Learn How to Protect Yourself or Loved One from Fraud

It is reported that 1 out of 5 seniors over the age of 60 have been a victim of some type of financial fraud, and estimates indicate it may be as much as $3 billion annually.  An article on Aging.Care quotes Ken Hunter, president and CEO of the Council of Better Business Bureau (BBB), who explains, “Many of us have a parent, friend or neighbor who would benefit from a friendly reminder that seniors are prime targets for scam artists. We can help prevent them from losing their money, their dignity and their sense of security." 

Seniors are often targeted with high-pressure sales calls and mailers that promise gifts, free vacations and sweepstakes as well as financial seminars and dinners that pressure participants into buying sketchy financial products.  Another scheme is to fraudulently solicit donations for charities and other causes.     

The BBB reports Medicare fraud is common.  In these cases, callers claims to be with Medicare and seek personal information such as Medicare, Medicaid, social security, credit card or bank account numbers from the senior.  The victim is given a number of reasons why the caller needs this information such as an error with a claim or the need to sign up for a new prescription drug plan.   BBB’s advice is to remind elderly family members that Medicare will never call to ask for sensitive personal financial information, and if you suspect fraud, to contact your local police department.   

Another scam reported by the BBB involves targeting seniors who suffer a bereavement of a spouse or loved one.  Scam artists check local obituaries and call widows or widowers with claims that their spouse had outstanding debts that must be paid immediately. They proceed to request credit card numbers or bank accounts to pay the debt.  BBB’s advice is for family members to assist elderly parents or relatives who are inexperienced in managing finances when they lose a loved one.  If you are unsure if a debt is legitimate when collectors call, request a written confirmation.  

Other common schemes involve door-to-door sales people who try to sell fraudulent home repair services or goods.  Senior advocate groups encourage elderly adults to learn how to define and recognize fraud, and if you are a victim, to know where to report it.   

Sources:

agingcare.com/Articles/prevent-elderly-becoming-scam-victims-138455.htm

bbb.org/greater-maryland/migration/consumer-tips/2010/08/bbb-warns-against-five-scams-targeting-senior-citizens/

At SYNERGY HomeCare, we are one of the most trusted names in home care in Colorado serving the front range since 2006. We have grown to 5 offices and will be adding 2 more locations in 2015 and our successful growth can be summarized by one word, "Service".  Our mission is to ensure that every client is treated with the upmost respect and dignity, and we strive to incorporate those beliefs into all of our home health care services. We are available 24/7 to listen to your unique story and provide you answers to all your questions.

Help for Families Dealing with Alzheimer’s

Alzheimer's is a debilitating disease that causes brain cells to degenerate and die, and results in a loss of memory and other important mental functions.  It is the most common cause of dementia.  Since there is no cure for Alzheimer’s, the Mayo Clinic advises families to seek out supportive services and to tap into their support network as early as possible.

At SYNERGY Homecare, we know that receiving a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or suspecting your loved one may have the disease is scary and can result in many questions.  Our staff can help to answer many of those questions as well as to provide experienced non-medical home care for your family member.     

Currently it is estimated that there are 5.4 million Americans with Alzheimer's, and the prediction is that number will grow as the aging population swells.  In addressing this need, SYNERGY was one of the first home care providers in the area to have their staff and caregivers trained and certified by the Colorado Alzheimer's Association. 

According to the Association, “Organizations that have completed Leaders in Dementia Care training have met the following requirements: a minimum of 8 hours in Alzheimer's specific care techniques annually, and attendance by 90% of staff in stand-alone memory care or 75% of staff in all other settings.” (While the Alzheimer’s Association recognizes the commitment of care providers to pursue the training, it is not an endorsement from the Association.)  This comprehensive training has provided our caregivers with a more thorough understanding of the disease as well as the techniques to better care for individuals with dementia.  

We have offices conveniently located throughout the greater Denver area to assist families in caring for a loved one suffering from Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia.  SYNERGY offers compassionate and professional memory care services as well as important respite care for family caregivers.  Our services are flexible, adaptable and affordable.  

*Our post is for information purposes only and not a substitute for seeking medical advice.

Source:

mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/alzheimers-disease/basics/definition/con-20023871

alz.org/co/in_my_community_leaders_in_dementia_care.asp

At SYNERGY HomeCare, we are one of the most trusted names in home care in Colorado serving the front range since 2006. We have grown to 5 offices and will be adding 2 more locations in 2015 and our successful growth can be summarized by one word, "Service".   Our mission is to ensure that every client is treated with the upmost respect and dignity, and we strive to incorporate those beliefs into all of our home health care services. We are available 24/7 to listen to your unique story and provide you answers to all your questions.

