Don’t let the Bedbugs bite

/in , , , , /by

In this article we are going to cover a few points about bedbugs

  • What are Bedbugs
  • Where Bed Bugs Hide
  • When Bedbugs Bite
  • Signs of Infestation
  • Bedbug Treatments
  • Bedbug Extermination

What are Bedbugs?
Bedbug Size Bedbugs are small, oval, brownish insects that live on the blood of animals or humans. Adult bedbugs have flat bodies about the size of an apple seed. After feeding, however, their bodies swell and are a reddish color.

Bedbugs do not fly, but they can move quickly over floors, walls, and ceilings. Female bedbugs may lay hundreds of eggs over a lifetime, each of which is about the size of a speck of dust.

Immature bedbugs, called nymphs, shed their skins five times before reaching maturity and require a meal of blood before each shedding. Under favorable conditions the bugs can develop fully in as little as a month and produce three or more generations per year.

Although they’re a nuisance and cause undue psychological stress, they do not transmit diseases. Typically, no treatment is required for bedbug bites. If itching is severe, steroid creams or oral antihistamines may be used for symptom relief.

Where Bed Bugs Hide
where Bedbugs HideBedbugs may enter your home undetected through luggage, clothing, used beds, couches and other items.
Their flattened bodies make it possible for them to fit into tiny spaces, about the width of a credit card. Bedbugs do not have nests like ants or bees, but tend to live in groups in hiding places. Their initial hiding places are typically in mattresses, box springs, bed frames and headboards where they have easy access to people to bite in the night.

However, over time… they may scatter through the bedroom, moving into an
y crevice or protected location. They may also spread to nearby rooms or apartments.

Because bedbugs live solely on blood, having them in your home is not a sign of dirtiness. You are as likely to find them in immaculate homes and hotel rooms as in filthy ones.

When Bedbugs Bite
Bedbug BitesBedbugs are active mainly at night and usually bite people while they are sleeping. They feed by piercing the skin and withdrawing blood through an elongated beak. The bugs feed from three to 10 minutes to become engorged and then crawl away unnoticed.

Most bedbug bites are painless at first, but later turn into itchy welts. Unlike fleabites that are mainly around the ankles, bedbug bites are on any area of skin exposed while sleeping. Also, the bites do not have a red spot in the center like flea bites do.

People who don’t realize they have a bedbug infestation may attribute the itching and welts to other causes, such as mosquitoes, heat rashes or allergic reactions. To confirm that what you have is bedbug bites, you must find and identify the bugs themselves.

Signs of Infestation
If you wake up with itchy areas you didn’t have when you went to sleep, you may have bedbugs, particularly if you got a used bed or other used furniture around the time the bites started. Other signs that you have bedbugs include:

  • Blood stains on your sheets or pillowcases
  • Dark or rusty spots of bedbug excrement on sheets and mattresses, bed clothes, and walls
  • Bedbug fecal spots, egg shells, or shed skins in areas where bedbugs hide
  • An offensive, musty odor from the bugs’ scent glands

If you suspect an infestation, remove all bedding linens and check it carefully for signs of the bugs or their excrement. Remove the dust cover over the bottom of the box springs and examine the seams in the wood framing. Peel back the fabric where it is stapled to the wood frame.

Also, check the area around the bed, including inside books, telephones or radios, the edge of the carpet, and even in electrical outlets. Check your closet, because bedbugs can attach to clothing. If you are uncertain about signs of bedbugs, call us and we can manage the infestation through a FRAUD PROOF exterminator, who will know what to look for and carry out a treatment plan.

If you recognize and find signs of an infestation, begin steps to get rid of the bugs and prevent their return immediately.

Bedbug Treatments
Getting rid of bedbugs begins with cleaning up the places where bedbugs live. This should include the following:

  • Clean bedding, linens, curtains, and clothing in hot water and dry them on the highest dryer setting. Place stuffed animals, shoes, and other items that can’t be washed in the dryer and run on high for 30 minutes.
  • Use a stiff brush to scrub mattress seams to remove bedbugs and their eggs before vacuuming.
  • Vacuum your bed and surrounding area frequently. After vacuuming, immediately place the vacuum cleaner bag in a plastic bag and place in garbage can outdoors.
  • Encase mattress and box springs with a tightly woven, zippered cover to keep bedbugs from entering or escaping. Bedbugs may live up to a year without feeding, so keep the cover on your mattress for at least a year to make sure all bugs in the mattress are dead.
  • Repair cracks in plaster and glue down peeling wallpaper to get rid of places bedbugs can hide.
  • Get rid of clutter around the bed.
  • Of course we can look after all of this for you.

If your mattress is infested, you may want to get rid of it and get a new one, but take care to rid the rest of your home of bedbugs or they will infest your new mattress.

Bedbug Extermination
While cleaning up infested areas will be helpful in controlling bedbugs, getting rid of them usually requires chemical treatments. Because treating your bed and bedroom with insecticides can be harmful, it is important to use products that can be used safely in bedrooms. Do not treat mattresses and bedding unless the label specifically says you can use them on bedding.

Generally it is safest and most effective to hire a professional company with experienced in dealing with such issues. In Our Care – Home Care Services can help you from start to finish.

In Our Care – Home Care Services, understand that care is not simply based on the physical support your older loved one may need… there are a broad spectrum built-in service components to achieve our overall goal… Enriching the lives of those we love and deliver care to. 

Your loved one may not be direct family, but they’re part of the In Our Care family… therefore they are.

Please contact us today, to discuss any challenges you may be facing and how our services can help you remain independent, protected, safe, and in you home / community.

You got questions, we have answers: (905) 785-2341 or email us at 

Final Plans – Pre-paid Funeral Services

/in , , , , , , /by

We have often heard the term – In Life there are two only things that are for certain – Death & Taxes. 

Money Wise – Tax Advantages of Prepaid Funeral Certificates

You have Kapriva Taylor Funeral Homedied. Over the next few days what will that look like for your loved ones? Your family is grief stricken and they must decide what to do with your body. They love you and want to honor your life. They go to the funeral home to make the arrangements and it is here they learn just how much their ideal tribute to you will cost.

We caught up with Katherine (Kat) Downey, Funeral Director and expert in Funeral preplanning who shared with us the benefits of investing in a prepaid Funeral plan.

According to Katherine Downey, the average funeral in Ontario costs approximately $8,800, but the range can vary from $1,600 to $15,000, and more. “The cost is influenced by the level of service people choose, and the type of casket, urn, vault or container selected; this can vary significantly,” says Downey. “Direct Disposition is the least expensive Service and adheres to the minimum requirements of Provincial law. A Memorial Service is an additional cost, followed by a full funeral including visitation and the body present being the traditional service.”

The average age that people consider their own funeral arrangements is 68 years. “I recommend people begin looking at this investment in their higher earning years of 40, 50 or 60,” says Downey. “Investing sooner one can contribute to the costs over a longer term with earned income rather than retirement income.”

As of July 1 2012 all Funeral Homes in Ontario must guarantee prepaid funeral contracts. This means that everything chosen today is priced from a current pricelist, including applicable taxes, and locked in and guaranteed from the date of the contract, until the funeral is required.”

There are also tFuneral Homesax advantages associated with an EFA (Eligible Funeral Arrangement). The Federal Government permits any amount to be paid into a prepaid funeral certificate, and the first $15,000 earns tax-exempt interest.

