to notify the other two.

5 Reasons Why Seniors Should Have a Fraud Alert

Not sure whether a fraud alert is right for you? Consider the following reasons:
They’re More Likely to Be Targeted
Scammers tend to target seniors for a variety of reasons: Benefits of Seniors Having a Fraud Alert

  • They live alone
  • They have large amounts of money in their accounts
  • They can be forgetful
  • They can be nice and helpful
  • They have great credit scores
  • They may not be careful about personal data

For all of these reasons, it’s smart to keep an eye on your credit report. Request a free copy at least once a year to look for mistakes and catch fraud quickly.
Protecting the Nest Egg
If you fall prey to a scam, there’s a good chance that you’ll lose money. This is especially true in cases where a person tricks you into paying them large sums of money. Unfortunately, people who fall for these scams rarely get their money back. A loss of tens of thousands of dollars can greatly affect your life.
Fraud Is Less Likely to Go Noticed
As a senior, you’re more settled in life. You probably already own your home and your car, so there aren’t many reasons for you to apply for new credit. If you’re not checking your reports and not applying for credit, it could be years before you find out someone has opened an account in your name.
Reporting Happens Automatically
Sometimes, seniors worry about being the victims of fraud, but they don’t know where to turn. Sometimes, they’re too embarrassed to report their concerns. With a fraud alert in place, the credit companies contact you about suspicious activity. There’s no confusion over what you should do.
Peace of Mind
You’ll simply feel a lot safer knowing that someone is watching over your accounts. Anyone can fall victim to a scam, but the earlier you can catch the problem, the easier it is to resolve the situation.
By Christina Scott
Christina Scott is the Community Liaison and Blog Manager for Sonoma Home Health Care, which provides compassionate, quality home health care to their patients in Las Vegas.

Benefits of Seniors Having a Fraud Alert

Benefits of Seniors Having a Fraud Alert Benefits of Seniors Having a Fraud Alert Benefits of Seniors Having a Fraud Alert Benefits of Seniors Having a Fraud Alert

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7 Simple Steps to Senior Bathroom Safety
Fall Prevention TipsSafety & Fall Prevention

Seven Simple Steps to Senior Bathroom Safety

by Jeff Dailey
written by Jeff Dailey

One in three seniors over the age of 65 will experience at least one fall annually, according to the Centers for Disease Control. The bathroom is one of the most dangerous rooms in the home for the elderly. Slick floors, small spaces, sharp edges and few things to grasp make mobility difficult and increase chances for dangerous falls. Seven Simple Steps to Senior Bathroom Safety
Unable to complete everyday tasks with the same mobility they once had, many senior homeowners are left with unsafe measures to prevent falling in the bathroom. These may include insufficiently secured towel racks that could fall when gripped for support, shower chairs that are not slip resistant and sliding shower doors that could move unexpectedly when entering and exiting the tub. Seven Simple Steps to Senior Bathroom Safety
“We want seniors to live safely and comfortably in every part of their homes. It’s important that senior homeowners are aware of the challenges independent living can present and take the appropriate precautions,” says Larry Rothman, Roto-Rooter’s director of plumbing services. Seven Simple Steps to Senior Bathroom Safety
Roto-Rooter, America’s largest provider of plumbing and drain-cleaning services is offering tips on what to install in the bathroom to keep it safe for loved ones so they can maintain an independent lifestyle with easier mobility.

  • Equip showers and surrounding walls with sturdy grab bars anchored to wall studs so they can support the full weight of an adult. Some portable safety handles use super strong suction cups and are easy to apply and remove.
  • Consider installing nonskid tape or mats on the floor of a shower or bathtub.
  • A shower chair is also a safe solution that can be easily placed where balance is a challenge.
  • Flexible handheld shower wands with an on/off button might be easier to use than a traditional shower head. These are especially useful in combination with shower chairs.
  • Toilets can be replaced with ADA-approved raised-height models to lessen the chance of a harsh fall. Alternatively, raised-height seats can be installed on existing toilets.
  • Check temperature settings on water heaters, as water hotter than 120 F can scald skin. Special no-scald faucets or a no-scald regulator can be installed as a secondary layer of protection.
  • Some faucet handles are difficult for arthritic hands to grip and turn. These should be replaced with models that are easier for seniors to use.

A study by the Home Safety Council found that falls are the leading cause of home injury-related deaths among older adults. Making simple home installations can make day-to-day living for seniors easier, reduce their risk of falling and give peace of mind to those close to them. Most of the devices Roto-Rooter suggests can be installed by most anyone and are recommended for overall safety and optimal mobility for seniors.

7 Simple Steps to Senior Bathroom Safety

Provided by: ARA
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