Archive for March, 2011

Spring Cleaning….Your Files
Amy Praskac, Professional Organizer, On the Record
Do you have papers piled high on your bookshelves, crammed in your desk drawers, and squashed in your file cabinet? Wouldn’t it be nice to let some fresh air into those spaces?

Spring is an ideal time to clean out your files. You’re already dealing with paperwork to file your tax return. Just keep going. Here are a few guidelines to help you decide what to keep and what you can let go.

Keep monthly or quarterly statements until you receive the year-end statement. Verify the year-end statement is correct and then shred earlier statements. This also applies to paystubs.

Keep tax-related documents for three years. The IRS has three years to audit your return. There are exceptions such as failure to report income and filing a fraudulent return. You need to retain property records that document the basis for computing gain or loss until three years after you dispose of the property and file a tax return on that income (or loss). See IRS Publication 552 for details (Rev. January 2011).

Keep warranties until they expire or you no longer own the appliance. Keep manuals for as long as you own the appliance. This may seem obvious, but when is the last time you purged your file? Many people get rid of the appliance, but forget to get rid of the warranty and manual.

Keep important documents in a safe deposit box. Important documents include birth certificates, marriage certificates, divorce papers, automobile titles, property deeds, military discharge papers, and partnership papers. Keep a list of documents and photocopies at home in case you need the information. It is vital that the safe deposit box be titled in more than one name so that you have access.

Safe disposal of documents: Shred any documents that have your personal information. This is to protect yourself against identity theft. Use a cross-cut shredder for maximum safety. Remember to oil the shredder monthly.

Neglect, financial exploitation and healthcare fraud are important issues that family members of frail seniors should keep an eye on. Seniors may exhibit signs and symptoms of these problems in the same way they would with other types of abuse.

Neglect is a passive form of abuse, wherein the perpetrator fails to provide adequate care to meet the victim’s needs, resulting in harmful or potentially harmful situations. Some signs that an elderly loved one may be experiencing neglect include:
 Unusual weight loss, malnutrition, or dehydration
 Untreated physical problems
 Unsanitary living conditions
 Being left dirty or unbathed
 Unsuitable clothing for the weather
 Unsafe living conditions (ex. no heat or running water, fire hazards, etc.)
 Desertion of the senior in a public place

Financial Exploitation is the improper use of an elder’s funds or assets. This type of abuse may go unnoticed by seniors who do not manage their own funds, so it is extremely important for family members to look out for the following warning signs:
Significant withdrawals from the senior’s accounts
Sudden changes in the senior’s financial condition
Items or cash missing from the home
Suspicious changes in wills, power of attorney, titles and policies
Unpaid bills
Financial activity the senior couldn’t have done (ex. ATM withdrawals when the account holder is bedridden)
Unnecessary services, goods or subscriptions

Healthcare Fraud or Abuse occurs when individuals or institutions target elderly individuals in an attempt to sell illegitimate healthcare treatments or products. Be on the lookout for the following signs that your loved ones may be the victim of healthcare fraud or abuse:
 Multiple billings for the same medical service or device
 Evidence of over- or under-medication
 Evidence of inadequate care when bills have been paid in full
 Problems with the healthcare facility (ex. poorly trained or insufficient staff, crowding, inadequate responses to questions about care)

It is imperative that family members visit their elderly loved ones as often as possible and communicate with their care providers on a regular basis. Be vigilant and address any suspicions about elder abuse immediately. At Practical Care Continuum in Austin, we know that safety and security are primary to a good in-home care situation. Call us today at 512.380.9339 to schedule in-home care you can trust.

For more resources check out our “Monthly Survival Kit”