9 Tips for Balancing Senior Care with Working from Home
During the past few weeks, schools, offices, and businesses have closed due to coronavirus lockdowns, making working from home the "new normal" for millions of Americans. Senior centers, nursing homes and assisted living facilities have also closed their doors, leaving many older adults without necessary supervision and opportunities for recreation and social interaction.
As a result, many family caregivers of older adults have found themselves in the unexpected position of balancing work from home with increased eldercare responsibilities. Navigating these new - and sometimes unchartered waters - can be overwhelming.
Virus Prevention Tips for In-Home Senior Caregivers
The coronavirus pandemic has disrupted our lives and altered how we interact with each other. It's only natural to be anxious and worried if you're caring for an elderly loved one who could be vulnerable to COVID-19.
So, how can you keep the senior you're caring for safe from an infectious disease such as the coronavirus?
Scammers are experts at shifting tactics and changing their messages to catch you off guard. This is especially true as they take advantage of anxieties related to the Coronavirus. Here's a quick alert about some current government imposter scams using COVID-19 that are popping up on our radar.
We know there's been a flood of information and updates about the government's economic impact payments, or so-called stimulus checks, lately. But quickly and safely moving massive amounts of money into the hands of those who need it is a big job with a lot of moving parts.
Right now, scammers are scuttling out of their dark corners to offer false hope (Home test kits! A cure!) and use fear (Your Social Security number is about to be revoked! Your loved one is in trouble!) - all to get your money or information. (None of those things are
real, by the way.) They're asking for your bank routing number to "help" you get your relief money - which is not how you'll get it, by the way. They're sending fake emails that look real, but those fake CDC or World Health Organization emails are trying to steal your personal information - or, if you click a link, put malware on your computer, tablet, or phone. Scammers are calling (and calling...and calling...), using illegal robocalls to pitch you the latest scammy thing. They're texting, and they're all over social media.
Scammers might call to offer things like a "COVID-19 kit," "Coronavirus package," or Medicare benefits related to the virus. But they'll ask you to verify personal information like your bank account, Social Security, or Medicare numbers. If you get a call from someone who says they're a Medicare representative and they ask for this information, hang up. It's a scam, not Medicare calling. Report it to the FTC at ftc.gov/complaint.
