September is Cholesterol Education Month

High cholesterol is a major risk factor for heart disease, the leading cause of death in the U.S. 

A variety of factors affect cholesterol levels.  Some factors cannot be controlled, like age, gender and family history, but others, including diet, weight and physical activity, can be managed with some simple lifestyle changes.  Limiting foods high in saturated fat and cholesterol can help lower levels, as does incorporating regular, age-appropriate physical activity.  

If your client has high cholesterol, you can help her manage her condition by paying close attention to her weight, diet and physical activity.  And if you have a family history of high cholesterol, be sure to take care of yourself!    

Senior Scams to Watch Out For

Because seniors are the most likely to have a nest egg, own their own home and have excellent credit, they’re an attractive target for scam artists.  Knowing common senior-related scams can help you recognize when your client is a target. 

According to the National Association of Triads, the top six scams involving seniors are:

1.       Telemarketing fraud - when a senior sends money or provides personal or financial information to unknown solicitors over the phone, through email or on the internet.   

2.       Charity fraud - when someone misrepresents charitable causes – fictitious or real – to steal money from donors.   

3.       Sweepstakes fraud - when a senior is told she has won a major prize, but must pay taxes, shipping or other fees either before receiving the prize or after receiving and cashing a fake check. 

4.       Health care fraud - misuse of insurance or Medicare cards to bill seniors, their insurers or Medicare for equipment, supplies or services not provided or needed. 

5.       Identity theft - when someone assumes a senior’s identity to perform criminal acts such as taking out loans or opening credit accounts. 

6.       Financial fraud - predatory financial transactions such as mortgage scams, Ponzi schemes, or unrealistic long-term investments. 

If you suspect your client is the victim of fraud, contact your local franchise office immediately.

Signs Your Senior is not Eating Well

Does your client’s diet fit the bill?  These warning signs may signal a potential nutrition problem:

1.       Loss of appetite - If your client has been a hearty eater but no longer has a strong appetite, find out why. 

2.       Depression - A change in appetite can signal depression.  Encourage your client and his family to follow up with a physician.

3.       Sudden weight changes - If your client gains or loses 10 pounds in six months, a trip to the doctor is in order.   

4.       Expired food - Ensure your client isn’t “saving” expired food.  Label food expiration dates in large letters and numbers. 

5.       Lethargy - Encourage a doctor’s visit if your usually-active client suddenly becomes lethargic.

6.       More than three medications - Medication can affect appetite and weight.  Suggest your client and his family discusses potential side effects, like unexplained weight loss, with his physician.

Inform the franchise office staff if your client experiences any of these warning signs.

How about a game of “Crazy 8s?”

Card games are a great way to improve your client’s sense of well-being.  How about a game of “Crazy 8s?”

1.       Deal five cards to each player.  

2.       Place remaining cards face down, turning the top card face up to create the discard pile. 

3.       Take turns discarding by matching the rank or suit of the top card in the discard pile.

4.       If you are unable to match the rank or suit and do not have an eight, draw cards from the stockpile until you can play.

5.       When a player discards an eight, she must declare the suit the next player will play and that player must play the named suit or an eight. 

The first player to discard all of her cards wins, and other players score penalty points according to the cards remaining in their hands.  Meaningful conversation while playing will boost your client’s outlook.

Tips to Protect Your Client from Scammers

In addition to the negative financial effects seniors face as a result of scams, they’re often incredibly ashamed and embarrassed.    Because of that shame and embarrassment, only 25 percent of seniors who have been scammed report the crime to authorities. 

Help scam-proof your clients with these 10 tips:

1.       Shred sensitive documents like bank statements, bills and other financial information.

2.       Point out suspicious mailings to your client and her family.  Show them what to look for, like envelopes mimicking letters from government agencies.

3.       Encourage your client to add her telephone numbers to the Do-Not-Call Registry.

4.       Tell your client not to provide personal information (address, bank account numbers, PINs) to uninitiated callers. 