Downey further states, “The purchaser’s money is invested in an insured guaranteed certificate earning up to 2.0% interest annually. These funds remain in a tax sheltered escrow account during the investor’s lifetime. When the funeral is required, it is paid for from the guaranteed certificate and any extra money is returned to the estate.”

“When I speak with people about the benefits of prepaid funeral arrangements, they are often surprised at the financial gains. This ignites my passion to do what I do. There are financial benefits to families and this gives them a sense of relief that their funeral expenses will not be a burden on their loved ones.”

People with life insurance often say they will use this to pay for the funeral.   Though the key difference is that there is no guaranteed funeral cost. “In my opinion there is room for both prepaid funerals and life insurance,” says Downey. “With life insurance, usually the spouse is the beneficiary and they can use this money in any manner they see fit, and it is tax free. The money may be required to maintain one’s lifestyle or cover unexpected expenses. Taking care of the funeral costs ahead of time is in everyone’s best interest.”

The emotional and financial benefits of prepaid funerals are truly invaluable and provide families with a sense of accomplishment and peace of mind.

 

Kat- DowneyKatherine Downey is a professional educator and licensed funeral director specializing in prepaid funeral planning.
For further information contact (905) 717-9197 or at (905) 399-5341

Email: katdowney@legacymatters.ca
Website: www.legacymatters.ca

Elder Abuse – Know it, Report it, Stop it

/in , , , , , /by

Elder Abuse – Have you heard about it?

Know it, Report it, Stop it!Abuse and Neglect

Canada’s population demographics is shift, the number of seniors in Canada has increasing by 57.6% between 1992 and 2012. Within the same period, the number of children dropped by 3.6%. This shift hypotheses that an increasing number of people will be put into a position of caregiver for their parents/grandparents even as they are caregivers to their own families. Juggling these dual care giving roles & responsibilities can bring on a great deal of stress, anxiety, and despair.

While no one underestimates the level of responsibility, accountability and stress levels associated with caregiving, caring for an older senior can present a number of new challenges. Caring for an adult is much different than caring for child yet the level of patience and compassion required must be the same. An untrained person can easily become overwhelmed with the demands required to effectively manage, care for, and delivered care… in a caring manner. With that being said, there’s a real potential for frustration levels to escalate, setting the stage for elder abuse. Unfortunately, it does not happen quite like that. If that were the case, it would be so easy to intervene and resolve it. Elder abuse is far more complex and widespread than just the physical abuse. Not to say that it does not begin there.

So. What is Elder Abuse?

Although elder abuse includes the types of behaviours attributed to domestic violence, it also includes additional types of abuse such as neglect and financial exploitation. It also occurs in a wider range of settings and relationships. Perpetrators of elder abuse cases can be spouses but can also be children, grandchildren, other relations, friends, fellow residents in an institution and personal caregivers. Issues related to individual cognitive and physical functioning are central concerns in elder abuse and consequently frail older people have become identified with this perspective.

The World Health Organization defines elder abuse as, “Single or repeated acts, or lack of appropriate action, occurring within a relationship where there is an expectation of trust, which causes harm or distress to an older person.”

Fast facts:

  • Among seniors who’ve been physically abused, 68% report the assault was committed by a family member (Source: Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration)
  • 96% of Canadians think most of the abuse experienced by older adults is hidden or goes undetected (Source: Environics poll for Human Resources and Social Development Canada)
  • Female seniors (38%) are more likely to be abused than male seniors (18%). (Source: Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration)

Under-reporting

Some studies suggest that women and men differ in their tendency to report abuse and may interpret questions about abuse differently. For example, women seem to be more willing than men to identify themselves as perpetrators of emotional abuse. However, as is the case in all surveys about sensitive issues, respondents may also be reluctant to disclose their experiences due to shame, fear or lack of trust. Older women may have fewer resources and less independence than men and may be less inclined to report abuse due to fear of leaving their home or accusing someone who provides for their daily needs. Older men, on the other hand, may be embarrassed or ashamed that they are no longer in a position of control in their home. There may be a shift in this with the aging of the baby boomers as the stigma associated with masculine need for help lessens.

There is a huge under-recognition of abuse of seniors in Canada. I would say this field is 20 years behind where we were when we were trying to raise awareness about violence against women and, before that, how to prevent and respond to abuse of children.”

Elder abuse is often referred to as ‘the hidden crime.’ It can take many forms, including physical abuse, sexual abuse, financial abuse, mental abuse and neglect.

Fortunately, there is no better time than now to tackle the issue because seniors are by far the fastest growing segment of the population. Statistics Canada predicts that by 2026 seniors, aged 65 and older, who now account for 13% of the Canadian population, will grow to 21%.

A closer look at Elder Abuse:

  • Elder abuse is an issue that may affect seniors in all walks of life. However, some seniors may be at greater risk of experiencing some type of abuse: those who are older, female, isolated, dependent on others, cared for by someone with an addiction, and seniors living in institutional settings.
  • Those who are frail, who have a cognitive impairment or a physical disability.
  • In most cases, the person being abused knows and trusts the abuser and relies on him/her in some way, which makes it even worse. It might be a child, another family member, another senior, a fellow resident in an institution, a paid caregiver or even a spouse.
  • Unfortunately, seniors can make easy targets. Many live alone and are socially isolated, which increases their vulnerability. Others are dependent on their abuser for care. Some suffer from dementia or other health issues that may prevent them from responding to the abuse or reporting it. Some may feel it’s impossible to get away from the abuser if the relationship has been long standing. And many seniors who simply are not as physically strong as they once were are unable to defend themselves.

Forms of Elder Abuse:

The Ontario Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse (ONPEA) uses the following descriptions:

Financial Abuse – One of the most common forms of elder abuse. It often refers to the theft or misuse of money or property such as household goods, clothes or jewelry. It also includes forcing the sale of property or possessions, misusing power of attorney responsibilities, coercing changes in a will, withholding funds and/or fraud.

Physical Abuse – Is any physical pain or injury that’s willfully inflicted upon a senior. It includes unreasonable confinement or punishment resulting in physical harm, as well as hitting, slapping, pinching, pushing, burning, pulling hair, shaking, physical restraint, physical coercion, forced feeding or withholding physical necessities.

Sexual Abuse – Is any sexual activity that occurs when one or both parties cannot or do not give consent. It includes, but is not limited to, assault, rape, sexual harassment, intercourse, fondling, intimate touching during bathing, exposing oneself, and inappropriate sexual comments.

Psychological (Emotional) Abuse – Is the willful infliction of mental anguish or the provocation of fear of violence or isolation. This kind of abuse diminishes the identity, dignity and self-worth of the senior. It can include name-calling, yelling, ignoring the person, scolding or shouting, insults, threats, intimidation or humiliation, treating as a child, emotional deprivation, isolation, and the removal of decision-making power.

Neglect – Can be intentional or unintentional. It happens when the caregiver of a dependent senior fails to meet his/her needs. Forms of neglect include not providing adequate food, housing, medicine, clothing or physical aids, as well as inadequate hygiene, supervision and safety precautions. It also includes withholding medical services and medications, overmedicating, allowing a senior to live in unsanitary or poorly heated conditions, and denying access to necessary services, such as homemaking, nursing, and social work. For a variety of reasons seniors themselves, may fail to provide adequate care for their own needs, and this is known as self-neglect.

