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FRAUD: FINANCIAL SCAMS: HOW TO HELP PROTECT YOUR ELDERLY…

It is a sad fact that senior citizens are often the target of financial scams and as recently as August 24, 2013, an 88-year old Burbank, CA suffering from dementia was conned out of more than $40,000.

In this particular case, a man posing as a roof repair man persuaded the elderly California woman to transfer money from her savings account into her checking account and then sign it over to him. According to ABC News, the crime was eventually discovered and reported by the victim’s daughter but unfortunately, the victim of the scam has no memory of writing the checks due to her dementia and police warn that more senior citizens could be targeted.

Because many senior citizens have accrued significant savings, have access to pension, own their own home, have an established credit rating and may possess valuable items, they are often the target of identity thieves, con artists and other criminals. Oftentimes, elderly adults are also more trusting and lonely as well as physically or mentally vulnerable than younger individuals. In many cases, elderly victims are embarrassed to be a victim of crime and do not report or due to cognitive issues are unable to even recall the criminal activity, like in the case of the Burbank woman. Unfortunately, these factors cause senior citizens to be at particularly high risk.

Among the many types of fraud, senior citizens are most often the target of mail fraud, identity theft, telemarketing fraud and medical fraud. Knowing how to help protect yourself and your family members from fraud is an important first step in preventing becoming a victim of the crime.

The USAA Education Foundation and the FBI FBI websites offer valuable tips and information to prevent and report fraudulent activity, including recommending the following precautions:

• Do not open your door or allow strangers/unexpected visitors into your home or car.
• Use caller identification (ID) to screen incoming calls and let an answering machine pick up the call first if you do not recognize the number of an incoming call.
• Do not respond to unsolicited advertisements.
• Do not sign anything that you do not fully understand.
• Do not sign a blank check.
• Compare rates or ask for recommendations before scheduling any home repairs or services.
• Do not pay cash in advance for any service and request a receipt with the name and contact information of the business.
• Register your phone number with the free National
• Do Not Call Registry at (888) 382-1222 or www.donotcall.gov and report any persistent unsolicited phone calls.
• Remove your mailing address and e-mail address from promotional lists by following the instructions on the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) website www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/alerts/alt063.shtm.
• Review your credit report at least once a year.
• Information on how to obtain a free copy of your credit report from each of the major consumer reporting agencies can be found on www.annualcreditreport.com or by calling (877) 322-8228.
• Monitor activity on your bank, credit card account and other financial accounts and review transactions often for unexplained charges or withdrawals.
• Never place a purse in a shopping cart or leave it unattended.
• Always lock your home and car doors immediately upon entering and exiting.
• Resist high-pressure sales tactics, especially over the phone. It is not rude to ask for more time or even to hang up if necessary.
• Ask for more information if you are unsure, unclear or feel pressured about an offer, a charity or a business.
• Legitimate businesses and charities will understand that you may want more information and would be happy to comply with your request.

If you or someone you know might be a victim of fraud, write down every detail you can remember about the event or transaction and report it immediately.

If possible, create a detailed record of the crime, including:

• The date, time and location of the incident.
• The name the criminal used, whether or not the criminal showed some kind of ID and the organization the criminal claimed to represent.
• How many times the criminal contacted or attempted to contact the target of the fraud. Details of each transaction or contact with the criminal.
• Any record of the contact, such as phone records, mail, email, receipts, business cards, etc
• If contact was made in person, provide a physical description.

Depending upon the type of crime, you should report the fraudulent incident to one or more of the following authorities:

• • The local police or sheriff’s department.
  • The state attorney general.
  • Any banks or financial institutions for which your accounts may have been compromised.
  • Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at www.ftc.gov/ftc/contact.shtm.
    Consumer reporting agencies:

Equifax | www.equifax.com | (800) 685-1111Experian | www.experian.com | (888) 397-3742TransUnion | www.transunion.com | (800) 888-4213
If you or a family member is no longer able to maintain an independent lifestyle, please contact California Registry to discuss elder care services and options available throughout California. CalRegistry is committed to helping every person who calls to find the most appropriate and cost effective retirement care within California. Working with us will save time as well as help relieve anxiety and frustration during a stressful time.

