Medicare

Beware of Medicare Scams

Medicare scams are fraudulent schemes that target beneficiaries of the Medicare system, often aiming to steal personal information, defraud individuals of their money, or exploit the system for illegal financial gain. These scams can take various forms, preying mainly on older adults who rely on Medicare for healthcare coverage. Understanding the common tactics and how to protect oneself is crucial […]

Alzheimer's/Memory Care

ALTCS: Health Insurance for Individuals Who Require Nursing Home Level of Care

The Arizona Long Term Care System (ALTCS, pronounced ALL-Tecs) is health insurance for individuals who have an age related and/or physical disability and who require nursing facility level of care. Services may be provided in an institution or in a home or community-based setting. Those who qualify do not have to reside in a nursing home. Many ALTCS members live […]

Community Service

Elderly Affairs and Resources

Protecting Arizona seniors from abuse and exploitation is an important priority for the Attorney General’s Office. The office provides information on scams and consumer fraud, takes legal action against those who prey on seniors and supports legislation to protect seniors. Attorney General Kris Mayes recently announced a newly launched Elder Affairs Unit focused on stopping and preventing elder abuse. If […]

Alzheimer's/Memory Care

Safety tips for those with Alzheimer’s

Ensuring safety for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease is crucial as the condition progresses. The approach to safety should be adapted to the different stages of Alzheimer’s, as each stage presents unique challenges and needs. Early Stage (Mild Alzheimer’s) Challenges: Memory lapses Difficulty with complex tasks Becoming easily disoriented Safety Measures: Home Safety: Install door and window alarms to prevent wandering. […]

Alzheimer's/Memory Care

Stages of Alzheimer’s

Alzheimer’s disease is commonly divided into three main stages: early (mild), middle (moderate), and late (severe). However, some experts and organizations describe the progression of Alzheimer’s disease in more detailed stages, typically five to seven stages. Here is a more detailed breakdown: Three-Stage Model 1. Early Stage (Mild) Symptoms: Memory loss, particularly recent events and new information Difficulty with problem-solving […]

News

Senior Safety at the Polling Booth

In October 2022, the League of Women Voters of Arizona (LWVAZ) brought a lawsuit to protect voters from intimidation at ballot drop boxes in Arizona. A federal court found that defendants Melody Jennings and her organization (then known as Clean Elections USA)—as well as individuals working with the defendants—had likely violated voter intimidation laws when they engaged in surveillance and […]

News

Attorney General Mayes Announces Second Settlement Invalidating Secrecy Clauses in Assisted Living Arbitration Agreements

PHOENIX – Attorney General Kris Mayes today received court approval of a consent judgment terminating illegal secrecy clauses in arbitration agreements used by dozens of Arizona assisted living facilities. The consent judgment applies to all facilities operated by Bandera Healthcare, the Arizona subsidiary of The Ensign Group, Inc. “This is another important step toward the goal of transparency and accountability for […]

News

Attorney General Mayes Sues to Invalidate More Secrecy Clauses in Long-Term Care Facilities

Monday, May 20, 2024 PHOENIX – Attorney General Kris Mayes today sued to invalidate a secrecy clause imposed on the family of a man who died from neglect in a long-term care facility. The secrecy clause violates Arizona law, which requires notice to the Attorney General when a case involves abuse, neglect, or exploitation of vulnerable adults. “Secrecy clauses like those imposed […]

News

Attorney General Mayes Sues Amazon for Unfair and Deceptive Practices

PHOENIX – Attorney General Kris Mayes today announced on May 15, 2024, Arizona has sued Amazon, accusing the online giant of unfair and deceptive business practices under the Arizona Consumer Fraud Act and the Arizona Uniform State Antitrust Act. “Amazon’s anti-competitive and monopolistic practices have artificially inflated prices for Arizona consumers and harmed smaller third-party retailers that rely on its […]

Exerise/Physical Fitness

Martial Arts for Seniors

Martial arts can offer numerous benefits for seniors, including improved physical fitness, balance, flexibility, and mental well-being. When choosing a martial art as a senior, it’s essential to consider the physical demands of the practice, the risk of injury, and the potential health benefits. Here are some martial arts that are often recommended for seniors: Tai Chi: Often referred to […]

Community Service

The Importance of Volunteer Work

When senior citizens engage in volunteer work, they reap numerous benefits that can significantly enhance their well-being, social connections, and overall quality of life. Here are some key advantages: Physical Health Benefits Improved Physical Activity: Volunteering can keep seniors physically active, essential for maintaining health, mobility, and independence. Longevity: Studies have suggested that volunteers have a lower mortality rate than […]

Health Management

The difference between Home Health and Home Care.

“Home care” and “home health” are terms often used when assisting individuals, typically the elderly or those with disabilities, in their homes. However, they refer to different types of services: Home Care: Type of Service: Non-medical assistance. Purpose: To help with daily living activities and personal care. This can include help with cooking, cleaning, bathing, dressing, and transportation. They are provided By: Caregivers […]

Technology

Staying Safe on the Internet

Like any other group, senior citizens can face specific challenges when navigating the online world. Here are some essential tips for staying safe online: Strong Passwords: Use strong, unique passwords for different accounts. A strong password typically includes a mix of letters (both uppercase and lowercase), numbers, and symbols. Consider using a password manager to keep track of them. Beware […]

Finance

Caring.com Study Finds 4 in 10 Americans Don’t Think They Have Enough Assets to Create a Will

2024 Wills & Estate Planning Study highlights how fewer Americans are planning their estate because they don’t think they have enough assets to pass onto their heirs — with 14% more citing this reason since last year CHARLOTTE, N.C., Jan. 22, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Caring.com, a leading senior living referral service and the nation’s top site for senior care reviews, published its annual Wills […]

Classes and Seminars

Older adults boost their tech skills in Banner Olive Branch Senior Center’s new computer lab

Senior centers across the country, like the Banner Olive Branch Senior Center in Sun City, AZ, are evolving to address overall wellness for older adults as the model for a senior center of the future is taking form. As part of that holistic package of services – in addition to the healthy, homemade meals provided for low-income seniors – Olive […]