According to the FTC, elderly adults are at particular risk for falling victim to fraudulent crimes and identity theft, and this issue is rising as the elderly population increases. As a family caregiver, it is important for you to understand the risk your parent is facing, and why they may be facing this risk, so you can take proper steps to reduce the chances your senior will become a victim of this type of crime.
Identity theft can have long-lasting and potentially devastating consequences for your aging parent, including taking away their health coverage, eliminating their savings, destroying their credit, and more. Protecting them from this type of crime is an important step in preserving their quality of life throughout their later years.
Some of the reasons elderly adults tend to be at higher risk for suffering identity theft include:
-Seniors may not be as familiar with technology such as the internet.
This can mean they aren’t familiar with how to utilize this resource safely and effectively. Your aging adult may not be able to recognize the difference between a legitimate website and a fraudulent one, may be likely to click suspicious links, and may input sensitive personal information into forms without thinking about their source.
-Elderly adults come from an era when they were taught to be polite, trusting, and easy to deal with.
Many would be very uncomfortable with the idea of saying no to a person who called, or ending a phone call. They may also feel uncomfortable with questioning the legitimacy of a person, or even thinking a person who calls, or who contacts them on the internet, could be fraudulent.
-Seniors who are dealing with a cognitive functioning decline and memory loss could have difficulty with judgment, may be easily confused and manipulated, and may feel unsure of themselves.
All of this can lead them to make poor decisions, give out sensitive information, or be manipulated into doing things that put them at risk, such as sending money to fake charities or wiring money because they think a relative needs it.
Preserving your aging parents quality of life is your top priority as a family caregiver.
You want to make sure they are not only taking care of their physical health and safety, but also preserving their mental and emotional well-being as well.
This means encouraging them to maintain as much independence as possible, while also protecting them from the range of risks they may face during their later years. Starting senior care for them can be a fantastic way to help your parent pursue their highest quality of life while also giving you peace of mind.
As a family caregiver, your schedule is busy, but a senior home care services provider can be there for your parent to ensure they have access to the support and care they need when they need it. This means they are able to stay comfortable, healthy, and happy while safely pursuing as much activity and fulfillment as possible throughout their later years.
If you or an aging loved-one are considering Home Care Services in Upland, CA, contact the caring staff at No Place Like Home Homecare today at 951-382-5266.
Source:
www.ftc.gov
About Kristi Duran
Kristi Duran is the owner of No Place Like Home Homecare. Kristi started NPLH because of her absolute love for seniors. She was raised by her grandparents from the day she was born. Kristi has a special connection to seniors and understands their wishes and needs to stay independent.
Kristi has worked in the medical field for years and has seen first-hand how aging seniors want nothing more than to age in the comfort of their own home with dignity and grace. At NPLH, she and her caregivers insure that this happens.
NPLH is not a large franchise. It is a personal family owned homecare service. This insures a one on one personalized touch. Kristi is available 24 hours a day to her clients and their families.