THE IMPORTANCE OF SPIRITUALITY AS WE AGE

Emails to apply for retirement starting in 2025 are phonyThe Social Security Administration (SSA) Office of the Inspector General (OIG) is warning the public of a new scam tactic by criminals trying to lure potential retirement applicants to their site.This recent scam email appears to be from SSA and has the subject line: Claim Benefits! It states Important: Apply for Your Social Security Benefits Starting in 2025. The link within the phony email is disguised as SSAs official website, www.ssa.gov or www.socialsecurity.gov. Clicking on the link within the email redirects individuals to a fraudulent site.THIS EMAIL IS NOT FROM SSA.One example of this new imposter email is shown here. It is important to see that the email is from Social Administration, and reflects a personal or non-government email address. Government agencies always have .gov as part of their official email address.SSA OIG is advising you to always be cautious of responding to unsolicited emails that appear to be from an official government entity, such as SSA, or another federal agency. These emails are a variation of government imposter scams. DELETE IT. Dont click on links or respond to any text, email, phone call, or letter that has characteristics of a scam. See warning signs at ssa.gov/scam. To contact SSA for business purposes, visit ssa.gov to find the correct information.Scammers use benefits, benefit increases, prizes, or problems to attract your attention so that they can entice or intimidate unsuspecting persons with their ploys, said Michelle L. Anderson, Assistant Inspector General for Audit performing the duties of the Inspector General. Our priorities are to educate consumers on how to avoid these vicious attempts and to help you keep your personal identifying information and money secure. We will continue to tell you when we become aware of tactics such as this one.WHAT TO DO IF YOU ARE A VICTIM Stop talking to the scammer. Notify financial institutions and safeguard accounts. Report Social Security-related scams to SSA OIG (oig.ssa.gov). Contact local law enforcement and file a police report. If you lost money, file a complaint with the Federal Bureau of Investigation Internet Crime Complaint Center (ic3.gov). Report other scams to the Federal Trade Commission (ftc.gov). Keep financial transaction information and the record of all communications with the scammer.To view the Scam Alert, click here (add attachment, media release). And visit https://www.ssa.gov/scam/ to learn how to protect yourself and report Social Security related scams.If you suspect Medicare fraud, contact your local SHIP-SMP program by calling the Helpline at 866-413-5337.

If you're considering moving into a senior living facility, you're looking for a more structured and protected environment where you can continue to live the way you want. Security is an important part of that.The residents of a senior living facility can be more vulnerable in several ways, and the number of people at most senior living facilities can present challenges. A robust set of security features and protocols ensures that the facility you choose will keep you and your fellow residents safe and secure over the years.Key Security Features to Look ForThe following are some of the most crucial security features for a senior living facility. Keep in mind that this is a general list intended for the average resident, so if there's something about your personal circumstances that might require special care, you might have other features to add to the list.A Perimeter Access Control SystemYou don't want unknown and unauthorized people entering the facility, which is why a perimeter access control system is a must. These systems usually take the form of key cards or biometric access to various parts of the facility.This protects not only the well-being and property of the residents but also their privacy. Even if a visitor is authorized to be at the facility, a good access control system will keep them out of areas they shouldn't be in.A Remote Surveillance SystemStaff and supervisors can't be everywhere all the time. This is why a video camera system is of vital importance. Video surveillance allows for remote monitoring, and can allow staff to quickly intervene to assist or protect the residents.However, there's a trade-off between security and privacy. A senior living facility should at least have video surveillance in public areas. Whether you'd want a facility where rooms are monitored is a personal choice. Room monitoring allows for staff to quickly help a resident in distress, but may be too intrusive for some residents.An Emergency Response SystemIn the event that a resident experiencing a medical event needing immediate response, it's crucial that there be a way for that resident or others nearby to quickly alert staff. Frequently, this will be a button or object that each person wears or carries, a device or pendant.Technological advances have led to automated emergency response systems as well. For example, some senior living facilities have automated fall detection software that can alert staff to a resident who has fallen and may be unable to communicate at the time.Strong Emergency Preparedness and Response ProtocolSenior residents often time have mobility issues, which means that emergencies that require evacuation are extra challenging. In addition, some residents may have cognitive issues that can further complicate those situations. It's important that a facility have strong plans in place for these circumstances.A senior living facility should have a robust plan in place for dealing with any emergencies that require evacuation or quarantine. Residents should have gone through drills to help them understand in advance how to act, and the facility should have extensive lists highlighting all residents who may need extra assistance for any reason.Proper Background Checks and Training For StaffThis can sometimes be overlooked compared with more visible forms of security like video cameras or door access controls. But making sure that the staff of a senior living facility is vetted and trained is absolutely vital.The majority of senior living facility staff are attentive, conscientious workers. But some bad apples do exist. Senior residents are a vulnerable population in many ways, and an unscrupulous staff member can steal from or abuse residents if not weeded out.Training is also important, as even well-meaning staff can fail to properly help and support residents if not given proper training. A number of certifications and accreditations exist that demonstrate a facility and staff are properly trained.Other Important Features to Look for in a Senior Living FacilitySecurity is of utmost importance when choosing a facility. But there are other considerations that may weigh just as heavily in your decision-making. Some other key factors might include:Independence LevelsFacilities run the spectrum from those that allow a great deal of freedom to residents to those that emphasize protection and supervision. Knowing the type of experience you're looking for will lead to a happier time there.Programs and ActivitiesSome facilities have a wide range of activities and programs for their residents, creating opportunities for friendships with other residents to form and for residents to find constructive and pleasant ways to fill their days. If that type of engagement is important to you, make sure to pick out a facility that emphasizes this aspect.Expert Medical CareIf you have a particular medical condition that might necessitate special care, be sure to look into the medical care these facilities offer. Some facilities have specialized equipment and licensed staff on hand to treat certain conditions, which might be critical for you.Amenities and Quality of FacilitiesSome facilities can be luxurious and heavy on amenities, including technology, leisure activities and fitness options. Others are more reserved and offer less in the way of bonus features. Depending on how important such things are to you, this could be a key factor in your decision. Frequently, amenities and high quality go hand in hand with price, which is the next consideration.PricingThe reality is that everyone has a budget, and senior living facilities span a wide range of prices. You'll need to weigh your financial means and calculate how long you'd be able to afford to stay in a given facility with your current assets. Most senior residents aren't going to be able to increase their earning power or assets in a significant way, so determining whether a facility fits your budget is crucial.Choosing a senior living facility is a life-changing decision, and it's important to know what to look for before investigating your options. Security is one of the foremost elements of a good facility, and understanding how to evaluate a facility's security level and features will put you in a position to make the best choice possible when choosing your next home.