By Abigail Haller, Screening Integration Coordinator at Elder Law of Michigan Michigan is known for its erratic weather and harsh winters. Even though it may be difficult to predict when a snowstorm will arrive, being prepared is something anyone can do. Being prepared before, during, and after a winter storm can alleviate stress and help keep you and your loved ones safe. The Michigan State Police have … Continue reading Preparing for Power Outages
By Vonda Vantil, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Scammers have become more aggressive and sophisticated in the digital age. With millions of people relying on Social Security and Medicare, scammers target audiences who are looking for legitimate program and benefit information. Scammers sometimes try to scare people into giving out their personal information. Never give someone who called you any personal information unless you absolutely … Continue reading Beware of False Social Security and Medicare Advertisements
Via CBS News The trouble began for Ken and Judy Johnson – a pair of retirees from Austin, Texas – at a Fort Lauderdale arts festival. “There was a couple of people in there saying ‘come get your DNA tested,’” Judy recalled. The company, Genexe Health, billed itself as a genetic testing “one-stop shop.” With a quick cheek swab, the Johnson’s could learn if they … Continue reading (Mid-America Pension Rights Project): Genetic testing scam preys on seniors’ cancer fears and may be costing taxpayers millions
By Kim Hill, Economic Security Client Services Manager at Elder Law of Michigan The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General has issued a Medicare fraud alert involving genetic testing kits. Fraudulent companies are offering Medicare beneficiaries access to a free screening for cancer, Parkinson’s or other conditions, claiming that Medicare will cover the cost. These companies find their victims through phone calls, … Continue reading Genetic Testing Scam Alert
By Shirley Brown, Economic Security Team Member at Elder Law of Michigan The senior population faces many challenges, safety at home being one of them. There are so many safety precautions that need to be taken. After living in a home for over 40 years new ideas can be helpful to enable seniors to live safe, happy lives in their homes. Safety for Seniors at … Continue reading Home Safety Tips for Seniors Living Alone
By Michelle Jackson, Economic Security Team Member at Elder Law of Michigan Personal Emergency Response Systems (PERS) are easy to use devices for seniors. During a fall or an emergency situation, the response systems can save lives and provide extra security for seniors. Many seniors feel they do not need one of these devices. They fear these devices make them look incompetent or their pride … Continue reading Personal Emergency Response Systems
By Grace DeRose-Wilson, Screening Integration Coordinator at Elder Law of Michigan I know several older adults who live alone whom I help on a regular basis. I often hear from them that they are worried they will fall, and no one will find them for days. This common fear among older adults is not unfounded. The National Council on Aging (NCOA) reports that most fatal … Continue reading Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Assessing Tripping Hazards in Your Home
By Pam Canty, Intake and Screening Coordinator at Elder Law of Michigan June is National Safety Month. This is an important month to review safety precautions, especially for seniors. I am speaking from experience because when you reach a certain age, your mind may tell you to: climb that ladder, shovel snow (non-stop), carry that two-cubit bag of mulch/topsoil, or drive nine straight hours with the last leg … Continue reading National Safety Month
By Grace DeRose-Wilson, Screening Integration Coordinator at Elder Law of Michigan Have you ever looked at the ingredient list on a product and wondered what the ingredients are? How can you tell if the ingredients listed are safe to consume or use on your body? Knowing how chemicals affect your body is important, especially for older adults. According to the National Institute of Health, changes … Continue reading Environmental Working Group: Protecting Your Health
By Vonda VanTil, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Social Security is committed to protecting your personal information. We urge you to always be cautious and to avoid providing sensitive information such as your Social Security number (SSN) or bank account information to unknown people over the phone or internet. If you receive a call and aren’t expecting one, you must be extra careful. You can … Continue reading Beware of People Pretending to be from Social Security
