Boarding Home and Residential Care HomeWhen it comes to finding care options for loved ones or individuals needing assistance, navigating the various types of facilities available can be overwhelming. With the baby boomer population continuing to age, more seniors will be needing to seek out options that provide companion services and higher levels of care.  One of the potential options includes group homes. Municipal regulation of Group homes  states, While there is no single definition of group home under state of federal law currently, under Texas law there are at least 24 types of homes, houses, centers, and other facilities, probably more that may qualify as a group home. Confusing, right? There are many types of group homes that provide housing, counseling, and programs for teens, drug addiction, mental and physical disabilities, and conditions. For the purposes of this blog, we will focus on two types of group homes that cater to adults and seniors needing assistance: Boarding and Residential Care Homes. Boarding homes and residential care homes are often confused, both cater to specific needs and offer distinct levels of care.  Understanding their differences is crucial in making an informed decision to individual requirements.Boarding HomeAccording to the Texas Health and Safety Code Section 260.001 a boarding home is classified as:  Serves elderly persons 65 and up or persons with disabilities (mental, physical, intellectual, or developmental) that impairs the persons ability to provide for ones care or protection  Provides lodging to three or more persons with disabilities or elderly that are unrelated to the owner of the home  Provides meals, housekeeping, transportation, grocery shopping, money management, laundry services, self-administration of medication assistance  Does NOT provide assisted living facility (ALF) personal care services as defined in Section 247.002  County or municipality may require a permit to operate  May have coverage under certain government programs or a long-term care policyThese homes offer a smaller environment and up to 6 residents live in a home-like setting with trained staff and supervisors that often live in the home.Residential Care HomesDefinition: A residential care home, also referred to as community, personal care home, or board and care home, is a private home that usually house 20 or fewer residents (some as few as 3 or 4) that are staffed 24/7, deliver non-medical assistance to seniors that do not need 24/7 nursing care. Services include meals, personal assistance with daily activities of living.  Homelike environment with private or semi-private rooms  Assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as: bathing, dressing, and medication management  Social activities, meals, and basic medical assistance provided  Often more affordable than traditional and larger assisted living facilities  Caregiver to patient ratio is typically better than in standard assisted living facilities  Cost is private pay, long-term care insurance, or Veterans assistance programs  Supportive care services such as home health, therapy, and hospice care can be provided by a licensed third-party service provider  Unlicensed Residential Care Home is allowed up to 3 non-related residents (Legal & illegal)  Licensed homes are certified by Texas Health and Human Services for compliance at the state and federal level.   A very small number of care homes accept MedicaidThe Texas Health and Safety Code Section 123.005 notes that community homes can provide a wider array of services such as: food, shelter, personal guidance, care, habilitation services and supervision services to persons with disabilities compared to boarding homes. These disabilities can include Alzheimers or other types of dementia; autism; mental illness; muscular dystrophy; multiple sclerosis, among others. Section 123.002Residential Care Homes can be Licensed as a Type A or B Assisted Living Facility (ALF):Type A  Requires the resident to be physically and mentally capable of evacuating the facility unassisted in an emergency. They do not need regular assistance during sleeping hours.Type B  Residents may require assistance to evacuate and may be incapable of following directions in an emergency. Often require attendance during nighttime hours.When considering a Residential Care Home, it is important to find out if they are licensed or not and what level of services they provide.  If not licensed, are they operating legally and following state and federal guidelines for operations? What levels of care can they provide?  It is advisable to enlist the help of a Senior Living Advisor like Ruby Care Senior Living Advisors, as they can narrow down your search and ensure that you know what you are walking into versus wasting time on numerous homes that may not be a good fit or even worse operating illegally.  With many different care options to choose from, making the decision as to what is the right care setting involves considering the specific needs, level of independence, and medical requirements of the individual. A group home such as a residential care home may be just what you and your loved one are looking for to provide quality senior care when the time comes. Knowing one has options outside of a traditional assisted living facility or nursing home empowers individuals and families to make informed decisions based on the needs and preferences of their loved ones.Author: Britt Hemsell | Senior Living Advisor & Blog Contributor

