Fight Identity Theft and Fraud

When families think about elder abuse, they often picture an anonymous scammer calling from another state, sending a convincing email, or trying to steal someone's banking information. Those threats are real, but they are only part of the problem.Sometimes the person taking advantage of an older adult is someone they already know and trust. It could be a relative, caregiver, friend, neighbor, or a person who has been given legal authority to help manage finances.Pennsylvania recognizes financial exploitation as a serious concern for older adults. The Pennsylvania Department of Aging provides resources addressing the misuse or theft of an older adult's assets, including concerns involving bank accounts, credit cards, property, scams, and misuse of legal authority.Estate planning cannot guarantee that abuse will never occur. Thoughtful planning can, however, help an older adult decide who should have authority, establish clearer responsibilities, and create a structure for handling important decisions if help is needed.For Pennsylvania families, that makes estate planning part of a broader conversation about independence, safety, accountability, and trust.Elder Abuse Is Not Always an Outside Threat Financial exploitation can be difficult to recognize because questionable behavior may begin inside an otherwise normal relationship.Consider an older parent who increasingly relies on an adult child for transportation, groceries, banking, and medical appointments. The arrangement may begin with good intentions. Over time, however, that person might begin making withdrawals the parent does not understand, using the parent's money for personal expenses, or pressuring the parent to make financial changes.A neighbor might start helping an isolated older adult with errands and gradually gain access to sensitive financial information. A caregiver may legitimately handle certain expenses while eventually making purchases that primarily benefit the caregiver.None of this means families should become suspicious of everyone who helps an aging loved one. Most family members and caregivers provide support because they genuinely want to help.The important point is that familiarity alone does not create protection. Trust can be combined with reasonable accountability.Pennsylvania has studied financial exploitation of older adults and developed prevention efforts involving aging professionals, law enforcement, financial institutions, and other organizations. Families can learn more through the Pennsylvania Department of Aging financial exploitation resources.Why a Power of Attorney Deserves Careful AttentionA financial power of attorney can be one of the most important documents in an estate plan.It allows an individual, known as the principal, to authorize another person, known as the agent, to handle certain matters on the principal's behalf. This authority can become particularly important if illness, injury, or cognitive changes make managing finances more difficult.The document matters, but so does the person receiving the authority.Under Pennsylvania law, an agent who accepts an appointment under a power of attorney must act according to the principal's reasonable expectations when those expectations are known. Otherwise, the agent must act in the principal's best interest. The agent must also act in good faith and remain within the authority granted by the document.Pennsylvania law also addresses duties involving loyalty, conflicts of interest, appropriate care, recordkeeping, and separation of the agent's funds from the principal's funds, subject to specific exceptions. Families can review the Pennsylvania law governing power of attorney agent duties.These requirements provide legal protections, but families should not rely on the law alone to correct a problem after assets have already been misused.Choosing the right person from the beginning is an important part of planning.Families creating or reviewing a plan can learn more about Entrusted Legacy Law's approach to Pennsylvania estate planning.Being Family Does Not Automatically Make Someone the Right ChoiceMany people select estate planning decision-makers almost automatically.The oldest child gets named because that feels traditional. The child who lives nearby is chosen because it seems convenient. Someone who already helps with bills receives additional authority because the arrangement is familiar.Those factors may be relevant, but they should not necessarily be the only considerations.When choosing someone to handle important financial or legal responsibilities, it can help to consider whether that person: Manages money responsibly Respects the older adult's wishes and boundaries Communicates clearly Can keep accurate records Understands that the assets belong to the older adult Can separate personal interests from the older adult's interests Can handle family disagreement appropriately Is likely to remain available when help is actually needed Someone can be loving, dependable, and deeply involved in a parent's life while still being the wrong person to manage significant financial matters.Estate planning gives families an opportunity to think about those distinctions before a crisis makes the decision more difficult.Estate Planning Can Create Layers of ProtectionThere is no single document that prevents elder abuse.Protection may involve a combination of appropriate legal documents, carefully chosen decision-makers, family communication, professional guidance, and ongoing attention to changes in the older adult's circumstances.Depending on the individual, planning may involve powers of attorney, wills, trusts, health care documents, long-term care planning, asset protection strategies, and other tools.Families facing