Most Prevalent Scams Targeting The Elderly

Donna Nichols • March 20, 2021

Learn to spot the scams that are targeting the elderly and how to stop them!

There are so many scams out there targeting the elderly, why, you ask?

Because people think the elderly don’t know any better and are easy targets.

As advocates for the elderly , let’s fix that myth right now.

First, let’s look at the most common scams out there:

1. Medicare and social security are the top two scams right now .

The most important thing for you to know is that Medicare and social security do not call you and ask for sensitive information!!!

These scammers will pose as representatives and ask for your social security number, date of birth, Medicare number, etc. Once they have your pertinent information, they have everything!!

Do NOT fall for this scam!!

SOLUTION: If you are unsure about a caller, ask their name and call back number, then call the company they claim to represent and check it out. If they won’t give you their information, BOOM, you have them right there!!

2. Calls acting like Grandchildren

Scammers are becoming more innovative every day, especially since COVID. People have been out of work and have a lot of time on their hands to devise ways to get you to give them your money. Some have even sunk so low as to pretend to be a grandchild of yours and act as if they are in trouble so you will send them money.

This is a very sneaky scam and really plays on the elderly person’s emotions.

  • The caller asks if they know who’s calling and when you say the name of one of your grandchildren, they pretend to be them
  • They tell you they are in financial trouble and need cash fast.
  • They ask you to send it to Western Union and not mention it to anyone.

SOLUTION : If you receive a call like this, ask questions only you and your grandchild would know the answers to.

Not yes or no questions, something like where did we go on your 8th birthday? If the caller doesn’t know the answer, they’re not your grandchild.

3. Clicking on links within Email

Here’s one that happens every day to everyone: the INTERNET!!!!

Do NOT click on any links or emails that ask you for your banking information or any other sensitive data!!! You can’t undo the damage once they have your financial info.

Remember, all these people want is your money!! You worked hard for your money, DON’T let them have it!!

Sometimes they’ll call and tell you you won the lottery, but you need to send them so much money to claim the prize. Don’t send them money!! If you won the lottery, it wouldn’t cost you anything until tax time. They’ll say, you just won the lottery, please send $5,000,000.00 euro to . . . and we will send your winnings right away. Don’t do it!!!

Here’s one email I receive all the time,

dear friend, you have just won the European lottery, reply with your bank account information so we can deposit the money into your account.

Nope! Don’t think so!! Don’t YOU do it either.

Past Due Debt From Deceased Loved One

Here’s another scam where they don’t target you, but your family members.

If you or your spouse passed away, scammers will use the obituary to find out details about the deceased person.

They then contact family members stating they had a past-due debt that needs to be paid immediately. These people know the family members are in a vulnerable state and are most likely to go ahead and pay the debt.

Funeral directors can be shady also, they can try to sell you services you don’t need. Some have tried to sell caskets to people whose loved ones are being cremated.

SOLUTION : Don’t pay it unless you have contacted the company and get it in writing as to what they owe. 

Tax Fraud

Tax fraud is another scam, people pose as IRS representatives and claim you owe back taxes. Sometimes they say you will go to jail if the debt isn’t paid immediately. These are normally done via email as well.

SOLUTION : The IRS sends letters on IRS letterhead, when replying, ALWAYS send it certified and do NOT send cash. Make sure you keep records of everything you send the IRS.

The website, https://www.usa.gov/stop-scams-frauds , has a list of numbers where you can report any kind of fraud. Utilize it if you think you are a victim of fraud!!

These people are really good at what they do, but you don’t have to be a victim. If you don’t feel right about it, it’s probably not right!

Ask questions! Knowledge is power!!

If you need help or encouragement as a Caregiver give us a call at  386-847-2322  or check out our  Caregiver Support Group. Our  Senior Advisors  are here to walk with you through this journey.

Why Are Seniors Always So Cold?

By Donna Nichols • March 9, 2026
If you’ve ever walked into a room full of older adults and noticed the sweaters, shawls, and space heaters humming in the corner, you’re not imagining it — many seniors really do feel colder than everyone else. And it’s not just a quirk. There are real, physical reasons behind it, and understanding them can make daily life a lot more comfortable. 1. Our Internal Thermostat Changes Over Time As we age, the body becomes less efficient at regulating temperature. The internal “thermostat” in the brain doesn’t respond as quickly to cold, so seniors may feel chilly even when the room is warm enough for others. 2. Less Muscle = Less Heat Muscle mass naturally decreases with age, and muscle is what helps generate body heat. With less of it, the body simply produces less warmth. Even active seniors may notice they get cold more easily than they used to. 3. Thinner Skin and Reduced Circulation Skin becomes thinner over time, offering less insulation. On top of that, circulation often slows, meaning warm blood takes longer to reach hands, feet, and other extremities. This is why fingers and toes are often the first to feel icy. 4. Medications Can Play a Role Many common medications — including those for blood pressure, thyroid issues, or depression — can affect how warm or cold someone feels. It’s not always the medication itself, but how it interacts with the body’s temperature signals. 5. Underlying Health Conditions Conditions like anemia, diabetes, thyroid disorders, or poor circulation can all contribute to feeling cold. Sometimes, persistent chilliness is the body’s way of asking for a check-in with a healthcare provider. 6. Hydration and Nutrition Matter More Than You Think Dehydration and low-calorie intake can both make the body feel colder. Seniors who don’t drink enough water or who eat lightly may notice they’re chilly more often. Simple Ways to Stay Warm and Comfortable • Layer up with breathable fabrics • Keep moving — even gentle stretching boosts circulation • Warm beverages throughout the day • Use blankets or heated throws safely • Check room drafts and adjust thermostat settings • Talk with a doctor if coldness is new or worsening A Warm Note to Close Feeling cold isn’t a sign of weakness — it’s a natural part of aging. With a few small adjustments and a little awareness, seniors can stay cozy, comfortable, and confident all year long.

