In 2024, older adults in the U.S. lost an alarming $4.8 billion to scams, according to the FBI. That’s up from $3.4 billion in 2023 and is a stark reminder that financial exploitation of seniors is not only widespread but growing rapidly. These scams don’t just steal money; they rob older adults of their independence, peace of mind, and in many cases, their trust in others. That’s why families and caregivers must remain vigilant to protect older adults.

The Emotional and Financial Toll of Scams

Scams targeting older adults range from bogus investment opportunities to impersonations of government agencies. These schemes often succeed by taking advantage of cognitive vulnerabilities, social isolation, or simply the innate trust and kindness many older adults show.

Beyond the monetary damage — which can wipe out life savings — scams leave behind emotional scars. Victims often feel embarrassed or ashamed, which can prevent them from reporting fraud. In some cases, fear of losing independence may even stop older adults from confiding in loved ones.

Common Scams Targeting Seniors

Awareness is the first step in prevention. Here are some of the most common scams currently affecting older adults:

• Investments: These schemes promise large returns or winnings, requiring upfront fees or personal financial information.
• Government Impersonations: Scammers pretend to be from the IRS, Social Security Administration, or Medicare, demanding personal information or payments.
• Tech Support: Fraudsters pose as representatives from legitimate tech companies, claiming the victim’s device is infected and charging for unnecessary services.
• Emergencies: Criminals request money for supposed emergencies.

Minimize the Risk of Economic Exploitation

Preventing scams is a team effort. Here are key ways families can work together with their loved ones to safeguard assets, savings or anything else:

• Establish Open Communication: Have regular conversations with your loved one about phone calls, emails, and financial decisions.
• Monitor Unusual Behavior: Pay close attention to an increase in calls, secrecy about finances, or sudden large purchases — all potential warning signs.
• Limit Access: Consider setting up alerts on financial accounts or using prepaid cards to control spending.
• Educate Regularly: Discuss the latest scams and how to respond. Emphasize that it’s OK to hang up on suspicious calls or refuse to give out information.
• Report Suspected Scams: If exploitation is suspected, contact local authorities or the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center. Early intervention can minimize losses.

Family & Nursing Care: A Trusted Ally in Scam Prevention

Caregivers have access to educational resources that can help them spot potential signs of fraud when caring for their clients. Whether it’s noticing unusual visitors, overhearing suspicious conversations, or observing a client’s sudden stress about money, caregivers often serve as an extra layer of protection. They can report concerns promptly to families and supervisors, helping to address issues before they escalate.

Helpful Resources for Scam Prevention

Families can take advantage of the following trusted resources:

• FBI’s Elder Fraud Initiative
• Federal Trade Commission’s Scam Alerts
• National Adult Protective Services Association
• AARP Fraud Watch Network

Families don’t have to face this challenge alone. With the support of dedicated caregivers and care professionals, older adults can enjoy a safer, more secure future.

If you’re concerned about a loved one’s risk of exploitation or want to learn more about how caregivers can help, call Family & Nursing Care.

As the United States population ages, long-term care insurance (LTCI) is becoming an increasingly prevalent way for families to manage the costs of home care, assisted living, and nursing home care. With 70% of adults over 65 expected to need some form of long-term care in their lifetime, planning for these expenses is critical. However, navigating the complexities of LTCI policies, claims, and reimbursements can be overwhelming for families. This is where Family & Nursing Care Select’s Long-Term Care Insurance team sets itself apart, offering unparalleled support and advocacy throughout the process.

The Growing Need for Long-Term Care Insurance

The aging U.S. population is driving increased demand for LTCI. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the number of people in America aged 65 and older is projected to reach 80 million by 2040. However, despite the clear need, only 7.5 million people in the U.S. currently have LTCI coverage. Many mistakenly believe that Medicare or standard health insurance will cover long-term care, only to face unexpected out-of-pocket costs.

Without LTCI, the costs of care can be staggering. In 2023, the median annual cost for assisted living was $64,000 and a private room in a nursing home exceeded $108,000. While in-home care is more flexible and can be arranged on a short-term or long-term basis depending on the client’s needs, the hours of care needed can add up quickly, making LTCI a crucial financial safety net for many families.

Family & Nursing Care’s Long-Term Care Insurance Team: A Key Differentiator

While some home care resources may assist clients with submitting invoices to insurance companies, Family & Nursing Care Select takes a more comprehensive, hands-on approach. The company’s dedicated Long-Term Care Insurance team, led by Karin Martinez and Alexis Shaw, supports clients throughout the entire lifecycle of their claims.

Karin Martinez, Senior Long-Term Care Insurance Manager, explains, “Unlike other companies that simply send invoices, Alexis and I work with clients for the whole life of a claim. We help navigate policies, translate complicated insurance language into real-life terms, and proactively guide families through the entire process so they can be reimbursed as quickly as possible.”