questions about aging, long-term care, or asset protection can explore Entrusted Legacy Law's elder law and Medicaid planning services.Good planning is not about unnecessarily taking control away from an older adult.Quite often, the opposite is true.Planning while someone can clearly communicate their preferences allows that person to decide whom they trust, what authority those people should receive, and how their wishes should be handled if assistance becomes necessary later.Oversight Does Not Have to Mean DistrustSome families hesitate to build accountability into an estate plan because they worry it suggests they do not trust the person being named.That does not have to be the case.Appropriate transparency can protect everyone involved, including the person serving as agent.For example, it may be helpful for appropriate family members to understand who is responsible for particular tasks, where important documents are located, and which professional advisers are involved.Depending on the circumstances, an attorney may also discuss whether additional safeguards are appropriate.The right structure varies from one family to another. Too many people involved can create confusion and conflict. Too little transparency may make questionable conduct more difficult to recognize.This is one reason an estate plan should reflect the family's actual relationships rather than relying entirely on generic documents.Know the Possible Warning SignsNo single behavior proves that elder abuse or financial exploitation is occurring. Changes in finances, health, or behavior can have many explanations.A pattern of unusual changes, however, may justify asking more questions.Possible concerns can include: Unexplained account withdrawals Unpaid bills despite available resources Unexpected property transfers Increased isolation Sudden financial secrecy Confusion about financial transactions New people becoming unusually involved in financial decisions Pressure to sign documents the older adult does not understand Unauthorized purchases or charges Families should be careful not to treat every unusual financial choice as proof of exploitation.Older adults generally retain the right to make their own decisions while they have the legal ability to do so, even when their adult children might have chosen differently.Concern becomes more significant when there are indications of coercion, deception, unauthorized transactions, misuse of legal authority, or an inability to understand what is occurring.The Commonwealth provides additional guidance through its official elder abuse reporting information.Stay Connected Without Taking Away IndependenceOne of the most useful safeguards is also one of the simplest: maintaining a relationship.Regular conversations can make changes easier to notice.That does not mean monitoring every purchase or treating aging as though it automatically causes incapacity. It means making conversations about finances, care, estate planning, and future needs normal enough that a parent feels comfortable raising concerns.Adult children might ask:"Are you still comfortable with the people named in your estate planning documents?""Who would you want helping you if managing your finances became difficult?""Does someone you trust know where your important documents are located?""Has anyone pressured you to make a financial decision you did not want to make?""Is anything about paying bills or managing accounts becoming harder?"The goal is support, not surveillance.A parent who feels respected may be more willing to discuss a questionable interaction than someone who fears that mentioning a problem will cause the family to take away control.Families who are unsure how to begin these conversations can also review Entrusted Legacy Law's guide on helping aging parents with estate planning.Review the Plan as People and Circumstances ChangeAn estate plan should not simply disappear into a drawer for decades.Someone who was the right choice for an important role ten years ago may not be the right person today.Relationships change. People move. Divorces happen. Health conditions develop. Family members may experience financial difficulties of their own. Someone who was once responsible and available may no longer be able to serve.A review may be particularly useful after: A major health change The death or incapacity of a named decision-maker Divorce or significant family conflict A substantial change in assets A move to another state Increasing long-term care needs Concerns about someone's management of finances A breakdown in trust with a named agent Reviewing documents while the older adult can participate directly often provides a greater opportunity to make thoughtful decisions before a crisis develops.Elder Scams by Trusted People Are Different RisksFamilies also need to protect older adults from outsiders.Imposter calls, fraudulent messages, fake emergencies, technology scams, investment schemes, and other forms of fraud can pose serious risks.Those situations are somewhat different from exploitation by someone who already has legitimate access or occupies a trusted role.Entrusted Legacy Law has a separate resource explaining how estate planning can help protect loved ones from financial scams.The distinction matters because a family may need to address both risks at the same time.A thoughtful plan can consider threats from unknown scammers while also making sure the people who legitimately receive authority are appropriate choices.Pennsylvania Continues to Address Financial ExploitationPennsylvania has taken steps to study and respond to financial exploitation of older adults.The Pennsylvania Department of Aging's financial exploitation work has included research, educational resources, and collaboration among