IS IT TIME TO CONSIDER ELDER CARE OPTIONS?

The Baby-Boomer generation is aging and whether you live near or far from your parents, you will mostly likely be involved in the care of an elderly family member in one day. While that day might not be today and your parents may still be a “young” 70, staying active and seemingly in good health, with an ever-increasing number of elderly Americans, there may come a time when professional assistance to needed to help care for your aging relatives.

How do you know if it is time to consider elder care assistance? The simplest answer is, whenever the current care system is no longer effective. Determining what exactly that means is a little more complicated answer is that it could depend on several factors, including when the necessary medical attention is beyond the skill or resources of the family.

Signs It Might Be Time For Elder Care Assistance

• A definite decrease in personal hygiene and grooming
• A significant decrease or increase in weight
• Trouble maintaining a clean home
• Difficulty driving
• A loss of mobility
• Frequently forgetting to take medications or refill prescriptions
• Inability to manage finances
• Noticeable memory loss
• Diminished communication ability

If you notice one or more of these signs, you should consult at doctor first. Sometimes a new pair of glasses or change in medication can have a dramatic effect on an individual’s ability to care for themselves. However, if your aging relatives is experiencing a rapid decline in health or mental awareness and is no longer able to safely live on their own, it is time to explore elder care options.

There are many types of senior care and facilities available, such as adult day care, in-home care, assisted-living communities, and nursing homes. Exploring the options and deciding which ones will be the best fit for financial limitations, medical requirements, location preferences and family dynamics can be a very difficult decision.

If you don’t know where to start or if your family can not come to an agreement on the appropriate level of care, try to seek out a neutral opinion for advice. CalRegistry is committed to helping every person who calls to find the most appropriate and cost effective retirement care within California. Working with us will save time as well as help relieve anxiety and frustration during a stressful time. If you or a family member is no longer able to maintain an independent lifestyle, contact California Registry to discuss elder care services and options available throughout California.

JULY IS SANDWICH GENERATION MONTH

If you are currently raising a child as well as caring for an aging parent, you are not alone. According to the Pew Research Center, approximately one out of every eight Americans between the ages of 40 and 60 is also juggling the same set of responsibilities, in addition to almost 7 million adults caring for their aging parents from a long distance.

Pulled in so many directions at once, the responsibilities can be intense, both financially and emotionally for the primary caregiver as well as for the entire family. And as a large portion of the American population continues to age, the US Census Bureau predicts that the number of older Americans aged 65 or older will almost double by the year 2030.

Hoping to draw attention to the need for support and resources for “one of the largest and most consumer-driven demographics in the world,” The Sandwich Generation Resource Group dedicated the month of July to the Sandwich Generation.

Whether you are part of the Sandwich generation or know someone who is, the ability to understand and lend a supportive hand could go a long way to ease the burden of those who are striving to care for multiple generations of loved ones. How can you help yourself or others?

Remember you are not alone. Create a to-do list and ask for help. From financial contributions to emotional support to physical assistance, every member of your family should be able to help out in some way. Relatives living far away may be able to provide some funds for caregiving, help coordinate meal deliveries, confirm doctor appointments or offer reassurances and emotional support over the phone.

The primary caregiver needs care too. Making sure caregivers care for themselves is critically important and that means making sure he or she is getting enough rest, has time to exercise and is eating healthy meals themselves. Having the time to slow down to taking a physical and emotional break is important for everyone and in order to continue to care for others, the primary caregiver must also be sure to care for themselves.

