How to Avoid Financial Exploitation in Seniors

Donna Nichols • March 3, 2023
An elderly woman is talking on a phone while holding a credit card.

I have written a blog on this topic before, but think it is extremely important and keeps coming to light. We must protect our elderly from the scammers out there!!!


What is financial exploitation in seniors? This occurs when people try to take the seniors money or assets. They know every trick in the book and will pull them to get whatever they can from the senior. Seniors are the most vulnerable because they have a lot of time on their hands and are generally very trusting. When a senior is online searching for things, they sometimes they don’t know they clicked on a potentially harmful link, (this happens to all of us), but they are more vulnerable because they sometimes click without thinking. Something may look enticing and they click on it and BOOM they clicked on a scammers link.


Online isn’t the only way these scammers can get your information, they can get it through phone calls, any receipts or bank statements you have lying around, or a credit card. Make sure all these things are put away when someone comes to your house. If you have a caregiver, lock these things up where the caregiver does not have access. Most caregivers are trustworthy, but situations can take a change and you never know someone’s circumstances.


The first thing a senior needs is a financial advisor or an advocate, someone trustworthy who will look out for them. Make sure you know this person well and can trust them with everything. If you are mentally able, go over everything with your advocate and know where all your money and assets are.


Get a copy of your credit report at least once a year and go through it thoroughly to ensure everything is up-to-date and correct. Make sure no new accounts have been opened or the balance on your credit cards haven’t gone up instead of down. Also, check your report to ensure your credit score hasn’t dropped and there have been no new inquiries against your social security number.


Shred any bank statements, receipts, and expired credit cards; anything with your pertinent information on it. You know how we all get those unwanted credit card offers? Make sure you shred those too. There may not be enough information on them for a hacker, but why chance it. Shredders are not too expensive and can save you a lot of headaches down the road.


The IRS and Social Security will NOT call you and ask for your social security number!! Do NOT give this number out to ANYONE over the phone!!! Do NOT give your bank information out to ANYONE over the telephone. There shouldn’t be anyone calling you and asking for any kind of personal information whatsoever. Do NOT give out this information!!


You may be like me or a million other people and play sweepstakes or lotto online, but if you get an email or phone call saying you won but have you pay them so much money to claim your winnings, DON’T pay it!! This is a scam!!! Once they have your information, they will take all the money you have and not only did you not win the lotto, you also lost every penny you worked so hard for.


Should you need to hire someone to do work for you, check their references and NEVER pay them in advance! Also, pay them with a check if possible. If you must pay with cash, make sure you get a receipt and make sure the receipt has what the money was for and any terms and conditions.

NEVER sign any agreement you don’t understand, feel pressured into, or are uncomfortable with. It’s okay to say no and request to have someone else read and explain the document to you. If the person asking you to sign the document isn’t agreeable to this, it is more than likely a scam. Trust your instincts, if it doesn’t feel right, don’t do it.



Lastly, if you feel you have been exploited, or feel someone is trying to take control of your money, please reach out to Adult Protective Services. You can file a complaint online at myflfamilies.com/services/abuse/adult-protective-services or call them at 1-800-962-2873, option 2.

An elderly woman is talking on a cell phone while looking out of a window.