Older women who’ve been abused have been socialized to believe this is not something they’re supposed to talk about. This is a historical problem and their mothers and grandmothers, who may also have also been victims of abuse, probably didn’t talk about it either. To go specifically to an agency that serves abused women is very difficult for them and there’s a stigma attached to it. We need to be able to reach these women wherever they are – and we need to let them know it’s okay to talk about and it’s okay to get some help.

Recognizing the signs of elder abuse

Sometimes it can be difficult to determine if an elder is actually being abused since there may be other explanations for the signs, such as a fall, self-neglect or poor personal choices. Other times it’s more obvious abuse is going on. One thing experts agree on is the longer the abuse goes on, the worse it tends to get.

The following are possible signs an elder is being abused:

Financial Abuse/fraud:

  • Significant withdrawals from the elder’s accounts
  • Sudden changes in the elder’s financial condition
  • Items or cash missing from the senior’s household
  • Suspicious changes in wills, power of attorney
  • Unpaid bills, even when the elder has enough money to pay
  • Financial activity the senior couldn’t have done, such as an ATM withdrawal when the account holder is bedridden
  • Unnecessary services, goods, or subscriptions
  • Paying far more for work/service than others would be charged
  • Large advance payments with nothing to show for it

Physical Abuse:

  • Unexplained signs of injury such as bruises, welts, or scars, especially if they appear symmetrically on two sides of the body
  • Broken bones, sprains, or dislocations
  • Reports of drug overdose or apparent failure to take medication
  • Regularly (a prescription has more remaining than it should have)
  • Broken eyeglasses or frames
  • Signs of being restrained, such as rope marks on wrists
  • Caregiver’s refusal to allow you to see the elder alone

Sexual Abuse:

  • Bruises around breasts or genitals
  • Unexplained venereal disease or genital infections
  • Unexplained vaginal or anal bleeding
  • Torn, stained, or bloody underclothing

 

Psychological/Emotional Abuse:

  • Threatening, belittling, or controlling caregiver behavior witnessed by others
  • Behaviour from the elder that mimics dementia, such as rocking, sucking, or mumbling to oneself

Neglect: (By caregivers and/or self)

  • Unusual weight loss, malnutrition, dehydration
  • Untreated physical problems, such as bed sores
  • Unsanitary living conditions: dirt, bugs, soiled bedding and clothes
  • Being left dirty or unbathed
  • Unsuitable clothing for the weather
  • Unsafe living conditions (no heat or running water; faulty electrical wiring, other fire hazards)
  • Desertion of the elder at a public place

Addressing the growing concern over elder abuse

Some jurisdictions have designated resources to deal exclusively with elder abuse.

On April 17, 2009, the Ontario Network for Prevention of Elder Abuse launched a province-wide toll-free hotline for at-risk seniors (1-866-299-1011), which is part of an elder abuse strategy funded by the provincial government at a cost of nearly $900,000 a year.

On June 15, 2009 the Government of Canada launched a nation-wide elder abuse awareness campaign, including an advertising campaign dubbed Elder Abuse – It’s Time to Face the Reality. The 2008 federal budget also earmarked $13 million over three years to help seniors and others recognize the signs and symptoms of elder abuse and to provide information on available supports.

The challenges in detecting and preventing elder abuse in long-term care facilities and retirement homes are compounded by the number of people providing care, the often high ratio of residents to workers, the various cognitive and physical impairments of residents, and by the demands and expectations of family members. Enhanced non-abuse training and increased staffing levels are critical to minimizing the chances of elder abuse occurring.

The Bill of Rights for People Living in Ontario Long-Term Care Homes was published in September 2008 by the Advocacy Centre for the Elder and Community Legal Education Ontario. It outlines 19 fundamental rights for long-term care residents and most long-term care facilities post these rights so staff, residents and family members are all aware of them. Knowing these rights is especially important given the increasing number of media reports about elder abuse in institutions.

Most of the cases of elder abuse that are reported to police tend to involve fraud, the most common form of elder abuse.

“To address elder abuse, it is imperative that action take place at the community level and that resources be allocated to this. Participants delivered a unanimous message:
that without adequate and sustainable funding, efforts to combat elder abuse in local communities are compromised.”

Fast facts:

  • The greater the impairment of a senior or the more severe the illness, the more likely it is that he/she will be abused. (Source: Canadian Mental Health Association)
  • Male seniors (9%) are more likely to report financial or emotional abuse, compared to female seniors (5%). (Source: Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration)
  • A study involving 31 nursing homes reported that 36% of nursing home staff had witnessed the physical abuse of an older adult and 81% had witnessed some
    form of psychological abuse. (Source: Canadian Mental Health Association)

Risk Factors for Elder Abuse

Some of the risk factors for elder abuse apply to the abuser, others the victim. Caregiver stress, for example, is a key factor in abuse in both the home and in institutional settings. That stress is intensified if the senior has mental health issues or physical care needs the caregiver is incapable of providing. Caring for a senior with multiple needs can be overwhelming and eventually lead to depression.

Even caregivers in institutions can experience stress levels that can lead to abuse. Excessive responsibilities, poor working conditions, long hours and inadequate training can all be contributing factors.

Sometimes family caregivers are poorly informed and lack the education and support required to properly care for an elder at home.

“When it comes to neglect, we see some families who aren’t providing appropriate care for their elderly loved ones, but it’s not necessarily because there’s any ill intent; sometimes it’s because they don’t know how to care for someone who’s sick, debilitated and has Alzheimer’s.”

Other risk factors include a history of family violence. If there has been abusive behaviour within the family in the past, there’s a greater likelihood an elder will be abused at some point in the future.

There are also the personal problems and personalities of the abusers themselves. According to the Canadian Mental Health Association, abusers are more likely to have mental health problems, substance abuse issues and/or financial problems.

Signs that a caregiver may be abusing an elder may include:

  • Being aggressive, insulting or threatening behaviour
  • Speaks for the elder and doesn’t allow him/her to make decisions
  • Reluctant to leave the elder alone with a professional.

Signs that an elder may be a victim of abuse:

  • Is anxious, withdrawn, agitated, evasive, depressed or suicidal.
  • Shows fear of caregiver; behaviour changes when care giver enters/leaves room.
  • Is frail or cognitively impaired and presenting for emergency treatment alone or without regular caregiver.
  • Has low self-esteem.

Habits:

  • Sudden/unexpected change in social habits.
  • Sudden/unexpected change in residence or living arrangements.
  • Unexplained or sudden inability to pay bills, account withdrawals, changes in his will or Power of Attorney, or disappearance of possessions.
  • Refusal to spend money without consulting caregiver.
  • Claims of being “accident-prone”.
  • Missed/cancelled appointments, especially medical appointments.

Some people say, “I wonder why I’ve never come across a case of physical elder abuse, especially when you know the statistics”. I think this really speaks to the fact that elder abuse is so hidden and it reminds us how vigilant we all need to be in looking for the signs.

Health & Well-Being:

  • Sudden/unexpected decline in health or cognitive ability.
  • Poor/decline in personal hygiene; skin ulcers.
  • Dehydration or malnutrition; sudden/rapid weight loss.
  • Signs of over/under-medication.
  • Suspicious injuries: bruising in various stages of healing; on the face or eye area, the inner part of the thighs or arms, or around the wrists or ankles.
  • Sexually transmitted disease; itching, pain or bleeding in genital area; difficulty sitting or walking.
  • Explanation of injury or condition: inappropriate to type/degree; vague or bizarre; conflicting information from elder and care giver.
  • Unexplained delay in seeking treatment.
  • Denial in view of obvious injury.
  • Previous reports of similar injury.