Research professional assistance programs. Local resources, such as financial planners, accountant, medical specialists and community senior centers, may be able to help you determine your current state of financial and medical needs as well as suggest a variety of options for the future. Knowing your budget limitations and the medical requirements to care for elderly parents can help fend off many potential complications down the road.

If the time has come when you or a family member is no longer able to live independently, contact California Registry to discuss your options and learn about assisted living services and facilities available throughout California.

TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCES IN ELDER CARE

From sleep tracking sensors to a “magic carpet” that detects, or may even predict, human falls and mobility problems, technological advances in elder care have moved beyond science fiction fantasy to real-world solutions.

BBC News reported in September 2012, that developers from the United Kingdom-based University of Manchester have made use of fiber optic technology to create a “magic carpet” that could be used in senior care centers or hospitals, and eventually, in private homes to alert a nurse or caregiver that a patient has fallen. A mesh of optical fibers could be retro-fitted and placed underneath an existing carpet. As an individual walks on the “magic carpet” the optical fibers would detect and plot the movement as pressure bends the fibers and changes the light detected at the carpet’s edges. “These deflected light patterns help electronics “learn” walking patterns and detect if they are deteriorating, for instance in the elderly. The researchers’ aim is to address the significant number of falls experienced by the elderly; it is a leading cause of mortality among over-70s.”

And if necessity is the mother of invention, the Assisted Living Federation of America (ALFA) does it’s best to recognize those inventions by spotlighting new tools and programs that benefit elder care. The ALFA 2012 Best of the Best Program to Spotlight recognized a small, lightweight, portable phone device that was originally developed to eliminate the disturbing noise of two-way nurse call radios in Silverado Senior Living’s memory care communities. The device gives staff “all-in-one control over all communication and security systems” and was created when Silverado asked four separate vendors—Code Alert, Emergin, Shoretel, and Ascom—to make existing technologies compatible. Rather than public radio transmissions, the new device allows nurses and staff to have private conversations and send text messages to the team, eliminating the need for multiple responses to calls for assistance as well as receive security alerts instantaneously.

According to ThirdAge.com, several assisted living residences in New Jersey have already installed and incorporated many emerging technologies into their daily routines. As opposed to video monitors, patient-monitoring systems preserve privacy by using “smart sensors” to establish a pattern of patient movements and alert staff of unusual activities. For example, sensors placed under the mattress of patients with dementia could track their sleep patterns or sensors within the walls could track their movements. Once a pattern of behavior is established, dramatic changes in that individual’s regular routine would trigger an alert and the appropriate assistant living center staff would be notified.

Although only a few elder care facilities are currently equipped with cutting-edge technology, many facilities have incorporated affordable technology upgrades, such as elder-friendly computer software programs and Wii systems to keep seniors both mentally and physically active. With the constant advances in technologies, who know what the future will bring.

If the time has come when you or a family member is no longer able to live independently, contact CalRegistry to learn about assisted living services and facilities within California.

MOTHER’S DAY IDEAS FOR ELDERLY MOMS

As your mom ages, traditional Mother’s Day gifts such as flowers, jewelry, perfume and chocolates, may no longer be appropriate due to health concerns or physical limitations. Rather than giving items or knick-knacks that she does not need nor has the space for, you can express your love and appreciation for your mother in a variety of other ways.

Of course, most mothers would like to spend more time with their adult children and grandchildren but you can also make the most of this holiday by doing something for your mother that she is no longer physically or financially able to do for herself.

Go for a drive. Take your mother out for a drive through her old neighborhoods or to other locations that hold memories for her. If she is no longer living near the areas where she grew up or raised your family, then bring her out for a scenic drive to nearby park, nature preserve or historic landmark.

Create a memory book. Sort through old scrap books, family albums, loose photos, artwork and recipes with your mother and your children. If you have children and they are old enough, ask them to help you copy or scan the most treasured memorabilia, taking special note to include any items that prompted fond memories for your mother, to a create a personalized memory book. Children of any age could help decorate the keepsake and even add a few pages of their own poems, art work or photos especially for their grandmother.