At Heritage Communities, the Montessori method is proving to be a powerful tool for enhancing the lives of residents in memory care senior living communities engage their senses and rediscover the world around them. The Montessori method and dementia: helping residents feel a sense of accomplishment People with dementia often feel they are always being told what to do, with little control over their lives. The Montessori approach to dementia focuses onrediscovering and supporting the person behind the disease. Activities with meaning and purpose are put back into peoples lives, based on their needs, interests, skills and abilities.Cindy Powell, Life Enrichment Director at Orchard Pointe at Terrazza in Peoria, Arizona, says the key is to find activities that relate to each person. We choose activities that match the level of where that individual is, she said. The goal is to let them do it their way; to give them some sense of ownership in their life. One resident might be working on a craft. Another might have the task of setting a table or being asked to put away the items on their dining tray. We want them to have a sense of pride in what they are doing.Portraits, the exclusive memory care program of Heritage CommunitiesThis memory care program unique to Heritage Communities features individualized, multisensory activities based on the philosophies of Dr. Maria Montessori designed to help each resident:Remain as independent as possibleEngage with people and enjoy new and beloved activitiesEnjoy a meaningful place in their communityEnhance self-esteemDiscover opportunities to contribute to their environmentSnapshots: The Heritage Communities program for seniors with mild cognitive impairmentThe Snapshots program, exclusive to Heritage Communities, is for those with mild cognitive impairment. These residents also benefit from the powerful connection of the Montessori method and dementia. Participating residents have the opportunity to join and enjoy social engagement through thoughtfully designed activities in small groups, or one-on-one.Snapshots is perfect for those who are not as likely to engage or are a bit self-conscious about being in a group, says Powell. So, we place them in a smaller group, still doing the same activities we do with our larger group of residents. We strive to help these residents enjoy fun, social events, when larger group activities may create frustration and distraction. Often, they eventually feel comfortable enough to join the larger group. But if they dont wish to do that, its fine.Snapshotsstructured activities happen several times a week, at times and places most comfortable for the residents. Our goal is to help residents with mild cognitive impairments once again enjoy leisure activities they may have not enjoyed for some time, says Powell. We also will visit a residents room to chat or do an activity with them if they are more introverted, she said. Always, the goal is to keep exercising, socializing, pushing their brains.Empty headingGames are a great way to have fun and feel achievementOne very popular activity that has attracted many residents in memory care at Orchard Pointe at Terrazza is Major League Toss, a game like cornhole but with a baseball theme. This has become super huge with our residents, said Powell. We add the elements of a major league experience like the seventh inning stretch and even fireworks. It gets loud in the lobby! Everyone loves it. And those on walkers have no problem tossing a ball through the hole. Its a great way to inspire these residents to come together, play a complex game, and get some exercise. They feel accomplishment as well.For Powell and her tireless team members at Orchard Pointe at Terrazza, giving each person an experience, they can learn from and enjoy is the way to successfully merge the Montessori method and dementia.During these years of a seniors life, they should be thriving, not just surviving, she says. These should be the best golden years of their life. And if we can keep them engaging, they can maintain their cognitive function longer than if they are just sitting at home and not doing much.Powell says the continuous engagement is another reason why the Heritage Communities Portraits Memory Care program and the Snapshots Program in assisted living are such good choices.At home, families cant usually duplicate these games, or have the time to engage as much with their parent. Here, in a Heritage community, residents are socializing, learning, being stimulated all the time, and feeling encouragement. Its a win for everyone: families can enjoy visiting their parent, while still living their own lives; knowing their loved one can benefit from these opportunities right here.The Montessori method and dementia: exciting things are happening at Heritage CommunitiesHeritage Communities offers exceptional and highly personalized services for residents who need dementia care or Alzheimers care. Each day, our leadership and care teams actively embody our core values compassion, trust, respect and fun while earning the affection of our residents and family members alike.We are dedicated to providing certified and attentive memory support care to residents with Alzheimers disease, dementia, and early-stage memory loss. We invite you to learn more.We get to know, and love, each of our memory care residents. Contact us today to learn more or schedule a tour.