The Heart of Guidance: The Role of a Senior Advisor in Elder Care

By Donna Nichols • September 5, 2025
In a world that often moves too fast, senior advisors offer something rare and essential: time, understanding, and a steady hand. Unlike their counterparts in the business world, senior advisors in elder care aren’t focused on profit margins—they’re focused on people. Who They Are Senior advisors in this space are often seasoned professionals, caregivers, or community advocates who help older adults and their families navigate complex decisions. They may work in senior living communities, nonprofit organizations, healthcare systems, or independently. What They Do • Guide families through transitions: Whether it's choosing assisted living or downsizing a home, senior advisors help make sense of it all. • Advocate for dignity and autonomy: They ensure that older adults’ voices are heard and respected in every decision. • Connect to resources: From transportation and wellness programs to Alzheimer’s and grief support, they know where to turn. • Offer emotional support: Sometimes, the most valuable thing they offer is a listening ear and a calming presence. Why It Matters A senior advisor isn’t just a resource—they’re a lifeline. They help families breathe easier, empower older adults to make informed choices, and bring compassion into moments that can feel overwhelming. If you’re reading this and thinking, “That sounds like me,” you’re not alone. Many of us play this role informally, answering questions, calming nerves, and connecting dots. Whether you’re a professional advisor or a trusted neighbor, your presence makes a difference.  If you or someone you love is facing a big decision and could use a calm, caring guide—we’re here. No pressure, no jargon, just real people ready to help. Call us today on 386-847-2322 to start the conversation. Sometimes, the first step is simply knowing you’re not alone.

Grandparents Day: A Celebration of Heart, Humor & Heritage

By Donna Nichols • September 4, 2025
September brings a quiet kind of magic—the golden light, the hint of fall in the air, and a moment to honor the everyday heroes who’ve shaped our lives with love, laughter, and legendary stories: our grandparents. Whether you’re a grandparent yourself, a grateful grandchild, or someone who’s been “adopted” by a wise elder in your life, Grandparents Day is a chance to pause and celebrate the beautiful bridge between generations. What Makes Grandparents So Grand? • They’re walking history books—with tales of jukeboxes, moon landings, and the original recipe for Sunday gravy. • They’re master cheerleaders, showing up with hugs, cookies, and the kind of encouragement that sticks for life. • They’re wisdom whisperers, offering advice that somehow makes more sense with each passing year. And let’s be honest: they also have the uncanny ability to make you feel like the most important person in the room. A Legacy of Love Grandparents teach us that love doesn’t have to be loud to be lasting. It’s in the quiet gestures: the handwritten birthday card, the saved newspaper clipping, the way they remember your favorite snack or ask about that thing you mentioned weeks ago. They remind us that resilience is built over time—through hard work, humor, and a whole lot of heart. Their stories carry lessons we didn’t know we needed until we suddenly find ourselves living them. And for those who’ve lost a grandparent, this day can be bittersweet. But it’s also a chance to honor their memory—by sharing their stories, cooking their favorite dish, or simply whispering a thank-you into the September breeze. Celebrate with Us: A Little Fun for the Big Day This Grandparents Day, we invite you to: • Share a memory: What’s one moment with a grandparent that still makes you smile? • Send a shoutout: Post a photo or quote from your favorite grandparent on social media and tag us.

Honoring Our Elders: National Senior Citizens Day

By Donna Nichols • August 14, 2025
On August 21, we pause to celebrate the heartbeat of our communities—our senior citizens. This day isn’t just about marking a date on the calendar. It’s about recognizing the wisdom, resilience, and warmth that older adults bring to every conversation, every gathering, and every generation. Wisdom That Lights the Way From stories of first jobs and family traditions to lessons learned through love and loss, seniors carry a lifetime of insight. Their experiences are more than memories—they’re guideposts for those still finding their way. Today, we honor those stories and the voices behind them. Connection That Matters Whether it’s a neighborly wave, a shared recipe, or a quiet moment on the porch, seniors remind us that connection doesn’t need fanfare—it just needs heart. National Senior Citizens Day is a chance to say, “We see you. We value you. We’re better because of you.” Ways to Celebrate Host a storytelling circle or memory-sharing event Share a favorite photo and the story behind it Create a “Senior Spotlight” wall with quotes and wisdom Invite younger generations to learn a skill from a senior (gardening, baking, crafting) Spend time—listen, laugh, and learn A Day of Gratitude Let’s make August 21 a day of genuine appreciation. Whether you’re a senior yourself or someone lucky enough to know and love one, take a moment to reflect on the richness they bring to our lives. Their legacy is living, breathing, and beautifully unfolding every day.  This is a day to be celebrated every day! Senior citizens bring so much fulfillment to our lives, and we need to embrace the moments we spend with them, for they are precious.