Have a liner handy for safety

DEAR HELOISE >>

When I travel, and

I travel often for work, I always wondered what I'd do if I fell in the shower and was hurt. Would I have to wait until the cleaning crew found me?

My wife solved the problem by recommending that I pack a length of nonskid plastic shelf liner in my suitcase. I dry it off after showering and then either use it again or use it to cushion other items in my bags.

— Victor L., Toledo, Ohio

DEAR HELOISE >> There are many different kinds of scams out there. I still have a good mind and don't think that I would fall for any of these, but who knows what might happen if my mind starts to fail?

Many older people who fall for scams would never have done so a few years back when their mind was in tip-top shape.

Families need to be aware of what their older family members could get involved in. They need to take steps to prevent it, if possible. It might require getting access to their financial documents and reviewing call. them often. Older people may not have access to computers, but many do have a phone and could fall prey to a scam

— Ann in N.C.

DEAR ANN >> I have often warned people both young and old to keep their financial information very private. That means from their family as well as strangers. If someone feels comfortable sharing that information with a son or daughter, it is their prerogative, but there have been too many letters in our office of family members taking advantage of an elderly person, stealing money and valuables, and asking for loans they never intended to pay back.

It's a very fine line when it comes to the question of who we can trust with our financial information. However, I do agree that when you have an elderly person in the family, you need to protect them from scammers. One of the best things you can do is to sit down and have a talk with an elderly person about the various scams. Remind them that they should never wire money to anyone. It's the same as handing someone cash. Never pay any debt with a gift card unless they are shopping at the place where the card is from.

If they get a threatening call or a call from a person who says they are from the IRS, they need to hang up immediately. Explain why they must never give out personal information to strangers. Never make investments when some random caller promises huge returns on their money. Stay in contact and call or visit your family member frequently.

DEAR HELOISE >> Just a reminder — most cities now require a permit to hold a garage sale. My girlfriend and I didn't know this, and we went ahead and had a very successful sale. But it was embarrassing when a police car showed up, shut us down and issued us a fine. If someone isn't sure if they need a permit, they should check with their city.

— Linda and Patty, in California

Write to Heloise at P.O. Box 795001, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000; Fax 210-HELOISE; or email Heloise@Heloise.com.

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