SOCIAL DISTANCING / SOCIAL ISOLATION

I cannot stress strongly enough the importance of social distancing (at LEAST 6' apart) and preferably social isolation. Please keep in mind that going out puts you at risk as well as others. We have learned that all ages are affected. Babies have contracted the virus and died as have others ...more

Staying Connected

As we face this pandemic health crisis, please be attentive to those who live alone. We must practice social distancing if not isolation so we must work extra hard to stay in touch. This is a virulent virus, and we don't want anyone exposed unnecessarily especially our most vulnerable. It is ...more

Coronavirus - Another Consideration

As we are all focused on social distancing, avoiding contracting the virus, and keeping our family and friends safe, there is another consideration and that is being extra careful in other areas of our lives. This is not a time to have to seek emergency medical attention for accidents and issues ...more

Coronavirus - "Take this seriously!"

"Take this seriously. Coronavirus is about to change your life for awhile" CNN on-line headed their article with the above tag line. In this article, Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, issued a warning during a White House briefing Tuesday. "Americans everywhere need to change ...more

25 YEARS OF SERVICE!

It is amazing to think that Altenheim Resource & Referral Services has been part of the Altenheim family and the Wheeling community for 25 years! Resource Services came about as a result of the philanthropy of Altenheim, and the research that showed a primary need of older adults and caregivers was ...more

SELF CARE and THE INVISIBLE PATIENT

Recently my husband, our dog and I escaped for a short respite away from the Big City. We needed a little time to stop, take a deep breath, enjoy our little "pack", and re-connect with the trees and the beauty that surrounds us. How often do we do that? I've been ...more

WV ATTORNEY GENERAL ISSUES SCAM WARNING!

WV Attorney General Patrick Morrisey is warning of a new twist on an old scam. Callers are contacting consumers and impersonating representatives of the Attorney General's (AG) office. They are intimidating callers with threats of suspension of Social Security numbers or benefits due to "fraudulent activity" or "illegal activity", saying that the ...more

Tis the Season - to Get Scammed

Steve Novotney (WKKX and LEDE news) and I serve on a task force to combat elder abuse. We have discussed numerous scams that people try to perpetrate including the "You have won a lot of money" or "You can make a lot of money" scams, the fake delivery people scams, the ...more

National Caregivers Month

November is National Caregivers Month. Caregiving is a hard job. It is physically taxing, emotionally challenging, and can test our spiritual strength. Do you know a caregiver? Ask how you can help. We often say "Call me if you need anything" but often people won't reach out. We can reach out ...more

FALL IS HERE...IS WINTER FAR BEHIND?

We have had a beautiful fall with the yellow, gold and red trees! The temperatures have been moderate and the skies have been that rich blue that only occurs in the autumn. But - this morning's weather predicts rain, cold and wind over the next few days. They even said that ...more

ARE YOU OVERPAYING FOR PART D COVERAGE?

In 2019, one million Medicare beneficiaries with the Low Income Subsidy (LIS or Extra Help) paid an average of approximately $24 / month for Part D premiums. They could have saved money had they been enrolled in a 'benchmark' plan. People who qualify for the full Medicare Part D LIS do ...more

Do You Know What "Call Spoofing" Is?

Call spoofing is when a caller "poses" as a local business, person or agency. This is a technique used by scammers to mimic a legitimate phone number. Consumers believe that the call is from a legitimate recognizable business but that isn't the case. Reports indicate those making the unsolicted calls will ...more

Stroke Information

Stroke is a disease that affects the arteries leading to and within the brain. They occur when a blood vessel that carreis O2 and nutrients to the brain is either blocked by a clot or ruptures, both leading to reduction in O2 to the brain and ultimately brain cell death. ...more

And A Few More Scams!

I just read on the Federal Trade Commission's web site about two more scams that are making the rounds! One of these targets people of faith pretending to be a pastor, priest, rabbi, imam or bishop. They ask those (who are unfortuante enough to answer the phone) for gift card contributions ...more

Another Side of Scams

I have written about different scams that perpetrators use. There are the Grandparent Scams, the Sweetheart Scams, the Contractor Scams, the Utility Scams, the Social Security Scams, the IRS scams.....the list goes on and on. One area that I have not written about is Health Fraud Scams. Health fraud scams refer to ...more

Staying Safe in the Summertime

We made it past the wind, cold, snow and ice, and now have the opportunity to enjoy the warm days of summer. Of course, we have been dodging raindrops (7 out of the last 8 days according to Channel 9 WTOV) but we have still had ample time to get ...more

Websites of interest

Most of us spend a lot of time researching various topics on line. There is information on anything and everything! But - we have to exercise caution. If you are looking for medical information, ask your physician. He/she can probably guide you to reputable and informative sites. Be attentive to the website ...more

Apple Scam

We had a message on our answering machine with an automated voice saying there was a problem with our "Apple account". Instructions were to press 1, 2 or 3 (if we'd answered) or call 718 307-1139. Do NOT call the number. This is a scam. If you answered the phone - ...more

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

Today - June 17th - is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. Elder abuse comes in many forms: physical, sexual, psychological, and financial. There is also neglect where a vulnerable adult is denied medications, food, personal care and the option to make decisions. Risk factors include isolation, cognitive impairment or mental health challenges, ...more

Veteran and family health care: Camp Lejeune

In the 1980's, contaminants were found in several wells that provided water at Camp Lejeune North Carolina. It is estimated that the contaminants were in the water supply from the mid-1950s until February 1985 when the wells were shut down. There are benefits for Camp Lejeune veterans and family members that include health ...more