Category: News

Older adults are losing billions to scammers, and the people behind the fraud know how to gain their trust. According to the National Council on Aging, adults 60 years and older reported losses exceeding $7.7 billion in 2025. Why do bad actors target older adults? Those in this demographic are more likely to own homes, have retirement funds and hold their savings in bank accounts. Many also grew up in an era that emphasized trust, respect and politeness—making them more inclined to engage with people who sound legitimate or authoritative.

To help you spot the warning signs, Carroll Lutheran Village, a Life Plan Community in Westminster, Maryland, has put together seven tips to help protect your finances and keep your personal information private.

 

1. Know what’s out there

A good first step in fighting fraud aimed at older adults is to understand the most common tricks scammers have up their sleeves.

Government imposters: Fraudsters pose as IRS, Social Security or Medicare representatives, threatening arrest or canceled benefits to pressure you into sending wire transfers or gift card payments.

Tech support fraud: Fake pop-ups or phone calls ask for large payments or remote access to your computer to fix non-existent problems.

Family scams: Criminals pose as a grandchild or other loved one experiencing a medical or legal crisis. Some use AI voice cloning to mimic their actual voice.

Investment schemes: High-pressure pitches, often tied to cryptocurrency, promise risk-free, guaranteed returns.

Charitable scams: Con artists seek donations for fake charities or impersonate legitimate organizations, pocketing money intended to help others.

 

2. Watch what you click

Text or email links—even those that look official—can be used for phishing, a tactic cybercriminals use to trick you into sharing passwords, credit card numbers or other sensitive information. If the message is from a company you do business with, log into your account through its website and see if it appears on your account page. It also never hurts to call the customer service number on the website—or if it’s a credit or debit card, the number on the back of your card—and ask about the message in question.

Here’s another helpful strategy many people aren’t aware of: Before clicking a link in any email or advertisement, hover your mouse over it to see if it’s a true URL. If the URL doesn’t match the expected destination, do not click. Avoid clicking random pop-up ads, too, because they can download malware, spyware or other malicious programs onto your device.

 

3. Know how to spot fake websites

Low-quality visuals, sloppy layouts and the absence of a physical address are warning signs to leave the site. Another tip-off: deals that sound too good to be true. Scammers often create fake online stores offering incredible deals, then run ads for them on social media. Once you’re there, these sites either steal your payment information or trick you into buying fake products. Keep in mind, too, that official sites usually end in .gov or .edu, so if you land on a site with an address like IRS.com or IRS.org, it’s best to leave quickly.

 

4. Don’t overshare on social media

Posting details like names, birthdays and anniversaries on social media can make you an easier mark for scams targeting older adults. For example, if a fraudster sees a Facebook post about your grandson Joseph’s high school graduation, they might call you pretending to be “Joseph,” and claim they’ve been arrested or in a car accident and need emergency cash. Tip: When in doubt, confirm the story by calling your grandchild or another family member, or consider having a code word that only you and your grandkids know.

 

It’s also wise to never publish or share your phone number or email address on social media because this information can be used for identity theft or phishing. Most social media platforms also offer privacy settings that can help you protect your contact information.

 

5. Hang up on unsolicited phone calls

As an older adult, you likely came of age when politeness was considered an important virtue. Unfortunately, scammers can use that natural inclination toward courtesy against you during unsolicited phone calls. Today’s scammers use technology to record your voice—particularly the word “yes”—and use it to make purchases in your name. Fake charities also make frequent unsolicited phone calls to older adults, and many of these dubious groups have names that sound like legitimate organizations. If you want to give to a charity close to your heart, your safest strategy is to call them yourself or visit their website.

But what if they claim to be from a “government” organization? It’s likely they aren’t. Agencies like the IRS generally contact you first by mail rather than an unexpected phone call or email, so ignore any threats about arrests or fines and hang up.

 

6. Practice good password hygiene

Strong passwords for online shopping or financial transactions are one of your best weapons against scams targeting older adults. As a rule of thumb, the most robust passwords are 12 to 16 characters long and use a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers and symbols. Avoid using personal information like birthdays or addresses, common words or predictable patterns like “1-2-3-4.” Pro tip: Use a password manager app to safely store your login credentials from multiple sites—and automatically fill them in.

 

7. Act quickly if you think you’ve been targeted

If, despite all your precautions, you experience a scam, don’t be too hard on yourself—it happens to many people. Instead, turn your frustration into action. First, stop all contact with the scammer, report the fraud to your financial institutions and change the passwords for any compromised accounts. Then, report the incident to law enforcement and government agencies like the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to help prevent others from being scammed. 

