Freedom Eldercare Blog

"Tips to Protect Against Elder Fraud"

Elder financial abuse costs older Americans more than $2.6 billion per year. Follow these three steps to identify and protect against elder fraud:

1) Recognize the “red flags” of fraud.

2) Recognize the signs of victimization and how to help.

3) Inform and educate on how to reduce the number of unwanted sales calls and mailings and how to deal effectively with telemarketers.

The 1^st step in helping older people recognize the “red flags“of fraud:

• A promise to win money, make money or borrow money easily;
• A demand to act immediately or else miss out on this great opportunity;
• A refusal to send written information before agreeing to buy or donate;
• An attempt to scare the victim into buying something;
• Insistence on wiring money or having a courier pick up a payment; and,
• A refusal to stop calling after being asked not to call again.

Seniors need to know that:

• It’s illegal for companies that operate contests or sweepstakes to ask one to pay to enter or claim a prize or even suggest that chances of winning will improve if there is a purchase;
• It’s illegal for telemarketers to ask for a fee upfront to help get a loan if they guarantee or strongly imply that the loans will be made;
• There is no reason to give a credit card number or bank account number to a telemarketer unless a payment is actually being made with that account; and,
• If payment is required before getting detailed information about the offer, it’s probably a scam.

The 2^nd step is to recognize when older people have been victimized or may be in grave danger and know how to help them. Seniors may be in trouble if they:

• Receive lots of mail for contests, “free trips,” prizes, and sweepstakes or literature from foreign countries;
• Get frequent calls from strangers offering great deals or asking for charitable contributions;
• Make repeated and/or large payments to companies in other states or countries;
• Have difficulty buying groceries and paying utility and other bills;
• Subscribe to more magazines than anyone could normally read;
• Receive lots of cheap items such as costume jewelry, beauty products, water filters, and knick knacks that they bought to win something or received as prizes;
• Get calls from organizations offering to recover, for a fee, money they have lost to fraudulent telemarketers.

If you are trying to help an older person with a telemarketing fraud problem, don’t be critical. It could happen to anyone—con artists are very good at what they do.  Encourage them to:

• Report actual or attempted fraud to the National Fraud Information Center, 800-876 7060. That information will be transmitted to law enforcement agencies;
• Change their phone number if con artists call repeatedly; and,
• Change their bank account or credit card numbers if they have fallen into the hands of thieves.

The 3^rd step in fighting telemarketing fraud is to inform older people about how to reduce the number of unwanted sales calls and mailings they receive and how to deal effectively with telemarketers.

• Avoid getting on sucker lists. Don’t fill out contest entry forms at fairs or malls—they are a common source of “leads” for con artists. Ask companies with whom business is done not to share personal information with other marketers.
• Eliminate junk mail. Use a service such as Tonic Mailstopper (precycle.tonic.com) to stop junk mail from being delivered.
• Know the “Do-Not-Call” rights. Under federal law, a telemarketer can be instructed not to call a number again. Call 888-382-1222 or register online at DoNotCall.gov.
• Know who the telemarketing company is. If it’s an unfamiliar company or charity, check it out with the state or local consumer protection agency and the Better Business Bureau. Check out a business online at BBB.org/us/Find-Business-Reviews.
• Screen calls. Use an answering machine, Caller ID, or other services available from the phone company to help determine who to talk to and who to avoid.
• Have a plan for speaking to telemarketers. Before the phone is answered, know what questions to ask or what to say. Be polite, but firm. Hang up if someone refuses to answer questions or any “red flags” of fraud are detected.

Know that a phone number may be collected. When a company is called, the number from which the call is placed can be displayed through Automatic Number Identification (ANI). If the call is about an account with the business, this enables the customer service representative to pull up appropriate records and provide help faster, but ANI can also be used for marketing purposes. Ask what information is being collected and tell the company if you don’t want to be put on a marketing list.

