It’s no secret that scams exist on the internet. Lately, I have seen a growing trend of scams that are specifically targeting the elderly.

SCAM SCENARIO 1:

The scam I am referring to starts like this. You see a glaring pop up message with flashing text and sometimes accompanied with a robotic sounding voice claiming your computer has 100+ viruses and you must call this number to have it fixed. If you ever see a message like this, the simplest way to get rid of it is to hold down the power button on your computer for 10 seconds and reboot. Don’t click on anything, and whatever you do, DON’T CALL THE NUMBER ON THE SCREEN.

These types of scams are known as “ScareWare.” They are meant to play on your fears and specifically target senior citizens. If you were to call the number there would be a friendly voice on the other end offering to fix it. He will ask you to join him into a remote session, he will then take control of your computer and show you log files that are totally normal and meaningless. He will convince you that your computer is infected and he is able to fix it. After clicking around and doing nothing for 10 minutes he says it’s been fixed and charges you $400-700. Sometimes, you can dispute the charge if you act quickly.

SCAM SCENARIO 2:

Another scam is a friendly phone call that may sound like this “Hello, I am calling from Microsoft and we’ve detected a virus on your computer.”  When you think about it, this would be like someone randomly knocking on your door and saying your furnace is broken and I’m here to fix it. Would you let that person in your house? Hopefully not!

SCAM SCENARIO 3:

Lastly, a more serious type of scam is “Phishing.” This type of scam is, most likely, how “hackers” gained access to John Podesta’s emails. Hacking is actually quite difficult and it is much easier to get the person to hand over their password.

Here’s how it works, an email from what looks like a legitimate source Amazon, Gmail, your banking institution, etc… is sent to you saying your account has been compromised and you must change your password. You are then redirected with a link to another page that looks legitimate and it asks for you to enter your credentials. The rule of thumb is to always go directly to the source and login with your existing username and password.  Never enter your credentials on the page the link provided.

Top 10 Quick Tips on Spotting a “Phishing” Email:

1. The message contains a mismatched URL
2. URL’s contain a misleading domain name (Example: www.robotamazon.com; not the real www.amazon.com)
3. The message contains poor spelling and grammar
4. The message asks for personal information
5. The offer seems too good to be true
6. You didn’t initiate the action
7. You’re asked to send money to cover expenses
8. The message makes unrealistic threats
9. The message comes from a government agency (the IRS will never email!)
10. Something just doesn’t look right

The internet is a wonderful thing and allows us to communicate with each other instantly. Unfortunately, you can be scammed in an instant too.

Matt Strohecker

Information Technology Specialist

Tel Hai Retirement Community

It’s that time of year! Christmas ads and jingles have been replaced with treadmill commercials, supplements and vitamins are on sale, and the scale is showing a number that is much higher than it was back in November. Instead of being overwhelmed by gimmicks and quick-fixes, check out the tips below to become a healthier you in 2017!

• Set goals- Research has shown that up to 80% of New Year’s resolutions fail, some of them as early as February. Set yourself up for success by picking one or two goals that are specific, measureable, achievable and time-sensitive. Set smaller goals within your overall resolution to document your progress and keep yourself motivated.

• Drink more water- Drinking more water is an easy way to reap multiple health benefits including increased immunity, decreased fatigue, improved blood and heart health and maintaining intestinal regularity. Carry a reusable water bottle with you and try to take a sip of 1-2 ounces every 15 minutes to stay hydrated throughout the day.

• Eat your vegetables– While fresh, colorful summer produce is months away, don’t overlook the nutrient packed produce that is in season right now. Filling up on produce like apples, mushrooms, beets, cabbage, oranges, grapefruits and winter squash will keep your immune system running strong and may even help with some weight loss. Remember to take a walk down the frozen food aisle, too. Frozen fruits and vegetables are flash frozen and packaged at the peak of ripeness, locking in nutrients for a quick, easy way to eat your favorite produce year round.

• Stay active- Don’t let shorter days keep you from exercising during the winter. Exercising through the winter can boost immunity and also help you maintain or lose weight. Add an extra layer if you’re walking or running outside, try an exercise class, join a public pool, or buy small hand weights to use in your home.