Produce an original Mother’s Day card or video. As we age, we often lose contact with friends and family, especially if the time has come for your mother to move into an assisted living facility or senior residence. If you are still in touch with or are able to track down some of your mother’s friends, ask them to write a message or share a special memory of your mom and turn them into a scrapbook or homemade card. If you have the time, the equipment and the skill, you could also create a video card or vignette, by compiling a variety of photos from your mother’s life and incorporating interviews of her family and friends sharing their stories about your mother.

Make a personalized “mixed tape.” Music is the soundtrack of our lives, frequently lifting our moods, soothing our emotions or sparking cherished memories. These days you don’t need to spend a lot of money to create a mixed tape and thanks to current technology, you can easily create a playlist of your mother’s favorite songs. If your mom is not tech-savvy and doesn’t own a mp3 player, burn a CD of her personalized playlist to create a modern “mixed tape.” If necessary, purchase a small CD player from a second-hand store or online outlet to make it easier for your mother or her caregivers to play.

Find memory triggers. Many elderly adults have some form of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, making it difficult for them to recognize their own family members. It can be an emotional challenge to spend time with someone who is unable to recall their own history, especially when that person is your parent or grandparent. Fortunately, here are some things you can do and some gifts you can give that may help stimulate memories and provide comfort to your elderly mother, especially if she has Alzheimer’s or dementia. Have a friend or a professional photographer take a family portrait, frame it and hang it in your mother’s room because visual cues can be very helpful, not only for your mother but also for her caregivers, as it is a reminder of the people and places that are most important to her. Scents can also be a strong memory trigger and the smell of certain flowers, baked goods or essential oils can be used as stimulants.

Put together a gift basket. While you can certainly purchase or send a ready-made gift basket, it does not need to be expensive or difficult to create a customized gift basket for your mother. To identify a theme for your gift basket, start by thinking about things your mom likes to do as well as favorite items she may need or would like to try. If she likes to read but her eyesight is not as good as it once was, put together a gift basket with large-print books by her favorite authors and consider adding a magnifying glass, a book light or some pretty bookmarks. Some other gift basket themes include an assortment of non-perishable food and snacks, an array of beauty products, a variety of small gardening tools and seeds or exotic coffees or teas. The key to a good gift basket is sending something that will be useful but not take up a lot of space. While inexpensive baskets can be found in clearance sections in retails stores, you could also pick one up at a garage sale or second-hand shop but just because it is called “gift basket,” you are not required to actually use a basket. Gift items can be placed in almost any decorative, practical or theme-related container, such as colanders or large bowls for food items or an attractive pot for gardening tools.

Don’t wait until Mother’s Day to spend time with your mother. Although your schedule may be busy with work and children, it could deepen your relationship as well as improve her quality of life if you make the time to visit or call your mom on a regular basis.

If the time has come when you or a family member is no longer able to live independently, contact CalRegistry to learn about assisted living services and facilities within California.

SPRING CLEANING TIPS FOR SENIORS

Spring has sprung, at least in most of the U.S., and with the season comes warmer weather, budding blooms and increased daylight. Springtime is also a symbol of renewal and like birds, many people feel inspired to re-feather their nest, cleaning, de-cluttering and sprucing up their homes and their lives. In fact, spring cleaning was an annual ritual for many seniors and they continue the tradition today.

Fortunately, modern products such as anti-bacterial wipes, natural-ingredient cleaners and hand-held vacuums as well as electrostatic dry mops and mitts make the process much easier these days. However, some tasks may require a level of physical strength or flexibility that is beyond the ability for some seniors, so don’t be afraid to ask for assistance from family members, friends or professionals to help out with yard work, home repairs and cleaning.

Help seniors tackle spring cleaning safely.