Environment:

  • Poor living conditions in comparison to assets.
  • Inappropriate or inadequate clothing.
  • Lack of food.
  • Lack of required medical aids, functional aids, or medications.
  • Evidence of locks or restraints.
  • Living in worse conditions than others in the home.
  • Involuntary separation from others in home, friends or other family members.

Fast Facts:

“Sometimes our role becomes helping the adult children realize their parent still has the ability to make his or her own choices and that they have that right. Just because someone is 80 doesn’t mean they can’t think clearly or make decisions.”

  • 12% of Canadians have sought out information about a situation or suspected situation of elder abuse or about elder abuse in general.
    (Source: Environics poll for Human Resources and Social Development Canada.)
  • There are almost 300,000 seniors living in institutions in Canada. (Source: Statistics Canada)
  • Fewer than one in five situations of abuse actually come to the attention of any public agency, and fewer still come to the attention of a public agency operating in the criminal justice system. (Source: Canada’s Aging Population: Seizing the Opportunity, Special Senate Committee on Aging, 2009)

Taking Action: What to do if elder abuse is suspected

It’s a job for police when a crime has been committed under the Criminal Code of Canada. These offences include assault, forcible confinement, sexual assault, extortion, fraud, forgery, theft, (including theft by a person with power of attorney), uttering threats, criminal harassment, criminal negligence and failure to prove the basic necessities of life. If in doubt, people are advised to call police, who will help determine what to do next.

There are no quick fixes or simple solutions in addressing the issue of elder abuse. The challenges in raising awareness, responding to elder abuse and ultimately mitigating and eliminating it are many, but the energy, commitment and expertise already exists among those who have taken on this task across the country.

There is also a toll-free, confidential elder abuse hotline in Ontario that provides information, support and referrals to services 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 1-866-299-1011. In emergency situations dialing 911 is the best option.

Even though there are no legal requirements to report suspected elder abuse of people living in their own private residences, anyone who witnesses harm being done to an elder in a long-term care facility is required by law to report it to the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care. This can be done by calling the toll-free Action Line at 1-866-434-0144.

“The field of prevention of abuse and neglect of older adults in Canada is lagging behind other areas of family
violence prevention. It is largely the case that multiple small-scale projects and a few noteworthy larger programs exist in a patchwork of service delivery and under- coordinated effort. It is also far from being able to use practice standards that are available for other fields.”

The Canadian Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse suggests the following as the best steps to take for seniors who are being abused:

For seniors living in the community:

  • Tell someone what’s happening to you.
  • Ask others for help if you need it.
  • If someone is hurting or threatening you, or if it is not safe where you are, call police.
  • Find out more from community resources about your options to take care of your financial security and personal needs.
  • Call for counselling and support.
  • Make a safety plan in case you have to leave quickly and contact Optimism Place, Victim Services or the Emily Murphy Centre for help developing a plan that’s right for you.

You might also:

  • Set aside an extra set of keys, I.D., glasses, bank card, money, address book, medication, and important papers. Keep this outside of your home.
  • Find a safe place with friends and family so you have a place to go to in an emergency.
  • Consider obtaining a restraining order to protect yourself.

“We believe that when people learn about victims who’ve had the strength to come forward and reach out for help it encourages others to do the same.”

For seniors living in a nursing home or other kind of assisted living facility:

  • Tell someone what is happening to you.
  • Ask others for help if you need it. Staff members have a responsibility to see that abuse stops and that you get the help you need.
  • If someone is hurting or threatening you, or if it is not safe for you where you are, call the police.

“Most people working in Home Care Services, including those in long-term care are in the field because they choose to be. They love the elderly and are committed to their care and wellbeing.

“The elderly in our community need to know it’s okay to ask for help. Too often they’re too nervous or they don’t want to bother the police; they don’t even know if what’s happening to them is a crime. They don’t realize there are other organizations they can turn to for help – and which would put them in contact with the police if need be.”

A Summary of Canada’s Aging Population

/in , , , , , , , , , , , /by

Group of SeniorsA Summary of Canada’s Aging Population

An aging Canadian population is expected to present significant social, economic and political challenges over the next decades. Understanding the needs of seniors and addressing the barriers they face can promote successful aging and ensure that Canadian society benefits from the numerous contributions seniors can provide as engaged citizens and voters.

This research note is the first in a two-part series on seniors, defined as those aged 65 and older. This note provides a demographic profile of this age group, including information about their geographical distribution, lifestyles and socio-economic status. It also addresses some of the challenges that they face in various areas of life. The second note will focus on the electoral participation of seniors, including turnout in federal elections, barriers to voting and initiatives that can be put forward to reduce these barriers.

The qualifying age for seniors is generally 65 in developed countries. However, seniors do not represent a homogenous group, and there is significant variation in the circumstances of those aged 65 to 74, 75 to 84, and 85 and older. Therefore, each one of these three age categories will be treated as distinct where possible.

The Aging Population
A sustained decline in mortality and fertility rates during the twentieth century has resulted in a shift towards older populations worldwide. Canada, while somewhat younger than the average among developed countries, still has an all-time high proportion of seniors. According to Statistics Canada, between 1981 and 2011, the number of Canadians increased significantly amongst the three age groups:

  • For those aged 65 to 74, from 1.5 million (6% of the total population) to 2 million (8%)
  • For those between 75 and 84, from 695,000 (2.8%) to 1.6 million (4.9%)
  • For those aged 85 and older, from 196,000 (0.8%) to 492,000 (2%)

The number of seniors in all age groups is expected to continue to rise, and by 2041, seniors are projected to comprise nearly a quarter (24.5%) of the Canadian population, as compared to 14.8% today. Those aged 85 and over are expected to nearly triple to 5.8% of the total population by 2041.

The chart below illustrates the growth of the older population since 1921.

Aging Population Chart-CanadaGeography
Canada’s senior population is distributed unevenly across the provinces, with the highest concentration in the Atlantic provinces. Nova Scotia has the highest proportion of seniors, at 16.6% of its population, followed by New Brunswick (16.5%) and Prince Edward Island (16.3%). Alberta has the lowest proportion of seniors at 11.1% of the population, while Nunavut has the youngest population overall, with only 3.3% over 65. Some regions are aging more rapidly than others. The Atlantic Provinces are expected to see the highest increase in their proportion of seniors by 2026, while Ontario has the lowest projected increase. Most older seniors (61%) live in metropolitan areas, reflecting the overall trend towards urbanization in Canada, while 23% reside in rural areas.

Gender and Ethnicity
Since women have a longer life expectancy, the majority of seniors are women, with the gender discrepancy increasing with age. In 2011, women made up 52% of seniors aged 65 to 74, 56% of seniors aged 75 to 84, and 68% aged 85 or older. This gap is narrowing, however, and the next decades are expected to see a relative increase in the number of older men as they catch up in terms of life expectancy.

Approximately 28% of seniors are immigrants, the majority of whom were born in Western Europe and Asia. Most immigrant seniors moved at a relatively young age and have been living in Canada for several decades. The proportion of Aboriginal seniors is low, with only 5% of the Aboriginal population over 65, and 1% over 75.

