Touring Checklist - Senior Living CommunitiesWhen touring senior living communities, here are some questions you may want to consider asking:What types of housing options do you offer for seniors? Some communities offer a continuum of care: independent living, assisted living and memory care.What amenities and services are included?What is the monthly cost and what does it cover?Are there any additional fees or charges that I should be aware of? Most communities charge a one-time community fee, and communities providing meals will charge a 2nd person fee for couples.What level of care and assistance is provided to residents?How do you handle emergencies and ensure residents' safety?Can you provide information about the staff-to-resident ratio and their qualifications? This would be a question for an assisted living, memory care or residential care home.What social and recreational activities are available for residents?Are pets allowed in the community? How much is the pet deposit? Can you provide me with a sample menu for meals and information about dietary options?Is there assigned parking or an additional charge for covered parking?How do you handle residents' transportation needs? Be sure to ask how far they can travel for doctors' appointments.What is the process for addressing complaints or concerns?Can you provide references from current of past residents and their families?What is the policy regarding visitors and overnight guests?Remember, these questions may vary depending on your specific needs and preferences, so feel free to adapt them to your situation. www.loriwilliams-seniorservices.com

Elder abuse is on the rise, and COVID-19 is to blame | Aging in Style with Lori WilliamsElder abuse is on the rise - in large part thanks to COVID. Nowadays, many seniors are isolated or lack the social support they've had in the past. Plus, many caregivers are simply not equipped to be caregivers, and there are fewer that remain in the workforce. Without the right care, seniors are vulnerable to abuse such as verbal, emotional, and even financial abuse like scams.Abuse can happen anywhere: not only in senior living, but often with family as well. Thats why its important to become aware of the signs. Senior Services Expert Lori Williams has tips to help you learn:- What elder abuse is- The different types of elder abuse- How we can prevent it- How to report it when we see itAnd more.Its also important to be aware that elder abuse is changing with the times. There are many predatory tactics happening with technology too. It's critical information for you and your senior loved ones to know.Topics discussed:- Elder abuse- Types of abuse- Caregivers- Scams- COVID isolation- Ombudsman- Dementia- Adult protective servicesTakeaways from this episode:- 60% of cases of elder abuse happens at the hands of a family member.- The best way to prevent abuse is to educate others and talk about it. Also, be sure to check in on older adults and caregivers you may know.- If you suspect elder abuse, call Adult Protective Services or a local long-term care ombudsman.- Help your senior loved ones set their social media to private and let them know about the types of social media, phone call and text message scams.- A common red flag in scams is if anyone asks you to wire money or send gift cards.Resources mentioned in this episode:Adult Protective Services (located in all states)Texas Adult Protective Services:http://www.dfps.state.tx.us/Adult_Protection/The Role of the Ombudsman in Advocating for Seniors' Safetyhttps://www.loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/episode/79a3922f/036-the-role-of-the-ombudsman-in-advocating-for-seniors-careTexas Ombudsmanhttps://apps.hhs.texas.gov/news_info/ombudsman/How seniors can protect themselves against identity theft and scamshttps://www.loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/episode/7900734e/044-how-seniors-can-protect-themselves-against-identity-theft-and-online-scamsUpdated list of current scams to be aware of:https://oig.ssa.gov/scamListen to the podcast HERE

Grandparent Scams and Fraud are on the RISE! Fraud is on the rise, and one of the most popular scams is the Grandparent Scam. This scam hit close to home when my step-father, who lives in Mississippi received an odd call from a man claiming to be my son. The caller had greeted him with, Hi Grandpa, its Chris. Ive been in a car accident, Im bleeding and in jail. I need you to call my lawyer. The caller sounded a bit like my son, but it made no sense that he would be calling his grandpa two states away for help. I checked in on my son, who was sound asleep in his bed and had not been in an accident. My step-father had been the target of a Grandparent Scam! Grandparent Scams involve an imposter posing as a grandchild who is in trouble: theyve been in an accident, or arrested. Once they have the grandparent concerned and ready to help, they hand the phone off to another scammer posing as a police officer or lawyer who then will make arrangements to have the grandparent wire money to them. This scam is on the rise, but you can protect yourself by following these 5 tips: 1) Set privacy settings on your social media accounts. 2) Ask questions that only your grandchild could answer. 3) Tell the caller you will call them back, then call your grandchilds cell number. 4) Contact other family members to verify the story. 5) Trust your gut instinct. Fraud targeting older people should be reported to the FTC at 877-382-4357. Article submitted by Lori Williams with Lori Williams Senior ServicesCLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT LORI WILLIAMS SENIOR SERVICES