• Before you begin spring cleaning, first remove any possible tripping hazards, such as piles of newspapers and magazines that may have accumulated over the winter as well as removing any rugs or mats that may have been placed by entryways. This is also a good time to look for and repair any tears or gaps in carpets or linoleum.
• Keep any eye out for any areas around the residence that may reduce the risk of a fall by adding hand rails, such as along stairways or in the bathroom.
• Pack up and put away winter decorations and put out some spring décor, such as bright throws, pillows or flowers.
• Consider purchasing a small, hand-held vacuum that is lightweight and battery-operated to eliminate the risk of tripping over electrical cords.
• Reduce the risk of slipping on outdoor surfaces by placing non-slip strips on floors, porches, decks and patios.
• Take down and clean draperies, curtains and blinds before cleaning the windows. You can always bring draperies and curtains to a local dry cleaner and hire a professional to wash the windows to save time and energy.
• Take any lawn furniture, grills or outdoor equipment out of storage. Wipe down or hose off any dust or grime and place back into desired location. Remember to test any hoses for leaks and make sure they are easy to operate and store when not in use so they will not be left lying across a yard or patio.
• If planning on doing any gardening, offer to take the senior to a garden center so you can help lift any bags of mulch, decorative stones or soil as well as plants and flowers at the store as well as assist with preparing the garden or yard back at home.

Spring cleaning checklist for seniors.

• Decrease any clutter to reduce the risk injury from falls or accidental fires as well as from attracting insects or rodents. Start by cleaning out the refrigerator and pantry, discarding any expired or stale products, and then organize cabinets by placing the most frequently used items in an easily accessible location.
• Check all indoor and outdoor lighting, replacing any burned-out bulbs and installing new lighting in any dimly lighted areas.
• Take an inventory of the medicine cabinet, checking all items for expiration dates and discarding any unused medications. Make sure all medications are clearly marked as well as stored in a cool and dry but easily accessible location.
• Replace the batteries in all smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors as well as test each one to ensure it is working properly.
• Locate a fire extinguisher in the home and make sure it is placed in an accessible and obvious location, so that your loved one as well as friends, neighbors or family members can easily find it in case of an emergency.
• Create a list of current emergency contacts, including current doctors, relatives, friends and neighbors as well as local hospitals, police and fire department. Post the list on the refrigerator and near a phone as well as distribute to any relative emergency contacts.

Downsize and reorganize
Beyond traditional spring cleaning, this is also a good time to reorganize, especially if you might be selling a home or planning a move into an assisted living community in the near future. As you clean, you can also de-clutter, separating out items that can be donated, given to family and friends or discarded.

Most items can be sorted into one of the following categories:

• Items to donate
• Items to recycle
• Items to throw away
• Items to keep

Find out where the donation and recycling centers are located within the community and if there are any restrictions on the types of items that can be donated or recycled. Depending on the value and quantity of donations, you may be eligible for a tax break. Therefore, you should created an itemized record anything you are donating, perhaps even taking a photo of the items to make record-keeping easier, and always remember ask for a receipt. If you are planning to donate large or heavy items, such as furniture or appliances that still work, consider calling a charitable organization, such as the Salvation Army at 1-800-SA-TRUCK (1-800-728-7825), to discuss a pick up of your items.

Help your elderly and aging loved ones maintain their independence and safety and if the time has come when you or a family member is no longer able to live independently, contact CalRegistry to discuss the options and learn about assisted living services and facilities available throughout California.

MIND OVER MATTER

Sticks and stones may break your bones and it turns out, words might hurt you too. At least, that is what a study recently published by The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) implies. Researchers Becca R. Levy, PhD; Martin D. Slade, MPH; Terrence E. Murphy, PhD and Thomas M. Gill, MD “hypothesized that older persons with positive age stereotypes would be more likely to recover from disability than those with negative age stereotypes” and defined recovery as four essential activities of daily living, including bathing and dressing.