Aging WellDesign your retirement exactly as you wish.The welcome transformation of retirement living continues, and examples of this new and improved way to live life during your senior years can be found in sought-after communities throughout Dallas. The demand for luxury living is high, so its never too early to start planning and touring to explore everything offeredfrom cocktail hours and pickleball games to continuing education and daily chef-crafted meals. On the long list of things to check off in life, enjoying a nice retirement is usually at the top. What far too often keeps getting pushed to the bottom of the list is saving money to fund this goal. At the beginning of ones career, retirement seems so far away that its difficult to envision, which means big-ticket items often take priority over saving for retirementpaying off student loans, weddings, traveling, buying a home, and building the kids college funds among them. Those in good health who have managed to plan and save for retirement in between lifes milestones have a good shot at the opportunity to design and enjoy their retirement exactly as they wish. For those who are behind, its never too late to start saving, but financial planners advise to begin today. There is much to love about todays retirement living options, making it even more imperative to work with a financial planner and remain committed to a plan so that retirement is something to look forward tonot to fear.By the year 2034, the U.S. census projects that older adults will outnumber children for the first time in our historythats a significant transition, says Russell Crews, president and CEO of Dallas CC Young senior living community. And from 2024 to 2039, the population in the U.S. of those age 75 and older will increase from 20 million to 45 million. These demographics are almost overwhelming to consider. Right now, there are some Baby Boomers at CC Young, but within the next 15 years, the majority will be in this group. One of the biggest challenges for them will be affordability. No one has the answer, but the message is that you cant start planning too soon.All roads lead back to planning. We plan for college, weddings, and buying a home. Planning for retirement is just as important. Russell Crews, CC YoungInflation and continuing discussions about a looming recession have upended the economy, leaving those who are newly retired and soon-to-retire panicked about the losses in their portfoliosthe savings that will fund this life of fun and freedom. Those who are 10 to 15 years away from retirement are also impacted, as there is little time to make up for the losses. A resetting is taking place and as older adults are coming to terms with how much they will need to fund their goals. Retirement living is only going to get more expensive through the years, Crews says. Inflation has created chaos in rates that are needed to support the operations of senior living communities. Historically, most communities have had standard 3% to 4% increases, but we have been seeing 6% to even 15%. When seniors look at that and do the compounding, its easy for them to become distraught. Sadly, inflation has wreaked havoc on senior living cost structures. Of course, funding retirement is only one aspect of long-term planning. Taking the time to reflect on what you want for yourself in retirement is also critical. Staying healthy, active, and engaged with friends and family as well as making the time to pursue interests is just as important as saving money in preparation for retirement so the change in routine isnt such a shock. Financial advisors recommend examining assets and liabilities. Think about downsizing. Tackle debts and limit liabilities, such as financially supporting older children. Work with a financial planner about options for saving, including weighing the pros and cons of purchasing long-term care insurance. Also consider what you can realistically afford after you stop working and try to mimic living that lifestyle now as much as possible to become adjusted to it.Some care expenses can potentially be offset through personal savings, private insurance policies, or government initiative, such as Medicare, Medicaid, and benefits for veterans, says Chad Hubbard, executive director with the Preston of the Park Cities, a Watermark community. For those planning for the future, I recommended starting a dedicated savings plan early and exploring long-term care insurance. Its essential to work with a financial advisor to create a solid financial plan tailored to your unique needs. Jen Grant, a Certified Financial Planner with Perryman Financial Advisory, says many of her clients start becoming more focused on retirement savings once their kids have graduated from college and live on their own. An official empty nest is the signal to think about the next stage of liferetirement.There is a stage of life where you arent ready to retire and still enjoy working, but you are also aware that retirement isnt far off, Grant says. I always tell my clients to really focus on their careers at this point. These are likely the highest income-earning years. Maybe you havent taken a promotion or moved for a better job because you didnt want the changes to affect your kids. With this is no longer an issue, its time to step up.Here, Grant shares her top tips on retirement planning and saving while you are still working. Reevaluate your career. If you arent happy where you are now with your job, find something else where you can really dig in and enjoy your work and makeand saveas much money as you can as you prepare for retirement. These should be your high-income years, so be strategic about your plans.Play catch up. With most employer-sponsored retirement savings accounts, such as a 401-K, this is likely the time you can make catch-up contributions or invest more from your pay. Take every opportunity you can to increase contributions.Pay off debt. This is major, especially if you have co-signed on student loans. Make sure the kids are ready to launch and take over their own student loans. Take your kids off your health insurance, car insurance, and cell phone planseven Netflix subscriptions and Amazon Prime accounts. It all adds up, and there are a lot of areas where you may not realize how much