Martinez also mentioned observing a consistent increase in LTCI: “Currently, 72% of clients with Family & Nursing Care Select have LTCI, and that percentage increases each year, underscoring the importance of guidance to receive the maximum benefits.”

Family & Nursing Care Select’s LTCI team offers clients and their families the following support to make the most of policies:

• Expert guidance from the initial call with an LTCI carrier to ongoing support and troubleshooting.
• Claims management assistance, ensuring policies are properly utilized and maximizing reimbursements.
• Hands-on support, including helping clients complete paperwork, understanding insurance company assessments, and filing appeals if necessary.
• Expedited reimbursements by consistently following up with clients and the insurance providers to keep the process moving smoothly and helping to avoid roadblocks that can come up.
• Education and empowerment, helping families fully understand their benefits and making informed decisions about their care

Family & Nursing Care Classic also provides LTCI support for clients by assisting them in understanding their benefits and resolving claims issues but does not submit documents on their behalf.

Helping Families Overcome Policy Challenges

One of the biggest barriers to successfully using LTCI is understanding the fine print. Every policy is different, and many clients are unsure of what is covered or how to qualify for benefits. “A lot of people assume they need to be physically dependent to qualify, but even things like fall risk can make them eligible,” says Alexis Shaw, Long-Term Care Insurance Manager. “We help clients see all their options.”

Another common challenge is the assessment process, where insurance companies evaluate whether a client qualifies for benefits. “We prepare families for these assessments, helping them understand what to expect and how to accurately represent their needs,” explains Martinez. Without this guidance, clients may inadvertently downplay their needs, leading to denials.

Additionally, insurance companies often face challenges by not receiving invoices from home care providers and insufficient details on those invoices to adequately support claims. Fortunately for clients, Family & Nursing Care Select’s LTCI team’s primary job is to advocate on their behalf to address all these common issues. The team can often even help clients uncover additional benefits within their policies, such as coverage for medical equipment, home modifications, and emergency response systems. “Many families don’t realize that policies can help cover things like special equipment, grab bars, stair lifts, home modifications, life alert systems and even aging life care professional benefits,” says Martinez.

A Service Families Rely On

The impact of Family & Nursing Care’s LTCI team is evident in the gratitude they receive from clients. “We often hear sighs of relief from family members who say, ‘We couldn’t have done this without you,’” says Martinez. “We take on much of the burden of keeping up with the claim process, so family members can focus on their loved one.

In fact, the LTCI team estimates on average they help families receive reimbursements totaling over $100,000 annually, ensuring they get the funds they are entitled to. Their advocacy also doesn’t end when home care services stop — the LTCI team often helps older adults as they transition to assisted living facilities or even months down the road after leaving with insurance-related issues.

The Future of Long-Term Care Insurance

While traditional LTCI policies are evolving, newer hybrid policies are emerging, combining life insurance with long-term care benefits. These policies allow unused benefits to be passed down to family members, making them an attractive alternative to traditional models.

However, as policies evolve, insurance companies are also introducing new hurdles, including stricter eligibility requirements and digital verification processes that can be difficult for older adults to navigate. “Technology is growing in every respect, which can be daunting for seniors,” explains Shaw. “This is just another reason why our support is so critical.”

Why Family & Nursing Care Select’s LTCI Team Stands Out

Family & Nursing Care Select’s commitment to holistic support for clients is what sets its LTCI team apart. “We are here to relieve stress and let families focus on what truly matters — their loved one’s well-being and their own peace of mind,” says Martinez. By providing expert guidance, hands-on assistance, and proactive advocacy, the LTCI team helps ensure clients receive the full benefits they deserve with as little hassle as possible.

For families navigating the complexities of long-term care insurance, the difference between handling it alone and having a dedicated LTCI team by their side can mean everything. To learn more, visit our Home Care Services webpage.

Recent research highlights a stark reality: the risk of developing dementia is significantly higher than previously estimated. According to a new study, dementia cases in the United States are projected to double by 2060, driven largely by an aging population. Currently, nearly 7 million people in America aged 65 and older are living with Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia, and this number is only expected to rise in the coming years.

With progressive memory loss, behavioral changes, and increasing dependency on daily assistance, older adults with dementia require specialized care that ensures their comfort, safety, and well-being. The growing prevalence of dementia will put increased pressure on families and the home care industry, underscoring the vital role of professional caregivers.

The Role of Caregivers in Dementia Support

Caregivers play an essential role in enhancing the quality of life for individuals with dementia, including helping to maintain a sense of routine, ensuring personal safety, and providing emotional support. While family members frequently try to care for loved ones with dementia themselves, this can often lead to significant stress. This makes professional home care services even more critical, as they offer respite for families while ensuring their loved ones receive the specialized attention they need.

