Globe Syndicate

For release Friday September 24, 2004

The Sandwich Generation . . . Helping Your Aging Parents

by Carol Abaya, M.A.

ON-LINE BANK THEFT SOARS

Several weeks ago, I wrote that on-line banking is risky, especially for seniors, because hackers can and do steal your money.

A recent NBC story, pointing out “the perils of on-line banking,” went much further. In the past couple of years, on-line bank theft is up 150%. It is the fastest growing consumer fraud. More than 4.5 million people have had money illegally taken out of their bank accounts. The loses amount to $2.4 BILLION.

Thieves often get bank account information by e-mailing people at random. The message may say there is a problem with the account and the bank needs certain verification. The message asks you to fill in key information, which usually includes your account number and social security number.

While it appears that the message is from the bank, rest assure, IT IS NOT. Banks NEVER correspond with customers via e-mail. So NEVER give out any personal or bank information on-line, recommends NBC. I agree wholeheartedly.

A more recent TV segment showed how hackers can get into your computer in 50 to 80 seconds. Yes, you read correctly -- 50 seconds.

I don’t think I need to say anything more about why I am against on-line banking. This also applies to having dividend checks directly deposited into your bank account. It means that your bank account number is “out there” in a number of places conducive to hacking activities. On-line banking and direct deposits are just too risky, and for seniors can be financially deadly.

Question: My mother, 85, was in the hospital for five weeks with various problems and infections. The bill was $42,000. She could have gone to a first class resort for less than this. How can I fight this outrageous amount?

Answer: According to AARP, 3 out of every 4 hospital bills include overcharges that average $1,000. Reason: you are charged for supplies and services never provided. AARP says that bills are calculated from a block of medical supplies, drugs and services predetermined to be necessary for that procedure or treatment. This also applies to tests, that may not have really been given.

While being in the hospital is traumatic, someone in the family should try to keep track of what tests are given, what drugs are given, and what supplies are used. A notebook should be kept in the drawer next to the bed.

Also, ask the hospital for an itemized list of all services for each day your mother was in the hospital. This line-item listing must be provided to you if you request it. It will allow you to review everything while the visit is still fresh in your mind.

FROM AARP: Advice: Bring your own drugs to the hospital. AARP says that “hospitals are notorious for charging outrageous fees for routine medical items, prescription and OTC medications.” Hospitals, it says, charge as much as four times what you would pay at your own drugstore.

Are you juggling doing errands for your aging parents, your children, yourself and working at the same time? Are you tired, stressed out and upset that your once vibrant parent is now frail and needy?

Do you feel alone? Rest assured you are not alone! The Sandwich Generation is dedicated to the 50 million Americans who may have elder/parent care concerns and/or responsibilities.

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Do you have a question? Send it in. Although letters cannot be answered individually, appropriate letters will be answered in this column whenever possible. Letters may be edited. Send letters to Ms. Carol Abaya, mail direct to her at PO Box 132, Wickatunk, NJ 07765-0132 or contact her through her web site: thesandwichgeneration.com.

Carol Abaya is an international-award-winning journalist and creator of the unique magazine The Sandwich Generation: You & Your Aging Parents.

NOTES TO EDITORS: text = 500 words; other material = 160 words

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