Legal Assistance for Seniors

12/23/2019

Part A & Part B sign up periods | Medicare

Do you need more information about Medicare's General Enrollment Period or the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period which both run from January 1st through March 31st? Call the HICAP line to request an appointment with a counselor or check out Medicare.gov for more information. (510)839-0393

https://www.medicare.gov/sign-up-change-plans/how-do-i-get-parts-a-b/part-a-part-b-sign-up-periods

https://www.medicare.gov/sign-up-change-plans/joining-a-health-or-drug-plan

Read about when you can sign up for Medicare Part A and/or Medicare Part B when you're first eligible for Medicare during your 7-month Initial Enrollment Period, between January 1-March 31 each year (General Enrollment Period), and during other special times (Special Enrollment Periods).

12/19/2019

News & Information from Legal Assistance for Seniors (LAS)

Our Fall 2019 Newsletter is here

https://mailchi.mp/4c96c42ccbde/news-information-from-legal-assistance-for-seniors-las?e=d653144fab

12/16/2019

Policyholders Beware: Paying for the Insolvency of a Long-Term Care Insurance Company | California Health Advocates

If you have questions about your Long-Term Care Insurance Policy call your local HICAP and ask for an appointment with a counselor. 1-800-434-0222

https://cahealthadvocates.org/policyholders-beware-paying-for-the-insolvency-of-a-long-term-care-insurance-company/

12/14/2019

Debt collection scams | Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

CFPB has released a video with useful tips on spotting debt collection scams and protecting yourself from scammers.

https://www.consumerfinance.gov/consumer-tools/fraud/debt-collection-scams-video/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=debt_scams&utm_content=Nov2019

Dealing with debt collection issues can be challenging—especially when you’re not sure if the person you’re being contacted by is a legitimate debt collector or someone trying to scam you. Watch these videos to learn the warning signs of debt collection scams.

10/31/2019

Happy Halloween from LAS/HICAP

10/27/2019

Need help understanding which 2020 Part D plans cover your medications? Come visit us along with the pharmacy students from University of the Pacific at Ed Roberts Campus until 5pm today.

10/25/2019

Social Security Phone Scams on the Rise ~ When in Doubt, Hang Up! | California Health Advocates

At our Community Education events we continue to hear that so many people are still receiving calls like this. Here are some reminders on how to avoid scams.

Social Security Phone Scams on the Rise ~ When in Doubt, Hang Up! September 27, 2019 Social Security Phone Scams on the Rise ~ When in Doubt, Hang Up! Posted by Karen Fletcher on September 27, 2019 in Fraud & Abuse, Fraud & Abuse We’ve written a couple warnings on “spoofed” Social Security pho...

10/24/2019

FTC Report to Congress Details Fraud Reports from Older Consumers

Consumers 60 and older report losing money to scams less often than younger adults, but when they do lose money, they report higher individual losses

https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/press-releases/2019/10/ftc-report-congress-details-fraud-reports-older-consumers?utm_source=govdelivery

A new report from the Federal Trade Commission shows that adults aged 60 and older are less likely to report losing money to fraud than younger adults, but the amount of money they report losing is on the rise.

10/17/2019

Legal Assistance for Seniors

Alameda County is nearing the end of a county-wide needs assessment survey that will inform the development of the 2020 Alameda County Plan for Older Adults. The county has so far collected over 5,500 surveys.

The challenge is to make sure survey respondents reflect the broad, diverse community of people age 55 and older. With the clock ticking, the following populations are still underrepresented:
• Latino and Hispanic seniors
• Livermore residents
• Central county residents (Hayward, Castro Valley, Ashland, Cherryland, Fairview)
• Berkeley residents.

An important survey for adults 55+ living anywhere within Alameda county is wrapping up soon. Please use the link to complete the survey.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/L_A_S

10/04/2019

Words cannot express the world class hospitality provided by John Bliss & Kim Thompson last night for Legal Assistance for Seniors (LAS)' Fall Fest 2019, Historical Night at The Morse House! LAS raised over $45K and donations are still coming in! John & Kim opened their incredible home to host what some are saying was LAS' most successful Fall Fest yet. Warm thanks to John & Kim on behalf of LAS' clients, staff, donors, Board of Directors!