Living Arrangements
As shown in table 1: Most people over 65 reside at home, either with a spouse or alone. According to a study released in 2002 by Health Canada, three quarters of seniors enjoyed housing considered to be affordable, adequately sized and in good condition.

A small percentage of seniors live in institutions, including long-term care facilities and hospitals, though rates of institutionalization rise sharply with age. Reasons cited for institutionalization include increasing frailty and care needs that exceed the capacity of family or friends. In many cases, family and friends continue to provide care even after institutionalization.

Table 1: Where Seniors Live

Living Arrangements
% Of Seniors
Aged 65–74
% Of Seniors
Aged 74–85
% Of Seniors
Aged 85+
Institution
2.2
8.2
31.6
With Spouse
54.4
39.9
16.2
With Children or Grandchildren
18.9
16.0
15.8
Alone
21.5
33.0
33.7
Other
2.9
2.8
2.6

Employment and Income
As of 2006, nearly 15% of men and 5% of women over 65 were participating in the workforce. A smaller percentage of seniors in the 75+ age group were still working, with labour force participation rates of 7.5% for men and 2.4% for women. Self-employment and higher levels of education are associated with a higher likelihood that a person will continue to work after 65.

Post-retirement sources of income among retired seniors include transfers (such as CPP/QPP, OAS, EI, GIS), pensions, RSP withdrawals and investment income. Older seniors are often mischaracterized as impoverished. While they generally have only half the income of working-age households, they are often able to support a similar standard of living. This is likely due to lower expenses (for example, no mortgage or expenses related to child provision) and higher savings from which to draw.

Consumption and spending remain steady through the working years up to age 70, and then begin to decline. It is likely that this decline is voluntary, as gift giving and savings remain unchanged. Older seniors may be less willing or able to spend money; they may be saving for anticipated health care costs or to leave money behind for relatives.

Income aside, work is also important in defining personal identity. The loss of full-time employment, therefore, may present challenges to retired seniors, including lowered confidence, loss of perceived prestige and loss of purpose. Participation in various groups or organizations can ease the transition, and new challenges like volunteer activities may restore a sense of purpose.

Health and Quality of Life
Improved medical technology and public health measures have provided Canadians with a longer life expectancy and quality of life than in the past. Nonetheless, chronic health conditions are widespread among seniors, with four out of five seniors residing at home having a chronic health condition of some kind. The most common of these conditions are arthritis or rheumatism, hypertension, (non-arthritic) back pain, heart disease and cataracts. Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia also affect significant numbers of older seniors and are expected to present a major social and public health problem as the population ages. In 2008, 480,600 people, or 1.5% of Canada’s population, suffered from some form of dementia. This number is expected to rise to 1.13 million (or 2.8% of the Canadian population) by 2038. Most dementia sufferers are 75 years of age or older.

Many seniors also have a disability or activity restriction that requires them to seek assistance with various activities. One quarter of older seniors require help with housework, while one in ten need help with personal care activities, such as washing, dressing or eating. Most assistance is provided by immediate family members, although friends and professional caregivers may help as well. Limitations increase sharply after 85, with mobility, sight, hearing and cognition becoming more restricted.

Despite the prevalence of chronic conditions and activity limitations, seniors generally perceive themselves to be in good health. As of 2011, 46% of men and women over 65 rated their own health as very good or excellent. Higher levels of educational attainment are strongly related to better self-reported health, as are greater independence, the absence of pain or barriers to communication, and the presence of strong social networks. Even seniors residing in long-term care facilities generally rate their health fairly highly, suggesting that they adjust their expectations for health relative to their circumstances and those of their peers.

Victimization, Abuse and Ageism
Elder abuse is gaining increasing recognition as an important issue. Abuse can be physical, psychological/emotional, sexual or financial in nature, or involve intentional or unintentional neglect. A random survey of seniors in Canada found that 4% reported experiencing maltreatment since turning 65. Older women and sponsored immigrant seniors are particularly vulnerable to elder abuse. This could be due to increased financial dependency, social isolation, cultural norms, familial status, disadvantage or disability.

Fraud against older people is also common. Seniors may be particularly vulnerable due to isolation and, in some cases, cognitive decline. Types of scams may include mail or telephone fraud, charity or lottery scams, or fake business opportunities.

Older seniors may also experience a type of discrimination referred to as ageism, defined as a “process of systematic stereotyping or discrimination against people because they are old, just as racism and sexism accomplish with skin colour and gender.” Ageism may be positive (for example, the belief that all seniors are wise or caring) or negative (one study shows that younger Canadians overwhelmingly assume that most seniors reside in an institution, suffer from dementia and are responsible for a large proportion of traffic accidents). Ageism can have implications for individuals whose competencies and merits are not acknowledged, and for society as a whole, which, operating under the assumption that everyone is young, fails to meet the varied needs of all of its citizens.

What Older Seniors Fear The Most
A recent study looked at some of the fears that seniors experience as they age. Losing their personal independence and going into a Nursing Home were among the their greatest fears… more so than death.What Seniors Fear Most

Social and Civic Participation
It is important for seniors to remain active in social networks, as this fosters a sense of belonging and connectedness, and is associated with better health and quality of life outcomes. Seniors who are socially involved are less isolated and tend to have more close friends.

As of 2003, 54% of seniors were involved in groups or organizations, such as social clubs, service clubs, sports leagues and religious organizations. This proportion is similar to that of adults under 65. For seniors over 75, the rate of group involvement dropped to 46%. Seniors with higher levels of education and those with a previous history of involvement are more likely to participate in a group or organization.

Many seniors also volunteer for charities or non-profit organizations. While they are somewhat less likely to volunteer than younger retirees or working people, they tend to contribute more hours when they do volunteer. In 2004, 39% of seniors between 65 and 74 volunteered, contributing an average of 250 hours of volunteer work – 100 hours more than the average for adults between 25 and 54. Volunteering decreases somewhat after age 75, health being the most widely reported reason for non-volunteering seniors.

Conclusion
The role of seniors in society warrants increased consideration as their share of the population grows. Currently, seniors have a good quality of life in Canada. Most enjoy good living conditions, adequate financial resources, and generally rate their health highly. While the majority of seniors are retired, many remain socially involved through participation in organizations or volunteer work. Nonetheless, seniors continue to face certain challenges and barriers. These include physical and cognitive health conditions, a lack of independence and negative attitudes.

Understanding the needs of seniors and addressing the barriers they face can promote successful aging and bring benefit to Canadian society from the numerous contributions older people can provide, including their participation in the electoral process.

Please contact us today, to discuss any challenges you may be facing and how our services can help you remain independent, protected, safe, and in you home / community.

You got questions, we have answers: (905) 785-2341 or email us at homecare@inourcareservices.com

 

Dollars & Sense

/in , , , /by

Personal FinancesPersonal Finances – An Overview:

This is never an easy topic, but one that has to be embraced at some time in our lives… sometimes twice or three times.

  • Planning for our own retirement
  • Engaging our ageing parents financial plan into action
  • Engaging our own retirement financial plan

The article is powerful in part because it deals with an issue that — if we’re lucky — most of us will face. Despite the fact that the experience is almost universally shared, too few of us are prepared to deal with the financial challenges that tend to arise as our parents reach old age, it is now more important than ever to prepare for this stage of life.

Dealing with aging parents can clearly be trying — emotionally and financially — but you can make the process much easier if you begin to prepare before your parents face serious health problems. To get you started, here’s a look at six basic steps you’ll need to take.