• Wash your hands- The most common way to spread colds, the flu or stomach viruses is through contact with a contaminated object like a door knob or the hand of a person who is sick. To prevent illness, wash your hands with soap and warm water and dry with a paper towel, or use an alcohol based hand rub with at least 60% alcohol content.

• Get some sleep- Experts recommend 7-9 hours of sleep per night for the average adult. Getting enough sleep can decrease stress, improve mood and efficiency, and lower risk for certain diseases. Try to set a routine around bedtime to help your mind and body relax and fall asleep sooner!

• Unplug- Technology is great for staying connected, but being too connected can have a negative impact on your health. Set a certain day or time to turn off the technology and focus on face to face conversation, reading a book, or just enjoying the silence. You’ll be surprised at how your relationships and mental health will improve!

 

I always look forward to this time of the year. . . the festive light displays, the Christmas music, family gatherings and— of course— chocolate-covered pretzels and other holiday goodies!

This season also provides a time of reflection on the past year and a time for looking ahead. We reflect on the birth of our Savior and are grateful for God’s gift to us.

This season can also be a time of struggle or loss for some of us. The colder temperatures and darker evenings tend to keep us indoors. Now, the daylight hours are beginning to stretch out and the longer days are welcomed!

Tel Hai Retirement Community has experienced transitions this year. Joseph J. Swartz retired in October as President & CEO of Tel Hai. Joe is well-respected and served for 15 years in his role as leader.

In November, I was welcomed into the Tel Hai family and look forward to getting to know many new friends.

During 2016, we completed the Woods Edge cottage expansion project on Bay Tree Court. We also successfully completed The Hillside Amenities at Tel Hai, which include Grandview Commons, a tennis court, bocce court, amphitheatre, event lawn and gardens.

Construction also began on StoneCroft’s Brownstone, which will add 45 apartments slated to open in 2017, along with design work and permitting for Maple Knoll Townhomes. This too will bring more transitions as we start a new year.

We are thankful for God’s continued blessing of the mission of Tel Hai.

I wish each of you a Merry Christmas and a wonderful 2017!

Dave Shenk

President & CEO

Tel Hai Retirement Community

“What is the Care Assurance Fund and why should I give?”

Residents at Tel Hai often ask “What is the Care Assurance Fund (CAF)?” Or, think that the CAF is a service fee added to their monthly bill. The truth is – the CAF is a benevolent care fund for residents at Tel Hai and- like a charity- your donation is an extra gift!

The Care Assurance Fund supports a promise made to seniors who become residents of Tel Hai, that they will never be asked to leave for financial reasons. Each day in our community, there are almost 80 individuals whose resources fall just short of the cost of the services that they receive. These individuals are residents in ALL levels of care who no longer have the resources to cover the annual cost of services provided. For these individuals, this fund is an assurance that day by day, they can continue to count on the care and support of a community that they call home.

Each year, the cost of a day of care can change depending on the number of individuals we serve and the amount of uncompensated care costs Tel Hai has to cover. This year, our day of care per person is $133. Our goal to increase the CAF is a constant priority, especially as we continue to assist more individuals, and healthcare costs continue to increase.

There are many ways for someone to give to the CAF. By donating to or purchasing items from the ReSale Shop, attending one of the special events we have on campus, or through memorial gifts in memory of a loved one, just to name a few. Or now that we are at the end of the year, many are making donations through their IRA Qualified Charitable Distribution.

But the most important appreciation for your gift comes straight from a resident when she writes…

“Thank you so much for helping to make it possible for me to continue my residence in comfort at Tel Hai. It was never my intention to have to ask for help after so many years, but your assistance was promptly forthcoming when I needed it most.  My family is relieved to know that their mother is well cared for and that they, who are struggling to meet their own financial obligations, will not have to worry about going into debt to pay for my care. My life at Tel Hai has been a dream come true and I am eternally grateful.”

Your gift to the Care Assurance Fund is an investment in our long-term ability to continue to provide this care – which is at the very heart of our mission as a faith-based nonprofit organization.

The Development Office

Tel Hai Retirement Community

STOP, DROP and ROLL… we all remember being told to do this as kids in the event we had clothing on fire!

