FINANCE: Signs of charity fraud

Signs of

CHARITY FRAUD

Giving to charity is a selfless endeavor that’s vital to the survival of countless nonprofit organizations across the globe. Without the generosity of donors, many charitable organizations would cease to exist, leaving the people they help vulnerable to illness and financial hardship.

Fraud may be the furthest thing from donors’ minds, but it’s something charitable individuals must be aware of as they consider donating to charity. According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, charity fraud increases during the holiday season, when many people embrace the spirit of giving and seek to made end-of-year tax deductible gifts to their favorite charities. The FBI also warns that charity scams are common after disasters or tragedies, including pandemics. In fact, the Federal Trade Commission noted in September 2020 that Americans had lost more than $145 million to charity fraud related to the coronavirus in the first six months of the pandemic.

One measure all prospective donors should take is to learn the signs of charitable fraud. Many charity scams target seniors, but no one is entirely safe from charity fraud. AARP® notes that the following are some warning signs of charity fraud. Pressure to give: Reputable charities do not pressure prospective donors into giving. A strong, trustworthy charity will accept donations whenever donors choose to make them. Legitimate operations like the American Red Cross may heighten their solicitations after natural disasters, but such groups still will not try to pressure people into donating. Thanking donors for donations they don’t recall making: AARP® notes that some charitable fraud perpetrators will try to convince potential victims they have already given to a cause. This is done in an effort to lower potential victims’ resistance, giving them a false sense of security and the impression that a fraudulent operation is legitimate. If donors don’t recall donating to a specific charity, chances are strong they didn’t make such a donation and that the message of gratitude is merely a fishing expedition intended to reel in new victims.

Requests for cash, gift cards or wire transfers: Cash, gifts and wire transfers are difficult to trace, which makes it easier for perpetrators of fraud to escape the authorities. Reputable charities will welcome donations made by personal check or credit card.

Perpetrators of charitable fraud prey on the vulnerability of well-meaning donors who simply want to support a good cause. Learning to spot signs of charitable fraud can provide an added measure of protection against the criminals behind such operations.

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Douglas County Senior Services

Douglas County Senior Services provides advocacy, information, assistance, program development and coordination of services to the over-55 population of Douglas County. The program provides outreach on many topics including advance directives, scams/frauds, identity theft, resources and housing information, matter of balance classes, chronic disease self management classes and information on advance care planning.

The office also provides health insurance counseling on Medicare part A, B, C and D along with Medical Assistance information, and long-term care insurance assistance. It has an Alzheimer’s caregiver support group and a general caregiver support group, and works in conjunction with both the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office and the Alexandria Police Department on TRIAD, a group dedicated to the education of seniors of Douglas County in regards to fraud, scams and other crimes against the seniors. The NAPS (Nutrition Assistance Program for Seniors) is a supplemental food program for seniors that is free to all who qualify.

Staff is available to come to your organization and offer presentations on a number of topics of interest

3.5” x 2.5” | Maximum Font Size: 30 ptFinancialchangesatto the senior population.

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FOR MORE INFORMATION Call (320) 762-3047 or visit www.co.douglas.mn.us/ dc/senior-resource-health.aspx for information on senior health resources or www.co.douglas.mn.us/ dc/senior-housing-health.aspx for senior housing information. WHERE WE ARE LOCATED 806 Fillmore St., Suite 1195 Alexandria, MN (320) 762-3047

Located in the lower level of the Douglas County Service Center at the south end of the hallway by the Douglas County Library.

Scott Larson, AAMS® Financial Advisor

320-759-1174 323 Broadway Street Alexandria, MN 56308 www.edwardjones.com Scott W Larson, AAMS® Financial Advisor . 323 Broadway Street Alexandria, MN 56308 320-759-1174 www.edwardjones.com

Ruth Molloy RuthAMolloy Justine Whitman, AAMS® Financial AdvisorFinancialAdvisor Financial Advisor 320-759-3080 320-762-8536 1111 Broadway Street Alexandria, MN 56308 www.edwardjones.com 316 N Nokomis Street Alexandria, MN 56308 www.edwardjones.com 316NNokomisSt Alexandria,MN 56308-5115 320-759-3080 Randy Witt Cody Rieland Financial Advisor Financial Advisor

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Stress-relieving

ACTIVITIES

As you age, the stresses of everyday life can become difficult to manage. For example, planning a move, waiting for medical test results, worrying about the health of a loved one and watching the news can all cause you to worry. To help you cope with the strain, here are some stress-relieving activities you may want to try.

BEING OUTDOORS

A great way to boost your spirits and get a bit of exercise is to garden. You could try planting herbs on your balcony or vegetables in your backyard. In addition, walking, biking and photography are all relaxing hobbies you can do outdoors.