     

"3 Simple Steps for Safe Disposal of Unused Medicines" By, Janet Pincu, MSW, LCSW, CALA

It is important to remember that proper disposal of medicines, both prescription and over the counter, will prevent harm and will ensure the safety of others and the environment.  The US Food and Drug Administration discusses the proper disposal of medicines on their website Safe Disposal of Medicines > Disposal of Unused Medicines: What You Should Know. 

Throughout the country there are medication “Take-Back” Programs for disposal of expired, unwanted or unused medications run by city or county governments.  Pharmacists are often able to assist you with information of programs close by.

Otherwise the FDA offers the following steps to safely dispose at home:

• Mix Medicines – (Do NOT crush tablets or capsules) with an unpalatable substance such as kitty litter or used coffee grounds
• Place the mixture in a container such as a sealed plastic bag
• Throw the container in household trash

There is a small number of medications that are recommended for disposal by flushing which is listed on the FDA website.  The FDA does discuss recent reports that this practice will contribute to trace amounts of medicines in the water system.  Please reference this discussion for further information. druginfo@fda.hhs.gov.

     

"Veterans’ Aid and Attendance and Housebound Benefits Information"

Veterans and their spouses may be eligible for benefits to help with the cost of care in the home. 

To qualify, the veteran must:

• Have received an honorable or general discharge
• Have doctor’s orders stating he or she needs the aid and assistance of others daily
• Meet financial requirements
• Have served 1 day during an active war and had no less than 90 days of service

The surviving spouse of a veteran may also qualify providing he or she was still married to the veteran at the time of the veteran’s death.

What are Aid and Attendance and Housebound Benefits?

NOTE: A veteran cannot receive both Aid and Attendance and Housebound benefits at the same time, and must be receiving a monthly pension in order to qualify for either of these additional benefits.

Aid and Attendance (A&A) is a benefit paid in addition to a monthly pension. This benefit may not be paid without eligibility to pension. A veteran may be eligible for A&A when:

• The veteran requires the aid of another person in order to perform personal functions required in everyday living, such as bathing, feeding, dressing, attending to the wants of nature, adjusting prosthetic devices, or protecting himself/herself from the hazards of his/her daily environment, OR,
• The veteran is bedridden, in that his/her disability or disabilities requires that he/she remain in bed apart from any prescribed course of convalescence or treatment, OR,
• The veteran is a patient in a nursing home due to mental or physical incapacity, OR,
• The veteran is blind, or so nearly blind as to have corrected visual acuity of 5/200 or less in both eyes, or concentric contraction of the visual field to 5 degrees or less.

Housebound is a benefit paid in addition to a monthly pension. Like the Aid and Attendance benefit, Housebound benefits may not be paid without eligibility to pension. A veteran may be eligible for Housebound benefits when:

• The veteran has a single permanent disability evaluated as 100 percent disabling AND, due to such disability, he/she is permanently and substantially confined to his/her immediate premises, OR,
• The veteran has a single permanent disability evaluated as 100 percent disabling AND another disability, or disabilities, evaluated as 60 percent or more disabling.\

How to Apply for Aid and Attendance and Housebound Benefits:

• A veteran may apply for Aid and Attendance or Housebound benefits by writing to the VA regional office having jurisdiction of the claim, found online at www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/ro/rocontacts.htm. This is the office where the claim for pension benefits was filed. If the regional office of jurisdiction is not known, information on benefits may be requested from any VA regional office.
• Copies of evidence should be included, preferably a report from an attending physician, validating the need for Aid and Attendance or Housebound type care.
• The report should be in sufficient detail to determine whether there is disease or injury producing physical or mental impairment, loss of coordination, or conditions affecting the ability to dress and undress, to feed oneself, to attend to sanitary needs, and to keep oneself ordinarily clean and presentable.
• In addition, it is necessary to determine whether the claimant is confined to the home or immediate premises.
• Whether the claim is for Aid and Attendance or Housebound, the report should indicate how well the individual gets around, where the individual goes, and what he or she is able to do during a typical day.

