If you watch the evening news, you know seniors are often the target of fraud and financial scams. They lose their life savings by putting their trust in the wrong person.

There are a variety of reasons seniors are targeted for financial scams. In general, this generation was raised to be polite. It’s why many older adults have a hard time closing the door on a door-to-door salesperson or hanging up on a telemarketer. Seniors, especially those living alone, may be lonely and more willing to spend time talking with a stranger.

AARP estimates are that one in five seniors has fallen victim to fraud. Many are too embarrassed to let loved ones know what has happened to them.

What can you do to prevent the seniors in your life from being victimized?

It starts with making them aware of the most common risks.

The Scams that Target Older Adults

The most common types of financial scams to make your aging loved one aware of are:

1. Pre-Planned Funerals and Cemetery Plots: Funerals and cemetery plots are two common places where fraud occurs. Scammers call or visit seniors’ homes to try to convince them to take care of both so their “children won’t have to.” Remind an aging parent never to sign a contract without having you and an attorney review it.
2. Internet Fraud: Older adults who might not be as tech savvy as the younger generation can be more susceptible to online scams, including phishing emails. Help the senior in your life learn more by visiting the FBI’s Internet Fraud site. They provide examples of the most common types of online scams and tips to avoid falling victim.
3. Reverse Mortgages: These specialty loans provide seniors with the income they sometimes need to finance home care or other care needs. Reverse mortgages are designed to allow older adults to take advantage of the equity in their home. Unfortunately, scammers use illegal or unethical programs to defraud seniors of their homes or money. AARP has resources you can use to better understand reverse mortgages and how to find a legitimate lender for an aging loved one.
4. You’ve Won Big: Seniors often receive “prize notifications” by phone or mail. These fraudulent notices say the older adult has won everything from a tropical getaway to a free car, but the senior will need to pay taxes or a “processing fee.” Don’t do it. These are almost always a scam of some sort designed to gain access to a credit or debit card number.

Our final tip is to help spread the word about scams against seniors. Report them to your local authorities and to AARP’s ElderWatch.

Autumn brings changing temperatures and changing colors to most areas of the country. It’s also the one time of year when Medicare recipients can make changes to their coverage. But that isn’t always so easy to do.

Figuring out the benefits of each option and making a choice can be confusing for seniors and for their caregivers. Many people end up sticking with their current plan just to avoid having to make a decision. As a family caregiver you might find yourself struggling to provide assistance with this important task.

We thought it would be helpful to answer some of the more common questions we receive during Medicare Open Enrollment period.

Q: What are the dates for this year’s Medicare Open Enrollment?

A: The dates for Medicare Open Enrollment are the same every year. It begins on October 15th and goes through December 7th.

Q: What is an ANOC?

A: ANOC stands for Annual Notice of Change. You should receive this document in the mail in late September or early October each year. It contains an easy-to-read comparison chart of changes in coverage and costs. Read through it to review any changes in the cost of premiums, deductibles and co-pays.

Q: If I’m happy with my current plan do I have to fill out new forms or do anything to renew my coverage?

A: Medicare doesn’t require you to do anything to continue with your current plan for 2016. But it is important to make time to at least review your ANOC so you are aware of any changes in price or covered services.

Q: If I do decide to make a change, when will the new plan take effect?

A: Changes made during the 2015 Medicare Open Enrollment period will take effect on January 1, 2016.

Q: How can I explore other options for coverage?

A: Medicare Plan Finder and Medicare Mini-Check are sites you can use to locate plans offered in your area or that of your senior loved one.

Q: What does Medicare Part C coverage provide?

A: Medicare Advantage Plans fall under Medicare Part C. These plans are offered through private insurance companies Medicare has contracted with for Medicare A and B benefits.

Q: If I don’t like the Medicare Advantage plan I have, when can I dis-enroll from it?

A: The Medicare Disenrollment Period takes place from January 1st through February 14th each year. During this time, you can withdraw from an advantage plan and enroll in traditional Medicare. The MADP worksheet explains your rights.

Q: How can I learn more about Medicare’s prescription drug coverage?

A: Medicare created the How to Get Prescription Drug Coverage tool to make it easier for enrollees to understand their drug plan options.

Our final tip is to remember that personal guidance is available to Medicare recipients in every state at no cost. To find a Medicare expert in your area visit Medicare’s Helpful Contacts.