MAKING ART

Creating works of art can be both comforting and rewarding. Needlework, such as knitting, crocheting, sewing and embroidery, will keep your hands and mind busy. Alternatively, you may want to draw, color, paint or do crafts. These activities can be done alone or with someone else.

PRACTICING MEDITATION

Meditating is a great way to relax and clear your mind. You may want to try a simple breathing exercise or guided meditation. Alternatively, you could listen to melodies accompanied by nature sounds such as running water and singing birds. Just close your eyes and imagine yourself in a beautiful oasis.

Though stress-relieving activities can be beneficial, if you’re dealing with crippling anxiety, it’s best to consult a health-care professional.

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ALEXANDRIA SENIOR CENTER

is there for you

Did you know if you are over 50 years old, you are qualified to utilize the many services of the Alexandria Senior Center? Located at 414 Hawthorne St. in historic Downtown Alexandria, the center welcomes all. There is the Lorsung Art Studio, a variety of meeting rooms that anyone can rent, and a state-of-the-art commercial kitchen. There are activities and entertainment on a regular basis and there are also programs sponsored by AARP that utilize the Alexandria Senior Center space.

The programs and services provided by the center’s volunteers in support of the members and broader area residents benefit both the provider and the recipients. According to research cited by the National Council on Aging, older adults who participate in senior center programs can learn to manage and delay the onset of chronic disease and experience measurable improvements in their physical, social, spiritual, emotional, mental and economic well-being.

The Alexandria Senior Center was created in 1984 as a nonprofit organization. Then, and now, it is a local spot where seniors come together to enjoy cards, meals, special events and fellowship. While much has changed in the Alexandria Lakes region since 1984, the mission of the Alexandria Senior Center has not wavered.

Open from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m., the Alexandria Senior Center has grown its membership to an amazing 838 members. Members currently receive many benefits, including a monthly newsletter.

There are many opportunities for entertainment and fun at the Alexandria Senior Center every month. From live music, card game groups and bingo to pool enthusiasts and birthday parties, there is truly something for everyone at the center.

FOR MORE INFORMATION on services and programs available at the Alexandria Senior Center, or to become a member, stop by 414 Hawthorne St. or call (320) 762-2087

659 VoyagerDrive NW,Alexandria,MN56308 Phone:320-763-5900 • www.AndersonFuneral.net

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The Lakes Area is AGE FRIENDLY

By Julie Anderson and Dian Lopez

Lakes Area Age Friendly Board

Age Friendly Alexandria has a new name! Lakes Area Age Friendly.

As we move into our second cycle of Age Friendly planning, it seems very appropriate to include the many people we are helping beyond Alexandria. Even beyond Douglas County.

Six years ago, a group of community members met at the Alexandria Senior Center to dream about what we could do to make our city more welcoming to all. Today, our dreams include the question, “How can we make the lakes area more welcoming to all Minnesotans?”

Our Lakes Area Age Friendly community is a part of a world-wide network of communities designated as such by AARP and the World Health Organization. They give us the structure to: Foster partnerships among community groups Provide leadership opportunities for volunteers Enable changes that benefit people of all ages Help the entire community work on becoming more age friendly

We were the second Age Friendly community in Minnesota and, until recently, the only one north of Minneapolis. This year we are helping St. Cloud and Duluth join the Age Friendly ranks. And, as more Greater Minnesota communities join, statewide leadership takes more notice of the problems faced by small, rural areas and how they are different from those faced by larger cities.

Since 2015, our dream of working together has:

Helped 150 people write Health Care Directives through the Written Gift Program.

Worked with Alomere Health and Elder Network to decrease hospital re-admission rates.

Expanded our communication outreach through portals including: the KXRA radio show Open Line, the Echo Press, the Senior Perspective publication, the Alexandria Senior Center literature rack, and the designated Douglas County Fair Senior location.

Researched the Adverse Childhood Experiences ACEs program for Horizon Public Health to work with the Alexandria School District.

Assisted in research to launch the Aging in Place (AIP) program in 2017 with Habitat for Humanity. Through the AIP program people 65+ partner with Habitat homeowners to help them age safely in their home.

Worked with West Central Minnesota Communities Action on a Ready Ride program to help rural residents find rides when the Rainbow Rider bus system can’t accommodate them.

Provided a framework for our organizations to work together to face the pandemic.

Our new plans as the Lakes Area Age Friendly Community build on those already in place and add outreach efforts we believe will greatly benefit those who live and visit the lakes area. They include a new initiative by Knute Nelson which recently received a Connected Communities for Healthy Aging pilot grant. Among the objectives of the grant is to connect people to local resources for healthier aging. The lakes area has many resources currently in place; the struggle is to make people aware they exist and how they can easily access what they need. The Connected Communities project has an Age Well Community Navigator, Lisa Duberowski, who is gathering resource information and working on an efficient way to communicate to people of all ages. Watch for communication soon about accessing support and wellness opportunities. Additionally, this project will bring together healthcare providers, health plans, community-based organizations, and consumers to reimage older adult wellness and care delivery. For more information on this project, please reach out to Lindsey Sand, VP of Population Health, Knute Nelson at lindsey.sand@ knutenelson.org.

