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Avoid getting trapped in a phishing net
What is Phishing?
Phishing, one of the most common internet scams, occurs when someone you do not know sends an email using a familiar name or a fictitious email address, hoping to entice a response. The email looks like it is from a friend, but it is not.
Because the email appears to be from someone you know, it is tempting to open it. In reality, your friend’s email has been hacked and the links in what you receive, when activated with a click, can install malware on your device. Clicking on one of these links opens a door to your computer— allowing someone to spy on your online activities, to slow or lock down your computer, and/or to wreak havoc on your hard drive.
People from all walks of life can become victims of phishing but often older adults are targeted. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to avoid becoming a “live one” on a phishing line.
Tips on Cyber Security for Seniors
To avoid a phishing attempt, look critically at incoming emails:
If you know the senders and have received previous emails from them, is the email address displayed on the ”from” line their real address? If not, do not reply.
Do you normally do business with the company that appears to be sending you the email? If not, do not respond by email.
Does the email use incorrect spelling, grammar, punctuation or poor English? Check for these details and really obvious mistakes because many phishing attempts start overseas.
Does the message use several different fonts? This is a common practice in writing messages for phishing.
If you suspect a phishing attempt may be in your inbox:
Do NOT click any links in the body of the email.
If you know the person whose name is used in a suspicious email, call him or her to report what you received. That person may be unaware his or her email address has been hacked and will want to take action.
If it appears to be from a company you know but the email seems dubious, call and report this incident so the company can ameliorate a negative situation.
Delete these emails likely sent by scammers from your system.
Do not reach out to contact the sender of errant emails.
Share these tips with your friends and family so they know how to watch for phishing attempts and know how to avoid being “caught.”
If you believe you have been ‘caught’ by phishing:
We recommend you ask a consultant to help you evaluate your exposure and to install anti-virus software and anti-malware software on your computer. There also are many free anti-malware programs that can protect your computer, but, unless you are an expert, it is safer to get professional help.
Do not ignore the issue because doing so could allow perpetrators, through virus software, to access to your personal and financial information.
Change your passwords, particularly on accounts with sensitive financial information.
Consider changing your email address to a free Gmail account for your personal email.
Research malware vendors to learn which are better for filtering spam and emails from scammers.
Phishing schemes are common. Do not be embarrassed if you receive them. But do be savvy about how to handle them. Talk about them. All of us can help each other avoid threats like phishing. Learn more about common scams here.
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Deborah Hart, the President and CEO of Montgomery Place, a community in Chicago’s historic Hyde Park neighborhood for residents who are 62 and older, shares practical steps on how to protect yourself from online scammers.
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Medicare Changes and Its Effects on Healthcare Providers
Medicare has made significant changes starting in October 2019. As a benefit recipient, you may not see much difference, It is important, however, to know how some of these changes are affecting providers of healthcare services.
Medicare and Advantage programs have shifted away from 3-day qualifying hospital stays. This move can put at risk Part A coverage for skilled rehab services for elderly individuals. Many hospitals are sending patients directly home, sometimes with home health care, or into a Part B service network. Patients are generally expected to pay as much as 20 percent for co-insurance or deductibles.
Many hospitals are more frequently using the 72-hour observation window without adequately informing patients about the consequences of this practice. With observation status, you may be in a hospital’s building, but you might not have ever been admitted. This practice does not meet the 3-day hospitalization-stay to qualify for Medicare coverage in rehab or skilled nursing care center.
The new Patient-Driven Payment Model (PDPM) will change how skilled rehab centers deliver services. The PDPM concept—reimburse centers for treating more medically complex patients instead of reimbursing for minutes in rehab—is great. The harsh reality? Decreased payments to providers of rehab services. This fact may lead to rehab centers increasing their rates.
While measuring outcomes for the whole person is good. How quickly you must achieve those outcomes in rehab may accelerate.
Providers, again are caught in the middle by Medicare design changes, are
Expected to do more with less compensation
Achieve better outcomes
Of course, Medicare knows providers will adapt and adjust their services to accommodate this new payment model. So in the end, smaller payments will likely mean reduced services.
These changes will not happen overnight. Although you may never experience their impact, you can expect a different experience since, for instance, you had your knee replaced last year. And, now when you’re ready for surgery on your other knee you may notice several changes in your rehab regime.
Medicare Advantage programs generally have not yet adopted PDPM. They are waiting for the pioneers to navigate new territory before evaluating how to incorporate these same savings into their programs.
Just remember, savings for third-party payors is the holy grail!
No matter the circumstances, Medicare aims to reduce its overall spending on healthcare costs. It must be because the continuing escalation of costs is untenable and must be addressed.
Medicare has changed payment design models before and will do so again in the future. Let’s be thankful that nearly all healthcare systems in the USA are still focused on quality patient care and outcomes. We will find a way to absorb these compensation changes and sustain our commitment to quality healthcare.
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The Impact of Loneliness & Isolation
Impact of loneliness on our brain and body
Strong social connections are fundamental to physical and mental well-being… negative health consequences of chronic isolation and loneliness, while harmful at any age, are especially so for older adults. According to a 2015 study published in Perspectives on Psychological Science, the health effects of prolonged isolation are equivalent to smoking 15 cigarettes a day.
AARP December 17, 2016
Wow! There is a difference between being alone by choice and experiencing chronic loneliness. With no sense of connection, a person can be lonely even in a crowded room. On the other hand, a person can feel quite content being alone with herself or himself.
Do you wonder if individuals who isolate themselves do so because they truly want to be alone? Or do they actually feel disconnected?
Join our Vibrant Retirement Community in Hyde Park, Chicago
Living at Montgomery Place can bring you closer to others who share common interests, economic and social status, and goals of living healthy. But simply residing here is not a tonic for loneliness. For some, initiating conversations can be challenging, especially if a person suffers from the anxiety of loneliness.
One study on interventions for loneliness found increased opportunities for social interactions had a positive impact on someone feeling lonely. While social opportunities here are plentiful, they still require effort.
So, if you find yourself feeling isolated, step out and join one of the many groups, meetings or social events at Montgomery Place. Keep trying!
And, if you notice someone, who typically doesn’t attend a gathering, extend a warm welcome. Invite them into the conversation. I joyfully witness residents doing just that every single day.