Have a financial plan of your own

The first thing an adult child needs to do is protect his own financial security, to avoid serious financial difficulties while caring for their parents. Of course children want to be there for mom and dad, but it’s important to know your own financial capacity to help. If you have your own plan in place  — one that takes into account the likelihood that you’ll live longer than your parents — you’ll better know those boundaries.

Unfortunately, most seniors today haven’t purchased long-term care insurance, and by the time they know they’ll need it, such policies are prohibitively expensive. But if you have aging parents, buying long-term care insurance for yourself may provide you with the certainty needed to be able to spend income and assets on your parents’ care.

Open up the conversation… gently

Getting your parents to be forthright with you about their financial situation can be very difficult. For decades, they have been the ones caring for you, and the ones dispensing advice. Reversing those roles can be trying for both you and your parents. That’s why framing the conversation effectively is important, broaching the subject in such a way that comes across as asking for help rather than offering it. Like, ‘Hey, Dad/Mom, I’ve been thinking about my long-term financial stability and it looks like you’re doing well. How did you plan for this?’” This way you can gauge if you’re parents are struggling, and if they’re not. It can also be great way to learn some planning strategies for yourself as well.

Get help

Dealing with ageing parents can be a source of acrimony between siblings. If you’re the adult child taking the lead, it’s important to involve your siblings early in the process – both to avoid resentment, and to avoid having the burden placed entirely on your shoulders. It is also a good idea to bring professionals into the conversation – a doctor, lawyer and financial adviser that your parents already trust. This will add outside authority to your discussions and help mitigate any qualms your parents have with being told what to do by their children.

Make it legal

In case your parent’s health deteriorates quickly, you or a trusted ally will need to be given the legal authority to make financial and health decisions for them. Documents like a durable power of attorney will allow a proxy to make financial decisions for your parents in case they become incapacitated. A living trust will allow a proxy to manage your parent’s estate under similar circumstances, and a will is necessary to dictate how your parents’ estate will be disposed of after they pass.

Simplify their financial life

Many seniors are resistant to online banking, but showing your folks the ropes will allow them to set up automatic bill pay, which will help them stay up on their financial responsibilities. It will also allow you to monitor their finances and make sure everything’s okay. Many individuals have their financial assets spread among a range of financial institutions; you’ll want to consolidate those assets to some extent.

Take over gradually

As you begin to take a larger role in your parents’ medical care and finances, it’s important to make the transition slowly if possible. Give them autonomy where they can handle it, as this will reduce tension between you and your parents. For health reasons, it’s also important for your parents to maintain a sense of autonomy and self-reliance.

As you move forward in the process of taking responsibility from your parents, the most important thing you can do for yourself is learn from your pa
rents’ experiences. Today, people are living a third longer than they thought they would, and that trend is likely to continue. Doing things like buying long-term care insurance and setting up your own legal directives while you’re still young will make the process that much smoother when you and your children face it.

Planning for the discussion:

If you are working with your elderly parents, choose a quiet moment to introduce a conversation about the five wishes concept. It is a good idea to document the answers. These points can formalize the five wishes as part of their legal documents, including their Power of Attorney and will documents. Five Wishes allows a person to spell out exactly how he or she wants to be treated should he or she become seriously ill. Note that specific funeral instructions, memorial services, and burial requests may be included in this document. Give your parent time to think about the following questions.

Wish 1: Whom do you wish to make health-care decisions for you, when you can’t make them for yourself?

Choose someone who knows you very well, cares about you, and who is able to make difficult decisions. Family members or your spouse may not be the best choice as they are too emotionally involved. Choose someone who is able to stand up for your wishes and lives close enough to help whenever needed. Be sure to discuss your wishes with this person; first ask if he or she is willing and able to take on this responsibility. You will need to fully discuss your wishes with this person. Ask if he or she is prepared to act on your wishes.

Wish 2: What is your wish for the type of medical treatment you want?

Traditionally this wish begins with the following statement: I believe that my life is precious and I deserve to be treated with dignity. When the time comes that I am very sick and I am not able to speak for myself, I want the following wishes and any other directions I have given to my health-care agent, to be respected and followed.

Describe your wishes for pain management, comfort issues, life support or extraordinary measures and what to do in specific situations (e.g., close to death, in a coma, or having permanent and severe brain injury with no expectation of recovery).

Wish 3: How comfortable do you wish to be?

This wish may contain specific requests; for example, music to be played, poems or favourite passages read out loud, or photos to be kept nearby. This may also include information about your grooming needs and cleanliness of bed and towel linens.

Wish 4: How do you wish people to treat you?

This wish may include requests for who you will want to be by your side in your dying days such as whom you would like to see (e.g., family, friends, clergy) and whether or not you want someone by your side to comfort you. You can also specify that you want to die in your own home (if possible) or to be in a facility with professional caregivers while family and friends visit as guests (as opposed to being caregivers).

Wish 5: What do you wish your loved ones to know?

This wish may contain statements that you want the family to know; for example, that you love them, or you may ask for forgiveness for times you have hurt family, friends, or others. It may also show forgiveness for hurts you have experienced from others. It is a wish that can evoke a need to make peace with yourself, your family, and your community; or to remind loved ones to celebrate your life with memories of joy, not sorrow. When you die, your debts must be paid first – before any money or property you leave behind is passed on to your loved ones. There may also be funeral costs, legal fees and other administrative expenses in settling your estate. There may be other estate costs, such as probate fees and taxes on investments that you may not have considered.

Common Estate Costs

Probate fees
When you die, your executor often needs proof (requested by financial institutions, government agencies and others) that they are the person authorized to represent your estate. Probate is the process that provides court certification of this fact. There can be a cost to this – and probate fees to settle your estate can be high depending on the province you live in. In Ontario, the fees (officially called an estate administration tax) equal almost 1.5% of your estate’s value.

Tax on capital gains
You’re deemed to dispose of all capital property at death.  Your estate must cover the tax on any capital gains.

Tax on tax-sheltered savings plans
Registered plans such as RRSPs and RRIFs can be transferred tax-free to your spouse’s plan. If you don’t have a spouse, these savings are fully taxable at your death.

Ways to manage estate costs

Personal Finances2Leave a valid will
If you die without a valid will, your estate gets settled according to the laws of your province, rather than according to your personal wishes. This can be a more complic
ated process, with higher legal fees and the potential for costly disputes. 

Name beneficiaries for insurance and registered plans
When you buy life insurance or open an RRSP or other registered plan account, you can name a beneficiary to receive the money when you die. This means the money bypasses the estate process and is paid directly to that person. Because it does not form part of your estate, the money is not subject to probate fees and there is no delay in your beneficiaries receiving the money.

Jointly own property
Holding assets – such as a home or cottage – with another person is another strategy for reducing probate fees. Joint assets pass automatically to the surviving joint owner – and are generally not considered part of your estate and subject to probate fees. However, there can be complications to joint ownership, especially if you co-own an asset with someone other than your spouse.

For example:

  • If you transfer half-ownership of an asset to an adult child – and they have a spouse who they later separate from – the spouse could have a claim on your child’s half of the asset.
  • If your child has financial problems or declares bankruptcy, their ownership in the asset could be subject to claims by creditors.
  • If the asset has increased in value, you may have to pay tax on any capital gains when you transfer your half ownership. This is because a transfer is considered a sale for tax purposes.
  • You can no longer deal freely with the asset and must make joint decisions in managing or selling it.