09/17/2019

First major operation of 2020 Census has begun with address-verification effort

https://mailchi.mp/hayward-ca/first-major-operation-of-2020-census-has-begun-with-address-verification-effort?e=4b33f3f1b0

09/16/2019

Episode 20: Gil From London (5.15.2015)

The podcast may be from 2015, but the same thing continues to happen today. Check out this podcast to learn more about Romance Scams and Older Adults.

https://thisiscriminal.com/episode-twenty-gil-from-london-5-15-2015/

09/06/2019

Spoil your grandkids, not scammers! | Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

This year, Grandparents Day is Sunday Sept 8th. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is encouraging grandparents and all older adults to be aware of a popular scam referred to as a “grandparent” or “person in need” scam. This type of scam happens when a fraudster calls or emails you and pretends to be your grandchild, relative or friend. Often they claim to be in trouble—usually in jail or stranded in a foreign country—and in need of money right away. Is it really your loved one, or is it an imposter?

https://www.consumerfinance.gov/about-us/blog/spoil-your-grandkids-not-scammers/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=oa190904

Learn how to recognize and report “grandparent” or “person in need” scams. Order copies of our free Grandparent Scam placemat.

09/06/2019

HICAP is participating in this Senior Resource Event. Come visit us and get information from many great organizations.

09/03/2019

Medicare's Annual Election Period (commonly referred to as Open Enrollment) is Oct 15th - Dec 7th. This is an opportunity for all beneficiaries to review their Part C or Part D plans, to join a plan, or to return to Original Medicare. The University of the Pacific is hosting events throughout the Bay Area where you can have your prescriptions reviewed by students in the school of pharmacology to see if you are in the best possible plan for you. Please spread the work about these FREE events.

08/26/2019

ALERT - Extortion Scam

We know a lot of seniors use internet pharmacies so we want to make sure people know about this scam that is going around.
https://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/pubs/pressreleases/extortion_scam.htm

The Drug Enforcement Administration is warning the public including the DEA registrant community to include practitioners and pharmacies about criminals posing as DEA Special Agents, DEA Investigators or other law enforcement personnel as part of an international extortion scheme.

08/20/2019

Opinion: Bay Area caregivers will become casualties without needed support

An interesting opinion piece on a very important topic. We are currently developing a new presentation to discuss hiring caregivers. Check in with our Community Education department in the Fall if you are want to schedule a presentation.

https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2019/08/15/opinion-caregivers-will-become-casualties-without-needed-support/

California should provide coordinated training and relief for those looking after parents or relatives.

08/19/2019

Ask Congress to enact the bipartisan Stamp Out Elder Abuse Act of 2019

http://cqrcengage.com/ncoa/app/onestep-write-a-letter?0&engagementId=501536&fbclid=IwAR3fuY1vHJXV28yUmyLlpTnEVjiIcxEFyEVedR_d-DpghV5Apczl5ZxQB-c

Ask Congress to enact the bipartisan Stamp Out Elder Abuse Act of 2019 Join NCOA, the Elder Justice Coalition, and other organizations in urging Congress to direct the United States Postal Service to issue a “stamp out elder abuse” semipostal (fundraising) stamp to raise additional funds to prev...

08/15/2019

Public Forum for Seniors Thursday 8/22/2019 at Legal Assistance for Seniors

Please join LAS and the Area Agency on Aging for a community forum on Thursday August 22nd, 2019.

https://mailchi.mp/c58cee38fe02/public-forum-for-seniors-thursday-8222019-at-legal-assistance-for-seniors?e=d653144fab

08/13/2019

Just a reminder

08/12/2019

Here are some tips for older consumers to stop illegal robocalls from the National Center on Law & Elder Rights.

07/25/2019

Say No to “Free” Genetic Tests | California Health Advocates

Say No to “Free” Genetic Tests | California Health Advocates

Say No to “Free” Genetic Tests June 18, 2019 Say No to “Free” Genetic Tests Posted by Karen Fletcher on June 18, 2019 in Fraud & Abuse, Fraud & Abuse, Professionals Below is a commentary by Greg Dill, Medicare’s regional administrator for Arizona, California, Nevada, Hawaii, and the Pacifi...

