Mountain Views News, Combined Edition Saturday, January 21, 2023

12 Mountain View News Saturday, January 21, 2023 12 Mountain View News Saturday, January 21, 2023 
ASSISTED LIVING OR NURSING HOME? 

There are many myths about Assisted Living being like 
Nursing Homes. This is not true at all. Nursing facilities 
are for those with chronic health issues who require care 
around the clock from medical professionals. 

In Assisted Living, one will get the support as needed, 
such as getting help with showering, grooming, and 
dressing. Again, these services are based on the seniors 
needs. 

There are many reasons in working with us. At Safe Path 
for Seniors, we will assess the senior and depending on their care needs and budget, make recommendations. 
For example, we may suggest that the right fit is a Board and Care Home (normally a 6-bedroom house) as 
opposed to an Assisted Living Community or a Memory Support Facility. You will work with an experienced 
agent who 
knows the industry well and will give you recommendations. The good news is that there is no cost for this 
service. 


If you have any questions about placing a loved one, visit www.safepathforseniors.com or call Steve at 
626-999-6913 

TOP FINANCIAL SCAMS TARGETING SENIORS TODAY 


Dear Savvy Senior:
What are the most common scams today that target 
elderly seniors? My 75-year-old mother has been 
swindled several times over the past year, so I’m being 
extra cautious. Paranoid Patty 

Dear Patty:
Great question! While many scams today are universal, 
there are certain types of fraud that specifically 
target older adults or affects them disproportionately. 
And unfortunately, these senior targeted 
scams are on the rise. 

According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation 
(FBI), in 2021 there were 92,371 older victims of 
fraud resulting in $1.7 billion in losses. This was a 
74 percent increase in losses compared to 2020. 

Here are five of the most common senior scams 
that were reported last year, that both you and your 
mom should be aware of. 

Government imposter scams: These are fraudulent 
telephone calls from people claiming to be from the 
Internal Revenue Service, Social Security Administration 
or Medicare. These scammers may falsely 
tell you that you have unpaid taxes and threaten arrest 
or deportation if you don’t pay up immediately. 
Or they may say your Social Security or Medicare 
benefits are in danger of being cut off if you don’t 
provide personal identifying information. They 
may even “spoof” your caller ID to make it look like 
the government is actually calling. 

Sweepstakes and lottery scams: These scams may 
contact you by phone, mail or email. They tell you 
that you’ve won or have the potential to win a jackpot. 
But you need to pay a fee, or cover taxes and 
processing fees to receive your prize, perhaps by 
prepaid debit card, wire transfer, money order or 
cash. Scammers may even impersonate well-known 
sweepstakes organizations, like Publishers Clearing 
House, to fool you. 

Robocalls and phone scam: Robocalls take advantage 
of sophisticated, automated phone technologyto carry out a variety of scams on trusting older 
adults who answer the phone. Some robocalls may 
claim that a warranty is expiring on their car or 
electronic device, and payment is needed to renew 
it. These scammers may also “spoof” the number to 
make the call look authentic. 

One common robocall is the “Can you hear me?” 


When it comes to 
estate planning and 
wills, you have a variety 
of options for legal 
documents. The most 
common of these options 
is a “last will and 
testament,” which is 
also known simply as 
a “will.” But you may 
have also heard people 

talk about a “living will” and wonder what that is, 
and whether you need a living will in addition to a 
regular last will and testament.
Both terms describe important legal documents 
used in estate planning, but their purpose and 
function differ significantly. In this article, we will 
review some of the most critical things you need 
to know about living wills and why having a living 
will is essential to every adult’s estate plan. And it 
may be that a living will is even more important 
than a last will and testament. 

What Is a Living Will?
A living will, also called an advance healthcare 
directive, is a legal document that tells your loved 
ones and doctors how you would want your medical 
care handled if you become incapacitated and 
cannot make such decisions yourself, particularly 
at the end of life. Specifically, a living will outlines 
the procedures, medications, and treatments 
you would want and would not want if you cannot 
make such decisions yourself.
For example, within the terms of your living will, 
you can articulate certain decisions, such as if and 
when you would want life support removed should 
you ever require it and whether you would want 
hydration and nutrition supplied to prolong your 
life. 
Beyond instructions about your medical care, a living 
will can even describe what type of food you 
want and who can visit you in the hospital. These 
are critical considerations for your well-being at a 
time of greatest need for you. And if you haven’t 
provided any specific instructions, decisions will 
be made on your behalf that may not be what you 
want. 

Living Will vs. Last Will and Testament 

Upon death, a last will and testament ensure your 
assets are distributed as you choose. Note that your 
last will only deals with your assets and only operates 
upon your death. In contrast, a living will is 
about you, not your assets. And it operates in the 
event of your incapacity, not your death.
In other words, a last will tells others what you 
want to happen to your wealth and property after 
you die, while a living will tells others how you 
want your medical treatment managed while you 
are still alive. And that’s really important for you 
and your care! 

call. When the older person says “yes,” the scammer 
records their voice and hangs up. The criminal 
then has a voice signature to authorize unwanted 
charges on items like stolen credit cards. 