aging professionals, financial institutions, law enforcement, legal professionals, and other stakeholders.Public programs and legal protections matter, but they cannot replace healthy family involvement.Protection often begins with knowing who has authority, keeping important documents current, maintaining communication, and recognizing when something has changed.What Should You Do If You Suspect Elder Abuse in Pennsylvania?Families should not feel that they have to conduct their own investigation before seeking help.Pennsylvania's Statewide Elder Abuse Hotline is available 24 hours a day at 1-800-490-8505. The Commonwealth states that reports may be made on behalf of an older adult and may be anonymous.If an older adult is in immediate danger or experiencing a medical emergency, contact emergency services.Families can review current reporting information through Pennsylvania's official Report Abuse of an Older Adult resource.If the concern involves finances, a power of attorney, trust, ownership change, property transfer, or another estate planning matter, speaking with a Pennsylvania attorney may also help the family understand what authority exists and what options may be available.The appropriate response depends on the facts, the legal documents involved, the older adult's circumstances, and whether suspected misconduct has already occurred.Protect the Person, Not Just the PropertyEstate planning is often described as deciding who receives property after someone dies.For aging adults, it can be just as important to decide who may have authority while they are alive. Who will manage finances if help becomes necessary? Who can be trusted with sensitive information? Who understands that receiving authority creates responsibility rather than ownership? Are the people named years ago still the people you would choose today? Those conversations can help families create estate plans that support independence while preparing for the possibility that assistance may eventually be needed.If you are helping a parent review an existing plan or beginning elder law planning for your own future, Entrusted Legacy Law can help you evaluate the people, documents, and planning strategies involved.This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. Estate planning and elder abuse matters depend on individual circumstances and applicable Pennsylvania law. Estate planning can help protect aging parents from elder abuse by carefully selecting trustworthy decision-makers, clearly defining legal authority, and keeping documents current as family circumstances change. Pennsylvania families can also stay involved, recognize possible financial exploitation, and seek professional or protective-services assistance when concerning behavior arises.

Are you wondering about the different medication services senior living has to offer? Medications become increasingly important as people age, given the higher likelihood of health problems. Seniors may end up with chronic conditions that require multiple medications and complex medication schedules. Taking the proper medication at the right time can be tricky, especially for seniors with poor memory or dementia symptoms. Fortunately, most senior living options provide different levels of medication services. What this looks like depends on state regulations and the type of senior living environment. In this article, we will explain the different types of medication services available and how they may vary depending on the level of senior care.Types of medication services in senior livingTo look at medication services, we first need to consder what the different terms. This is where things get complicated, as there is little consistency between the terms from state to state. Each state may use varying terminology for the levels of medication services. Were going to review the common terms for types of medication services here, so you can have an understanding of what to expect. If you need medication services at the senior living community youre interested in moving to or already live in, its important that you talk through the options with someone at that facility. Medication managementMedication management often refers to the overall system for organizing and managing residents' medications. It can include the areas discussed next, along with planning, storing, monitoring, reviewing, and organizing medications. Each community will have its own specific processes, some of which are more complex than others.Medication reminders Medication reminders are the simplest type of medication support found in senior living. This type of service could be as simple as verbal reminders for residents that its time to take their medication, or an alarm that plays a reminder when the resident should take medication. Because reminders dont involve direct contact with the medication, theyre generally considered a nonmedical service, and as such can be offered by staff without medical licenses. Senior living communities differ in what type of staff member can provide this reminder. The minimum rule is often set by the state in which the facility is located, so while one community might allow certain staff members to provide verbal reminders, another might notThis type of medication service may be offered as an add-on for an additional fee. Be sure to talk with a community representative about any costs that could be associated with medication reminders.Assistance with self-administrationThis type of service supports a resident who administers their own medications. Self-administering medication can be defined differently from one state to another, and usually involves the physical act of removing the medication from its container, handling it, and taking it by mouth (if an oral medication). Some residents can take their own medications but benefit from some degree of assistance from a staff member. Assistance steps can involve: - Bringing the medication container to the resident.