Note: This veteran benefit process can take 4–6 months to process, but all benefits are retro‑dated back to the original filing date.

    

"Information on Durable Power of Attorney"

Various legal mechanisms can assist in the management of assets and health care when a person becomes incapacitated.  Make it a priority to make these arrangements before, rather than after, they are needed. Below is some basic information  on Durable Power of Attorney and Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care to assist in your preparations for your loved  ones, should they become incapacitated.

Because laws vary from state to state, you should consult with an attorney who is knowledgeable in estate and assets management for assistance in legal planning.

Durable Power of Attorney

Q: What is a Durable Power of Attorney for Property?

A Durable Power of Attorney for Property (DPA) is a document that allows you (the principal) to give authority to another person (your agent or attorney-in-fact) to make financial/legal decisions and financial transactions on your behalf. It is called “durable” when, by its terms, it remains effective even if the principal becomes mentally incompetent.

Q: Who can serve as attorney-in-fact?

It need not be an attorney: any trusted adult, such as a spouse, partner, relative or friend can serve as attorney-in-fact.  Also, there are several nonprofit agencies that can fill this role. Your attorney-in-fact will have broad authority, and it is critical that the person or agency you choose be trustworthy and sensitive to your wishes.

Q: What powers can I give to my attorney-in-fact?

The powers you give your attorney-in-fact can be as limited or as broad as you like, and can include the power to buy property, to invest, to contract, to engage in tax planning, to make gifts, and, very importantly, to plan for government benefits, such as Supplemental Security Income and Medicaid (Medi-Cal in California). For example, the attorney-in-fact can be given authority to transfer the principal residence to your spouse if you need to be in a nursing home or require government assistance.

Q: What are the advantages of a Durable Power of Attorney?

A DPA is a relatively easy, inexpensive mechanism for allowing another person to handle your legal and financial affairs. Unlike a joint tenancy bank account, which people often use as a management device in the event of incapacity, a DPA does not give your attorney-in-fact legal access for his or her own use. Your attorney-in-fact must use your assets for your benefit, and a DPA ceases to be effective when the principal dies.

Q: What are the disadvantages of a Durable Power of Attorney?

The main disadvantage of a DPA is that it is subject to abuse because there is no ongoing court supervision of the attorney-in-fact. This differs from a conservatorship or guardianship, under which a conservator is required to submit an ongoing accounting to the court. If the attorney-in-fact abuses his or her authority and acts improperly, a court

may step in and take action. However, in many cases, the damage is already done, and it is difficult to undo it. Thus, you should take great care in selecting your attorney-in-fact.

 

Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care

Q: What is a Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care (DPAHC)?

A DPAHC is an Advance Directive that allows you to appoint a health care agent (also known as an attorney-in-fact, a proxy, or a surrogate) to make health care decisions for you in the event that you can no longer speak for yourself.  Every state recognizes a DPAHC, but laws governing Advance Directives vary from state to state.

Q: What if I am competent to make my own health care decisions?

Unless you stipulate otherwise, your health care agent makes decisions for you only if you are no longer able to make health care decisions for yourself.

Q: If I have filled out a Living Will, do I also need a DPAHC?

It is a good idea to complete a DPAHC in addition to a Living Will, or to combine them in one document. A Living Will usually allows you to state your desires regarding life-sustaining treatment in the event that you become terminally ill or permanently unconscious. Most states include these types of instructions in their DPAHC forms. By selecting a health care agent through a DPAHC, you ensure that someone you trust will oversee decisions and implement your wishes regarding any treatment, not just life-sustaining treatment.

Q: What powers can I give my health care agent?

