Help grandmother avoid the weed-pullers

In today's society, elderly family members and friends can be dependent on others for their safety and daily needs. Sadly, the elderly can sometimes easily be victimized. These victims come from a generation raised to believe that a deal could be sealed with a handshake and a man was only as good as his word. When at one of the most vulnerable points in their lives, it is important that steps be taken to provide them with protection.

It is difficult to see parents begin to age and lose their independence. It is even more difficult to see them suffer the humiliation or devastation after losing their life savings or suffering from abuse. I encourage families to keep a watchful eye. Everyone thinks that it can't happen to his or her family but unfortunately it can.

One of the most "touchy" issues is when to step in and when not to. Everyone wants to maintain his or her dignity and independence but sometimes a little discreet assistance is needed. One of my clients had been warned numerous times about not letting strangers into her home. She lived alone and was vulnerable. Her family and myself had worked diligently to establish a relationship so that she felt comfortable asking us for advice but letting "her make her own decisions." She called me one afternoon to let me know about the nicest man that was at her house. She said that he wanted only $2,500 to pull the weeds out of her yard. After picking my jaw up off my desk, I attempted to calmly tell her that I would have to check her checkbook to see if she could afford to pay that much but for her to stay on the phone with me until he left. She happily got his phone number so that he could be contacted later. The Springfield Police Department is blessed to have a senior crimes unit that specializes in contacting such "weed-pullers" and dealing with other senior crime issues. Because of some the discreet assistance, my client never had to know how close she had become to being a victim of this weed-pulling scam.

There are organizations and groups actively working to reduce the criminal victimization of older persons. One local organization is the Greene County SALT Council (Seniors and Lawmen Together). This organization consists of representatives of AARP, RSVP, the local county sheriff's office, area police departments, service providers, older citizens, community and civic organizations. SALT regularly hosts informative forums of interest to seniors.

Their annual self-protection fair will be held this year on Oct. 24 at the East Sunshine Church of Christ. This year's theme will be "SALT Is Your Co-pilot To Senior Safety." Senior safety, vendor booths and topics relating to senior care will be featured. Reservations can be made by calling 885-9650.

Most people enjoy returning to their childhood homes to relive the memories such as the bottomless cookie jar. Imagine your shock when that now valuable antique cookie jar is missing. Unfortunately, there are people in this world with less than honorable intentions. Don't leave cash, jewelry and other valuables available for temptation. Though in-home workers from home care agencies may be covered by insurance or bonding, losses may only be covered if the perpetrator is criminally convicted. Even if the insurance does pay, the sentimental loss value is immeasurable. Have the agency's loss and liability policies in writing. Require that any caregivers used in the home be cleared through a national criminal background check. Local background checks might not show past offenses in other states.

Many seniors are victimized by their neighbors, acquaintances or family. Pay close attention on a routine basis to finances such as the bills being paid and any bank account activity. Seniors can sometimes be easily swayed into donating large sums of money to political, religious and mail order operations. One local elderly gentleman had been sending his monthly income out each month to various such organizations. He was literally living off his credit cards to pay his personal bills. Luckily, an observant bank employee was able to notify an out-of-state relative.

When checking his mail, I found that he was receiving 100-125 such requests per day! He had hung a cardboard fruit box on his mail slot to catch each day's mail because he was too frail to pick it all up off the floor. His daughter amazingly did not ask for his mail to be forwarded when he moved.

Use extreme caution if hiring individuals from want ads or private referrals. That person may have been wonderful to Aunt Susie who had attentive family nearby but could be the worst nightmare ever for Uncle Bob who has no family watching as his life savings goes out the door.

When using private individuals, you are also facing other legal, insurance, liability and payroll tax issues.

As children, we drive our parents crazy with the continual "Why does this do that, why do we have to do this?"

As adults, continue to ask "why?" so as to assure the safety and financial well being for the seniors in your life.

(Kathy Iman is the owner of KJI Industries of Nixa. She consults on elder care issues.)