Posts Tagged ‘New Year’

The new decade and upcoming national census brings with it a ready-made opportunity for all sorts of unsavory risks to seniors. And yet, being counted is important for seniors and everyone else. Political representation, as well as some forms of entitlement funding, depend on it. In the dawn of this new year it is quite unfortunate that we have to think defensively right out of the gate. Better safe than sorry. So share these tips on how to safely stand up and be counted with all the seniors you know and love.

Census workers may contact you by knocking on your door, by mail, or by phone. Census workers will not contact you by email.

Census workers will have badges, will carry a handheld device to record information, will be carrying a Census Bureau bag and will provide you with a confidentiality notice. Although legitimate Census Bureau questions may include questions regarding income range or other basic information, the only information you are required to provide is how many people live at the address in question. Families might equip their older loved ones with an index card with the required information so that the senior could hold it up on the inside of a locked door for the census worker to read.

As is true for any type of survey or solicitation, seniors should not invite census takers into their home, should not give out their Social Security number, credit card number, or any banking information.

Periodically remind the seniors in your of these safeguards. It is easy to forget or become complacent. Let’s remove the fear of standing up and being counted by being alert and aware. It is our best tool for staying as safe as possible.

Waiting to be counted,
Connie