What does that mean? According to The New York Times summary of the study, when seniors hold negative stereotypes about aging, such as believing “becoming old means becoming useless, helpless or devalued — they are less likely to seek preventive medical care and die earlier, and more likely to suffer memory loss and poor physical functioning.” However, when positive stereotypes are embraced, such as “when older adults view age as a time of wisdom, self-realization and satisfaction — results point in the other direction, toward a higher level of functioning.” In fact, the study Association Between Positive Age Stereotypes and Recovery From Disability in Older Persons, discovered that senior citizens with the positive outlook were “44 percent more likely to fully recover” from a incidence of disability.

In addition to her contributions to the aforementioned study, associate professor of epidemiology and psychology at Yale University, Becca Levy, has been studying the effects of stereotypes on older adults since the 1990s. Despite varying control settings and factors such as gender, race and socioeconomic conditions, Dr. Levy’s research results have found time and time again that senior citizens with positive age stereotypes are more likely to live longer and have healthier lives.

It is not just an individual’s mindset that can effect an older adult’s chances for recovery. How other people interact with them can also be influential. A tone of voice, an attitude and the nature of any physical interactions, especially by family members or care givers, can contribute to a senior’s sense of self-worth; either reinforcing or modifying a senior’s stereotype beliefs about aging.

Treating your elders with respect may be more than a kindness, it might actually help improve their lives.

If the time has come when you or a family member is no longer able to live independently, contact CalRegistry to learn about assisted living services, options and facilities throughout California.

DON’T WORRY, BE HAPPY THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

The holidays are traditionally a time to get together with your friends and family. Relatives may be driving across the state or flying in from around the world to spend time with their loved ones. Between the stress of traveling, the rush to finish wrapping one last gift, the juggling act to prepare a meal and the hectic pace of trying to catch up with everyone, this time of year can be overwhelming for anyone.

Although your mother, aunt or grandmother may have enjoyed cooking a big meal for the family in the past, it could be time to pass the hosting torch onto the next generation. Your beloved older family member may not have the stamina she once had but still enjoys “keeping up the tradition” and there is no need to disappoint her. Try these five suggestions to make your holiday less stressful for everyone.

1. 1. Divvy up the tasks. Preparing for the holidays is a marathon, not a sprint and as we age, we just don’t have the endurance we once did. You may discover the family matriarch or patriarch needs more rest during and after the holidays, so whether your gathering is large or small, everyone should share in the preparations. Family members who live close by could help with the shopping, housework and decorating during the weeks leading up to the big event. Family members who will only be in town for a day or two could pitch in and help with yard work, food preparations and clean up as well as any last minute decorations.
   2. Simplify. Consider toning down the decorations inside and outside. Seniors often have difficulty with balance, motor skills and strength. Lights, ornaments and decorations can get anyone into the holiday spirit but rather than hauling out everything, just display the most prized keepsakes. Also, remember to help put all the decorations away at the end of the season, especially if boxes will be heavy or need to be put in an attic or high shelf.
   3. Do more in the morning. Seniors and small children usually function better earlier in the day, so you may want to plan your activities in the morning or early afternoon. Many seniors experience “sundowning,” and the increased amount of activity and personal interactions during holiday festivities may result in fatigue and increase their confusion. If your family traditionally exchanged gifts, attended religious services and enjoyed the main meal during the late afternoon and evening hours, you should consider revising the schedule of events this year.
   4. Share stories and memories. While it is important to reduce the physical and mental stress on your aging family members, it is also important to keep them involved in the activities. As friends and relatives gather together to celebrate the holidays, ask the most senior members of your family to help you put together a list of their favorite holiday songs that you can play throughout the day. Not only would the familiar tunes evoke fond memories but it can be a great way to encourage the seniors to share their personal history with everyone, especially the younger generation.
   5. Go for a ride. Many seniors have difficulty driving, especially at night, so give them a change of scene and go for a ride around town to view the holiday lights. No need to get into heavy conversations, just play some holiday songs and spend some quality time together.