you are paying to support someone elses lifestyle.Live on one salary. If you are in a household with two working people, try to live on one persons salary and sock away that second persons salary. Its a great feeling if you can manage it. If possible, divert that money into a retirement savings account so you arent always fighting with your own personal desire for things once you have a relief point.Its never too late. Having something saved for retirement is better than nothing at all. If you are still 10 to 15 years away from retirement, its time to make some big adjustments. Its easier to spread investments out over a decade rather than a few years. If you wait, youll have fewer options. The next couple of years will feel tighter than they have in the last 20 or so, but having plan now will make life easier for everyone when you are no longer working. The Choice Is YoursTodays retirement communities offer everything you need and want.The primary reasons senior living communities throughout the Dallas area are undergoing change are savvy developers and consumer demand. Todays seniors who are transitioning from their long-time homes to retirement communities want their move to feel like a lifestyle upgradesomething that mimics the resorts where they have been vacationing during the past decade or so. They want to continue with their lives as usualbut without the hassles of home ownership. When weekly happy hours, on-site spa services, front-door meal deliveries, and planned trips and excursions are part of the deal, they know they are home. Senior living community developers often own or manage 20 or more communities. They are committed to keeping up with emerging trends and thinking ahead so that residents can always take advantage of the latest amenities and services. On-site medical clinics, golf simulators, upscale salons that rival what youll find in Uptown Dallas, movie theatres, multiple libraries, and on-site bankstodays senior living perks make it easy for residents to enjoy the best of everything right at home. There is a lot of brain power at work, and developers are constantly thinking about whats next, says John Falldine, executive director of Edgemere. In this industry, there will always be new things coming to the market, and developers and managers listen to and incorporate what their customers want.Approximately 53 million people in the United States are age 65 or older, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. By 2060, this demographic is projected to double in size, meaning that within the next several decades, one in five people will be senior citizens making decisions about where, and how, they want to retire. The next question is when to retire? If savings goals have been met, how do you know when its time to make the move? Hubbard says this decision always varies from person to person. Moving to a retirement community before your physical and mental abilities require you to do so is often the smartest choice.It makes the transition easier, Hubbard says. If you find it challenging to access services or activities that enhance your quality of life, it may be time to consider a move to a community where those amenities are very accessible through assisted living or memory care. Common fears about moving to a retirement community often involve the loss of independence and the unknown. Many seniors worry about leaving their homes and familiar surroundings. However, many are often surprised to discover they gain a newfound sense of independence, social connections, and a vibrant lifestyle due to the emphasis on social connection and community living.Once seniors become more open to the idea of moving to a retirement community, theyll do so with one caveatthe senior living community they choose cant resemble where their grandparents and parents spent their senior years.The Preston of the Park Cities, a Watermark community, offers a vibrant lifestyle with resort-style amenities that arent too far off from those of a luxury hotelgourmet dining options and fitness and wellness programs among them. A concierge medical partnership offering access to in-house physicians and medical treatments, Watermark University for continuing education, multiple dining venues, and high-tech programs like EngageVR that offers the opportunity to explore the worldand outer spaceright from the community are other perks members enjoy. Within most Watermark communities, residents use a key fob for entrance into and throughout the community, and the fob is what they use to charge meals or even order a cocktail in the lounge. Watermark University, or WU, addresses three circles of wellnessMind: Growth, Creativity, Curiosity; Body: Motion, Health, Nutrition; Spirit: Peace, Insight, Wisdom; and Community, Connection, Purpose, Legacy. Students can take classes ranging from guitar lessons and music theory to gardening and tai chi at WU.Communities are devoting square footage to incorporate more opportunities for overall wellnessnot just physical fitness. There is a move toward more holistic care.John Falldine, EdgemereHighland Springs, an Erickson senior living community in North Dallas, recently opened a new clubhouse, a new residential building, and its eighth restaurant on campus so that residents have even more options for living, dining, and entertainment. With three fitness centers, an events space, and a long list of activitiesincluding the resident-requested pickleball and an updated woodworking shopthere is always something going on and plenty of activities to join. The customer for any senior living community today is very different from the customer a decade ago, says Christina Christie, director of sales for Highland Springs. There is a huge emphasis on wellness in our community and we have been proactive in offering opportunities for folks to stay physically active and mentally sharpeverything from outdoor yoga to disc golf. We also recently opened our labyrintha space for residents to take time to reflect and meditate. We want our residents to know that this community can be anything they want it to be, as the majority of our programs are resident driven.By the end of 2023, Anthology of Highland Park will be welcoming to residents to its 11-story boutique community that offers a range of