Medicare Minute: Medicare Preventive Services

In recent years, scammers have increasingly targeted seniors, preying on their trust and vulnerability to perpetrate fraudulent schemes. According to a report by the FBI, Baby Boomers alone were scammed out of more than $3.4 billion in 2023, with losses from reported scams surging by 11% from the previous year. With imposter scams on the rise, it's essential for seniors to be vigilant and informed to protect themselves from falling victim to these schemes.Imposter scams often involve criminals impersonating trusted figures, such as relationship managers or financial advisors, and setting up fraudulent websites to deceive victims. To avoid falling victim to these scams, it's crucial to recognize the warning signs, including:Unexpected phone calls or emails requesting personal information or payments.Phone calls stating you have missed Jury Duty and have to pay a fine or you will be arrested. Urgent requests to fill out forms or provide sensitive information.Poor website design quality, grammatical errors, or misspellings on fraudulent websites.Website domains that use the name of the relationship manager rather than a reputable firm. To protect themselves from imposter scams follow these best practices:Verify all anomalous communications or requests for payments by double-checking the sender information and independently confirming the source using verified contact information.Do not open emails that do not look normal - it could be a phishing email which could put a virus on your computer. Never rely solely on caller ID to determine the legitimacy of a caller. Let an unknown caller go to voicemail. Refrain from sending payments or sensitive information without independently verifying the identity of the recipient.Avoid giving out sensitive information, such as account numbers, over the phone or through a website unless certain of the recipient's identity.Cut off contact with anyone suspected of impersonating a professional and report the incident to authorities.Never give cash to a vendor, Zelle payments or meet them in a common area. Additionally, you can decrease any chances of falling victim to imposter scams by proactively establishing mutually understood defense measures with professional contacts.By remaining vigilant and informed, seniors can protect themselves from falling victim to imposter scams and safeguard their financial well-being. Education and awareness are key to empowering seniors to recognize and avoid fraudulent schemes targeting them.

Savannah Grand of Sarasota is delighted to offer Adult Day Care for seniors in the Sarasota area. Our day programs provide a welcoming, engaging, and supportive environment for seniors who may benefit from socialization and structured activities during the day. Available nearly every day of the week, our Adult Day Care Programs offer a perfect alternative to staying at home, allowing seniors to enjoy enriching activities and companionship. These programs also offer prospective residents a worry-free glimpse into the life and community at Savannah Grand.The Grand Day ProgramOur signature Grand Day Program allows seniors to join our assisted living residents for a 4-6 hour experience filled with engaging activities, entertainment, and two nutritious meals. Tailored for the more independent senior, this program encourages social interaction and mental stimulation in a vibrant community setting.The Grand Day Program is designed with both seniors and their caregiver families in mind, offering a flexible solution for families who may have work, school, or other commitments. While seniors enjoy a day of activities and camaraderie, families can have peace of mind knowing their loved one is in a safe and supportive environment.What Our Day Services IncludeThe Day Services at Savannah Grand go beyond mere entertainment to include full-service support:Engaging Activities and Entertainment: Our program is filled with planned activities that promote mental engagement, creativity, and social interaction.Delicious Meals and Snacks: Day guests enjoy two freshly prepared meals and snacks, ensuring proper nutrition during their time with us.Companionship and Personalized Services: We provide social support and companionship to help seniors feel connected and valued. Personalized services can be arranged to accommodate each individuals needs.Comfortable Resting Spaces: For those who need a moment to rest, Savannah Grand offers a variety of comfortable spaces to relax and recharge during their visit.Explore Our Respite ProgramOur Adult Day Care services are a wonderful way to experience the warmth and care of Savannah Grand. For families who are exploring longer-term care options, the day program offers a worry-free introduction to our community. Additionally, our respite program provides short-term stays for seniors who may need temporary care or for families seeking relief from caregiving duties.Discover the Enriching World of Savannah Grand Day ServicesAt Savannah Grand of Sarasota, were dedicated to creating a vibrant and supportive environment where seniors can enjoy a fulfilling day surrounded by friends, activities, and compassionate care. If youre considering day services for yourself or a loved one, or if youre interested in our respite program, contact us to learn more. Discover how Savannah Grand can make every day an enriching experience!

