December 1, 1999
FAMILY MATTERS:
Protect the elderly from mail predators
___My father is homebound. Last week, I offered to help organize his closets. One closet was filled with items he has received through the mail from sweepstakes companies. I asked why he had purchased the merchandise, and he said that, if he ordered things, he felt his chances of winning were greater. He admitted he was spending quite a bit of money. He believes he will receive a large sum of money soon. I don't want to make him feel he is foolish, so how can I let him know he will not likely win?
MARY STEPHENS
Vice President
Buckner Retirement Service, Dallas
___Many senior adults are targeted by organizations that prey upon that population.
___The older generation was taught to be polite and accepting. That wonderful trait may make them vulnerable, though. Senior adults may feel that, if someone took the time to write to them, they should read the correspondence.
___Your father may be lonely. In today's e-mail world, we no longer write letters as we once did. Receiving mail, particularly something that is personalized, recognizes the individual and provides a link to another.
___Retirement brings time to participate in these sweepstakes. Many senior adults spend hours on the correspondence each day.
___Concern about finances could lead him to believe this is a way he can increase his net worth.
___Sensitivity to your father in not wanting him to appear foolish is admirable. It is difficult to convince someone involved in sweepstakes he or she is not apt to receive a windfall.
___Including him in the lives of others will reduce his isolation. Encourage relatives to call or write. Visits are important.
___Even if your dad is homebound, perhaps there are some projects you could give to him. What about sending out Christmas cards for both of you? That old adage, "To receive a letter, you must send a letter" does ring true.
___If he is concerned about his finances, compare what he has spent with what he has received from the sweepstakes companies. The numbers could be surprising.
___Work with your father to develop a financial plan. As he looks down the road, he may be concerned about how he will pay for any future care he may require. Investigate resources that may be available to him.
___But above all, remind your father that our Lord takes care of even the sparrows in the field. He certainly will take care of him.
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