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.

What can a Senior Advisor do for you?

By Donna Nichols • July 17, 2025
A senior advisor is a personal guide or advocate for older adults and their families. Here’s what they can do for you: Help Navigate Options They can explain the differences between independent living, assisted living, memory care, nursing homes, and in-home care, and recommend the best option for a person's health, lifestyle, and budget. Find the Right Community or Services They often have knowledge of (and connections with) local senior living communities or services. They’ll: Match your needs to suitable options Setting up tours Even help ask the right questions Assist with Financial Planning Some advisors can help figure out how to pay for care: Understanding long-term care insurance Veterans’ benefits Medicaid/Medicare guidance Budget planning Guide Legal and Paperwork Stuff They can refer you to elder law attorneys, help with advance directives, or even help you understand contracts from senior living facilities. Support for Families They can act as a neutral third party when families struggle with decisions, easing tension and helping everyone feel informed and involved. Assist with Movers and Downsizers Some advisors have connections with movers, downsizers, and other people who can make your transition smooth.  If you believe a senior advisor can assist you, please call us today to schedule your complimentary consultation at 386-847-2322 . Our services are 100% FREE to you! What have you got to lose?

Beating the Florida Summer Heat

By Donna Nichols • July 7, 2025
Florida summers come in three flavors: hot, hotter, and what fresh hell is this? Whether you're a lifelong local or newly initiated into the Sunshine Sweat Fest, you know it’s more survival sport than season. So, how do we stay cool without losing our cool? Here’s your sun-savvy guide to getting through it. Make hydration a hobby Not just water, electrolytes are your best friends when you're sweaty. Coconut water, cucumber-mint spritzers, watermelon slices. If your drink doesn’t sparkle, chill, or drip condensation like a rom-com montage, it’s not summer-ready. Dress for success and summertime Loose, light, breathable fabrics. Cotton, linen, or the holy grail: moisture-wicking. Bonus points for sun hats and SPF clothing that make you look like a beach detective on vacation. Fans ARE your best friends Table fans, ceiling fans, handheld fans—the whole rotation. Keep them oscillating like your thoughts during a political debate. And if you’ve got a cooling towel? You’re royalty. Avoid the “Roasting Hours” From 11 AM to 4 PM, Florida turns into a convection oven. Errands, walks, and yard work? Schedule them early or late. Unless you’re trying to get baked like a Publix cookie—then by all means. Sunscreen is a lifestyle Apply, reapply, then pretend  you're an influencer and do it again. Because nothing says “I’m melting” like a shoulder burn shaped like your purse strap. Eat lightly Cold meals can be your best friend—salads, chilled pasta, and fruit-forward lunches are all options. Bonus points if you serve them on plates fresh from the fridge like the true champion you are. Rest, reset, repeat If the heat’s making you crankier than a mosquito at a citronella convention, take breaks: shade, air conditioning, quiet corners. Recharge without guilt—you’re surviving a sauna with its own zip code. Florida heat might be relentless, but so are we. With humor, hydration, and a healthy dose of stubborn grace, we ride the wave and keep the ice cubes coming. Stay cool out there, friends. You’ve got this.

Honoring Independence Day with Grace

By Donna Nichols • July 2, 2025
Not every 4th of July needs to burst with fireworks. For many older adults, especially those with tender hearing, health challenges, or a fondness for quieter joys, Independence Day can be just as meaningful in a slower rhythm. It’s the scent of something delicious simmering nearby, the comfort of a cool seat and a cherished show, and the simple dignity of being remembered; of having made it this far, with stories to tell and wisdom that still glows brighter than any sparkler. Caregiver Tips for a Thoughtful 4th: Keep things soft and soothing. Loud sounds can be jarring for seniors with sensory sensitivities, dementia, or PTSD. Choose instrumental patriotic music or old-time radio shows that bring joy without overwhelming them. Build a gentle plate. Soft, easy-to-eat favorites like tender pulled chicken, mashed potatoes, or a festive red, white, and blue parfait (layered Greek yogurt, mashed berries, and crushed graham crackers) keep things celebratory without strain. Spark memories, not stress. Bring out family photo albums, classic Americana films, or even music from their youth. Columbo, The Andy Griffith Show, or golden-age musicals can be a comforting trip down memory lane. Create rest-friendly spaces. A cozy chair near the window, a shaded seat outside, or even a reclined viewing spot for a live TV broadcast of fireworks can help them feel included without fatigue. Let them lead the conversation. Ask about what Independence Day meant to them growing up. You might discover tales of ration books, war bonds, or dancing at VFW halls. These stories are treasures wrapped in the quiet of the day.  In the end, Independence Day is about honoring resilience—the kind that’s quieter, often overlooked, but profoundly enduring. Whether you’re caring for someone, being cared for, or simply holding space for reflection, there’s beauty in choosing peace over spectacle. This Fourth of July, let’s celebrate not just the freedom of a nation but also the freedom to adapt, to rest, and to cherish those we love in the way that suits them best.