How to Avoid Financial Exploitation in Seniors

Donna Nichols • March 3, 2023
An elderly woman is talking on a phone while holding a credit card.

I have written a blog on this topic before, but think it is extremely important and keeps coming to light. We must protect our elderly from the scammers out there!!!


What is financial exploitation in seniors? This occurs when people try to take the seniors money or assets. They know every trick in the book and will pull them to get whatever they can from the senior. Seniors are the most vulnerable because they have a lot of time on their hands and are generally very trusting. When a senior is online searching for things, they sometimes they don’t know they clicked on a potentially harmful link, (this happens to all of us), but they are more vulnerable because they sometimes click without thinking. Something may look enticing and they click on it and BOOM they clicked on a scammers link.


Online isn’t the only way these scammers can get your information, they can get it through phone calls, any receipts or bank statements you have lying around, or a credit card. Make sure all these things are put away when someone comes to your house. If you have a caregiver, lock these things up where the caregiver does not have access. Most caregivers are trustworthy, but situations can take a change and you never know someone’s circumstances.


The first thing a senior needs is a financial advisor or an advocate, someone trustworthy who will look out for them. Make sure you know this person well and can trust them with everything. If you are mentally able, go over everything with your advocate and know where all your money and assets are.


Get a copy of your credit report at least once a year and go through it thoroughly to ensure everything is up-to-date and correct. Make sure no new accounts have been opened or the balance on your credit cards haven’t gone up instead of down. Also, check your report to ensure your credit score hasn’t dropped and there have been no new inquiries against your social security number.


Shred any bank statements, receipts, and expired credit cards; anything with your pertinent information on it. You know how we all get those unwanted credit card offers? Make sure you shred those too. There may not be enough information on them for a hacker, but why chance it. Shredders are not too expensive and can save you a lot of headaches down the road.


The IRS and Social Security will NOT call you and ask for your social security number!! Do NOT give this number out to ANYONE over the phone!!! Do NOT give your bank information out to ANYONE over the telephone. There shouldn’t be anyone calling you and asking for any kind of personal information whatsoever. Do NOT give out this information!!


You may be like me or a million other people and play sweepstakes or lotto online, but if you get an email or phone call saying you won but have you pay them so much money to claim your winnings, DON’T pay it!! This is a scam!!! Once they have your information, they will take all the money you have and not only did you not win the lotto, you also lost every penny you worked so hard for.


Should you need to hire someone to do work for you, check their references and NEVER pay them in advance! Also, pay them with a check if possible. If you must pay with cash, make sure you get a receipt and make sure the receipt has what the money was for and any terms and conditions.

NEVER sign any agreement you don’t understand, feel pressured into, or are uncomfortable with. It’s okay to say no and request to have someone else read and explain the document to you. If the person asking you to sign the document isn’t agreeable to this, it is more than likely a scam. Trust your instincts, if it doesn’t feel right, don’t do it.



Lastly, if you feel you have been exploited, or feel someone is trying to take control of your money, please reach out to Adult Protective Services. You can file a complaint online at myflfamilies.com/services/abuse/adult-protective-services or call them at 1-800-962-2873, option 2.

An elderly woman is talking on a cell phone while looking out of a window.

Hurricane Season in Florida

By Donna Nichols • June 4, 2025
Florida's paradise of sun-kissed beaches, vibrant culture, and tropical beauty—is also home to one of the most intense annual weather phenomena: hurricane season. From June 1 to November 30, Floridians remain on high alert as powerful storms brew in the Atlantic, each potentially bringing torrential rain, fierce winds, and coastal surges. Understanding hurricane season is crucial for residents and visitors, as it ensures safety and preparedness in the face of nature’s fury. The Impact on Florida Florida has experienced some of the most destructive hurricanes in history, including Andrew (1992), Irma (2017), Ian (2022), Debby, Helene, and Milton (2024). These storms left behind immense devastation, flooding homes, severing power lines, and reshaping entire communities. The economic toll of hurricanes is staggering, affecting local businesses, tourism, and infrastructure. Coastal regions, particularly the Florida Keys and areas along the Gulf Coast, often face the most significant risk. However, inland areas are not immune—wind damage and flooding can wreak havoc miles from the shoreline. Preparing for Hurricane Season Being prepared is the best defense against hurricanes. Here’s how Floridians can safeguard themselves: Stay Informed : Monitor local weather reports and emergency alerts. The National Hurricane Center provides real-time tracking and updates. Create an Emergency Kit : Stock up on essentials, including water, non-perishable food, medications, flashlights, and extra batteries. Don’t forget important documents and pet supplies! Have a Plan : Know evacuation routes and shelter locations. Discuss emergency plans with family members and establish a safe meeting point. Secure Your Home : Reinforce windows, clear debris from your yard, and consider investing in storm shutters if possible. Hurricane season is a reality in Florida, but with preparation and awareness, residents can confidently weather the storm. Whether you’re a lifelong Floridian or a visitor experiencing the Sunshine State, staying informed and ready is key.  Stay safe, stay prepared, and remember—storms may come, but resilience keeps Florida strong.