- Opening the labeled container, removing medication, and placing it in the residents hand.- Applying any topical medication (e.g., cream).- Placing oral medication in a container and helping the resident lift it to their mouth.- Observing the resident taking medication.These are all common examples of what assisting in self-administration might include. The state in which your community is located might have slightly different definitions or include other actions that constitute assistance with self-administration.If youre interested in this type of service, youll want to talk with someone in the community about the specific procedures and the cost.Medication administrationMedication administration is the highest degree of medication assistance, and can include:- Any approach that requires judging medication dose, strength, or delivery method.- Medication that is provided as needed.- Medication provided through tubes.- Administering drops, inhalers, or suppositories.In the assistance category, staff help residents with their medication, while in administration, staff help with tasks that residents can no longer do themselves. This level of medication service is most likely to be an add-on cost for which residents pay extra, in addition to the monthly rent.Differences between statesThe distinctions between medication reminders, assistance, and administration sound logical and straightforward, yet theyre surprisingly complex in practice. Not only do states define these terms differently, but the tasks in each category differ as well. For example, medication administration is often as described in this article, but sometimes includes different additional tasks: For example, providing medication reminders in Iowa and reading labels aloud to residents in Maine.There is also variation in training requirements. Staff who administer medication typically need to be medically licensed, while those assisting with self-administration may only need to be trained. However, some states and facilities may require higher levels of training or even medical licensing for medication assistance.Levels of medication services by care typeNow lets take a look at how medication services can vary based on the care type you or a loved one lives in.Independent livingBy definition, people in independent living communities dont need much extra support. However, medication reminders are sometimes available as an optional add-on service that a resident might choose to have. Assisted livingAssisted living typically provides some degree of medication support. This can be as simple as medication reminders, but often includes assistance with self-administration as well. Skilled nursingSkilled nursing facilities have the staff required to provide full clinical administration, including medications that are provided as needed or where the medication dose is adjusted.These facilities are also subject to considerable oversight, so medication management systems are likely to be well developed, reducing the risk of errors. Memory careFinally, memory care provides tailored support for people with dementia.Medication management is vital here, as seniors with cognitive decline may not be able to understand their medications or take them effectively as their condition progresses. Medication support will often begin with reminders, then transition to assistance and finally to full administration. However, the exact processes will vary depending on the residents needs and where the memory care is provided. Why medication services matterMedication assistance can be crucial to making sure seniors take the right medications at the right times. This is highly significant because: - Seniors might be taking several different medications each day, which can quickly become confusing.- Missed doses, doubled doses, or taking incorrect medications can lead to serious health issues.- Memory issues or dementia symptoms reduce a persons ability to take medications independently.- Taking medications correctly and consistently promotes better health and reduces the risk of complications.Questions to ask a community about medication servicesVariations in regulations, procedures, and facility types mean that medication services can differ considerably from one facility to the next. As a result, its important to ask questions about the exact processes used. Here are some key questions to begin with:- Who handles medications, and how are they trained?- What is your system for ensuring medication safety?- How do you prevent medication errors?- How do you monitor for medication changes and side effects?- What are the processes in your medication support system? What tasks are residents responsible for, and which ones are staff members responsible for?- What happens if residents refuse their medications?Its also worth discussing your loved ones specific needs and situation, as this allows you to discuss potential challenges early on and find solutions.If medication management is a concern for your loved one, Oasis Senior Advisors Carrollton-Frisco can help you compare communities based on the level of support they provide and explain how medication services work in each setting. Contact your local advisor, Holly DeLisi, at (682) 375-9604 to find options that match your loved ones needs.The rules and requirements of senior care facilities vary based on company policies and state regulations. The contents of this article represent common guidelines, but may differ from a particular facility's policies or requirements. Oasis can help you learn about the regulations in your state.

