FREEZE??

A security freeze is one of the most effective ways to prevent identity theft. A security freeze allows consumers to proactively "lock up" their credit information so no one can access it without their permission. This prevents a thief from falsely using someone else's identity to take out a new mortgage, apply for a credit card or get financing. The freeze is easily lifted if a consumer plans to make a major purchase, open a new credit card or take out a loan. There is a small charge for this service. For more information contact Department of Justice— Consumer Protection at (800) 481-6896 or at https://dojmt.gov/ consumer/identity-theft/.

ARE YOU CONCERNED ABOUT A LOVED ONE’S ABILITY TO MAKE FINANCIAL DECISIONS?

Is your loved one a frequent victim of scams? Peter Lichenberg, Ph.D. a geriatric neuropsychologist and his team at Wayne State University in Detroit have created a Financial Vulnerability Assessment that uses a rating scale to determine if an individual understands the financial decisions they have made. It measures Intellectual factors and Contextual factors and can help uncover if the person is currently being financially exploited. You can get additional information about this Assessment at https://www. olderadultnestegg.com/for-familyand-friends/. Even though this is a dot.com website it is affiliated with Wayne State University, a public university.

Montana Legal Service Developer Programs

The State of Montana Legal Services Developer in the Office on Aging in Helena, provides elder law training and resources for seniors, family members and social outreach workers. The program also develops pro bono and local legal services referrals, training materials and telephone assistance to seniors on related matters. They can also provide assistance and guidance regarding important end of life documents like Powers of Attorney, Advance Directives, and Beneficiary Deeds. The Legal Services Developer can be contacted by calling (800) 332-2272 (during normal business hours) and asking for the Legal Service Developer Program.

RESOURCE SPOTLIGHT:

Check out this or one of many other great books in the Resource Center Library!

Are you starting to do some Spring Cleaning now that Winter is behind us? Are you preparing to downsize your own home or help your parents with theirs?

Downsizing the Family Home: What to Save What to Let Go by Marni Jameson

Is filled with practical tips such as how to decide what to keep, what to get rid of, and the best way to liquidate what you can. Marni makes the whole process easier as well as expressing heart felt understanding from someone who has gone through this work herself.