In this episode of In Clear Terms with AARP California, host Dr. Thyonne Gordon speaks with Rachel Tate, Vice President of Ombudsman Services at WISE & Healthy Aging. They explore the critical role of Long-Term Care Ombudsmen in California. Rachel explains what ombudsmen do, how they advocate for quality facility care and residents’ rights, and the types of concerns they handle — from neglect and medical care issues to something as simple as boring activities. They also discuss what happens during natural disasters like fires and floods, and how ombudsmen help to ensure safety before, during, and after emergencies. This conversation offers an eye-opening look into a topic that touches many Californians and their loved ones.

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• Twitter @AARPCA
• Facebook @aarpcalifornia
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Additional Resources:

• Find your state’s Ombudsman office: aarp.org/findombudsman
• Wise & Healthy Aging Ombudsman Services: https://wiseombudsman.org/

Presented by AARP California

www.AARP.org/CA

In this episode of In Clear Terms with AARP California, host Dr. Thyonne Gordon speaks with Kathy Stokes, Director of Fraud Prevention Programs at AARP, about the increasing risk of scams following disasters. They discuss why fraud spikes after major events, how scammers exploit disaster victims, and what you can do to stay safe. Kathy shares insights from her work at AARP’s Fraud Watch Network, covering everything from FEMA impersonation scams to fraudulent contractors, price gouging, fake charities, and rental fraud. She also provides key tips on how to spot, avoid, and report disaster-related scams, as well as resources from AARP to help victims. If you want to protect yourself and your loved ones from post-disaster fraud, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

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• Twitter @AARPCA
• Facebook @aarpcalifornia
• Instagram @aarpca

Additional Resources:

• AARP Fraud Watch Network: www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork
• How to Avoid Disaster Relief Scams: https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/info-2019/disaster.html
• Report Fraud to AARP’s Helpline: Call 877-908-3360 (8 AM – 8 PM ET, Monday – Friday)
• FEMA Scam Reporting: www.fema.gov

Presented by AARP California

www.AARP.org/CA

On this episode of In Clear Terms with AARP California, host Dr. Thyonne Gordon sits down with Dr. Nina Weiler-Harwell, Associate Director of Advocacy and Community Engagement for AARP California, and Dr. Donna Benton, Research Associate Professor of Gerontology at USC and Director of the USC Family Caregiver Support Center. They discuss the evolving landscape of caregiving, the challenges faced by family caregivers, and the resources available to support them. The conversation also highlights the broader societal impact of caregiving and what it means for the future of long-term care. Listen in for another informative episode of In Clear Terms with AARP California.

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• Twitter @AARPCA
• Facebook @aarpcalifornia
• Instagram @aarpca

Additional Resources:

• Access AARP Caregiving Resources: www.aarp.org/caregiving
• Explore the AARP Prepare to Care Guide: https://www.aarp.org/caregiving/prepare-to-care-planning-guide
• Find Support at Caregiver Resource Centers in California: https://www.caregivercalifornia.org
• Share Your Caregiving Story: caaarp@aarp.org
• Learn about Tomorrow’s Caregiving Today: www.aarp.org/RealTalk
• Find out about free webinars and in-person workshops that are dedicated to the needs of family caregivers, as well as to find events nearest to you: aarp.org/local
• Contact the AARP Family Caregiving Resource Line:
  • English: 1-888-333-5885
  • Spanish: 1-888-971-2013

Presented by AARP California

www.AARP.org/CA