1. Determine if the Coverage Is Necessary

Some scams are actual policies offered at a higher price. The agent wants to get the senior to drop his or her current plan and switch to one that’s more expensive. Many scammers will make promises that are unrealistic in terms of what a policy covers and what’s excluded. This is why your loved one needs to know what type of coverage he or she needs and what’s unnecessary. A detailed proposal can show if your loved one is buying too much coverage.

Seniors can face a variety of challenges as they age, many of which can be mitigated with the help of professional in-home caregivers who provide high-quality senior home care. Trust Assisting Hands Home Care to help your elderly loved one age in place safely and comfortably.

2. Investigate the Insurance Provider

All insurance companies should give current and potential policyholders access to their business information, such as testimonies, reviews, and agent credentials. Explain to your loved one the importance of doing some research before buying a new insurance policy. Teach your parent how to read reviews online and search for licenses through state insurance departments. When it comes to the insurance agent, tell your loved one that if the agent was fired from another insurance company, this is a red flag. Your loved one should understand the importance of investigating the policy, the insurance company, and the agent prior to making a commitment.

Seniors with dementia are especially vulnerable to aggressive tactics used by scammers who target aging adults. Aging in place can present a few challenges for seniors living with dementia. However, they can still live independently at home with the help of professional dementia care. Dana Point families can rely on Assisting Hands Home Care to provide their elderly loved ones with mental and social stimulation, timely medication reminders, assistance with meal prep, and much more. Our caregivers are available around the clock to help your loved one live a happier and healthier life.

3. Review the Documents

Scammers will try to give your loved one a blank or manually completed document to sign. These types of documents are signs of a scam. Always stress to your loved one the importance of reviewing all documents. Encourage your loved one to ask for copies of everything the agent wants him or her to sign as well as copies of the documents detailing the benefits of the policy and the premium amounts. When it pertains to signing documents online, your loved one should never do so without you or another family caregiver present. 

4. Get a Second Opinion

Your loved one shouldn’t sign anything without getting another opinion. As a family caregiver, it’s important that you also get a second opinion before signing a policy for your loved one. This applies to current policies as well. To make sure your loved one isn’t being scammed, you can contact a reputable insurance company, another agent, or a trusted friend who can go over the policy. Ask these individuals if they would recommend upgrading the policy, letting it go, or moving on to another provider. 

Preventing insurance scams is just one way you can help your loved one. Not every senior has the same care needs, which means they don’t all need the same type of homecare services. Dana Point families can rely on Assisting Hands® Dana Point to provide individualized care plans to meet their elderly loved ones’ unique care needs. Our caregivers help seniors focus on healthy lifestyle habits such as eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and maintaining strong social ties, and we offer mentally stimulating activities that can boost cognitive health and delay the onset of dementia. To learn more about our premier in-home care plans, call us at (949) 426-7300 today.