Even though were all susceptible to becoming victims of scams and fraud, older adults are much more likely to be targeted, for several reasons. For one thing, scammers believe seniors are more financially sound than those who are younger. They may be lonely and isolated, making them more vulnerable to carrying on a conversation with a scammer on the phone. And theyre assumed to be more polite and trusting. As a result, older adults lose an astounding $3 billion each year to senior financial fraud.The key to prevention is knowing the red flags of a scam artist and staying up to date on the latest fraud trends. To assist, American, Advocate and Whitsyms In-Home Care share some of the most prevalent scams targeting seniors below:The Trusted Government Official Scam. These phone calls appear to come from the IRS, Medicare, Social Security Administration, or simply a Washington, DC area code, making it easy to believe the calls are legitimate. The scammer will ask to confirm the older adults personal information, stating that they are investigating back taxes that need to be paid or some other legal resolution.The Grandchild Scam: In this frightening scenario, the scammer claims to be the seniors grandchild who is having an emergency and is in need of funds to help. The caller will plead with the older adult to keep the call confidential, requesting a gift card or money wire transfer to obtain money.The Love Scam: Online dating is a common way for single or widowed older adults to find companionship, but unfortunately, it also opens them up to scammers. Online dating fraud involves scammers creating elaborate fake profiles, utilizing stolen photos and details, to trick seniors into falling for them. They will eventually ask for funds to travel to meet the senior, but then disappear with the money.The Winner Scam: Vulnerable seniors receive notice that they are winners of a lottery or other type of contest. In this scam, the seniors are required to pay a fee to collect their prize. The scammer will ask the senior for bank account details in order to deposit the winnings. Sadly, however, this can lead to the theft of large sums of money, sometimes wiping out an older adults hard-earned savings altogether.The Internet Scam: Internet scammers use pop-ups that alert their victims to a virus the computer has been infected with. In order to have the virus removed, the user needs to pay a fee or download software that will allow the scammer to steal personal information.Though scams such as these are incredibly disturbing, there are steps you can take to protect the older adults you love, including:Make sure senior loved ones have caller ID and utilize voice mail for any unknown callers.Talk with older adults about the importance of NEVER giving out personal or sensitive information over the phone.Be wary of any mail that contains contests, sweepstakes, or prizes; if it sounds too good to be true it probably is.Scammers are very good at what they do, so never belittle or criticize an older adult who may have fallen victim to them.Additionally, allow the referred care providers at American, Advocate, and Whitsyms In-Home Care to help an older loved one remain vigilant against senior scams by providing an extra pair of eyes to ensure safety. Partnering with a referred care provider ensures that an older loved one has regular companionship, which helps to eliminate loneliness, one of the top factors that can lead to older adults being vulnerable to fraud or scams. Referred care providers also offer a wide range of in-home care services, such as light housekeeping, meal planning and preparation, personal hygiene care, and so much more.The Florida senior care experts at American, Advocate, and Whitsyms In-Home Care are here to ensure the independence and safety of the older adult you love. Contact the office nearest you to learn more.American In-Home Care  Serving North, Central, and West Coast of FloridaAdvocate In-Home Care  Serving Southeast and Southwest FloridaWhitsyms In-Home Care  Serving Southeast and Southwest Florida

Spring is a great time for cleaning and organizing. As the trees show their leaves and flowers bloom, it feels good to refresh your home by working on decluttering, organizing and cleaning. Because spring is also a time when people are starting to think about putting their home on the market, now is the perfect opportunity to start downsizing. Lets get started!  Plan ahead This job isnt something for a spontaneous weekend. Planning your cleaning and organizing takes a little bit of work to make it worthwhile. First, decide what your goal is. Do you want to clear clutter from every room? Are you trying to downsize for a smaller home or get the basement organized? Do you want to deep clean your entire home? Whatever your goal is, make sure youve considered all options. Clutter-busting in your bedroom is very different from cleaning out your garage. Second, pick your process. While some people like to concentrate on a room or section of the house, others like to sort like with like. For example, some people gather all the books in the house in one central place and start from there. Others like to start with the messiest place in the house. Use whatever works best for you. Third, decide where unwanted items will go. Can you sell a collection or gift it to a friend? Will you donate to a favorite organization? If you need to trash some things, do you know your citys pick-up dates and rules? It helps to know this in advance so you can work effectively. Finally, gather any supplies you might need. If you are cleaning, make sure to have enough rags, paper towels, cleaning solutions, furniture spray, etc. If you are downsizing, you will want to stock up on boxes, tape and markers. You can also ask for some help from family or friends. To make sure you stick to your goal, take breaks and reward yourself when you get a big chore done.   Tackle one area at a time If youve decided to take on one room or area of your house at a time, choose the one that is the most in need of help. Getting the biggest chore off your plate and finished will spur you on to keep moving to other rooms. One method is to start in one corner and move around the room. This gives your cleaning and organizing a focus so you dont get overwhelmed. You can pay attention to each section of the room, whether youre cleaning, organizing or downsizing. Another method is to actually take everything out of the room and then sort, purge and clean as you put things back. This forces you to see how much is in the room and touch almost every single item.   Try sorting by categories  You can tackle this seasonal chore by item as well. Choose a category and go through it thoroughly and toss, sell or donate what you dont need. This can include things such as: Clothing you havent worn in the last two yearsPaperwork that isnt needed any longer Office or school items such as empty folders or old notebooksUnused electronics that no longer work or are not usedMismatched items including  single socks, storage bins without a lid, etc. Kitchen supplies such as expired spices or long-forgotten freezer items Books that have already been read Old make-up, nail polish or creams that are dated or dried out Use the 4-pile method  The professionals at WayForth often recommend four separate piles to help you sort and organize. These include: KEEP, SELL, DONATE and TRASH and what they like to refer to as The 4-Pile Method. The KEEP pile includes things that you are currently using, are going to take with you in a move or give to a family member or friend.  The SELL pile can be items that are designated for a yard sale or through an Internet sale site such as Ebay. Think about consignment shops or even online auction houses if you have a lot of items.  The DONATE group includes things that will go to charity organizations. Make sure you are realistic about what you are donating; items that are broken or stained will eventually be thrown away by the group.  TRASH is just what the name implies. This is the pile that is going to be thrown out. If you are disposing of electronics, old paint or other household materials that may include chemicals, be sure to know what guidelines you must follow in your area.   Helpful resources for donations If you have a list of organizations that take donations, it can be a lot easier to move things out. Make a list of places in your city that will be happy to make use of your donations. Weve gathered a few national organizations and other ideas to get you started. Habitat For Humanity Appreciates donations of gently used furniture, appliances, housewares, building materials and more. Global Literacy Project Accepts donated books in order to foster community-based literacy initiatives throughout the world. Project Smile Donated baby and childrens items are provided to emergency responders to help ease the pain and fear of children in their care.For those who are giving away items for free in their own towns and neighborhoods,Freecycleis all about reuse and keeping good stuff out of landfills. Or try your local Buy Nothing group on Facebook.  Dress for Success Provides interview suits, confidence boosts, and career development to low-income women in over 75 cities worldwide. Lions Clubs Eyeglass Recycling Recycled glasses are distributed to people in need in low- and middle-income communities. Cell Phones for Soldiers This non-profit helps connect our troops around the world with their families. Browse the internet for your local animal shelter. They are always in need of blankets, towels, sheets, and soft bedding to provide their rescues with warmth and a comfortable place to sleep during their stay. 