A DPAHC allows you to give your health care agent as broad or as limited powers as you like. While state laws may vary, the powers you can give to your agent usually include:

    • The right to select or discharge care providers and institutions

    • The right to refuse or consent to treatment

    • The right to access medical records

    • The right to withdraw or withhold life-sustaining treatment

Q: Who should I choose as a health care agent?

You should choose a person whom you trust, such as a spouse, partner, family member or close friend. The person you choose should know your personal values and beliefs. If possible, you will want to choose someone who lives in your area in case he or she is called upon to direct your treatment for an extended period of time. You will want to discuss your health care wishes with your agent and be sure he or she is willing to act on your behalf.

Q: Where can I find DPAHC forms and instructions?

A local hospital, Long-Term Care Ombudsman program, senior legal service or senior information and referral program, a local or state medical society, or your physician will usually have forms appropriate for your state. Some medical centers offer classes in preparing Advance Directives.

       

 

"5 Ageist Pitfalls or When Buying a Birthday Card Became an Experience in Ageism…." By, Janet Pincu, MSW, LCSW, CALA

While shopping for a birthday card for my soon-to-be 60 year old brother-in-law I found myself becoming more and more infuriated as I read one card after another.  The bulk were loaded with ageist (and often sexist) references. 

Like all other “-isms” (racism, sexism) ageism involves stereotyping.  Stereotypes are reinforced every day - in the community as well as in the work place, in the media, in healthcare, in print ads, in institutions, in music, and in print.

5 Ageist pitfalls to avoid:

• Avoid words or phrases that may communicate certain visuals ie. “Old Geezer, Grumpy Old Man, Biddy, Hag.”
• Don’t act shocked when told that older people can still walk or talk…..someone can be as active at 78, 88, 98 as they are at 38.  People bungee jump at 90 and are couch potatoes at 35.  So what?  Is it really relevant?
•  Don’t use words or phrases such as cute, sweet, feisty, senile, adorable, or “90 years young.”   These are patronizing and demeaning.  When one uses older people as the butt of a joke, as in those birthday cards, it is no more acceptable than ethnic or stereotypical jokes are.
• Don’t paint a picture with a broad brush.  Stereotypes reinforce the negative assumptions of what older people are capable of accomplishing.  We are witness to the diversity of older people as we are with younger people.  Many are stylish or frumpy, some are glamorous and ageless, active or frail, and there are those who are no less flexible than the young.  They work, sail, golf, play tennis, are politically conservative, or remain in the workplace.  They are as likely to be on Facebook as their grandchildren while others won’t even own a cell phone.
• And finally - What is “old”? Think about it….  When we were children any adult seemed old.  Now, only people who are a lot older than us are old.  Use the word “older”….as in “older people.” 

Only use “elderly” when referring to those who are old an frail.  Or as a descriptive as in the “elderly neighbor.”   Please do not use it to generalize about those in late life. 

“Senior Citizen” is often thought of as dated and as bad as elderly or old.  “Senior “ may sometimes be acceptable to some but it reminds me, as written by Washington Post columnist Abigail Trafford as “laden with stereotypes…..conjures up dentures and discounts, decline and dysfunction…”  http://www.abigailtrafford.com 

      

 

“My First Glimpse at Home Care” by Nicole Brierty of Freedom Eldercare

Before I started working for Freedom Eldercare, home care was something I never really thought about.  Even while working for an assisted living for five years of my life, the concept of a caregiver at home never crossed my mind.  It wasn’t until five years ago, that I got my first glimpse.  At 19 years old, home care was the very last thing on my mind.  I barely had an understanding of it, let alone its existence.

From birth, my Aunt was probably my best friend.  The memories that we shared are ones that I will hold in my heart forever.  Everything from our late night talks and sleepovers, to our vacations to Wildwood, New Jersey with my her, my mother, and sister; everything holds a deep and beautiful memory.  We were so close, and at only 11 years apart in age, she always understood me.