Professional advice is essential: Joint ownership arrangements can be complicated. Get expert legal and tax advice before entering into one of these arrangements.

Preplan and prepay your funeral
Preplanning and prepaying your funeral doesn’t necessarily save you money, but it does remove a key expense that your family or estate must cover upon your death. When you prepay, the money goes into a trust account or insurance fund until your funeral. You gain certainty over costs because you choose the type of funeral you want in advance. And your family is saved the difficult job of making decisions during a time of grief.

Buy permanent life insurance
Life insurance proceeds can be paid to your estate to cover estate costs or left directly to a beneficiary to provide additional amounts to a particular person. The proceeds are always paid tax-free. Consider a permanent insurance policy for estate planning purposes. Permanent insurance covers you for life, no matter how long you might live. Term insurance does not.

Probate fees and life insurance
When you name a beneficiary for your insurance proceeds, the money is paid directly to your beneficiary. It does not form part of your estate and is not subject to probate fees.

You can also use insurance to cover estate costs. To do this, name your estate as the beneficiary. Your estate will pay probate fees on the insurance proceeds, but it gives your estate the cash to pay debts, taxes or other obligations. This can avoid the sale of estate assets – such as a home or cottage – that beneficiaries may want to keep in the family.

Life insurance can help cover estate costs: Taking out a life insurance policy can help cover the cost of capital gains taxes.

I know this a lot to cover in one sitting, but should really be broken down and discussed over a course of time… that allows for both parties to really have time to form questions and seek answers.

So what’s next?

Your mom and dad paid taxes all their life. Let the government take care of him/her? He/she should get rid of their assets so they’ll qualify. While some financial planners considered this to be good advice others consider it to be terrible advice.

What the financial advisor is tellingyou or your aging parent with this suggestion is that it is a good idea for your aging parent to give away his assets or otherwise impoverish himself so he can qualify for Medical Aide. Medical Aide is a state, county and federally funded health insurance program for the indigent. The benefits are quite limited

An impoverished elder may have only one option for care when care is needed for the basics, such as bathing, dressing, and walking. That option is a nursing home.

Some counties have programs, such as In Home Supportive Services, which will provide limited home care services through paid caregivers or sometimes through a relative. The care provided can enable a low income elder to remain at home rather than go into a nursing home.  However, with the severe budget cuts going on in most states and provinces, these kinds of programs are either being cut back severely, or eliminated entirely.

If mom/dad needs help only with bathing, dressing, eating or meal preparation, walking, getting out of the chair or bed, or using the bathroom, Medical Aide will not cover care in a nursing home.  Help with this so called “custodial care” is not a covered service under Medical Aide, or other health insurance. (Long term care insurance is the only exception).

Ask your parent what he or she wants for the long run.

“I want to stay at home as long as possible” may be in direct conflict with “I want to leave my assets to you kids and grandkids”.  Some people simply do not have sufficient assets to do both, should they live long enough to need care.

Figure out the cost of caregiving at home.

There are many services that enable an older person to remain at home with additional care and services such as meals-on-wheels, adult day services, and home modifications. You will want to understand all the options in your community and calculate the costs.

Compare the cost of home care services with your parent’s income and assets.  If there is no way their assets can match what they will need at home, and no other resources are available from you, or anyone else, by all means get legal advice about qualification for Medical aide.  However, if they can take care of themselves with what they own, put their needs first and “your inheritance” second.  Sorry, it’s their money.  They deserve to stay at home with services if they want to.

Be realistic about expectations concerning inheritance.

Any competent estate attorney will advise adult children that no one is “entitled” to an inheritance.  An aging parent can do whatever he or she wishes with assets.  When parents lose competence and need daily supervision or have physical decline and need paid caregiving, they can burn through their assets rapidly.  If your parents don’t have long term care insurance, they are likely to be paying out of pocket for the care they may need with advanced age. If that care lasts long enough, there may be nothing left when they pass.

As a person who makes a living giving advice and caring for seniors, I learn a lot from my clients.  One thing I have learned based on not only my own experience but also on research is that our parents are likely to want to stay in their own homes.  Most are happier if care can be brought to them, rather than expecting them to go to where the care is delivered in a facility. With that in mind, I hope you’ll carefully rethink any advice about relying on government benefits for your aging parent.  Considering how to provide the best quality of life for them as they age needs to be the priority.  Caring can take many forms.  Helping parents plan ahead is one way to show you care.

Look down the road. Learn from what your parents did or didn’t do to plan for this phase of life.  One day, it will be you and I.

Please contact us today, to discuss any challenges you may be facing and how our services can help you remain independent, protected, safe, and in you home / community.

You got questions, we have answers: (905) 785-2341 or email us at 

 

Stop the frauds and scams against Seniors

/in , , /by

What every older Canadian should know about Frauds and Scams200451745-001

The numbers of seniors aged 65 and over is projected to more than double from 1.9 million in 2013, to 4.1 million, or 23.2 per cent, by 2036. By 2016, for the first time, seniors will account for a larger share of population than children aged 0–14.

Fraud is the number one crime against older Canadians. Though people of all ages can be victims of fraud, older people get targeted more than others. Some of the reasons are that they are often home during the day to answer the door or phone, they can be more trusting and they may not have family or friends close by to ask for a second opinion. People who commit frauds and scams are commonly called con artists. Con artists don’t just target people who have a lot of money. A con artist may steal a small amount from many people. They use a variety of ways to reach people, including the Internet, phone calls and even door-to-door visits. But con artists are not the only ones taking advantage of seniors. This also extends to fly by night contractors who will charge surmountable amounts of money for small jobs, fear-mongering clients into agreeing to pay for services not required (roof repairs, furnaces, air conditioners, driveways, windows, duct cleaning, etc.). This often results in the client either losing their down payment, poor workmanship, incomplete work, and no recourse of action for corrective action / refund. Unfortunately, the list of fraud opportunities, are endless and new schemes are invented and uncovered every day.

Recognize It – How to Spot a Scam?
Travel-For-Free-Hawaii-FraudIf it sounds too good to be true… it probably is not.

You have won a big prize in a contest that you don’t recall entering. You’re offered a once-in-a-lifetime investment that offers a huge return. You’re told that you can buy into a lottery ticket pool that cannot lose.

You must pay or you can’t play. “You’re a winner!” but you must agree to send money to the caller in order to pay for delivery, processing, taxes, duties or some other fee in order to receive your prize. Sometimes the caller will even send a courier to pick up your money.

You must give them your private financial information. The caller asks for all your confidential banking and/or credit card information. Honest businesses do not require these details unless you are using that specific method of payment.

Will that be cash…..or cash? Often criminal telemarketers ask you to send cash or a money order, rather than a cheque or credit card. Cash is untraceable and can’t be cancelled. And, crooks also have difficulty in establishing themselves as merchants with legitimate credit card companies.

The caller is more excited than you are. The crooks want to get you excited about this ‘opportunity’ so that you won’t be able to think clearly.

It is the Manager calling.

The person calling claims to be a government official, tax officer, banking official, lawyer, or some other person in authority.

The stranger calling wants to become your best friend. The person calls you by your first name and asks you a lot of personal or lifestyle questions (like how often do your grown children visit you). Criminals love finding out if you’re lonely and willing to talk. Once they know that, they’ll try to convince you that they’re you’re friend. After all, we don’t normally suspect our friends of being crooks.