07/23/2019

Palo Alto Medical Foundation in Fremont is one of the sites where we offer HICAP counseling. They host our Medicare and the Annual Election Period presentation each Fall.

Check out this new educational series they are offering on Dementia and Alzheimer's.

07/13/2019

Come visit us at Castro Valley Pride. Happening today from 12pm-5pm

07/12/2019

Feedback sought on housing experiences and challenges of Hayward residents

Sharing a housing survey for our friends at the city of Hayward. Anyone in Alameda County may respond.

https://mailchi.mp/hayward-ca/feedback-sought-on-housing-experiences-and-challenges-of-hayward-residents?e=e25b2ab485

07/08/2019

07/08/2019

Needs Assessment Public Forums

WE NEED TO HEAR FROM YOU

The Area Agency on Aging is developing a comprehensive Countywide Plan for Seniors which outlines the overall goals, objectives, and activities of the Social Services Agency with other Alameda County Departments servicing older adults.

The plan includes feedback from seniors through a consumer survey as well as through focus groups and community forums. The purpose of the focus groups and forums is to hear from seniors directly regarding their needs, concerns, and suggestions for developing an age-friendly county.

Are you are an Alameda County Resident age 55 or older? …..Please take a moment to share your needs and concerns by participating in one of our public forums. Please call the location contact below for more information and to register to attend. The next public forum scheduled in your area is listed below.

Date 8/22/2019
Time 10:00 am
Location & Contact Information
Legal Assistance for Seniors
333 Hegenberger Road, Suite 850
Oakland, CA 94621

07/03/2019

Alameda County Senior Needs Assessment Public Forum

WE NEED TO HEAR FROM YOU!

The Area Agency on Aging is developing a comprehensive Countywide Plan for Seniors which outlines the goals, objectives, and activities of the Social Services Agency with other Alameda County Departments servicing older adults.

The plan includes feedback from seniors through a consumer survey, focus groups and community forums. The purpose of the focus groups and forums is to hear from seniors directly regarding their needs, concerns, and suggestions for developing an age-friendly county.

Are you an Alameda County Resident age 55 or older? Please take a moment to share your needs and concerns by participating in one of our public forums.

Please call Legal Assistance for Seniors (LAS) at 510-832-3040 for more information and to register to attend this public forum:

Date: 8/22/2019
Time: 10:00 am
Location: Legal Assistance for Seniors
333 Hegenberger Road, Suite 850
Oakland, CA 94621

07/02/2019

Paving the Way to Improved Charting: Geriatric Injury Documentation Tool | USC CEM

At out 14th Annual Elder Abuse Conference in May Dr. Laura Mosqueda, MD gave an engaging keynote address on Medical Forensic Markers of Elder Abuse and Neglect. We would like to continue the conversation by sharing this article on the development of an improved documentation tool.
https://eldermistreatment.usc.edu/paving-the-way-to-improved-charting-geriatric-injury-documentation-tool/

07/01/2019

2019 Alameda County Survey for Older Adults

An important survey for adults 55+ living anywhere within Alameda county is wrapping up soon. Please use the link to complete the survey.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/L_A_S

Take this survey powered by surveymonkey.com. Create your own surveys for free.

07/01/2019

Q&A: How to Prevent, Detect, & Treat Dehydration in Aging Adults

With all the warm days ahead of us we wanted to share this important message about dehydration.
https://betterhealthwhileaging.net/qa-how-to-prevent-diagnose-treat-dehydration-aging-adults/

06/28/2019

Suspect abuse in a long-term care facility? Report it. Call your Ombudsman at 510-638-6878 #kNOwAbuseReportAbuse #StopAbuse

06/25/2019

Bring Awareness to Elder and Dependent Adult Abuse

Help spread the word about elder and dependent adult abuse awareness to our local officials http://bit.ly/2rWeAMn #kNOwAbuseReportAbuse #StopAbuse 1-866-CALL-APS or your Ombudsman @ 510-638-6878

06/21/2019

Are you a mandated reporter? Do you know the Red Flags of Elder Abuse? Check out our Mandated Reporter Quick Guide below & learn more #kNOwAbuseReportAbuse #StopAbuse 1-866-CALL-APS or your Ombudsman @ 510-638-6878

06/19/2019

It’s raffle time in front of our table at the Health Fair. We love working with seniors!