Sadly, my aunt was a very sick woman.  At the age of 27, she was diagnosed with breast cancer.  Devastated, my family and I all remained as strong as we could.  Unfortunately, that was only the first time around.  She won her fight the first time, but at the premature age of 31, she lost her battle.  We all attempted to remain as strong as we possibly could, but we could only handle so much and we needed help.

She went on hospice and my mother became her primary caregiver, staying up all hours of the night while at home, making sure my aunt remained as comfortable as she possibly could.  With the fear of burning out, my mother reached out to her good friend, Barbra London, who was able to lend a helping hand, and that’s where it began.  This overwhelming and distressing part of our lives was one that I will never forget, but I will also never overlook the relief of having a professional caregiver in the home.  Although my mother barely slept, she was able to step away and shut her eyes, even if it were for an hour or two.  My mother was able to do this because she knew that someone was there to care for my aunt, to watch over her and make sure that the remaining moments of her life were content and calm.  Her caregiver, Jennifer, with my family, stayed by my aunt’s side every moment and step of the way.  Jennifer helped my mother preserve my aunt’s quality of life and was extremely patient and kind during the entire process.  I was, and forever will be, grateful to this woman for allowing my mother to have a partial weight lifted off of her shoulders.  On January 29, 2006, my aunt passed away in her home, surrounded by her family, and Jennifer. 

Years passed, and I coincidentally started working for Freedom Eldercare in 2010.  It wasn’t until I had a conversation with one of our nurses, that I realized it was Freedom who cared for my aunt and was there for my family during this very difficult time.  I didn’t know how to feel.  All I know is that to this day, I feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude and that’s when I understood. That is the moment I understood what home care was and the impact it can have not just on the patient, but on an entire family and it’s dynamic. I understood how other families feel when they see a loved one suffer and the relief they feel knowing there is someone to care for them.  Most importantly, I understood how significant home care is to those who want to remain in their home and be surrounded by the comfort of that home when they are at the end of their life.

     

 

"Empowering Family Caregivers"- with Barbra London, MSW, LCSW, LNHA of Freedom Eldercare

On April 5, 2011, Barbra London, MSW, LCSW, LNHA of Freedom Eldercare spoke with Susan Baida, co-founder, of eCare Diary on "Empowering Family Caregivers" about Geriatrics and Home Care. 

PART 1

 

 

PART 2

  

 

PART 3

  

 

      
 

"Why Ask for a Geriatric Care Assessment?"

A comprehensive geriatric care assessment will help to determine medical, functional, and psychosocial problems and capabilities in an elderly person who may be at risk for functional decline.

 

The assessment is designed to:

• Evaluate the multiple problems of seniors

• Develop coordinated care plans to focus interventions on individual problems

• Assess seniors’ personal resources and strengths

• Determine service needs

 

Once completed, a geriatric care assessment can lead to:

• Improved health outcomes

• Prevention of the onset of disability

• Early recognition of health changes

• Improved quality of life

• Savings on healthcare costs

• Keeping seniors out of the emergency room

• Targeting individualized rehabilitation needs

• Informative planning for daily services to increase safety

• Discovery of early-stage disease and determination of senior’s ability to care for himself      or herself

• Discovery of malnutrition

• Determination of fall risks

 

Examples of seniors that benefited from an assessment:

• A senior woman was living alone and cooking for herself. She had ample food in her cupboards but was steadily losing weight. Before a care team stepped in to determine if there was a disease to explain the weight loss, a malnutrition assessment was performed. The assessment revealed that the patient was not taking in enough calories per day because she often did not feel like preparing meals, which also indicated a level of depression. The patient’s physician was notified and a home caregiver was hired to provide meals and companionship.

 

• A frail elderly male was asked to take an assessment measuring his gait and balance.
His low score on the assessment clearly indicated he was at high risk for a fall. Steps were taken to reduce his risk of falls inside and outside the home. Without these changes, he would have stood a high chance of experiencing a devastating fall within the year and ending up in the emergency room.