Buying Insurance can be a real pain in the behind. This is primarily due to fact that it isnt something you do very much. Maybe once a year you shop for auto or health insurance and with the constant changes it is difficult for a consumer to stay current let alone be able to compare the options.With this in mind I came up with 6 things that every consumer needs to know about Insurance.Who is the person you are dealing with for the Insurance ? If you are going online to buy insurance then you have problems that this brief article does not have time to address. Just know that are no online deals. Your best option is to find someone that is local and knowledgeable. The fact that your sisters mechanics cousins neighbor has an Insurance license does not make them a good choice. They may be wonderful people but on the day you need help they may not be available.Who is the Insurance company you are dealing with ? Not all Insurance companies are the same. Those big fancy ads cost lots of money and the consumer is the one who really pays for them. There is no FREE.There is no such thing as full coverage or a standard policy. This is insurance speak for they dont want you to know. Ask questions, lots of them until you understand what you are getting.Read the policy. Very few people ever actually read their Insurance policy and then when they have a problem it becomes a real problem. Be sure to check your name, address, coverage amounts. Guaranteed that when you file a claim the Insurance company will check on you..Never cancel your current policy until you have a new one , in writing. Never ever. Just a one day lapse can turn into the worst day of your life.All Insurance is Risk Management. You pay a small amount so that in the event of a problem someone else gets stuck paying the big money. You dont want that big problem but if it happens you dont want to be the one who pays.This article was submitted by Donald C. Kirkendall. Don is the Managing Partner of KIRKENDALL Insurance. KIRKENDALL Insurance is an Integrated Independent Insurance Agency located in Winter Park FL. Real people, real office. He can be reached at 407-359-5904 or by email at: insuranceman@kirkendallinsurance.com

Assisted Living two words that strike fear into the hearts of many. Images of losing independence and the foreboding 1970s Nursing Home are invoked. Some envision neglected loved ones with poor care and minimal socialization for a hefty cost. Others prefer the stability and predictability of staying in the home theyve lived in for years, even if a change may be for the better.Todays Assisted Living Communities are designed for social activity, personal care, health management, nutrition, affordability, safety, and most of all, quality of life. Maintaining independence is a top priority for residents and communities alike. Once a senior gets help with the activities with which theyve been struggling with, theyre now empowered in every other aspect of their life. Nobody is in the business of telling you what to do.The best way to combat the assisted living myth is to visit in-person and see for yourself. By examining current residents quality of life, one can overcome their assumptions of the Nursing Home. At Oasis Senior Advisors, were at your side every step of the way, from finding the right communities, accompanying you on your tours, and representing you through the agreement process. It is always best to start this process early to ensure the senior is able to participate in the selection and touring process. Its lower stress (and even fun!) to embark on this journey when you have time and resources instead of a panic when theres an emergency.Though many emphasize aging in place, homes are not conducive to easy mobility. Houses may have stairs and bathrooms that arent designed for walkers or wheelchairs, and getting help can be both difficult and expensive. Assisted Living Communities can be both a safe haven for seniors and a stress reducer for families, now knowing their loved one is protected. Trepidations surrounding cost can be minimized by understanding what is included in that cost: meals, utilities, laundry, household maintenance, property taxes, and care services. Many current expenses, like home insurance and mortgage, will disappear. It can also be cheaper than homecare since one caregiver can be shared between multiple residents. The senior living industry has revolutionized itself into something to be celebrated. Seniors can set themselves up for a future of independence through the reassuring avenues of care, safety, and socialization. Assisted living can and should be the beginning of a new adventure. Written by Steven Moses, CSA, President and Certified Senior Advisor with Oasis Senior Advisors. He can be reached at 407-250-8100 or visit OasisSeniorAdvisors.com/Orlando