The Right Footwear Can Help Prevent Falls

Surprisingly, preventing falls can be as simple as wearing the right shoes at the right time.  Dr. Carol Frey, director of the Foot and Ankle Center at Orthopedic Hospital in Los Angeles, conducted a year-long study regarding safe footwear for seniors.  Her research showed that in many cases shoes that are generally considered “safer footwear” were often to blame for falls that caused injuries.  

The study involved 185 men and women over the age of 55.  With participants 65 or older, shoes were often to blame for falls.  Dr. Frey found that “bulky rubber soles worn on carpet can be hazardous while athletic shoes that are flat or worn are dangerous on wet surfaces.''  Of the group that fell, 28% said that their footwear caught or dragged on the floor or was too slippery.  Her recommendation is for older adults to consider the walking surface to best determine the type of shoe they should wear. 

When buying footwear, seniors should select low-heeled shoes that fit well and provide support.  A walking shoe with a light rubber sole is a good everyday choice as it provides both traction and support.  Avoid shoes with a heavy sole or rubber over the toes as they can stick to carpet and cause falls.  Other things to keep in mind are to avoid loose-fitting shoes or slippers, shoes with worn outer soles or with smooth leather or plastic soles.  A beveled heel helps to prevent slipping and a broad flared heel maximizes contact with the ground.  Also shoes with laces hold the shoe on the foot while walking and textured soles prevent slipping.

At SYNERGY Homecare, we provide the Colorado with a wide range of compassionate and experienced non-medical home care services.  Please contact us to learn more about how we can help your family. 

*Our post is for information purposes only and not a substitute for seeking medical advice.

Source:

nytimes.com/1998/02/24/science/when-the-elderly-fall-shoes-may-be-to-blame.html

caring-for-aging-parents.com/shoes-for-elderly-women.html 

At SYNERGY HomeCare, we are one of the most trusted names in home care in Colorado serving the front range since 2006. We have grown to 5 offices and will be adding 2 more locations in 2015 and our successful growth can be summarized by one word, "Service".   Our mission is to ensure that every client is treated with the upmost respect and dignity, and we strive to incorporate those beliefs into all of our home health care services. We are available 24/7 to listen to your unique story and provide you answers to all your questions.

Post-Hospital Care Can Make a Difference

Research indicates that 20% of Medicare patients are readmitted to the hospital within a month of discharge, and that repeat hospital stays costs billions of dollars a year.  The study from the New England Journal of Medicine, April 2009, found that approximately 20% of 11.9 million patients were readmitted to the hospital within a month of discharge and as many as a third were back in the hospital within three months.  These unplanned return visits were estimated to cost $17.4 billion of the $102.6 billion that Medicare paid to hospitals in 2004.  It has become such a problem that it is receiving attention from the Obama administration and hospital executives and health care leaders around the nation.   

Eric Coleman, MD, from the University of Colorado in Denver, explains that many patients have an unrealistic view of how things will be once they get home.   However, the truth is problems can start quickly as patients (especially the elderly) may become confused about how to take their medicine and/or run into other problems.  This is the point where they head back to the hospital as they do not know where else to turn. 

Getting the proper home care services once a patient is discharged can help to prevent many of these problems and improve transitional care for the patient.  For someone living alone, studies show the need for home care is even higher as they have a 50 percent chance of readmission when compared to those living with others.  Home care is a low-cost alternative and can act as a link between health care providers as well as an effective way to detect problems earlier. 

Home care agencies provide a wide range of services to help ensure a speedy recovery at home.  Services include things such as personal care assistance, medication reminders and transportation to follow-up doctor appointments as well as light housekeeping and meal preparations.  Contact SYNERGY Homecare to learn more about our compassionate, professional Recovery Assistance services.

*Our post is for information purposes only and not a substitute for seeking medical advice.

At SYNERGY HomeCare, we are one of the most trusted names in home care in Colorado serving the front range since 2006. We have grown to 5 offices and will be adding 2 more locations in 2015 and our successful growth can be summarized by one word, "Service".   Our mission is to ensure that every client is treated with the upmost respect and dignity, and we strive to incorporate those beliefs into all of our home health care services. We are available 24/7 to listen to your unique story and provide you answers to all your questions.