Find security and independence at our Westminster, MD Life Plan Community

At Carroll Lutheran Village, we’ve built a community where security, independence, social connection and whole-person wellness come together in a place that feels like home—and where folks look out for one another.

Download our Senior Living Options Guide to find the perfect fit for your next chapter. To learn more about our beautiful 100-acre campus, call 410-453-1655.

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As people look ahead to their future, many think about what matters most in the years ahead. For some, that means spending less time on household chores and home maintenance. For others, it means having more time for friends, family, hobbies and travel. Many also value the peace of mind that comes from having a plan in place for the future.  

As a result, more people are pursuing Life Plan Communities, also known as Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs), because they support a variety of lifestyles and goals. If you’re exploring your options, these five common questions can help you better understand the benefits of Life Plan Communities and why they’re a popular choice.

1. How do Life Plan Communities work?

From a lifestyle perspective, Life Plan Communities are designed to help residents make the most of each day. With maintenance-free living, residents can spend less time managing chores and more time pursuing the things they enjoy—whether that’s trying a new hobby, joining a club, volunteering or simply prioritizing their well-being with self-care. Each day brings new opportunities to have fun, learn, grow and enjoy life on their terms. 

To make everyday living even easier, many communities offer convenient amenities and services. This could mean restaurant-style dining and snacks whenever you want them, transportation to doctor’s appointments, regular housekeeping and never having to touch a snow shovel or lawn mower again. 

If residents’ health needs change over time, they can also remain in the community they call home, surrounded by friends and familiar faces while receiving the care they need. 

Life Plan Communities combine independent living, with access to higher levels of care that may include, assisted living, short-term stays, memory care, rehabilitation and long-term care. Since all levels of care are available on one campus, Life Plan Communities eliminate the stress of relocating as needs change, which is something other communities can’t always guarantee. 

2. Why are more people choosing Life Plan Communities?

Life Plan Communities have become popular because they empower older adults to continue learning, building relationships and living with confidence. But what does that mean?  

It means there’s more opportunities to do what you love. Residents can enjoy social events, fitness classes, educational programs, clubs, volunteer opportunities and shared experiences with neighbors who are in a similar stage of life. For many, the sense of community and belonging is just as valuable as the services and amenities. 

Many communities also offer everyday conveniences right on campus. While amenities vary by community, many feature beauty salons and barber shops, banks, convenience stores, libraries and nail salons, making it easier to take care of errands or appointments close to home.  

Life Plan Communities also provide the freedom of knowing you won’t have to move if your care needs change, because support is available on site.

3. What are the biggest misconceptions about Life Plan Communities?

There are a few common myths people tend to hear. Let’s break down what’s often misunderstood and what’s true. 

False. People only move to a Life Plan Community when they need care.  

True. Many older adults move to Life Plan Communities when they’re independent because they want to enjoy the lifestyle, amenities and sense of community it offers. 

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False. Moving to a Life Plan Community means giving up your independence.  

True. Many older adults feel they have more independence. With no longer having to deal with home maintenance chores and future care planning, they gain more freedom to spend their time however they choose. 

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False. Life Plan Communities are too expensive and aren’t financially practical.  

True. Life Plan Communities provide more predictable pricing than maintaining a home and all the expenses that come with it. For example, you won’t have to deal with a surprise furnace repair or hot water heater replacement. 

Some residents find they spend less by eliminating the ongoing costs of homeownership. Others appreciate the ability to plan ahead for future health needs with pricing that’s more stable. Additionally, with all the services and amenities they offer, people find Life Plan Communities offer a better value. 

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4. Why does timing matter when choosing a community?

Timing makes a big difference when considering communities, as planning ahead allows more time to research the communities and the lifestyles. 

After finding the right fit, residents settle in, decorate their home, make new friends at their own pace and take part in meaningful community activities from the start. Many appreciate having the time to truly feel connected and involved in daily life. Flexibility, options and time are all possible when planning ahead. 

Plus, moving to a Life Plan Community before a major health change or unexpected life event allows for a more relaxed process. Rather than planning under pressure, older adults and their families can take the time to compare communities and find the perfect match.

5. Is a Life Plan Community right for you?

A Life Plan Community may be a good fit if you’re looking for more freedom to focus on what you enjoy most, the convenience of amenities and future care options all in one place, as well as the peace of mind that comes from being prepared for the future. 

If you’re exploring senior living in Westminster, Maryland, or simply want to learn more about Life Plan Communities, our team at Carroll Lutheran Village is here to help. We’d be happy to answer your questions, discuss your goals and share what our Life Plan Community is really like. Give our friendly team a call at 410-453-1655 to learn more now! 

