Posts Tagged ‘older adult’

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

Lots of the older adults I deal with have pets. In most cases, and not too surprisingly, the pets are at the very center of their lives. The owner gets up or goes to bed according to the animal’s habits. Talk about the tail wagging the dog… Scheduling meals, outings, or even deciding where to sit in one’s own home, all bend to the perceived needs of the pet.

Sometimes I’ve found these considerations sweet, sometimes amusing, often annoying. As I have become a more experienced care manager I’ve realized how many times the choices that are made ostensibly to suit the animal are actually clues to the thoughts, feelings, or general life views of the devoted owner.

Take, for example, the woman whose backyard picket fence is reinforced with chicken wire because one of those pickets might break, the dog might squeeze through, or someone might reach in and the dog would be gone. In this case it is a direct reflection of the woman’s own feelings of vulnerability to the threats of the world that lies beyond her double locked doors and shuttered windows.

Actions truly do speak louder than words. Clearly this is so with pets and their owners. Watch. What you see may help you better understand older adults in your life. And don’t forget to bring along a pet treat or two while you’re at it.