Other adages we have learned over the years include: PASS, Pull the fire extinguisher pin, Aim the fire extinguisher hose, Squeeze the fire extinguisher handle, and Sweep the hose at the base of the fire to extinguish the flames.

Another acronym we use in the healthcare industry is RACE, which stands for Rescue those who you can rescue, Alarm – pull the fire alarm to notify others of the fire, Contain – isolate the fire to a confined area as you are able, and Extinguish or Evacuate – put the fire out or get out!

These are all good reminders of what to do in the event of a fire as we recognize Fire Prevention Month throughout the month of October.  According to US News and World Report, there are 5 simple ways to prevent home fires:

Risk #1 – Kitchens

A key way to prevent kitchen fires is by enjoying your meals in one of Tel Hai’s lovely dining venues! If that doesn’t always work for you, the best way to reduce the risk of fires happening in the kitchen is to stay with the food you are cooking on the stove-top. If you get called away from this task – turn off the burner before tending to the distraction.

Risk #2 – Heating your Home

Working fire alarm detectors save lives and knowing escape routes in the event of a house fire before one occurs is good planning! Each home has smoke detectors and the homes with propane service have carbon monoxide detectors. Tel Hai permits space heaters in resident homes that have been inspected by a facility services team member and that have a UL sticker on the heating unit.   It is further recommended that space heaters have a 3’ radius of clear space. Kerosene space heaters and other propane heaters are permitted in cottages as long as they are used in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions and the cottage has a working carbon monoxide detector.

Risk #3 – Smoking

Thank goodness Tel Hai doesn’t permit smoking in your home or anywhere else on campus, for that matter! The only place individuals may smoke on Tel Hai’s campus is in their vehicle. Butts must be extinguished in the vehicle ash tray because a smoldering cigarette butt in mulch spells disaster!

Risk #4 – Electrical Fires 

Check your electrical cords for proper condition – cords should not be used if they are cracked or frayed as this sparks fire. Another recommendation is to not overload circuits or run electrical cords under rugs. Please be observant to the condition of your cords!

Risk #4 – Candles

Lit candles are not permitted at Tel Hai. One recommendation is to use battery operated candles as they look quite similar to the actual flame kind, plus it’s fun to watch people try to blow those out at a party!

Fire extinguishers are in each of your residences and they are serviced annually. Fire drills happen periodically and your participation is encouraged.  Fire prevention week has evolved into a month of awareness!

Fire Fact: The first National Fire Prevention Day was declared by President Woodrow Wilson in 1922. This observation is the longest running public safety and health campaign on record and came about because of the Great Chicago Fire of 1871!

To learn more about fire safety, please stop by our table at the ”Fall” Prevention and Safety Fair on October 10 and October 12 from 1 to 3 PM at the CWPA.

W. Katie Buck, CASP

Residential Living Administrator

Tel Hai Retirement Community

Have you ever thought about what would happen if you had a medical emergency? Where would you go if you needed rehabilitation? Be prepared for those unexpected medical or healthcare needs. Here are some helpful tips to think about before you have an emergency:

• Know what you would want from a rehabilitation or healthcare facility.  What services and amenities are important to you?  Discover now what you value and how the provider can meet your desires.

• Know what facilities are in your area and what they can offer. Tour facilities in your area to see what services they have available.

• Know what facilities work with your insurance plan and what your plan covers. Ask your insurance company about your plan’s eligibility and benefits. Ask the facility what insurances they contract with.

Did you know that Tel Hai offers short-term rehab? We focuse on a personal and individualized approach to one’s recovery. We believe in building relationships, listening to each individual’s needs and respecting their choices. We have dedicated Nursing, Therapy, and Social Services teams that are committed to helping you on your road to recovery.

We offer education and access to in-home resources to continue your recover after you have returned home. Our goal is to help you have a safe transition back home as soon as possible.  Short-term rehab at Tel Hai are available to everyone – even if you don’t live on our campus.

If you are interested in learning more about Short-Term Rehab at Tel Hai, please contact me today at 610-273-9333 x2102 or rmartin@telhai.org.

Randi Martin

Admissions Coordinator, Meadows Health Care Center

Tel Hai Retirement Community