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For many older adults, downsizing and moving from a long-time family home can be emotional. Judy Tyree and George Smith are both residents at Carroll Lutheran Village, each with their own downsizing journey. Tyree and her husband lived in their home for 44 years, and Smith and his wife for 35 years. Both couples faced the daunting task of sorting through decades of belongings, deciding what to keep, donate, sell or discard.

The Emotional Side of Downsizing and Moving

“None of our children wanted any of our belongings,” Tyree stated. Smith had a similar sentiment, reflecting a common reality today: most adult children prefer not to take on their parents’ furniture, china or sentimental items.
For many older adults, downsizing is not just about simplifying—it’s about letting go of a lifetime of memories. This makes downsizing and moving both a logistical and deeply emotional process.

Tyree experienced this more than once. After initially downsizing and moving into a home at CLV with her husband, she later faced another life transition after her husband passed away. She made the decision to downsize again—this time moving from her home to an apartment at CLV.

How Professional Movers Simplify Downsizing and Moving

Recognizing these challenges, CLV partners with downsizing and moving companies for older adults. Tyree, Smith and their spouses chose to handle the sorting and decision-making themselves, relying on professional movers for the heavy lifting—and it made all the difference.

When Tyree and her husband moved to CLV, she chose to use the full packing and unpacking services offered by one of CLV’s trusted moving partners.
“The movers packed up my home, moved everything to my new apartment and unpacked it all. I just sat and watched as they put everything away,” said Tyree.

Smith used a different moving partner but had a similar experience. He said, “It was a wonderful experience having the movers pack and unpack everything.”
These specialized moving services do more than transport belongings, they help make downsizing and moving seamless from start to finish.

Creating a Comfortable New Home After Downsizing

Before moving day, the teams worked with Tyree and Smith to create detailed floor plans, ensuring every piece of furniture had a “home.” On move-in day, everything was thoughtfully arranged. Boxes were unpacked, silverware placed in drawers, clothes hung in closets and furniture set up exactly as planned.

Whether you’re downsizing and moving to a CLV home or apartment, professional movers can help you settle in quickly, so your new space feels comfortable and familiar from day one. Explore our floor plans to see how your new home can be arranged.

Start Your Downsizing and Moving Journey with Confidence

Downsizing and moving don’t have to feel overwhelming, especially when you have the right tools and support. Start with our helpful downsizing checklist to stay organized, then let CLV’s trusted moving partners handle the details with expertise and care, so you can feel excited about your next chapter

Speak with one of our advisors to learn more about CLV. Call 410-453-1655.

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New Executive Director Leads Carroll Lutheran Village

Carroll Lutheran Village recently welcomed Renee Garvin as its new executive director. Bringing a wealth of experience and a passion for senior living, Garvin leads more than 300 team members dedicated to enhancing our residents’ vibrant and fulfilling lifestyles. Guided by our mission, vision and values, she brings fresh experiences to residents while upholding the exceptional service that makes CLV feel like home. Her leadership will foster growth and innovation for residents and team members.

Garvin’s strong background in senior living includes a bachelor and master’s degree in business administration and a second master’s degree in public health. With 30 years as a leader in the senior living and health care industry, Garvin demonstrates an ability to deliver consistent high-quality results. Her accomplishments include:

• Achieving high resident and employee satisfaction
• Growing occupancy from strategic sales and marketing methods
• Demonstrating depth in strategic planning, development, organization growth and community partnership
• Delivering strong and/or continued improvement in financial performance
• Earning a CMS 5-star rating for skilled nursing

“I am honored to join Carroll Lutheran Village. Together, we’ll build on its strong foundation of compassionate service, community and innovation to ensure every resident continues to thrive. I look forward to enhancing the exceptional experiences that make our community special,” stated Garvin.

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27th Annual Golf Tournament to Support Residents in Need

Friday, June 6, Carroll Lutheran Village is hosting its 27th Annual Golf Tournament at the Links at Gettysburg. The event brings together friends, supporters and sponsors for a fun day on the fairways—supporting CLV’s Benevolent Care Fund.

CLV’s Benevolent Care Fund helps ensure residents who have outlived their financial resources continue to live with dignity, comfort and care. The steady rise of long-term care costs, which are projected to increase more than 66% over the next decade, according to Genworth Financial’s Cost of Care Survey 2023, reinforces the importance of benevolent care funds in supporting older adults.

As a non-profit organization, our mission is to ensure residents can remain in their homes, surrounded by the community they cherish, without the stress of having to move due to financial hardship at no fault of their own. “One of the ways we fulfill this mission is by hosting fundraising events like CLV’s Golf Tournament, where sponsorships play a crucial role in supporting our residents,” said Emily McCoy Bish, CLV’s director of philanthropy.