How the Spring Season Helps Us Heal

By Donna Nichols • March 3, 2026
Spring has a way of softening the world. The air warms, the light lingers, and suddenly the small things — a bird call, a new bloom, a gentle breeze — feel like invitations to breathe a little deeper. For many seniors, especially those carrying grief, stress, or the weight of a long winter, March can feel like a quiet turning point. Here’s why spring so often brings emotional renewal, no matter your age. 1. Light Returns, and So Does Energy Longer days naturally lift mood. More sunlight helps regulate sleep, boosts energy, and gently nudges the body out of winter’s heaviness. Even a few minutes outside can shift the way the day feels. 2. Nature Models Healing Spring is a season of second chances. Trees bud again, flowers push through the soil, and the world rebuilds itself without rushing. For seniors navigating loss or change, this slow, steady renewal can feel reassuring — a reminder that healing isn’t linear, but it is possible. 3. Movement Feels More Natural Warmer weather encourages small steps: a walk to the mailbox, a few minutes on the porch, tending to a plant. These simple movements help ease stiffness, improve mood, and reconnect the body with the world around it. 4. Social Life Blossoms Too As the weather improves, people naturally come out of hibernation. Neighbors chat outside, community events pick up, and families gather more often. Even brief interactions can brighten a day and reduce feelings of isolation. 5. Spring Encourages Reflection — and Release There’s something about fresh air and open windows that invites a mental reset. Many seniors find themselves sorting through memories, letting go of what no longer serves them, and making space for what’s next. A Season That Meets You Where You Are Spring doesn’t demand big changes. It simply offers gentle reminders: you’re still growing, still healing, still here. Whether you’re grieving, rebuilding, or simply ready for a lighter season, March brings a quiet kind of hope — one that arrives softly and stays.
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Winter Wellness: Staying Safe and Steady in February

By Donna Nichols • February 5, 2026
February may not bring snow to Florida, but it still carries its own kind of winter — cooler mornings, shorter days, and a natural pull toward staying indoors. For older adults, this season is a gentle reminder to slow down, stay steady, and take good care of body and spirit. A Season for Paying Attention Winter has a way of making us less aware of our bodies. We move a little slower. We drink less water. We stay inside longer. These small shifts can affect balance, energy, and overall well‑being. The good news is that a few simple habits can make February feel safer, brighter, and more comfortable. Keep Your Space Safe and Well‑Lit Falls often happen not because of weakness, but because of poor lighting or clutter. A few small adjustments can make a big difference. • Turn on the lights before walking into a room • Keep pathways clear of shoes, bags, or small rugs • Use nightlights in hallways and bathrooms • Make sure frequently used items are within easy reach A safe home is a confident home. Supportive Shoes — Even Indoors Many seniors prefer slippers or socks inside, but these can be slippery or unstable. Supportive shoes with a good grip help prevent falls and maintain strong posture. Think of them as your indoor “winter boots” — steady, comfortable, and protective. Hydration Matters, Even When It’s Cool When the weather isn’t hot, it’s easy to forget to drink water. But hydration affects everything: energy, digestion, mood, and even balance. Try keeping a glass of water near your favorite chair or sipping warm herbal tea throughout the day. Your body will feel the difference. Stay Organized with Medications Winter is a good time to check in with your medication routine. • Are your pill organizers easy to open • Do you have refills ready • Are your medications stored in a visible, convenient place A little organization prevents missed doses and reduces stress. Connection Keeps the Cold Away Even in sunny Florida, winter can feel isolating. Shorter days and quieter routines can make anyone feel a bit lonely. Reach out to someone this month — a friend, a neighbor, a family member. A five‑minute conversation can warm the whole day. If you’re part of a senior community or church group, February is a wonderful time to join an activity, attend a luncheon, or simply sit with others. Human connection is one of the best wellness tools we have. Gentle Movement Keeps You Strong You don’t need a gym or a long walk to stay active. Try: • Light stretching in the morning • Standing up and sitting down a few times to strengthen your legs • A slow walk around the house or yard • Simple balance exercises while holding onto a counter Movement keeps joints flexible, muscles strong, and spirits lifted. A Month for Self‑Kindness February invites us to be gentle with ourselves. To rest when we need to. To move when we can. To reach out when we feel alone. To take small steps that help us feel safe, steady, and cared for. Winter won’t last forever — but the habits you build now can support you all year long.