care, including independent living, assisted living, and memory careplus an on-site, upscale restaurant that is also open to the public. Homes are designed to mimic what residents are accustomed tojust downsized for an easier lifestyle. Some units offer two bedrooms, and every unit includes a kitchenette and washer and dryerperks not often in found assisted living communities. We refer to the community as an assisted living community because residents can live here and be totally independent and not need any assistance yet, but may need assistance in the future, giving them the ability to stay in their apartment, says Sherye Groebe, director of sales and marketing for Anthology of Highland Park. Having a kitchen and a washer and dryer helps them keep the independence they are used to. There are also one-bedroom and studio units to meet a variety of needs.Crews attributes the spike in demand for more senior living options to seniors wanting more socialization and an easier, stress-free lifestyle. I think in the next five or so years, the ability to tour around North Texas and take your pick of senior living communities may not be as simple as its always been; options are limited as we get into these exploding demographics, he says. Its very important during the early planning process to make sure the senior living community you choose suits your lifestyle and has a culture that supports your values. People tend to think a retirement community is where you just fade awaythats definitely not what happens here.CC Young Senior Living has made it a priority to listen to what their residents truly want to experience, and this includes sophisticated dining options, a full array of life enriching and engaging activities at all levels of care, and new additions to the offerings such as technology and language classes, technology throughout the campus and on-campus technology support. CC Young also offers continuing education classes through the OLLI program at UNT as well as enrichment programming. The Point & Pavilion, CC Youngs 20,000-square-foot enrichment center, serves thousands of visitors each monthresidents and non-residentswho participate in all the programs. The Point includes an art gallery, a meditation area, caf, and more. Seven dining venues, a dedicated move in coordinator, a fitness center, and massage therapy are only a few of the offerings at CC Young.Edgemere recently transitioned from a large entrance fee a to a one-time community fee and monthly rental fee that covers all maintenance, dining, and base utilities. Falldine says Edgemere has incorporated all the latest trends in senior living, including the addition of a more casual caf for residents who want an alternative to formal dining and will soon have an on-site medical clinic and expanded sundry store that also offers Italian desserts and coffees. Overall wellness is a focus at Edgemeresocial, physical, intellectual, and spiritual. One of the most dangerous things for seniors living at home is isolation, Falldine says. At Edgemere, as well as at other senior living communities, residents have much opportunity to stay busy and socialize. Residents are embracing those opportunities and are thriving.Shopping AroundThe first step to finding a retirement home is knowing which type of care you need. Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC). This is a community that provides all levels of care, including independent living, assisted living, memory care, and healthcare or nursing care (sometimes called skilled nursing) in one community.Independent Living. This is often a choice for those who are active, independent, and dont need any type of health or daily living assistance. Residents typically live in apartments and create their own schedules.Assisted Living. This type of community provides housing options for seniors who may need assistance with daily living tasks, such as dressing, bathing, medications, meals, and activities. Fees vary depending on the level of assistance required. Care can be increased or decreased as needed. Residential Care Home/Group Home. These are private homes that serve residents who live together and receive care from live-in caretakers. Assistance with daily activities is typically provided, and care is customized to each residents needs. Because the resident-to-staff ratio is low, residents get more one-on-one, personalized care.Memory Care/Alzheimers Care. These are secure communities that offer 24-hour support with a specifically trained staff that specializes in caring for patients with dementia or other types of loss of memory or Alzheimers disease. Structured activities and assistance with meals and healthcare and daily tasks are provided. Most communities have private pay and costs vary per month depending on the level of assistance required. Medication management and 24-hour monitoring by licensed nurses and caregivers are typically included in the price.Nursing Care/Skilled Care/Long-Term Care. Nursing care is typically designed for someone who requires a high level of care for a short period of time, such as recovering from a hospital stay or therapy services. Long-term care is for residents who need a high level of care with complex medical conditions who require a licensed nurse for a long period of time. Both levels offer around the-clock care, meals, activities, and rehabilitative service under one roof. By D Partner Studio | November 27, 2023|7:00 amhttps://www.dmagazine.com/publications/d-magazine/2023/december/aging-well/ 

