Massachusetts - Greater Boston

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.  

Thanksgiving is more than just a day for feasting; its a cherished occasion that invites us to reflect on gratitude, connection, and warmth. For seniors, participating in or creating meaningful traditions can foster a sense of belonging and joy. At A Call to Order Professional Organizers, we believe that keeping traditions alive plays a vital role in enhancing the lives of our loved ones. Lets explore some heartwarming ideas and tips to help you create special Thanksgiving traditions that seniors can treasure for years to come.Setting the Stage: Create a Warm and Inviting AtmosphereCreating the perfect Thanksgiving atmosphere begins long before the main event. Its about making your space welcoming and cozy so that everyone, especially seniors, feels at home. Decorate Thoughtfully: Choose decorations that evoke fond memories. Consider using family photos from past Thanksgivings to create a nostalgic display. Handmade crafts by grandchildren, or traditional decorations like pumpkins and autumn leaves, can add a personal touch.Reflection Zone: Set up a special area where seniors can sit comfortably and reflect on their favorite memories or share stories. Create a gratitude tree where family members can hang notes of what they are thankful for.Involve Them in Planning: Ask seniors for their input on the Thanksgiving menu or activities. Involving them in the planning process not only respects their preferences but also empowers them. Its a beautiful way for seniors to feel a connection to the holiday.Comfortable Seating: Ensure that there are comfortable seating arrangements. Invest in cushions or blankets for added warmth. Consider the mobility needs of seniors by arranging the seating to minimize any inconvenience in movement.By creating an inviting atmosphere filled with familiar sights and sounds, you can foster a sense of warmth and comfort, allowing seniors to feel part of a loving, connected family.Cherishing Traditions: Activities to Foster ConnectionThanksgiving is the perfect time to create lasting traditions that will help seniors feel included while allowing them to share some of their cherished experiences.Cooking Together: Invite seniors to share their favorite recipes and cook together. This not only creates a delicious meal but also provides an opportunity for storytelling and bonding. Encourage them to share tales of how they celebrated Thanksgiving when they were younger.Thanksgiving Memory sharing: Prior to the gathering, ask each family member to prepare a story about their favorite Thanksgiving memory or what they appreciate most about the seniors present. When everyone shares, it creates a beautiful tapestry of traditions and experiences, deepening family connections.Gratitude Circle: After your meal, gather everyone for a gratitude circle. Each person can voice what they are thankful for or a favorite memory from the past. This can be a touching moment for seniors, reinforcing their importance in the family and leaving them feeling cherished.Creating a Memory Book: Start a family Thanksgiving memory book where everyone can contribute their thoughts, photos, and drawings each year. Involving seniors in this activity ensures they feel vital and valued within the family legacy. Crafting: Create holiday crafts together, like making festive table centerpieces or card decorations. This activity can ignite creativity and ensure everyone feels included in the holiday preparations.Thanksgiving is a time to reflect, celebrate, and create unforgettable memories together. By focusing on traditions that foster connectedness and joy, you can create a Thanksgiving experience that speaks to the heart of what the holiday truly represents.At A Call to Order Professional Organizers, we understand the importance of environment and connection in enhancing the lives of our loved ones. This Thanksgiving, lets join together to create cherished moments that warm the heart and build lasting memories for seniors, transforming the holiday into a loving celebration. May your Thanksgiving be filled with love, laughter, and cherished moments that you and your family will remember for years to come. Happy Thanksgiving!

Greetings,In our last bi-monthly newsletter, I mentioned we had nominated one of our caregivers Jane, as the Caregiver of the Year for Visiting Angels nationwide. We were notified at the end of January, she was selected to move onto Round 2 of nominations! This round, we must submit video testimonials about Jane from the client, family members, office staff, and our owner Karen. By the time you read this, we will have submitted the video testimonials and will hear back by March 21st if Jane is a semi-finalist for this prestigious award. The winner of this years Caregiver of the Year award will be announced at the Visiting Angels 26th Annual Conference being held in June and will receive $5,000. There are many team members deserving of consideration for Caregiver of the Year, yet Janes exceptional qualities really stand out. Id like to share an excerpt from the written nominations highlighting Janes contribution.Jane has worked with our team for almost three years. She is dedicated to her work and committed to her clients. She is always on time and never calls out, no matter the weather conditions. The dignity of those in her care is a top priority for Jane while maintaining a positive attitude. Shes willing to go-with-the-flow in any circumstance. For example, when her client resists wearing oxygen and doesnt remember why they need to wear it, Jane knows how to navigate the situation with grace and patience. On the other hand, she holds her ground with difficult clients, and even though it may be uncomfortable, she handles it with respect and kindness.Nominating a caregiver of the year is not just a process, its an opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the extraordinary dedication and compassion of someone whose role is to serve others. Being a part of this journey of recognition has been rewarding because it highlights the invaluable contributions of caregivers nationwide and the importance of acknowledging their efforts. Its been a reminder of the power of appreciation and the significance of recognizing individuals who demonstrate excellence in their work. Im pleased to be a part of a nationally known and locally owned company, like Visiting Angels, who understands the importance and joy of recognizing others. In the end, nominating a caregiver is about acknowledging the countless acts of kindness and the immeasurable impact caregivers have on the lives of others. Whether or not Jane wins nationwide, she is our Visiting Angels of Medford, MA Caregiver of the Year 2023, and that is something to celebrate! I look forward to giving you another update regarding the award in May. All for now,Abby

Choosing the Right CareAfter a hospital stay due to a significant illness or injury, your doctor may suggest further recovery in a post-acute care setting. To decide the best location for your recovery, understanding the different levels of post-acute care is important.  Below are the four different levels of post-acute care recognized by Medicare: Inpatient rehabilitation: Inpatient rehabilitation provides a hospital level of care coupled with intensive therapy to help regain independence after an illness or injury. While at an inpatient rehabilitation hospital, patients are required to receive three hours of therapy a day, a minimum of five days per week. Patients will also have frequent visits from a rehabilitation physician and internal medicine doctor. Nursing care is provided 24/7, and a multi-disciplinary team that includes physicians, nurses, therapists, dietitians, pharmacists, case managers and more design unique care plans to fit patient goals. Patients treated at rehabilitation hospitals are recovering from serious illnesses or injuries, such as stroke, head or spinal cord injuries, neurological disorders, amputations, and hip fractures. The average length of stay is about 12 days. Home health: Home health is care that is provided in the home. Your doctor or other provider can refer you to home health and work with you and the agency to determine how many visits you are eligible to receive. Home health services include nursing, therapy, nursing aides and social workers. Skilled nursing facility: At a skilled nursing facility, patients receive therapy and nursing care in a less intense setting than inpatient rehabilitation facilities. Unlike inpatient rehabilitation facilities, there are no legal requirements mandating the number of hours of care per day that must be provided. Physician visits are also not as frequent, and the multi-disciplinary team is not as varied as that in an inpatient rehabilitation facility. The average length of stay is about 30 days. Long-term acute care hospital: If a patient has had a particularly extended (greater than 30 days) and medically complex hospital stay, a long-term care hospital may be recommended. At a long-term care hospital, patients receive nursing and lower-level rehabilitation care for an extended period of time. Many patients referred for this level of care are not yet able to actively participate in rehabilitation and may still require assistance breathing. Editors Note: This article was submitted by Encompass Health, for more information visit: www.encompasshealth.com/marehab