Computer tech support scams: Theses scams prey 
on senior’s lack of knowledge about computers and 
cybersecurity. A pop-up message or blank screen 
usually appears on a computer or phone, telling 
you that your device is compromised and needs 
fixing. When you call the support number for help, 
the scammer may either request remote access to 
your computer and/or that you pay a fee to have it 
repaired. 

Grandparent scam: The grandparent scam has been 
around for several years now. A scammer will call 
and say something along the lines of: “Hi Grandma, 
do you know who this is?” When the unsuspecting 
grandparent guesses the name of the grandchild 
the scammer most sounds like, the scammer has 
established a fake identity. 

The fake grandchild will then ask for money to 
solve some unexpected financial problem (legal 
trouble, overdue rent, car repairs, etc.), to be paid 
via gift cards or money transfers, which don’t always 
require identification to collect. 

Other Scams 

Some other popular scams targeting older adults 
right now are romance scams through social media 
and online dating sites, COVID-19 scams, investment 
scams, Medicare and health insurance scams, 
and Internet and email fraud. 

For more information on the different types senior 
scams to watch out for, along with tips to help your 
mom protect herself, visit the National Council 
on Aging website at NCOA.org, and type in “the 
top 5 financial scams targeting older adults” in the 
search bar. 

Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 
5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org. 
Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show 
and author of “The Savvy Senior” book. 

FAMILY MATTERS

 By Marc Garlett 

WHY EVERY ADULT NEEDS A LIVING WILL 

Living Will vs. Medical Power of Attorney 

Medical power of attorney is the part of an advance 
healthcare directive that allows you to name a person, 
known as your “agent,” to make healthcare decisions 
for you if you are incapacitated and unable 
to make those decisions yourself. 

Simply put, medical power of attorney names those 
who can make medical decisions on your behalf 
in the event of your incapacity, while a living will 
explains how you would want your medical care 
handled during your incapacity. 

Why Having a Living Will Is So Important 

A living will is a vital part of every adult’s estate 
plan, as it can ensure your medical treatment is 
handled exactly the way you want if you cannot 
communicate your needs and wishes. Additionally, 
a living will can prevent your family from undergoing 
needless trauma and conflict during an 
already trying time. 

Without a living will, your family would have to 
guess what treatments you might want – or not 
want, and your loved ones are likely to experience 
stress and guilt over the decisions they make on 
your behalf. In worst cases, your family members 
could even end up battling one another in court 
over who should manage your medical care and 
how. 

Should You Rely on A Living Will Created Online? 

While there is a wide selection of living wills, medical 
power of attorney, and other advance directive 
documents online, you likely want more guidance 
and peace of mind than is available through an on-
line service to support you to address such critical 
decisions adequately. Regarding your medical 
treatment and end-of-life care, you have unique 
needs and wishes that cannot be anticipated or 
adequately addressed by generic documents or 
without the counseling and guidance a trusted attorney 
can provide through your decision-making 
process. 

To ensure your directives are tailored to suit your 
unique situation, work with an experienced estate 
planning professional to support you to create and/
or review your living will. 

To your health, wealth, and family legacy, 

Marc Garlett, Esq.
Cali Law Family Legacy Matterswww.caliLaw.com 
626.355.4000 

SENIOR HAPPENINGS 


HAPPY BIRTHDAY! …JANUARY BIRTHDAYS* 

Gerald Day, Mary Tassop, Judy Webb-Martin, John Johnson, 
Mary Bickel, Marlene Enmark, Shirley Wolf, Ross Kellock, Ruth 
Wolter, Sandy Thistlewaite, Bobbi Rahmanian, Fran Syverson, 
Judy Zaretzka and Becky Evans. * To add your name to this 
distinguished list, please call the paper at 626.355.2737. YEAR of 

birth not required 

DOMINOES TRAIN GAME 

1st & 3rd Wednesdays 11:00 am— 12:30 pm Hart Park House 

The object of the game is for a player to play all the tiles from their hand onto one or 
more trains, emanating from a central hub or “station”. Call Lawren with questions that 
you may have. 

TEA AND TALK BOOK CLUB 

Tuesday, 1/11 & 1/25 9:00 am Hart Park House 

Staff has launched a new book club series, Tea and Talk, which meets twice a month 
to discuss the fun, suspense, intrigue, love and so much more that each selection will 
have in store! 

FIBER FRIENDs 

Tuesday, 1/17 10:00 am Hart Park House 

If you enjoy knitting, crocheting, embroidery, needlepoint, bunka, huck, tatting or 
cross stitch then we have a group for you! Bring your current project, sit and chat 
with like-minded fiber friends. 

HULA AND POLYNESIAN DANCE 

Every Friday 10-10:45 am 

Bring a lei, your flower skirt or just your desire to dance! Hula in the Park is back 
and waiting for you to join in on all the fun! Memorial Park Pavilion. 