Are you wondering about what you can and can't bring with you to independent living? Your move-in date is approaching, and you're excited to begin a new chapter in the independent living community you've carefully chosen. Between all the anticipation, you might also be feeling a bit overwhelmed with your growing to-do list. Packing and planning for a move is a stressful task at any age, but as you begin to downsize, you might be wondering what to include in your moving boxes and what to leave out. In this article, we will provide some helpful tips for what to bring when moving to your new home, as well as what to leave behind.Furniture to maximize your new spaceIndependent living apartments typically come unfurnished, which means that you can bring your style with you by choosing furniture that matches your aesthetic. However, your new home might be smaller than what you're used to, so thoughtful planning is key to maximizing your new space. You might find that your current furniture will do just fine, or that you want to pick out new items that better suit your new home. Just remember: - Measure everything. Bring a copy of your new home's floor plan, and measure existing furniture before moving.- Think multifunctional. Opt for pieces that offer storage, like a bed with drawers or an ottoman that opens.- The right shelving can make a small closet even more functional. Purchase easily installed shelving, or consider visiting a closet organization store. Remember to bring the dimensions of your new living space.- Prioritize safety. Avoid unstable shelving that could be a fall risk, like over-the-toilet shelving.- Be creative. You might not need a kitchen table in your new home, which could open up that space for a crafting desk or art space instead.Helpful tip: Before deciding what furniture to bring or buy, get a copy of your new home's floor plan. Measure the furniture and sketch it into the layout to make sure everything fits comfortably. This will help you to avoid overcrowding your space. Reach out to your community to request the floor plan for your specific apartment.Linens, towels, and rugsOnce your furniture is in place, cozy up your space with fresh, clean linens and soft textures. This can be especially important when you're moving to independent living and want to bring a sense of home with you.What to bring: - Two to three sets of high-quality sheets for your bed (look for a higher threat count for extra comfort).- A few sets of towels in your favorite colors.- A favorite blanket or quilt that reminds you of home.- Throw rugs to personalize your bedroom.- Area rugs to define spaces.Helpful tip: Rugs can enhance comfort and style, but may pose a trip hazard. Use rug tape or nonslip backings, especially in bathrooms and hallways, to keep rug edges flat and secure.Daily living essentialsIt can be easy to overlook the small, everyday items that make daily life comfortable and familiar. Having these essential items on hand will make your first few days after moving into independent living feel settled and stress-free.Don't forget to pack:- Chargers (for your phone, tablet, hearing aids, etc.).- Toiletries (toothbrush, lotion, shampoo, skin care items, etc.).- Everyday comfort items (slippers, robe, a favorite mug).- Snacks and drinks for moving day and your first week.- A personal digital assistant, like Alexa or Google Home, if you use it regularly.Helpful tip: Pack these items in a box labeled "OPEN FIRST". Include everything you'd want for your first night and morning - like coffee, medication, toothbrush, and pajamas - so you won't have to search through boxes.Personal comforts and hobbiesSome people may overlook this category in favor of just the essentials. While it's easy to only focus on the basics, personal touches can make your new space feel like home, especially during the early days after having first moved in.Items to being: - Photos of loved ones (framed or in albums).- Favorite books.- Craft of hobby supplies (such as knitting materials, puzzles, or art kits).- A small radio or speaker for music or audiobooks.- Keepsakes that fit in small display spaces, like a grandchild's drawing or travel souvenir.Helpful tip: Ask loved ones for something new to brighten your space, like a framed family photo collage to hang on move-in day.Art and decorationsUpdate your new home even more by adding pieces of art and other decorations that express who you are without cluttering the space.Here are some ideas for what to bring: - A few favorite pieces of art, like canvas prints, framed paintings, or handmade crafts.- Small, meaningful decorative objects like figurines, vases, or items from your travels.