Moving to a senior living community is an exciting step that offers the chance to enjoy a maintenance-free lifestyle with access to social engagement, amenities, and care as needed. When considering this transition, one of the biggest questions is often how to cover the costs. Fortunately, a variety of financial options can help fit the needs of different budgets and situations.At Senior Living Management, our communities are dedicated to guiding residents and families through this financial decision-making process. Our partners at ElderLife Financial and AidandAttendance.com work closely with each family to evaluate available resources and identify the best options for funding senior living. Below, we outline some of the top financial solutions that families use to make senior living affordable.Understanding Personal ResourcesCreating a budget is the first step in understanding the affordability of senior living. Over time, you may have accumulated savings, assets, or insurance policies that can be used for senior care. Some common resources to consider include:Savings accounts, 401(k) plans, stocks, bonds, and CDs: These financial assets can often be drawn upon to pay for ongoing care expenses.Home equity: For many seniors, the equity in their home is a significant asset. Working with a Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES)a Realtor who specializes in helping older adultscan help maximize the homes value and provide funds for senior living. During this process, families can also choose to liquidate belongings or hold an estate sale to generate additional resources.Financial Benefits for VeteransThe Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers benefits to veterans that can help cover senior care costs. The Aid and Attendance benefit is available to eligible U.S. military veterans and their spouses, providing up to $2,600 of monthly, tax-free income to help offset care expenses. Eligibility can typically be determined quickly by reviewing key factors like wartime service dates, discharge type, care needs, income, and assets.Long-Term Care InsuranceLong-term care insurance is often purchased to cover the future costs of senior care. These policies vary in terms of the services and care types they cover, so its essential to review the policy details or consult the insurance provider to confirm coverage for assisted living or memory care needs. ElderLife offers complimentary policy reviews to ensure families are maximizing their benefits and fully understanding available options.Life Insurance OptionsWhile life insurance is traditionally intended for beneficiaries after the policyholders passing, some policies allow seniors to access funds during their lifetime to pay for care. This option may include surrendering the policy, borrowing against it, or selling it in a life settlement. Since not all policies offer this flexibility, its advisable to review your policy terms to see if it can contribute to senior living costs.Tax DeductionsThe IRS offers tax deductions for certain medical expenses that exceed 7.5% of an individuals adjusted gross income, which can include some senior care costs. Since tax rules regarding medical deductions can be complex, consulting a tax advisor can be helpful to identify deductions and potentially free up more resources for senior living expenses.Additional Financing SolutionsWhen immediate funding isnt available, short-term financing options like bridge loans and reverse mortgages can help cover costs temporarily or unlock funds tied up in home equity.Bridge Loans: Bridge loans are often used to cover the gap between moving to a community and receiving funds from other resources, such as home sales, VA benefits, or insurance policy payouts. ElderLife Financial offers bridge loans that can be approved quickly, often within 24 hours, allowing seniors to move into their desired community without delay. Once other resources become available, families can repay the loan and continue funding care with the released assets.Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM): A reverse mortgage, or HECM, allows homeowners aged 62 and over to tap into their home equity for funds while remaining in the home. This type of loan is federally regulated, ensuring fair lending practices. A mandatory counseling session helps homeowners determine if a reverse mortgage is the right solution. For seniors who plan to stay in their home but need access to funds for care, an HECM may offer a viable financial solution. Consulting with a federally approved lender can help explore this option further.Embracing Affordable Senior LivingMoving to a senior living community offers a new chapter filled with comfort, engagement, and care. With many financial solutions available, paying for senior living can be manageable and customized to fit individual circumstances. Senior Living Management is committed to supporting families through every financial decision. If youre ready to explore affordable options, contact us to learn more about how our trusted partners and financial guidance can help you transition into a vibrant, fulfilling senior living experience.