 Elder Fraud and Scams: A Growing Problem and How to Protect YourselfAs our population ages, elder fraud and scams have become an increasingly serious problem. Seniors are often targeted by scammers because they are seen as vulnerable and more trusting, making them easy targets for fraudsters who prey on their emotions and vulnerabilities. Elder fraud and scams can lead to devastating financial consequences for seniors and their families, leaving many in dire financial straits. In this article, we will discuss the growing problem of elder fraud and scams, some statistics surrounding the issue, the most common scams, how to prevent them, and how to report fraud in Texas.The Growing Problem of Elder Fraud and ScamsElder fraud and scams are a growing problem, with more and more seniors falling victim to scams every year. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), consumers over the age of 60 filed more than 143,000 fraud reports in 2020, with a total reported loss of more than $621 million. This represents a significant increase in the number of fraud reports filed by seniors over the past decade, indicating a growing problem.Most Common Scams Targeting SeniorsThere are many different types of scams that target seniors, but some are more common than others. The following are some of the most common scams targeting seniors:1.     Tech Support Scams: Scammers will call or email seniors claiming to be tech support personnel from a reputable company, such as Microsoft or Apple. They will then claim that there is a problem with the senior's computer and ask for remote access to fix the issue. Once they gain access to the computer, they can steal personal information or install malware.2.     Grandparent Scams: Scammers will call seniors posing as their grandchild, claiming to be in trouble and in need of money. They will ask the senior to wire money or purchase gift cards and provide the card numbers to the scammer.3.     Sweepstakes Scams: Scammers will call or send mail to seniors claiming that they have won a sweepstakes or lottery. They will ask for payment of taxes or fees before releasing the winnings, but the winnings never materialize.4.     Medicare Scams: Scammers will call seniors claiming to be Medicare representatives and ask for personal information, such as their Social Security number, in order to send them a new Medicare card. They will then use this information to commit identity theft. Scammers may use a sense of urgency to try to pressure the elderly into making quick decisions. They may threaten legal action or claim that they are from a government agency, such as the IRS, in an attempt to scare the elderly into giving them money or personal information.Preventing Elder Fraud and ScamsTo prevent elder fraud and scams, there are several steps that elderly individuals and their loved ones can take. 1.     Never give out personal information over the phone or via email unless you are certain that the request is legitimate.2.     Do not wire money or send gift cards to anyone who calls or emails you asking for money.3.     Verify any requests for personal information or money by calling the company directly using a phone number you know is legitimate.4.     Do not click on links or download attachments from emails or websites you do not trust.5.     Sign up for the National Do Not Call Registry to reduce the number of telemarketing calls you receive.6.     Be wary of unsolicited phone calls or emails that ask for personal information or money. Overall, elder fraud and scams are a growing problem that is impacting thousands of elderly individuals across the country. By educating oneself about the different types of scams and taking steps to prevent them, elderly individuals and their loved ones can protect themselves from becoming victims. Reporting scams to the appropriate authorities is an important step in preventing further fraud and holding scammers accountable for their actions. Elder fraud and scams are a growing problem, and seniors need to take steps to protect themselves.  Reporting Elder Fraud and Scams in Texas If an elderly individual believes that they have been the victim of a scam, it is important to report it immediately. In Texas, individuals can report fraud or scams to the Texas Attorney General's office or to the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services. Reporting scams is important not only to prevent further fraud, but also to help law enforcement investigate and bring scammers to justice.Here are the steps to report elder fraud and scams in Texas:1.     Contact local law enforcement: If you suspect that an elder is being scammed or defrauded, the first step is to call the local police department or sheriff's office. You can also call 911 if the situation is an emergency. The police will take your report and investigate the matter. 2.     Contact Adult Protective Services (APS): If the elder is a vulnerable adult or has a disability, you can contact APS to report the fraud or scam. APS is a state agency that investigates reports of abuse, neglect, and exploitation of vulnerable adults. You can contact the Texas Adult Protective Services (APS) Central Intake by phone at 1-800-252-5400 or online at https://www.txabusehotline.org/Login/Default.aspx. 3.     Contact the Texas Attorney General's office: If the scam or fraud involves a business or company, you can contact the Texas Attorney General's office. The office has a Consumer Protection Division that investigates consumer complaints and takes legal action against businesses that engage in fraudulent practices. You can file a complaint online at the Attorney General's website. Texas Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division by phone at 1-800-621-0508 or online at https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/consumer-protection/file-consumer-complaint. 4.     Contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC): The FTC is a federal agency that investigates consumer fraud and identity theft. File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to report fraud and scams by phone at 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357) or online at https://www.ftc.gov/complaint. 5.     Contact the Better Business Bureau (BBB): If the fraud or scam involves a business, you can also contact the BBB. The BBB collects complaints about businesses and works with them to resolve consumer issues. You can file a complaint online at the BBB's website.  It's important to note that reporting elder fraud and scams can help prevent others from becoming victims. If you suspect that someone you know is being scammed or defrauded, encourage them to report it as soon as possible. Additional Resources to Prevent or Address Elder Abuse in the Greater Dallas DFW Area Elder Financial Safety CenterThe Senior SourceAdult Protective ServicesTexas Attorney GeneralAARPMcNair Dallas LawteleCalm  Author: Kathleen Warshawsky, BSN, RN | Publisher Seniors Blue Book Greater Dallas | https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathleenwbsnrn/