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Prepare to Care
Tips to Help you Express Love & Respect for Your Elders
By Jenefer Duane, Founder and CEO,
Elder Financial Protection Network
Senior citizens deserve and need the care of others now more than ever before.
Today’s
fast paced world generally doesn’t slow down enough for seniors to ‘catch up’ and
this can leave them vulnerable. Plus many elders are not prepared to fend for themselves
when it comes to financial abuse which, unfortunately, is one of the world’s most
rapidly growing crimes.
There are things, however, that can be done to better assure the safety of elders
who live either nearby or far away.
Here are nine tips that will help keep them safe
from harm.
1. Don’t let elders become isolated or allow anyone to isolate them from your or their community call and visit frequently or if you are not close by, set up a support system of neighbors, friends and professionals that will.
2. Plan ahead for financial needs such as bill-
3. Familiarize yourself with the resources available to the elder in their community. Consider
engaging a geriatric care manager to check in on the elder to assess the need for
support and identify local resources.
4. Keep them safe from harm. Identify and mitigate hazards around the house. Install
handrails and check lighting.
5. Familiarize yourself with common frauds, scams and other forms of financial abuse
and who to report to.
6. Support the elder when hiring help. Get references on anyone that is being considered
to provide support for the elder. This includes caregivers, housekeepers and other
service providers such as financial advisors etc. Keep a close eye on things -
7. Send “valentines” all year round. Personal mail is rare these days so receiving
postcards and greeting cards will lift their spirits and make them feel remembered
and cared about. Engage the grandkids to give little updates on their activities
and thank the elder for a gift or for just for being grandma. This is good for the
kids too!
8. Listen to your elders! They have many stories and so much wisdom to share. Consider
buying a small digital voice or video recorder. Over dinner or a cup of tea, discretely
turn on the devise and ask questions: Tell me about the time you and dad met. What
is your favorite memory of me a child? What is your favorite childhood memory? Etc.
this will build your rapport (and the elders trust) so they will feel that they can
tell you anything -
9. Focus on the positives as much as possible. The aging process and life in general
these days, is fraught with bad news and negativity. Find light and happy things
to talk about. Laughter releases endorphins, staves off the effects of depression
and will build positive loving memories for both of you.
For more information on preventing frauds, scams and financial abuse: go to www.bewiseonline.org or call 415.956.5556
For tips on planning ahead for care needs: contact your local Area Agency on Aging
-
Jenefer Duane was interviewed on February 12, 2011 about elder financial abuse. To
listen to the interview, please click here.
