The distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine is undoubtedly exciting, but like many, you could also have a bit of confusion. Exactly which vaccines have been approved? How do you qualify and sign-up? Does it cost money? What should you expect after? In this article, we’ll take a look at the commonly asked questions older adults and their family caregivers might have and point you to trusted resources. |
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Top Frauds of 2020
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) releases an annual report on the top reported frauds of the year. Even with a pandemic and economic crisis, scammers were still busy in 2020:
- Top fraud- Imposter scams. Scammers calling, texting, emailing pretending to be a government official, offering fake COVID information or treatment, or promoting assistance with the stimulus checks. The FTC received nearly 500,000 reports with a total loss of $1.2 billion, averaging an $850 loss.
- Online shopping- second most reported. With the pandemic, online shopping traffic increased which provided an opportunity for scammers to prey on consumers. Scammers posed as online sellers who would receive your personal information and never send the package you were promised. The FTC received more than 350,000 reports, losing a total of $245 million with an average of $100 loss.
- Phone scams- top way for scammers to contact victims. There has been an increase in text scams related to the pandemic asking you to click a link promising assistance with stimulus relief, small business loans, or fake package delivery updates.
If you believe you’ve been a victim of a scam, report it to the Federal Trade Commission at www.ReportFraud.ftc.gov. For more information on scams and other elder abuse topics, visit www.ProtectKentSeniors.org
or call 616-456-5664.
Source: The top frauds of 2020 | FTC Consumer Information
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Save the Date: Upcoming Events
Virtual Webinar: AAAWM Overview
Thursday, February 25, 2021 | 10:00 am via Zoom
See the flyer here!
Virtual CRN Diversity Academy: March Series
Implicit Bias Training
Wednesday, March 3rd | 2:00 - 3:00 pm via Zoom
COVID-19 Long Haulers
Tuesday, March 9th | 2:00 - 3:00 pm via Zoom
COVID's Disproportionate Effect on People of Color
Tuesday, March 16th | 2:00 - 3:00 pm via Zoom
See the flyer here!
Virtual Advocates for Senior Issues Meeting
Friday, March 19, 2021 | 10:00 am via Zoom
Learn more!
Dementia Friends Virtual Session
Thursday, March 25, 2021 | 10:30 am - 12 pm via Zoom
See flyer for upcoming sessions
Virtual Family Caregiver Support Group
Tuesdays | 10:00 - 11:00 am via Zoom
See the flyer here!
Registration required for all virtual FCU classes:
Email: registration@aaawm.org or call: 616-222-7032
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During a typical year, the Kent County Senior Millage serves over 23,000 clients, and halting vital services for older adults and their caregivers was simply not an option, especially as new challenges arose for individuals due to COVID-19 precautions. KCSM partners rose to meet this need, coming up with creative ways to safely continue and expand their programming. Below we’ll hear from two Kent County Senior Millage Partners, the Alzheimer’s Association Michigan Chapter, and Spectrum Health Visiting Nurse Association’s Friendly Visitor program. Each shares the support that they have been able to continue to provide through the COVID-19 pandemic and how it has made all the difference.
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