Medicare’s Open Enrollment period can be confusing. It often leaves seniors and their families with many questions.
The good news is you’ve come to the right place. This FAQ is provided by Five Star Senior Living to help answer your questions about Medicare Open Enrollment.

Q: What is the Medicare Open Enrollment Period?

A: Medicare Open Enrollment permits those enrolled in Medicare to make changes to their plan. This includes cost, coverage, and the insurance provider they choose to work with in the year ahead.

Q: When does Medicare Open Enrollment take place?  

A: Medicare Open Enrollment takes place every year from October 15^th through December 7^th.

This should not be confused with the Part B General Enrollment Period which runs from January 1^st to March 31^st. The General Enrollment period allows people already on Medicare to enroll in or change their prescription drug coverage.

Q: When do changes made during Open Enrollment go into effect?

A: Changes made during Medicare Open Enrollment go into effect January 1 of the following year.

Q: What are my choices for Medicare coverage during the Open Enrollment period?

A: During the Open Enrollment period, you can sign up for original Medicare (parts A and B), Medicare Part D (prescription drug coverage), or a Medicare Advantage Plan (part C). A Medicare Advantage Plan includes prescription drug coverage and, often, a wider choice of in-network medical providers.

These plans are offered by private health insurance companies through an HMO or PPO.

Q: Can I change Medigap coverage during Fall Open Enrollment?

A: Depending on where you live, you may or may not be able to change your Medigap coverage during the October through December Open Enrollment period. The best time to change coverage is during your initial six-month Medicare enrollment period when you enroll in Medicare Part B. 

Q: Why would I want to make changes to my Medicare plan?

A: There are a number of reasons to change your Medicare plan. Perhaps you want to start seeing a new specialist, but the practice isn’t covered under your existing plan.

If you recently moved, you might want to find a plan with more providers in your new area.

Maybe you’ve experienced financial hardship and want to find a plan that costs less. Or just the opposite. Maybe circumstances have changed and you’re able to pay a little bit more for better coverage.

In addition, each year Medicare plans and options change. You may be able to find a more desirable plan—with a wider range of providers in your network—for the same or less money.

Q: Where can I learn more about my Medicare options?

A: Information about Medicare plans for the new year typically becomes available on the Medicare website in October.

To review your choices in Medicare plans, use the Plan Finder Tool on the Medicare website.

Have more questions about Medicare Open Enrollment?
The experts at Five Star Senior Living offer resources devoted to financial planning and more. 

<!–[CDATA[The process of downsizing often begins with decluttering. If you are contemplating relocating to a retirement community in the months ahead, getting rid of unwanted and unused items now can jumpstart preparations for the move. Mental health experts also say decluttering—whether in anticipation of a move or not—is energizing and uplifting.

Proven health benefits of decluttering your home include:

• Less risk of a fall: From piles of old magazines to stacks of outdated clothes, navigating around clutter increases the risk for a fall. Clearing out excess items gives you more room to safely store possessions and lowers the risk for a fall.
• Reduced allergens: Unless you are faithfully wiping down your clutter, chances are it’s covered in dust and other allergens. By getting rid of it, you clean up your home’s air and environment.
• Improved mental health: Whether you realize it or not, clutter can amp up anxiety and prevent relaxation. Depending on the severity, clutter may even lead to sleep problems. When your home is tidy and clean, you can relax and enjoy it.

If you aren’t sure how to get started, we have a few tips to help.

4 Tips for Decluttering Your Home

1. Make a first pass through the home.

Get started by grabbing a trash bag and a couple of boxes. Make a quick pass through the home to get rid of items you don’t need. When you take an objective look at every room, you’ll probably be surprised at what you find.

Have one box for items to recycle and another for those you want to donate. Dispose of everything else.

2. Purge the paper.

Whether it is outdated catalogs or old credit card statements, paper accounts for a lot clutter in our homes and lives. If you can reduce the amount of paper you have to manage, tidying up is much easier.

For many people, junk mail is a constant battle. To lower the amount of junk mail you receive, place yourself on the National Do Not Mail List. You can also email catalog companies and ask to be taken off their mailing list.

It’s also essential to sort your mail every day. Don’t put it off until later. Recycle or shred everything you don’t need immediately.

3. Clear out the closets.

It’s amazing how much “stuff” can accumulate in closets in a short period of time. The longer you’ve lived in the house, the more likely it is that you have a lot of clothes, shoes, and accessories you don’t need.