- A curated bin of holiday decorations that includes your favorite seasonal items or family heirlooms.- Indoor plants to brighten up the living space throughout the year.Helpful tip: Before hanging anything on the walls, check with your community about guidelines for nails, hooks, or adhesive strips. Many independent living apartments have specific rules to protect walls, and using the right hardware can help you decorate safely and stress-free.Important documents and safety itemsOrganization and peace of mind go hand in hand when moving to independent living. Be sure to pack your essential paperwork and safeguard your valuables.What to bring: - Photo ID, insurance cards, and medical documents.- Power of attorney and advance directive paperwork.- A list of emergency contacts.- A small, fireproof safe for your passport, legal documents, and small valuables.Helpful tip: Make copies of your important documents and share them wth a trusted family member before your move.Clothing that suits your lifestyleYour daily routine may shift in independent living, bringing with it more casual social events and community activities close to home. Comfortable, versatile clothing will help you feel more confident and prepared for whatever might come with each day.Pack a wardrobe that includes: - Comfortable everyday clothes for lounging, walking, and dining.- A few dressy outfits for community events or special occasions.- Comfortable shoes with nonslip soles.- Season essentials, like a raincoat, winter coats, sweaters, and scarves.Helpful tip: Use under-bed storage bins or hanging organizers to maximize your closest space if it's smaller than you're used to.Nonessentials to leave behind when moving into independent livingMoving into an independent living community means you'll soon have access to a wide variety of amenities and services designed to make life more convenient. This all-inclusive lifestyle means that you can leave behind certain items. You may choose to either donate them, give them to a family member, or sell them.Here are a few things you can leave behind as you start packing: - Too many kitchen supplies. You'll likely have access to meals in either a dining room or a restaurant-style setting. Bring only what you'll use, such as a coffeemaker, a few plates and cups, one or two pots or small appliances (like a microwave), and basic utensils. Leave behind items for larger meals and duplicates of everyday tools. With the smaller space, think about downsizing the number of place settings if you want to invite guests. Consider also that, if the community doesnt offer full meal services, you have the option of eating out with other residents.- Cleaning supplies. While you'll want to tidy up, you won't necessarily need all the cleaning supplies, thanks to regular housekeeping visits to your apartment. Leave behind a large vacuum cleaner, and instead opt to bring a smaller one. Similar, keep a small bin of cleaning essentials, but leave behind extras. Your housekeeping staff will be happy to take care of the serious cleaning now.- Excess furniture. Moving in a smaller space means being selective. Avoid cluttering your new home with oversized or impractical items. Donate or sell larger items, like large china cabinets or hutches, big sectional sofas, and large dining tables.Helpful tip: Not sure if you should bring an item? Contact your new community. They can provide a list of what's included, as well as guidance on what current residents typically bring with them.Making your move into independent living a smooth transitionMoving to an independent living community is a significant transition that brings with it both change and opportunity. With thoughtful planning and support, the process of downsizing and packing can feel more manageable.Focus on bringing items that add comfort, function, and meaning to your new space. Leave behind what no longer serves you, and trust that your new home will offer the amenities and support to simplify daily life. If you find you need something that you decided not to pack, you can always purchase it. Take your time, ask for help when you need it, and allow yourself space to settle in at your own pace.If you have any more questions about what you can bring with you to independent living, Oasis Senior Advisors Carrollton-Frisco can help you. Contact your local advisor, Holly DeLisi, at (682) 375-9604 for assistance.The rules and requirements of senior care facilities vary based on company policies and state regulations. The contents of this article represent common guidelines, but may differ from a particular facility's policies or requirements. Oasis can help you learn about the regulations in your state.