Wellness Seminar

Wednesday, April 30, 2014, McMaster House Barb McDole Wellness Committee Member

Scams, Frauds, Power of Attorney, Help

The RTAM Wellness Committee hosted yet another very informative seminar, dealing with the abuse and scam issues that face us, as we become older.

Peggy Prendergast is very involved with organizations that deal with elder abuse. She is presently working in city schools to familiarize students with what “aging” really looks like and dispelling stereotypes. Many students don’t have elder relatives

in their lives and so do not have opportunities to converse with an older person. The students already are well versed on the topic of “bullying” and are now able to make the connection with what “elder abuse” looks like. The message is loud and clear--”It’s Not Right.”

At some point in our lives we may happen upon situations, maybe even in our own families, where we see an elderly person being controlled, bullied, physically abused, threatened or taken advantage of. Many of us don’t want to get involved because we don’t really know what to do. As adults, we have a responsibility to make sure that the seniors in our society are safe. The world is a different place today than it was years ago and many children are no longer living near their parents. The care of the parents is then allocated to strangers.

It is imperative that we know the signs that identify abuse and that we check out the situation without judgement. Trust your instincts! Showing genuine concern with statements such as, “I care about you,” or, “How are you with the way things are?”, are good opening lines. Don’t put the senior in a position where they have to defend what is happening. Respect the fact that they may not want to talk about it just then and ALWAYS LEAVE THE DOOR OPEN. We may need to get information and help from support lines and experts who can suggest a safety planning procedure if we don’t feel knowledgeable enough.

Peggy also addressed the topic of financial scams as she herself had fallen prey to that a number of years ago. As a senior, it is important to know and trust the finanacial institution you are dealing with. The bottom line is, “If it looks too good to be true, it is!!”

Sharon Tod, whose expertise is wills and estates, spoke to us regarding estate planning and things that we need to carefully consider: 1. Power of Attorney This is a legal document that gives a person, chosen by the senior, to act on their behalf on some or all of their financial and legal affairs while the senior is still living. This gives the senior peace of mind, knowing that when they are no longer able to make decisions, someone who is trustworthy, is carrying out their wishes. Banks have been known to tell seniors that they will appoint a POA for them. This person, however, is only bank specific. In order to appoint an Enduring

POA, one who would be allowed to make decisions after the senior becomes mentally incompetent, the senior must be mentally competent , the request must be in writing and must be signed and witnessed by one of the designated persons. Ms. Tod strongly advised that all decisions regarding an Enduring POA be discussed with a lawyer beforehand. 2. Health Care Directives

Another name for this is a Living Will. The senior appoints someone to carry out their health care wishes when they are no longer able to do so. Again, this request must be carried out by the senior when they are mentally competent, be in writing, signed and dated. As a senior, it is important that your family and physician know exactly how you feel about any treatments, should your health turn critical and certain procedures are necessary. Make sure your family and physicians have a copy of your living will.

Thanks to Aaron and the rest of the staff at Bernstein’s Deli, who provided us with Lunch. It was delicious. Monica Petruskavich was our afternoon presenter. Her presentation was not only informative but animated and quite entertaining in parts! Monica is a Consumer Services Officer from the Consumer Protection Office, 302-258 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3C 0B6; 204-945-3800. She spoke to the scams, fraud and internet fraud that seniors need to be aware of and protect themselves against. This free service, provided by the Provincial Government, was established in 1970 and focuses only on individual-to-business transactions. Most of

the complaints centre around motor vehicles and home renovations.

1. Fraud

Fraud is very prevalent in today’s society and targets everyone, but seniors in particular, as they are a very trusting bunch! Some of the frauds that Monica spoke to were: False Charity Fraud, Pyramid Schemes, West African Fraud, Travel Schemes and Fraud and Phone Fraud. Her prevention tips were: read the fine print before signing, be suspicious of products promoted by prizes or free trips, be suspicious of “no risk” claims or promises of huge financial rewards, beware of anything operating out of Canada as they can’t be prosecuted; resist pressure and get a second opinion.

2. Internet Fraud

The Internet Fraud piece that Monica presented has been put together by the RCMP. The internet is NOT governed by any entity except the RCMP. The internet contains information on absolutely everything and there are NO LIMITS OR CHECKS. This is why you need to take PRECAUTIONS! YOU CANNOT

TRUST THINGS THAT APPEAR ON

THE INTERNET! Precautions: Ask advice from people who are experienced on the internet, check out website addresses, links and dates, never give out your real name to Chat Rooms or Profile Pages. There are many types of internet fraud: Hacking, Trojan Horse, Pharming, Vishing, Phishing and Dial-Up.

IT IS VERY SCARY, BUT YOU MUST REALIZE THAT IT’S ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO TELL IF SOMEONE IS

LEGIT OR NOT!

If you are new to the internet: • set up an e-mail account • chat only with friends and family • tell your internet provider to set up filters • have firewalls • have a password that you keep secret • don’t open attachments without http:// • read everything • don’t reply to unfamiliar e-mails • turn your computer off

Thanks, Monica for all those “YOU’VE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME!” situations that snapped us to attention! Thanks Sharon, for leading us through the LAWYER JUNGLE and making us aware of the many crucial decisions that are necessary for us to make as we get older!!

Thanks to Lydia Hyska for helping out at the registration desk, to Maureen Recksiedler for all the delicious and nutritious goodies you brought for the health break.