Senior centers often serve meals and, when someone may be reluctant to attend a class or activity, he or she can sometimes be encouraged to go for a meal. Be accessible to your parent . Offer to be available to them when they are considering major purchases, contracts, or business decisions. Take time to sit down with them and discuss their wishes regarding their finances and healthcare decisions, should the time come when they are no longer be able to make those decisions for themselves. Warn them about telemarketing and sweepstakes fraud .
Education is an excellent defense against scammers.
Have them subscribe to Meeting the Challenges . Remind your parent not to give out their credit card number, checking account number, or other personal information over the telephone , unless they are familiar with the company and the information is necessary to complete the purchase. Have them document the date, time, and the name of the person to whom they spoke. Contact your local C.A.R.E. Program for assistance in removing your parent s name from direct marketing data base systems . By simply filling out a form or two, you can significantly reduce the amount of mail and telephone solicitations.