Work through every closet in the house applying the 12-month rule. If you haven’t worn or used an item in the last year, you may not need it.

Box up clothing you don’t need and make frequent trips to donation drop sites. Putting off the drop-offs might allow things to work their way back into your closet. Use this same approach with items stored in the kitchen, attic, and basement.

4. Downsize your holiday décor.

Holiday décor accumulates over the years. Many of us buy new, leaving the old boxed up in the basement. Before you take this year’s decorations down, go through everything you aren’t using. Keep in mind that many charitable organizations accept holiday items. Veterans centers, nonprofit preschools, and domestic violence shelters are a few.

Downsize to the Right Size Housing during Retirement

By decluttering your home now, you make the process of selling your home and moving easier when the time comes. If the idea of downsizing feels overwhelming, you aren’t alone. Fortunately, professionals can help.

Senior move managers can assist with every detail of a move from hiring a moving company to overseeing an estate sale. “How to Hire a Senior Move Manager” will help locate a qualified professional near you.

If you have questions about retirement communities or would like to tour a Five Star Senior Living community, please call (853) 457-8271. One of our experienced team members will be happy to help!

October 9th –15th is National Fire Prevention Week. Since 1922, the National Fire Prevention Association commemorates the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 with week-long activities to raise awareness about fire prevention.

The organization often ties their slogans to current events. For instance, the 1942 slogan was: Today Every Fire Helps Hitler.

It’s no surprise, then, that in 2016, fire prevention focuses on technology. Or, more specifically, smoke and fire alarms. For three years running, the NFPA has emphasized preventing home fires through the proper use of smoke and fire alarms.

Three Years, Three Tips

In 2014, the NFPA advised people to test smoke alarms every month.

Then in 2015, the catchy slogan “Hear the Beep When You Sleep” reminded people to make sure that every bedroom in their home has a working smoke alarm.

This year, the NFPA emphasizes that smoke alarms should be replaced every 10 years—even if they seem to be working during monthly tests.

To find out if the smoke alarms in your home need to be replaced, simply look at the date of manufacture on the back of each alarm.

Simple enough, right?

But there’s more to fire safety than simply having smoke alarms, especially for seniors who may be hard of hearing.

Follow these fire safety tips to stay safe or to keep your aging loved one safe all year long.

Fire Prevention Tips for Seniors

1. Consider Alternatives to Smoke Alarms That Use Noise Alerts

Smoke alarms can help seniors escape a fire—if they hear the alarm.

If you or your senior loved one is hard of hearing, consider smoke alarms equipped with flashing lights to signal an alert. Or consider a smart smoke alarm that also sends an alert to a smartphone or wearable device, causing it to buzz while also providing a visual signal of danger.

Even better? A smoke and fire alarm connected to a home alarm system, which automatically alerts the fire department in the event of a blaze.

2. Use Caution Burning Candles

While many people like the calming scent and ambiance that candles create, seniors—or distracted caregivers—may forget about a candle and leave it burning. Unattended candles may cause a fire.

Consider electric wax burners as an alternative to open flames. Or use technology and set a reminder on your smartphone to check candles before leaving home.

3. Know Your Escape Route
Every home or apartment should have two escape routes, says the NFPA. In the case of seniors, both routes should be easily accessible. That is, no ladders to climb or challenging window exits.

Escape routes should be well-lighted, night or day. Consider motion sensor lights that can illuminate a path if a senior needs to leave in the middle of the night.

And, to prevent falls, ensure there’s no low furniture, loose rugs, or clutter in the path.

Finally, seniors should have a safe place to wait, such as a neighbor’s house, should their home catch on fire.

Keeping Seniors with Alzheimer’s and Dementia Safe from Fire

For seniors in the early stages of Alzheimer’s or dementia, review fire safety tips frequently so they will know what to do in the event of a fire.

Do not use door locks that will keep a senior with Alzheimer’s trapped inside a burning building. Instead, use GPS tracking devices and wearables to keep tabs on a senior prone to wandering, and use smoke and fire alarms with remote alert capabilities so caregivers will receive notifications in the event of a fire.

Use Technology to Stay Safe

From smoke detection systems to fire-safe doors and sprinkler systems, Five Star Senior Living communities have the technology and safety measures in place to keep you or your senior loved one protected from fire.

Why not schedule a tour this month to see if Five Star Senior Living is the right choice for the older adult you love?