Don’t worry about making everything perfect, just be happy you are spending time together this holiday season!

When the time comes that you or a family member is no longer able to live independently, contact CalRegistry to discuss the options and learn about assisted living services and facilities within California.

GIFTS FOR SENIORS, FUN, STYLISH AND USEFUL – PART…

In Part I of our list gift ideas for your aging loved ones, we reviewed a useful big-button land-line phones, stylish touch-controlled lamps and a handy multi-use swivel tray. As the biggest sale days of the year are here, we offer these additional gift ideas.

Verilux EasyRead Magnifying Desk Lamp – Whether someone enjoys intricate craft work or needs a little assistance reading fine print, clearly seeing the small details becomes easier with the assistance of the magnifying desk lamp. The adjustable lamp provides bright illumination with 2.25 times magnification and in addition to hands-free magnification; the desk lamp also features handy utility compartments within the base to store pens and supplies.

Magnifying Pendants – As we age our eyesight frequently changes, especially when trying to read small print. While you may enjoy whipping out a magnifying glass while channeling Sherlock Holmes, there is an alternative. A magnifying pendant can be both useful and stylish, such as this elegant piece of jewelry adapted from a design by Peter Carl Fabergé and sold by the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Of course, there are also less expensive and ornate magnifying pendants available through numerous online retailers.

Walking Cane with Hidden Pillbox – Who doesn’t love James Bond? Now anyone can act like 007 with this travel walking cane. The clever, yet functional, tool features a high beam bulb to light up a pathway on command and in true super-spy fashion; it also has a secret pillbox compartment hidden in the handle! With the assistance of this dapper walking cane, anyone will be prepared to set out an afternoon constitutional or a new adventure.

In addition to the suggestions listed above, baskets of food or home food delivery service, warm and washable throws and non-slip socks also make great gifts for the elderly. But no matter how big or small your budget is this year, the gift of time and companionship is always welcome and should be at the top of your list.

If you or a family member is no longer able to live independently and you are interested in learning about assisted living services and facilities within California, please contact CalRegistry today.

FUN, STYLISH AND USEFUL GIFTS FOR SENIORS

Once again, gift-giving season is rapidly approaching. The biggest sales days of the year are just after Thanksgiving and one of the best ways to take advantage of the Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals is to have your gift list ready to go.

If there is an aging adult on your gift list, we have some fun, stylish and useful gift ideas for you. While we have included links of the products for informational purposes, you should always shop around to find the best price available.

DORO-319 MemoryPlus Amplified Photo Phone – With extra large buttons, amplified sound and four speed dial buttons that you can personalize with photos, the corded telephone is specially designed for individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss, limited dexterity or cognitive impairments. The device also features HAC – Hearing Aid Compatibility, so help your loved ones communicate and stay connected.

Standers Assist-A-Tray – The handy tray serves double duty as it provides a flat surface for eating, working or storing items as well as offering extra support when you swing the tray away and grip the handle to help you get up from your favorite chair or sofa. Watch their video to see how the simple multi-use swivel tray can help prevent falls due to loss of balance or injury.

Touch on, touch off lamps – Make life safer and easier with the gift of light. If you know someone who suffers from arthritis or Parkinson’s Disease, you know how difficult it can be to perform simple tasks that require hand strength and finger coordination, including turning a light switch. Now you can convert almost any lamp into a touch-controlled light by installing a simple device, such as the Westek plug-in light control sold at Home Depot. There are also numerous lamps that already feature touch sensitive controls, such as this sleek and stylish lamp available at Uncommon Goods.

Just remember, making time to share a meal, go for an outing, helping with chores or just dropping by for a visit with your elderly family member is the best gift of all!

If you or a family member is no longer able to live independently and you are interested in learning about assisted living services and facilities within California, please contact CalRegistry today.