5.       Make sure charities are registered with appropriate state agencies before she agrees to a donation.

6.       Post a “No Solicitation” notice on your client’s front door.

7.       Educate your client about email/Internet scams and phishing tactics.

8.       If an unknown individual befriends your client, let a family member know.

9.       Look for changes in lifestyle or unusual financial activity.

10.   Find trustworthy people to protect your client when you and her family cannot be with her.

If you suspect someone is scamming your client, contact your franchise office staff immediately.

Senior Fraud Steals Peace of Mind

Senior crime victims often experience long-lasting emotional and financial effects.  According to the National Association of Triads, victimized seniors frequently suffer:

Physical and emotional distress - Seniors recuperate more slowly, and life-threatening illnesses can follow.

Inability to recover financially - Seniors who lose income resulting from scams and other crimes often struggle more when living on a fixed income.

Loss of independence - Crime is a catalyst to decreased emotional and financial independence.

Decreased quality of life - Senior scam victims are often embarrassed, distressed and struggle to recover.  Some also withdraw socially to avoid being scammed again. 

Vicarious victimization - Vicarious victimization is the fear of becoming a victim.  This fear is common in homebound seniors who get the majority of their news information from television.  Senior crime victims often alter their lifestyles by withdrawing from society and breaking their ties to friends, church and other activities.

If your client has been the victim of a scam or other crime and you notice these behaviors, please call your local franchise office.

Beating the Summer Heat

As we age, our bodies are less adaptable to hot weather.  These steps can help your client remain safe and comfortable on the warmest of days. 

·         Avoid outings during mid-day heat.

·         Seek air-conditioned environments.  The risk of heat-related illness can be reduced by spending a little time in air conditioning.  If your client doesn’t have air conditioning, plan trips to the library, shopping mall or other air-conditioned places.

·         Encourage your client to take a cool shower or bath.

·         Provide your client with plenty of drinking water.  Seniors are less sensitive to thirst sensation than younger adults. 

·         Prepare light foods, such as salads and sandwiches, to energize and aid hydration. 

·         Offer your client lightweight, breathable clothing and a broad-brimmed hat.

·         Avoid overexertion, and take frequent breaks during physical activity. 

Chronic illness, obesity and medications can also contribute to heat sensitivity, so keep a close eye on your client when the temperature soars.

AC Maintenance Tips

Will your client’s air conditioner keep up during the dog days of summer?  These simple maintenance tips will help your client enjoy summertime comfort, lower utility bills and prolong the life of his air conditioning unit. 

Check and change air filters frequently.  Nothing damages an air conditioner more than a dirty air filter.  Inspect the filter monthly by holding it in bright light.  If little light penetrates, it’s time for a new one.   

Keep the outdoor unit clean.  Inspect the outdoor A/C unit and remove obstructions like plants or grass clippings.  Use a soft bristle brush to gently clean the comb-like fins while rinsing with water. 

Find the thermostat’s sweet spot.  Try starting at 78°F and adjust accordingly.  Each degree a thermostat is set above 72°F can save as much as 3 percent on electricity bills.

If your client’s air conditioner appears damaged, excessively worn or is not working correctly or efficiently, contact your local franchise office for assistance.

National Safe at Home Week is August 22 – 26

Home-related injuries can adversely affect a senior’s quality of life and threaten her ability to remain at home.  The main causes of in-home injuries and fatalities are slips, trips and falls.  Use the following tips to keep your senior safe at home:

·         Install grab bars in the tub or shower, if possible.

·         Place nightlights at the top and bottom of all staircases and in all bathrooms, bedrooms and other dark places. 

·         Tape small rugs to the floor.

·         Clean up spills immediately.

·         Encourage your client to wear non-slip shoes or closed-back slippers in the house.

·         Keep hallways and stairs clear of misplaced objects.

·         Inspect all handrails to ensure they are secure, and repair loose or missing handrails.