Weathering the Storm: A Senior’s Guide to Hurricane Season in Florida

By Donna Nichols • June 3, 2025
Hurricane season in Florida, running from June to November, is a time for preparation, not panic. While these storms bring powerful winds, heavy rain, and potential flooding, a well-thought-out plan can make all the difference—especially for seniors. Taking proactive steps ensures safety, comfort, and peace of mind when the storm arrives. Let’s explore how you can best prepare, stay safe, and recover after the storm. For seniors, hurricanes present unique challenges. Mobility concerns may make evacuation difficult, medical needs require careful planning, and power outages can disrupt essential healthcare devices. Knowing the potential risks helps guide preparation efforts. Flooding: Heavy rain and storm surges can cause rapid water level rises, making roads impassable and homes vulnerable. Strong Winds: Hurricanes can bring winds exceeding 100 mph, toppling trees, damaging homes, and cutting off power. Extended Recovery Time: After a storm, essential services may be limited, making access to food, medications, and transportation difficult. Essential Preparations Emergency Kit: Assemble an emergency kit with the following essentials: medications, medical records, flashlights, extra batteries, non-perishable food, and water (enough for one gallon per person per day) – sufficient for three to five days. Evacuation Plan: Find nearby senior-friendly hurricane shelters that provide accessibility and medical support. Arrange Transportation: If you don’t drive, organize transportation with family, friends, or local emergency services. Communication Strategy: Stay connected with family, neighbors, and emergency contacts. Sign up for emergency alerts through local weather services.  Staying Safe During the Storm When the storm arrives, stay indoors and follow safety guidelines. Shelter Wisely: If you are staying home, choose an interior room away from windows. Monitor Updates: Use a battery-powered radio or phone to stay informed on conditions. Stay Calm: Practice relaxation techniques to manage stress and anxiety. What to do After the Storm Once the storm passes, careful steps ensure safety. • Assess Damage before venturing outside—watch for fallen power lines or debris. • Seek Assistance for cleanup, repairs, or financial aid through FEMA or community organizations. • Emotional Resilience: Recovering from a hurricane takes time. Connect with neighbors, friends, and local support groups to help ease the process. Conclusion Preparation is the best way to weather the storm—both physically and emotionally. By taking proactive steps, seniors can remain safe, informed, and in control during hurricane season. If you or a loved one needs additional support, contact your local emergency management office or organizations like the Red Cross. Stay safe, stay prepared, and remember that every storm eventually passes.

What do Seniors Want?

By Donna Nichols • May 7, 2025
Aging isn’t about slowing down—it’s about living more deliberately. As people age, their priorities shift from chasing time to cherishing it. So, what do seniors truly want? The answer is as diverse as the individuals themselves, but some clear themes emerge when we listen closely. 1. Connection and Community One of the most important things seniors crave is connection. Meaningful relationships bring joy and purpose, whether with family, old friends, or new acquaintances. Many seek social opportunities through clubs, senior centers, classes, or online communities. Loneliness can be a silent struggle, so companionship is a deeply valued part of life. 2. Respect and Independence Seniors want to be seen for who they are: individuals with a lifetime of experience, knowledge, and stories. Being treated with dignity and not being "talked down to" matters. So does having the freedom to make choices about their own lives. Maintaining a sense of autonomy is key when deciding how to spend their day, what to eat, or where to live. 3. Health and Wellness Staying healthy is more than just avoiding illness—it’s about having the energy to enjoy life. Seniors are increasingly proactive about fitness, mental health, and nutrition. Access to quality healthcare, fitness programs tailored to their needs, and mental stimulation are all top priorities. 4. Purpose and Meaning Retirement doesn’t mean retiring from life. Many seniors want to stay active through volunteering, mentoring, or even starting new ventures. Purpose drives fulfillment, whether taking care of grandchildren, learning a new skill, or contributing to a cause they care about. 5. Security and Peace of Mind Financial stability, safe housing, and access to reliable services give seniors peace of mind. Many are concerned about outliving their savings, dealing with unexpected health issues, or navigating complex systems. Clear information, supportive resources, and a sense of safety help ease these worries. 6. Fun and Adventure Yes—seniors still want fun! Travel, hobbies, music, food, and laughter never go out of style. Joy is ageless, whether it's a road trip, gardening, or dancing to old tunes. Seniors want to experience life, not just watch it pass by. Start by Listening Ultimately, the best way to understand what seniors want is simple: ask them. Every person, no matter their age, has unique preferences, needs, and dreams. When we listen with empathy and engage with respect, we create a world where aging is celebrated, not feared. Let’s build that world together. Call us to help each other enrich the lives of our seniors. 386-847-2322.
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