Sponsoring CLV’s golf tournament is more than business promotion—it’s a statement of compassion and community support. Many sponsorship packages include teams of up to 4 golfers – a great team-building opportunity, social media and website recognition, complimentary breakfast and lunch, event swag bags and more.
“When you support CLV’s golf tournament,” said Dave Bollinger, annual golf tournament chair for over two decades, “you are our partner in caring for residents whose finances do not cover the full cost of the services they deserve.”

Thanks to the community’s generosity, the golf tournament has raised more than $1.8 million over the years. This year’s goal is to net $100 thousand—an ambitious goal that builds on the momentum of last year’s event, which surpassed its $90 thousand goal by more than $10 thousand. The continued generosity of sponsors and players helps ensure the Benevolent Care Fund can support more residents in the year ahead.

Now in its 27th year, the tournament continues to grow thanks to the generosity of sponsors—some of whom have stood by CLV’s mission for many years.

“As a sponsor since 2018, Right at Home In-Home Care & Assistance is honored to be part of a great event with such an impactful mission,” said Right at Home Community Relations Director, Lauren Hickey, “It’s a fun day of fellowship with other organizations collaborating for an important charitable cause, and we enjoy it every year!”

To learn more about sponsorships or to donate, visit clvillage.org/golf25 or call CLV’s Director of Philanthropy, Emily McCoy Bish at 443-605-1298.

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Carroll Lutheran Village recently celebrated its 45^th Anniversary with a community-wide event honoring its rich history and included a special recognition for residents and team members who have called CLV their home or workplace for 20 years or more.

 

Founded in 1980, CLV was established as one of Maryland’s first senior living communities, created to meet the long-term care needs of older adults in Carroll County. What began as a small nursing home on 40 acres of farmland has grown into a thriving Life Plan Community to nearly 600 residents.

 

“Carroll Lutheran Village was built on faith and a vision to serve. Forty-five years later, that same mission continues to inspire our team members to create engaging activities and meaningful connections that help our residents live life to the fullest,” said Lutheran Social Ministries of Maryland President and CEO Jeff Branch.

 

The anniversary celebration brought together residents, team members and local partners to reflect on the community’s journey and look forward to the future. The event included a special blessing offered by the Rev. William J. Gohl, Jr., bishop of the Delaware-Maryland Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America, a hand-bell musical performance by CLV’s residents—the Village Ringers, and remarks from CLV and LSMMD’s leadership celebrating the community’s evolution and ongoing mission.

 

“CLV is more than a place to live, it’s a place to belong. This milestone reminds us how far we’ve come and how bright the future continues to be,” shared Renee Garvin, CLV executive director.

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Choosing care for a loved one with dementia can be a journey—searching for what fits, what works and what feels right – similar to Goldilocks, the curious girl who tested every chair, tasted every bowl of porridge and finally found the bed that was just right.

You’ve noticed the signs. Your loved one isn’t thriving at home and despite your best efforts, you can’t patch the gaps that dementia leaves behind. You’ve tried creative solutions and temporary fixes that worked for a while but eventually failed. Whether you’re an adult child, spouse or friend, your loved one’s needs have become more than you can manage. Now, it’s time to find a place that’s just right.

And so, your search begins — you become Goldilocks.

The First Attempt: Independent Living

You step into a beautiful apartment, compare it to your loved one’s current home, and think he/she will like it. Then you remember that your loved one only uses three rooms of his/her house and those are becoming harder to navigate. Your loved one has forgotten how to use the stove or microwave. Food is left untouched in the fridge. While the apartment is lovely, it’s not the right fit for your loved one.

The Next Try: Assisted Living

Next, you consider assisted living. It offers a warm community, engaging activities and thoughtful care. However, by accepting your loved one’s unique needs, you realize your loved one may benefit from a more specialized environment.

The “Just Right” Solution: Memory Care

Finally, you arrive at an assisted living memory care support neighborhood — the option you ignored, thinking it was too soon. You start understanding all the benefits memory care offers, including:

• A safe environment with access to a secured outdoor area, perfect for nature lovers
• Higher staff-to-resident ratio with trained dementia care specialists, providing a higher level of skilled attention to your loved one’s needs
• Daily activities that are tailored to every stage of memory loss to, consistently engaging your loved one

Research shows individuals with dementia thrive in memory care assisted living and are less likely to be admitted into a nursing home’s long-term care.

Finding the right care is about choosing the best place for your loved one to live with dignity, safety and a sense of belonging. Memory care offers that peace of mind — the place that is “just right.”

Discover how Carroll Lutheran Villages’ memory care neighborhood may be “just right” for your loved one.

About the Author

Dr. Cate McCarty has decades of experience in dementia care with a master’s degree in thanatology and a Ph.D. in aging studies.

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