How Family & Nursing Care Supports Clients with Dementia

Family & Nursing Care is a longtime leader in providing access to best-in-class care for older adults living with dementia and other cognitive issues. Our network of highly skilled caregivers understands the complexities of memory-related diseases and is prepared to support clients at different stages of dementia progression, including:

• Early-Stage Needs: For those in the initial phases of memory loss, caregivers provide emotional and daily support, including assistance with remembering to take medications, keeping appointments, and engaging in activities that stimulate cognitive function.
• Middle-Stage Needs: As dementia progresses, individuals may experience increased memory trouble, behavioral changes, and difficulty managing daily tasks. Caregivers assist with personal care, household chores, meal preparation, and provide a structured routine to promote a sense of security and well-being.

Mitch Markowitz, Vice President of Business Development for Family & Nursing Care, underscores the importance of quality home care for those facing dementia: “As dementia rates continue to climb, families need trusted, experienced caregivers who can provide compassionate and personalized support. At Family & Nursing Care, we are committed to ensuring that older adults and their loved ones have access to the guidance and assistance they need during this challenging journey.”

With dementia cases on the rise, Family & Nursing Care stands ready to support families by providing access to customizable care solutions tailored to each client’s needs. To learn more about our specialized dementia support services, visit our Home Care and Alzheimer’s/Dementia webpage.

 

At Family & Nursing Care, our commitment to exceptional client support extends beyond traditional business hours. Our Nights & Weekends Client Services Manager Team plays a crucial role in ensuring that clients receive prompt and compassionate assistance whenever they need it. Whether adjusting schedules, guiding new clients through the care process, troubleshooting urgent issues, or collecting feedback, this team is always ready to respond with empathy, efficiency, and professionalism.

Our Nights & Weekends Client Services Manager Team members work closely with one another and other departments to ensure seamless communication and coordinated care. Each member brings unique expertise to their role, contributing to the team’s ability to navigate unpredictable situations. Team members include:

• Madison Hoover: With five years of experience as a Client Services Manager, Madison leads the Nights & Weekends team as Assistant Director, providing critical support to clients in crisis. She ensures that every client feels heard and valued, reinforcing the company’s commitment to providing access to compassionate care. Outside of work, Madison stays active with her toddler and enjoys time at the beach.
• Elizabeth Bearisto: A newly licensed attorney, Elizabeth applies her sharp problem-solving skills to every challenge she faces. She expertly balances urgency with empathy, ensuring that clients receive both the care and attention they deserve.
• Thomica Flakes: Passionate about mindfulness and resilience, Thomica is currently pursuing a master’s degree in corporate mindfulness. Her calming presence and ability to navigate unpredictable situations are a key asset to the team.
• Michael Sallee: Mike brings a unique blend of creativity and positivity to his role. As a comic, he keeps spirits high with his impersonations, love for dance, and passion for writing movies and TV shows — helping to create a supportive and uplifting atmosphere for both clients and colleagues.

Whether addressing an urgent need in the middle of the night or ensuring continuity of care over the weekend, our Nights & Weekends Client Services Manager Team is dedicated to providing the same high level of service that defines Family & Nursing Care. To learn more about how our team can help, visit our Client Services Managers webpage.

 

At Family & Nursing Care, we believe that the best measure of impact comes from the voices in our own community. Recently, Aging Life Care Professional, Renne Fuller, shared a heartfelt letter recognizing two Family & Nursing Care Select caregivers, Paula Nash and Ernestina Anaman, for their extraordinary dedication and professionalism during a particularly challenging time.

In the letter, Renne described how she was covering on-call services when a client went into sudden decline and, later that evening, unfortunately passed away. Throughout the difficult day, Paula and Ernestina were not only thorough in their caregiving responsibilities for the client but also deeply compassionate and communicative.

Renne noted how impressed she was with their attentiveness, stating that she could hear the concern in their voices and see their commitment to providing the best possible care during the client’s final hours. “I know how hard it is on caregivers to be with someone at the end of their life,” she wrote. “They both stayed so professional and were so diligent in their duties throughout. I was really impressed.”

This recognition is especially meaningful because, as a former Care Coordinator, Renne intimately understands the challenges of end-of-life care and the immense responsibility caregivers hold in such moments. These words underscore not only the skill and dedication of Paula and Ernestina, but also the strength of Family & Nursing Care’s collaboration with Aging Life Care Professionals.

At Family & Nursing Care, we pride ourselves on connecting clients and families to compassionate caregivers that make a meaningful difference in their lives. Paula and Ernestina exemplify this commitment, as their professionalism and heartfelt dedication reflect the very best of what home care can be.

If you or a loved one could benefit from trusted home care services, Family & Nursing Care is here to help. To learn more about how we partner with Aging Life Care Professionals and other professionals in the senior care industry, visit our Professional Partnerships webpage.