Fraud is illegal!

Matt Queen
Communications Manager

Did you know that one-third of all elder abuse cases involve financial fraud from family members, friends, and caregivers?

Did you also know that most fraud cases go unreported?

Anybody can be a victim of caregiver fraud.  It happens across age, gender, and socioeconomic lines.  Still, fraud is often under-reported.  Why?

• Victims have close ties to the offender(s) and are protective.
• Victims think they are partially to blame.
• Victims can feel ashamed.

Throughout January, iLIFE is highlighting fraud identification and prevention. 

Educating consumers about fraud encourages participants to speak up when taken advantage of.  Knowing the criminal penalties for fraud can also discourage caregivers from abusing their employers.

As a financial management services provider, preventing fraud and protecting consumers is our priority.  Talk about fraud with the people you serve.  Starting the conversation will protect participants, strengthen your services, and maintain the integrity of long-term care programs.

Check out the iLIFE LinkedIn page for an info-graphic we share with consumers to introduce and define fraud.

2015: The Promise of Person-Centered Planning

Gerianne Prom

VP, Long Term Care Services

Throughout 2014, we saw increasing attention to the person-centered planning and self-direction requirements of the Affordable Care Act.  HCBS programs received guidance documents from a number of sources.  For many programs, these documents validated and further inspired the person-centered approaches already at the heart of their programs.  For others, they served as a wake-up call to let go of former practices and evolve their thinking and methodology.

As we enter 2015, we have an opportunity within our organizations and communities to build on the promise of person-centered approaches.  To make it possible for persons with disabilities to make real their meaningful life in their community.  To foster the realization of human potential.

The beginning of the year is an excellent time to recommit as professionals, as organizations, and as leaders to examine and evolve our best practices.  Some of the questions I’m asking to prepare for the year ahead are:

• What can we do to further the culture of partnership, respect, and trust we build with the people we serve and the people important to them?
• Are our practices empowering person-driven plans?
• What are the staff development needs?
• What are the mentoring and coaching opportunities?
• What can we do to further community building and engagement?
• What can we do to eliminate disparities?

The new year is a time for fresh inspiration and renewed commitment.  What are you looking forward to?  

Connect with me via email and through LinkedIn. Follow iLIFE on Twitter for the latest updates on healthcare news.