The Federal Trade Commission reports that each year aging Americans (ages 60+) lose hundreds of millions of dollars due to scams of varying types. Many everyday activities the aging population are involved in, such as telephone calls, emails, and other online interactions are being used as an entry point for scamming activity. Proactive steps to avoid victimization         Estate planning with an elder law attorney can help put trusted loved ones in a position of authority to help protect the aging person from undue influences. Documents like Power of Attorney, Health Care Proxy, and Revocable or Irrevocable Trusts can all be valuable tools to create structure for when the aging adult is not able to make sound decisions for themselves.        A credit freeze (also known as a security freeze) does not allow a creditor to access your credit file, thus preventing someone from opening accounts in the victims name and may be an appropriate proactive step.         Review Statements from health insurance, banks, credit cards, IRA accounts, etc. should all be monitored closely for suspicious activity. Medicare Summary Notices and Explanation of Benefits should be reviewed for incorrect charges and information.        Research whether the companies, offers, or phone call regarding bills owed are legitimate. Scammers usually try to force the aging person to act now. Slow down your reaction to be sure that the call, email, or letter are in fact real.If you are a victim        Contact the bank/financial institution to let them know of a fraudulent or unauthorized charge. Ask them to give you your money back and reverse the charge.        Contact your local police department to notify them of the fraud.        Change the username and password for any affected online account and other account that you may use the same login information. Use a random password to make the account(s) less vulnerable. Use different passwords for different accounts and keep a record of your passwords in a safe place.         File a report, not only for your benefit but to possibly help prevent others from becoming a victim. A report can be made to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.  

Our MobilityWorks@home experts are often asked, Should I get a wheelchair ramp or a lift for my home? The answer depends on factors such as the users mobility, staircase height and number of floors, to name a few. While our trained technicians can help you choose which type of mobility solution is right for your needs, the overview below discusses a few key benefits and differences that can help guide your decision.Wheelchair RampsWheelchair ramps are designed for your specific space and include pre-assembled ramps, handrails and platforms. They do require some effort to navigate, unlike vertical platform lifts, and as a result, are better suited for scooter and power wheelchair users. They can be configured for almost any site, and are both cost-effective and low maintenance depending on the amount of ramp needed. Because they come pre-assembled, installing a wheelchair ramp is typically a quick and easy process that doesnt require anchoring into concrete footings or pads. Wheelchair ramps sold through MobilityWorks@home have a built-in anti-slip surface and do not rust or warp, making them a durable mobility solution.Wheelchair Ramp BenefitsBest for low-rise environmentsIdeal for scooter or power wheelchair usersEasy installationLow maintenance750-pound weight capacityCost-effectiveVertical Platform LiftsVertical platform lifts resemble an elevator with a platform that can be raised and lowered to transport a user safely to another floor. While they are often seen in businesses, churches, and schools, they are also often used outside residential homes as a porch lift. These lifts are operated mechanically and require little effort from the user, making them an easy-to-use option for almost anyone in need of mobility assistance. They are more effective than wheelchair ramps in high-rise environments involving a large staircase or multiple levels that need to be accessed. Installing a vertical platform lift does require a concrete pad toanchor the equipment, making the installation process more complex than that of a wheelchair ramp.Vertical Platform Lift BenefitsBest for high-rise environmentsEasy to operateSuitable for almost anyone, including manual wheelchair usersWeather-protected controls and switches750-pound weight capacityRequires less space than a wheelchair rampCustomized to Your Specific NeedsThere is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to accessing your home safely and comfortably. Thats why our MobilityWorks@home technicians are trained to find the wheelchair ramp or lift that fits your home and your needs. Give us a call or contact us today so we can help you stay in the home you love.

When health issues arise that require a high level of care, some folks are finding success with receiving Medicaid (known as MassHealth in Massachusetts) home care instead of moving to a nursing home. There are different qualifications to be eligible for home care versus nursing home care we broke down the differences.Home CareWhen a loved one needs nursing home level care but would like to remain living at home, the MassHealth Frail Elder Waiver (FEW) program is a great option. Although infrequent, there are instances where elders are receiving free 24-hour care at home. When not eligible to receive full 24-hours of care, the individual may need to supplement with private care for the remaining hours of the day.Asset and Income LimitsIn 2021, the monthly asset limit for an individual receiving FEW services is $2,000 for an individual, and $3,000 for a married couple, when both are receiving FEW services. (Note: This does NOT mean you have to spend down to nothing before applying for MassHealth. See Medicaid Applications in Massachusetts: When DIY is a Don't for more.)Additionally, there is an income limit. For 2021, the income limit is $2,382.00. This is your GROSS income limit, meaning the income you get each month prior to any tax or health insurance deductions.If an individual's income is over the monthly limit, it is still possible to receive FEW services. MassHealth will determine a deductible amount which will be due every six months. The deductibles can be very high at times, and quite burdensome, however if you are organized and prepared, they can be managed.Nursing Home CareSometimes staying at home is not appropriate or safe, and in these circumstances, a nursing home may be the next logical step. Having MassHealth pay for nursing home care is a great benefit, as private payment to a nursing home can cost around $450 per day.Asset and Income LimitsTo receive nursing home benefits, there is still a monthly $2,000 asset limit per individual.The income limit differs from the FEW services mentioned above. The individual in the nursing home is required to pay a co-pay to the nursing home. This co-pay is called the Patient Paid Amount (PPA). The PPA is calculated by taking the individuals monthly income, deducting any health insurance premiums, and deducting a $72.80 personal needs allowance. In situations where a married couple has one spouse in the nursing home (referred to as the institutional spouse) and the other healthy and at home (the community spouse), the community spouse may be able to keep some of the institutional spouse's income to help pay for the community spouse's expenses at home.The rules to qualify for MassHealth and other government programs available to seniors in need of care can be quite confusing and complicated. Working with an elder law attorney can help you decide if this option is right for you. To find out what other benefits may be available to seniors, download our eBook "Understanding Benefits for Seniors".Founded by nurse attorney and with offices in Acton, Burlington, and Sudbury, Massachusetts, Generations Law Group helps families navigate the complex areas of estate planning, elder law, and probate to inform and protect loved ones of every generation.

Hearing loss is more common than you think. One in three seniors may experience some level of hearing loss. That can affect talking to friends, enjoying a concert, or even making a phone call. Taking simple steps to identify and treat hearing loss has many positive impacts: Cognitive functionWhen adults with hearing loss stay engaged in conversations, this communication can prevent or slow the development of dementia.Mental healthPeople who treat their hearing loss are 50% less likely to suffer from sadness or depression.Social interactionTaking steps to treat hearing loss makes people more likely to stay socially active and remain mentally sharp. Often, the effects of hearing loss can be addressed with hearing aids, cochlear implants, hearing accessoriesand devices like the CaptionCall captioning phone. By displaying captions of what the other person is saying, CaptionCall tackles one of the most common complaints of hearing loss. Users feel more confident using the phone, taking control of day-to-day appointments, and connecting with the people they care about. Plus, CaptionCall has been recommended by over 10,000 hearing care professionals. For me the biggest advantage is that CaptionCall works with both my hearing aid types. What Ive found here is a miracle for me. I can live more of a normal life. Without the hearing aids I hear nothing. The text on the CaptionCall phone is still important because understanding some people is difficult.John, Reading, PA Order a CaptionCall phone and learn how its available at no cost with a professional certification of hearing loss by visiting www.CaptionCall.com or calling 1-877-557-2227.