06/19/2019

Signs of Elder Abuse:
*Lack of basic amenities
*Cluttered, filthy living spaces
*Unexplained, odd changes in behavior
*Unexplained STDs
*Unpaid bills, new credit cards,
*Harassment, intimidation, humiliation
*Isolation
#StopAbuse

06/17/2019

Bring Awareness to Elder and Dependent Adult Abuse

Did you know Alameda County APS receives over 6,000 reports of Elder Abuse each year? Did you know it doesn't discriminate? Call 866-CALL-APS or your Ombudsman @ 510-638-6878 #StopAbuse Learn more: http://bit.ly/2rWeAMn

06/15/2019

Bring Awareness to Elder and Dependent Adult Abuse

Elder Abuse affects vulnerable adults across Alameda County-from Pleasanton to Albany to Fremont & across Oakland. Get involved, learn the signs, spread the word, care for our elders #StopAbuse #kNOwAbuseReportAbuse Learn more: http://bit.ly/2rWeAMn

06/14/2019

Justice Department Announces New Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force

Some good news from yesterday. Hopefully this will help.

https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/justice-department-announces-new-transnational-elder-fraud-strike-force

Attorney General William P. Barr today announced the establishment of the Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force, a joint law enforcement effort that brings together the resources and expertise of the Department of Justice’s Consumer Protection Branch, the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices for six federal...

06/11/2019

Bring Awareness to Elder and Dependent Adult Abuse

Learn the Red Flag Indicators of Elder Abuse and join us to raise awareness about elder and dependent adult abuse. #kNOwAbuseReportAbuse http://bit.ly/2rWeAMn

06/07/2019

Robocall ruling by FCC will let phone companies block unwanted calls by default

Good news in the battle against robocalls
https://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/news/2019/06/06/robocall-rule-fcc-phone-companies-block-unwanted-calls/1366898001/?utm_source=Need+2+Know&utm_campaign=9920d11b09-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_6_7_2019_6_31&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_97f672225d-9920d11b09-314710713

The Federal Communications Commission voted Thursday to allow phone providers to block robocalls and other unwanted calls by default.

06/06/2019

Bring Awareness to Elder and Dependent Adult Abuse

Know the types of Elder Abuse: Self-Neglect, Physical & Sexual Abuse, Neglect by Others, Abandonment & Isolation, Financial Abuse, & Mental Abuse: 1-866-CALL-APS 4 more info: http://bit.ly/2rWeAMn #kNOwAbuseReportAbuse #StopAbuse

06/05/2019

Bring Awareness to Elder and Dependent Adult Abuse

Help spread the word about elder and dependent adult abuse awareness to our local officials http://bit.ly/2rWeAMn #kNOwAbuseReportAbuse #StopAbuse 1-866-CALL-APS or your Ombudsman @ 510-638-6878

06/05/2019

Bring Awareness to Elder and Dependent Adult Abuse

Legal Assistance for Seniors & HICAP is working with organizations across the State to raise awareness for elder & dependent adult abuse. Join us in spreading the word! #kNOwAbuseReportAbuse If you suspect abuse report it Call: 1-866-CALL-APS or your Ombudsman @ 510-638-6878 http://bit.ly/2rWeAMn

05/30/2019

Wildfire Smoke Communications Survey

On Friday May 17th our Community Education Dept attended an Information & Assistance Roundtable Meeting facilitated by the Alameda County Area Agency on Aging. At the meeting, we listened to a presentation on the effects of climate change on older adults. We want to share a survey that will help Alameda County plan ahead to reach residents with health and safety information during extreme wildfire smoke conditions.

This short survey is an opportunity to share your thoughts on how to increase effective communication from Alameda County agencies to individuals and organizations supporting older adults.

Please take the survey by *Monday, June 3* so your input can be incorporated into next steps.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/WildfireSmokeCommunications‎

This survey is part of a grant-funded collaborative project with partners including the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services, Health Care Services Agency and Public Health Department, Fire Department, and General Services Agency Office of Sustainability. Please contact us or [email protected] with questions about the survey.

Take this survey powered by surveymonkey.com. Create your own surveys for free.