CHAIR YOGA 

Every Monday and Wednesday 10-10:45 am 

Please join us for some gentle stretching, yoga, balance exercise and overall relaxation 
with Paul. Classes are ongoing and held in the Memorial Park Covered Pavilion 
or the Hart Park House. 

BINGO 

Thursday, 1/19 Hart Park House 1:00 pm-2:00 pm

Please join in a fun and lively game of BINGO. Several rounds fun will be had with 
prizes for each rounds winner. 


OUT TO PASTOR 

A Weekly Religion Column by Rev. James Snyder 

WHAT WOULD MY LIFE BE WITHOUT A COOKIE? 

This past week was about as crazy as they get. When I think it can't get any 
crazier, somebody hears me and makes it crazier just for me. 

One morning I had to go across town to get some office supplies and other things. I try to ensure 
that when I go, it's for several things, not just one.
The traffic was somewhat crazy. Everybody was driving as though trying to escape some danger 
behind them. I don't like it when the traffic gets like this. I'm not sure why people drive the 
way they drive. 

I must say, one of the craziest drivers seemed to be somewhat religious. He stuck his hand 
out the window and pointed toward heaven. Unfortunately, he got the wrong finger. It's the 
thought that counts. 

Hearing a roaring noise behind me; I looked in my rearview mirror and saw a little red convertible 
zooming up past me, and behind the steering wheel was an older man looking like my 
grandfather. He had the biggest smile as he was roared past me. I guess he was living out his 
teenage years be-fore he died, which could be soon. 

Then there was a motorcycle zinging in and out and crossing the double line several times, and 
he whizzed by me, laughing like he was having the time of his life. 

Carefully driving home to avoid getting hit, I began to think about this. Where do these people 
get their driver's licenses? Perhaps it's an online service, and they don't have to take any driving 
test. So I would like to get a hold of the person that gave them a driver's license, and shake my 
finger in his face. 

Then I asked myself, who in the world sold a vehicle to these people? 

Before I got home, I passed an accident along the way. I guess people don't know that there's a 
consequence in driving like an idiot. So again, where do idiots get driver's licenses? 
The fact that I got home without any accident was a real blessing. 

I was frustrated with all the nonsense on the highways. I come from Pennsylvania, and the 
most traffic is horse and buggy. So what would it be like if all vehicles, both gas and electric, 
were banned in our country and everybody had to drive a horse and buggy?
It ain't ever going to happen, but it was at least worth thinking about, as nervous as I felt at the 
time. 

I finally arrived home, parked my vehicle, and went inside. The Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage 
met me as I walked in and said, "What happened? You look terrible." 

Well, I did look in the mirror that morning, so I did look terrible, but that wasn't what she 
meant. 

I told her about all the crazy drivers I had to deal with driving across town. 

"Who," I said to her most frantically, "gave these people a driver’s license?" 

She looked at me sympathetically and smiled. 

Then I said, "Who in the world sold them a vehicle thinking they could drive?" 

She knew I was frustrated and tense with all of this nonsense on the road. 

It wasn't anything new, but sometimes things have a way of building up. 

I went into the living room, sat in my easy chair, and decided to watch a little TV to calm my 
nerves. I'm not sure what I was watching; I just wanted to take some time and unwind from 
the crazy day I had. 

Then, The Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage brought me a nice hot cup of coffee.
"Here," she said. "Maybe this will calm you down a little." 

I smiled and thanked her because nothing calms me down like a nice hot cup of coffee. Whoever 
invented coffee should get a Nobel Peace Prize. 

I took one sip, and I could feel my nerves starting to unravel. How I love a cup of coffee!
Then, The Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage did something unexpected. She came in and 
brought me some cookies. "Here, these cookies may help you calm down a little more."
She handed me not one but two cookies. This was something that had never happened in my 
life before. 

I sat in my chair, sipped some more coffee, and then gently smelled those cookies. That morning 
my wife was making cookies for somebody, so the kitchen was full of the cookie aroma. 
Walking in, I was so stressed that I did not smell those cookies. 

The aroma of that cookie seemed to fill me with good vibes, like it was 1969.
I took one bite and began slowly and delicately munching on that cookie. Nothing so wonderful 
in all the world as a freshly baked cookie. So I leaned back, closed my eyes, and enjoyed 
that cookie. 

In no time, the first cookie was gone. Then I picked up the second cookie, looked at it with 
admiration, and began nibbling it.
As I was chewing that cookie, I thought to myself, what would life be without cookies?
In a rather relaxed mode, I remembered what the apostle Paul said. “The Lord give mercy 
unto the house of Onesiphorus; for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain” (2 
Timothy 1:16). 

It’s amazing how God sends people into our lives to refresh us when we seem to be under some 
kind of stress. 


Mountain Views News 80 W Sierra Madre Blvd. No. 327 Sierra Madre, Ca. 91024 Office: 626.355.2737 Fax: 626.609.3285 
Email: editor@mtnviewsnews.com Website: www.mtnviewsnews.com