Douglas County Emergency Management is now working with the Lakes Area Age Friendly to promote emergency preparedness for all ages. Look for increased outreach that will help people be better prepared at home, in area businesses, and while enjoying our amazing outdoor activities.

Dancing Sky Area Agency on Aging is leading an effort to determine if people in the lakes area would benefit by the community completing the steps to become a Dementia Friendly Community. It’s certainly timely. The pandemic has caused an increase in isolation of the elderly and 25 percent of people in Minnesota with dementia live alone. Dancing Sky’s local Program Developer, Stephanie Aasness, offers additional resources for program development and services that support dementia friendly and healthy aging. She can be reached at 320-766-1856 or Stephanie@nwrdc.org. You can find out more about these aging resources at www.dancingskyaaa.org.

We know the impactful work of those who began the age friendly dream years ago is appreciated and we are happy to report the programs put in place continue to thrive. The Written Gift Program will hopefully expand soon with classes at the Senior Center. Ready Ride is again providing transportation to those in need with a grant through West Central Minnesota Communities Action. Habitat for Humanity’s Aging in Place program is available to adults 65+ who need home safety modifications and meet the income qualifications so they can age with dignity in their homes. Elder Network provides volunteer support to adults 55 and older and, while the COVID-19 pandemic has created challenges for its in-person services, work continues to allow older adults to live well at home.

The Lakes Area Age Friendly community must submit a three-year plan to AARP that incorporates our many goals. Additional initiatives being explored are creation of Men’s Sheds which provide meaningful social activities for men, working with city and county officials to create more affordable housing options, reducing poverty among aging residents and increasing wellness opportunities.

We have many amazing agencies and people who regularly contribute to the newly named Lakes Area Age Friendly community. But we always welcome more. So, if you’re wondering what you can do to help make our community more age friendly, the answer is join us! We need your ideas on how to help our community be more beautiful, more healthy, more helpful, more friendly. Join our meetings (now on zoom only). E-mail interests or issues you’re concerned about to lopezdr@morris.umn.edu or call 320287-1517.

Dian Lopez, Co-chair, Lakes Area Age Friendly and member of the Governor’s Council on Age Friendly MN. Julie Anderson, member of the Lakes Area Age Friendly Board of Directors and Douglas County Emergency Manager.

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How to help seniors adapt to NEW CAR TECH

Modern automobiles are more technologically advanced than ever before. That tech isn’t just making driving more comfortable and convenient, but also more safe.

In a recent analysis of motor vehicle accidents, researchers at the International Institute for Highway Safety found that vehicles with blind spot and lane departure warning systems were involved in 11 percent fewer sideswipes and head-on crashes than cars that did not feature such systems.

Driver assistance systems have made driving safer for millions of people across the globe, but one demographic may need some extra help adapting to modern vehicles, and may even need a little extra encouragement to utilize tech that can keep them safe behind the wheel. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that, in 2018, the United States was home to 45 million licensed drivers aged 65 and over. That marks a 60 percent increase since 2000. Though seniors’ perceived unwillingness or inability to utilize modern technology is often overstated, some aging drivers may need a little extra help as they try to learn how to use assistance technologies in their vehicles.

LEARN THE TECH YOURSELF. Assistance technologies are not all one and the same. Vehicle manufacturers have their own systems and there can be a learning curve when adapting to a new one. If you aspire to teach a senior how to utilize the assistance technologies in his or her vehicle, first learn the tech on your own. If both you and your aging friend or family member own a Subaru, chances are you already know how to use the tech in your loved one’s vehicle. If you drive cars made by different manufacturers, visit the dealership where your loved one bought his or her car and ask for a quick tutorial on all the safety features in the vehicle. Salesman demonstrate these features every day, so it shouldn’t take long for them to show you the ropes. BE PATIENT. Each person adapts to a new technology at his or her own pace. It’s important to remain patient when teaching aging drivers how to use the tech in their vehicles. Old habits die hard, and while some drivers may quickly adapt to tech like backup cameras, others may not be so quick to abandon driving techniques they’ve been safely using for decades. Stay the course, remain patient and allow senior drivers to adapt at their own pace. TEACH ONE TECH AT A TIME. It can be overwhelming for drivers of all ages to adapt overnight to all the tech in their new vehicles. When teaching senior drivers how to utilize various driver assistance technologies, take it one tech at a time. When coupled with your patience, this approach can help seniors increases the likelihood that they will embrace the tech in their vehicles.

Many senior drivers utilize driver assistance technologies every day. A patient and methodical approach to showing seniors how their vehicles can help them stay safe behind the wheel can be a road map to helping seniors adapt to life in modern vehicles.

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