Category: News

Protect Yourself From Identity Theft

Recent reports that hackers gained access to a company called National Public Data in April 2024 have caused many Americans to worry that their personal information was compromised in the breach. Allegedly, many American’s social security numbers were obtained by the hackers. If you’re worried about whether the hackers obtained your information, continue reading to learn how to protect yourself from identity theft. Check Your Credit Report Check your credit report regularly to catch fraud and ensure that entries on

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Cognitive Decline — a First-Hand Account of Changes in Memory by Kevin Hanratty

I can remember things from 40 years ago, but I could not tell you what I had for dinner last night. When I turned 67, I noticed that I had trouble remembering the names of things and celebrities. The noun or name would come to me after a delay of a minute or two.  I have been told that this a normal part of aging. Difficulty with a person’s thinking memory and concentration is called cognitive decline. Common signs of

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July 1st brings new Security Deposit Law

It’s July 1st which means that there are important changes to the Security Deposit Law is going into effect. AB-12 Thanks to AB-12, renters in California can no longer be asked for a security deposit larger than one month’s rent for leases signed on or after July 1, 2024. Already existing leases will not be affected by this new law. There is an exception in the bill for small landlords, who can charge up to the value of two months’

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Announcement aligned with PRIDE re: Ex-Service Members to Regain Benefits & Resource Guide

As we head into the culminating weekend for PRIDE, we wanted to share information that could be relevant to members of the LGBTQ+ Community and their loved ones. Ex-Service Members Pardoned First, in case you missed it, the Biden Administration Pardoned Ex-Service members convicted under a defunct gay sex ban so they can regain benefits. This announcement on 6/26 could possibly apply to family members and partners of the service members. Learn more about this historic new policy change and

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Strategies for Preventing Scams

Tips for Scam Prevention From tech support scams to grandkid scams, the threat of digital exploitation of senior citizens is increasing daily. June is Elder Abuse Awareness Month and we are revisiting some articles to highlight scam prevention. Learn about different types of scams, and what to do if you’ve been a victim of a scam.

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Cryptocurrency Scams: What to Know and How to Protect Yourself

(Note: June is Elder Abuse Awareness Month and all monthlong we will be posting relevant content to help raise awareness.) First, let’s talk about what cryptocurrency is. Cryptocurrencies are digital currencies that don’t require verification by financial institutions and can be used to buy goods or services or traded for a profit. There are different types of cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin and Ether. Cryptocurrencies can be bought online using your phone or computer or at a special ATM for cryptocurrency.

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Get Your Annual Physical: A First-Person Account of Heart Health by Kevin Hanratty

A Routine Physical In January 2020 I went in for a routine physical. The doctor, after listening to my heart, asked whether I knew that I had a heart murmur. It was news to me. Within a week I had an echocardiogram—a heart ultrasound—which revealed that I had moderate aortic valve stenosis without symptoms. The valve was narrowed by calcium leached from my bones in a process known as arteriosclerosis. In January 2023, I had a second ultrasound. This revealed

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The Elder Scam Crisis: Protect Yourself Part Two

Business Impersonator Scams Here’s how Business Impersonator Scams work: You get a call, email, text, or message on social media that looks like it’s from a business you know. It says there’s a problem with your account, or you won a prize. It tells you to call a number or click a link. But the message isn’t really from a familiar business, it’s from a scammer. If you call, they’ll tell you to send payment or give personal information. They’ll

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The Elder Scam Crisis: Protect Yourself Part One

According to a recent AARP study, an estimated $28.3 billion is lost to elder fraud scams each year. The study found that 72% — or more than $20 billion — is taken by individuals who are known to the victims, like family members, friends, or advisers. This blog post will examine 10 of the most common elder fraud scams. Namely, how they work, and what to do if you find yourself or a loved one falling for a scam. Before

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Advanced Planning for Health Care Tools

Advance health care directive (AHCD) An advance health care directive (AHCD) is a legal document that outlines your preferences for medical decisions when you are unable to make those decisions yourself. It serves as a guide for your health care team and loved ones, helping them understand your wishes regarding treatment options and interventions. AHCD gives you control over medical decisions An AHCD gives you a voice in your medical treatment even when you are unable to communicate for yourself, and ensures that

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