It is a limited opportunity and you’re going to miss out. If you are pressured to make a big purchase decision immediately, it’s probably not a legitimate deal. Real businesses or charities will give you a chance to check them out or think about it.

Other common types of frauds and scams

Identity theft

Identity theft occurs when a con artist steals personal information from someone so they can pretend to be that person and then do things like apply for a credit card, take out a loan or mortgage, get a cell phone or withdraw bank funds. The con artist will try to get information such as a bank card number and personal identity number (PIN), credit card number, health card number, driver’s license and Social Insurance Number (SIN). Sometimes they will steal or copy the documents; sometimes all they need is the information. If your wallet is lost or stolen, or mail you are expecting goes missing, you should report it right away to your bank or credit union.

Credit / debit card frauds

Credit card and debit card fraud occurs when a con artist uses your card, or a copy, to make purchases or withdraw money from your account. Keeping your card in sight, memorizing your PIN, and shielding your hand when you enter your PIN are ways you can reduce the risk of your credit card or debit card information being stolen and misused.

Online scams

There are many online scams and new ones appear all the time. Some appear to be asking for your help; some say there is a problem with your bank account or tax return. Scam e-mails are often easy to spot because of spelling and other mistakes, but some can look like they are coming from a person or organization you know. If you are not sure about an e-mail—for example, if it asks you respond with personal or financial information or to go to another Web site and enter information there—call to check, and do not respond to the e-mail.

Phone and door-to-door scams 

Phone and door-to-door scams are also very common. Someone will call or come to your door pretending to be a representative of a charity, an employee of a credit card company, or even a distant relative. You might be offered a free prize or trip. If you aren’t completely sure who you’re dealing with, do not give the person any money, information or permission to enter your home.

Sometimes people call or come to your door using high-pressure sales tactics to get you to buy something you don’t want or need, or to talk you into getting work done in / on your house and then overcharging you or doing a bad job. While this is not always illegal, it is wrong and should be reported.

Tips and safeguards 

Keep all personal documents in a secure place. If you don’t need them, do not carry your birth certificate, passport or SIN card.

Never tell another person your PIN or account passwords and take care to cover your hand when entering your PIN at bank machines and when making store purchases.

Safely dispose of old bills, personal information, confidential letters or statements—shredding is best.

Do not click on pop-up windows or respond to e-mails, open attachments or go to Web site links sent by people you do not know. Your bank or credit union will not send you anything by e-mail unless you ask them to.

Never give out your credit card, bank account, or personal information to someone over the phone, at the door, or over the Internet unless you know the person or organization you are dealing with, or you made the contact. This sort of information is not personal identification or personal authentication.

Do not sign any agreement or contract to buy anything (service or goods) without giving yourself time to think it over. If a salesperson insists that an “offer” is “time limited” and you must decide that moment, it is probably better not to buy.

Be suspicious if someone you don’t know asks you to send them money or a cheque, or to return money they “accidentally” sent you.

Before hiring someone or agreeing to have work done on your home, ask for proof of identity and references and check them.

What should I do if I think I have been a victim of fraud or a scam?

All frauds and scams should be reported, even if you are embarrassed or feel the amount of money is too small to worry about. While you might not be able to get your money back, you can help stop the con artist from scamming other people.

Report all frauds and scams to your local police, or call Phone Busters at 1-888-495-8501.

Where can I find out more information on fraud?

There are some reliable on-line Government sources of information about frauds and scams. The Financial Consumer Agency of Canada Web site http://www.fcac.gc.ca provides information about your rights in dealing with banks and other financial institutions or visit www.seniors.gc.ca for additional general information.

What can I do to protect myself?

Be Cautious! You have the right to check out any caller by requesting written information, a call back number, references and time to think over the offer.
Legitimate business people will be happy to provide you with that information. After all, they want the “bad guys” out of business too. Always be careful about providing confidential personal information, especially banking or credit card details, unless you are certain the company is legitimate. And, if you have doubts about a caller, your best defense is to simply hang up. It’s not rude – it’s smart. Remember, you can Stop Phone Fraud – Just Hang Up!

If you’re in doubt, it’s wise to ask the advice of a close friend or relative, or even your banker. Rely on people you can trust.

Watch out for those you know and care for

If you suspect that someone you know has fallen prey to a deceptive telemarketer, don’t critical of them for being naive. Encourage that person to share their concerns with you about unsolicited calls or any new business or charitable dealings. Assure them that it is not rude to hang up on suspicious calls. Keep in mind that criminal telemarketers are relentless in hounding people – some victims report receiving 5 or more calls a day, wearing down their resistance. And, once a person has succumbed to this ruthless fraud, their name and number will likely go on a “sucker list”, which is sold from one crook to another.

Report It – Who to Contact

It’s not always easy to spot phone scams, and new ones are invented every day. If you suspect that you may be a target of fraud, or if you have already sent funds, don’t be embarrassed – you’re not alone.

If you want to report a fraud, or if you need more information, contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre:

Toll Free: 1-888-495-8501  –  Email: info@antifraudcentre.ca

There are 4 types of Abuse:   Physical,  Psychological,  Financial,  Neglect

The OPP Seniors Issues Unit also provides following services to lessen victimization of Older Ontarians:

  • Research and monitor crime trends involving Seniors,
  • Develop community education,
  • Develop police training and strategies, and
  • Provide resource referrals

But I really do need a service done at my home, what do I do?

Of course as home owner there will be times when you need work done as part of routine maintenance, upgrades, modifications, renovation, painting and so on. First of all be in control and doing the calling & don’t agree to or sign anything. Get more than one quote outlining the services being provided, terms and conditions and does it meet your needs / objectives. What is the warranty on the work and ask for references of past work. If they want the job, it’s not an inconvenience to provide the information you request. If the work is of a nature that you’re not familiar with have a trusted family member act on your behalf… and review the information before agreeing to anything. During the work process, do not agree to upgrades and such. If any scope of work changes, have it in writing as an amendment to the original agreement with an explanation for the recommendation (in case you need to refer to it later).

Alternatively, you may contact us.

Chances are we’re already in your community providing personal care & services to seniors in their home. We are dedicated to caring and protecting our clients in their own Homes and Community. As such, protecting seniors from potential fraud and scams is a natural service we provide to ensure your service needs are understood, met and that you’re satisfied with the end result – without ever exposing you to any potential fraudulent interactions. Consider us as a shield against fraud as it pertains to home repairs & services.

Of course we are not with you at all times. So if you get a call about something that sounds suspicious – hang up. If you’ve opened your door and it’s a door to door sales representative trying to sell you something or a service, replacement of something or an inspection of some sort– hand them our card and say “please call these folks they will act on my behalf,” and close the door. Chances are we’ll never get a call from them! If we do get a call, we’ll collect the facts and discuss them with you before getting back to them. If it’s a scam, illegitimate or mass solicitation of services and you have not advised us a need – we will advise them that we’re not interested and to please refrain from going back to your door.

We will never partner with a contractor for services outside of our scope of work. Our business is to provide care, protection, security, and to do everything in our power to enrich the lives of the seniors we serve. Together we can put an end to this sort of crime.

Please contact us today, to discuss any challenges you may be facing and how our services can help you remain independent, protected, safe, and in you home / community.

You got questions, we have answers: (905) 785-2341 or email us at