Tips from the Federal Trade Commission

How to Spot, Avoid and Report CORONAVIRUS SCAMS

 

Scammers are taking advantage of fears surrounding the Coronavirus. The Federal Trade Commission (ftc.gov/coronavirus) offers these tips to help you fight back.


Treatments & Cures

Ignore online offers for vaccinations and home test kits. If you see ads touting prevention, treatment, or cure claims for the Coronavirus, stop. If there’s a medical breakthrough, you’re not going to hear about it for the first time from an ad or sales pitch. At this time, there also are no FDA-authorized home test kits for the Coronavirus.


Email and Text Scams

Don’t click on links from sources you don’t know. It could download a virus onto your computer or device. Make sure the antimalware and anti-virus software on your computer is up to date.


Robocalls

Hang up on illegal robocallers. Don’t press any numbers. The recording might say that pressing a number will let you speak to a live operator or remove you from their call list, but it might lead to more robocalls, instead.

Government Relief Checks

Expect scammers to take advantage of this. Here’s what you need to know: The government will not ask you to pay anything up front to get this money. The government will not call to ask for your Social Security number, bank account, or credit card number. Anyone who does is a scammer.

Fake Charities

Do your homework when it comes to donations. Use the organizations listed at ftc.gov/charity to help you research charities. If someone wants donations in cash, by gift card, or by wiring money, don’t do it.

Misinformation & Rumors

Before you pass on any messages, do some fact checking by contacting trusted sources. Visit usa.gov/coronavirus for links to federal, state and local government agencies.
Stay informed:

Visit: • ftc.gov/coronavirus • coronavirus.gov • usa.gov/coronavirus

Report suspicious claims or questionable practices to the FTC at ftc.gov/complaint.

Keep up with the latest scams. Sign up for the FTC’s Consumer Alerts at ftc.gov/subscribe.

COVID-19 Crisis: News and Updates from Cedar Lane

Dear Residents and Family Members,

These are times like no other. I want to assure you that we are closely monitoring the ever-changing dynamics of this health crisis and are reevaluating the needs and priorities of our community day by day.

Prolonged periods of self-isolation are not easy. I am deeply grateful to those of you who are following Governor Hogan’s directives to stay home, wash your hands frequently, and practice social distancing when you must go out — all of which greatly reduces your risk of exposure to COVID-19.

Unfortunately, I still see some residents gathering in the common spaces without maintaining the recommended distance of 6 to 10 feet. I implore you to do your part to fight the spread of COVID-19 by staying home and practicing social distancing.

Here are this week’s news items and updates:

  • As of today, there are no known cases of COVID-19 at Cedar Lane. Residents are doing well but miss the comradery.
  • We encourage you to establish a buddy system. Trade phone numbers and call each other frequently to check in, stay in touch and pass the time with conversation.
  • If you are in short supply of food, water or medications, please call the Front Desk to report your personal situation.
  • Remember to clean and sanitize all the frequently touched surfaces of your apartment including your counters, faucets, doorknobs and toilet handle. Do not forget your cell phone and walker handles.
  • This week’s response to the DOA&HS meal program was overwhelming. We are fortunate that our site is one of two County programs still in operation. There is a set number of meals allocated for Cedar Lane and we had 34% more requests than could be accommodated. We apologize for any frustration and disappointment you may have experienced.
  • A Weekend Meal Program is available for $63/month. It includes two boxed meals delivered each Friday, as well as holidays. Contact the Finance Department if you are interested in signing up for this program.
  • The Resident Food Panty is open in the Church Building Reflection Room; we request that you only take items that you can use.
  • Channel 2 is filled with useful information on special senior shopping hours, free prescription delivery and everything you need to know about COVID-19.
  • Channel 67, our in-house movie channel, now features original content including meditation hour and Cedar Lane photos capturing exciting events from the past in addition to movies. Tonya is planning surprise videos and features to share with you on the movie channel in the coming days, so be sure to tune in.
  • Would you like to receive a free daily check-in call? Register for Senior Call Check by calling 1-866-50-CHECK.
  • The STS bus system is now limiting trips to just 10 riders at a time. Revised rules are posted in the Church Building lobby.
  • The postal carrier is now picking up outgoing mail at the Front Desk. If you are unable to drop off your outgoing mail at the Front Desk, please contact the receptionist to make arrangements.
  • In accordance with guidance from the MD Department of Health and Governor Hogan, some Cedar Lane staff members are teleworking. This includes Emma Morris, Kirk Turner, Tonya Tyer, Jennifer Bruckler, Natasha Guy and Bonita Lyles-Barnes. We request your patience with decreased staffing onsite. Your phone calls to Kirk will be forwarded to him. Documents for Emma, including re-certification, are to be placed in a sealed envelope, with Emma’s name clearly marked, and given to the receptionist at the Front Desk.
  • April rent bills will be sent out shortly. Payment is due by Monday, April 6. Please note that the Finance Office will be closed. Residents are to pay their bills using the drop boxes located at the Finance Office or in the lobby of the Church Building. We cannot accept cash. Please do not place cash in the drop box. If you have a question about your bill, please call the main number and ask for the Finance Office. Staff will answer your call if available, or please leave a message and you will receive a call back.

If you have any questions regarding Cedar Lane policies, procedures and the latest response to COVID-19, please contact Wanda Fenwick, Executive Administrative Assistant at 301-475-8966 ext. 24.

As a community, we are better when we work together. With your patience and understanding, we will all come through this difficult challenge stronger than ever. Thank you for being an essential part of Cedar Lane.

 

Sincerely,

Beverly Stickles

President & CEO

 

 

Looking for ways to beat boredom? Get moving – even just a little.


Inactivity can become a habit, especially when we’re all stuck at home. The mental health benefits of exercise are nearly endless. Exercise produces endorphins (the “feel good” hormone) which act as a stress reliever and leave you feeling happy and satisfied. In addition, exercise has been linked to improving sleep, which is especially important for older adults who often suffer from insomnia and disrupted sleep patterns.

Here are six safe and easy exercises for seniors from the helpful blog Nurse Next Door.

https://www.nursenextdoor.com/blog/6-easy-and-safe-exercises-for-seniors/

CSM Nursing Students Visit Cedar Lane Senior Living Community

Cedar Lane Senior Living Community Earns Superior Ranking

A building with green roof and yellow lines on the sidewalk.
A beautiful day at Cedar Lane Senior Living Community, Leonardtown, MD

Cedar Lane Senior Living Community Receives “Superior” Rating on Management and Occupancy Review

Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development gives Cedar Lane its top ranking.

LEONARDTOWN, MD (January 10, 2020) – Based on an extensive Management and Occupancy Review, the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development has recognized Cedar Lane Senior Living Community I with a “Superior” rating, its highest score. 

The Management and Occupancy Review is a mandatory inspection conducted to ensure that multifamily housing programs comply with the guidelines set forth by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development. The comprehensive process includes an advance desk review, an on-site review, customer satisfaction surveys and a follow-up summary report, all designed to identify any operational deficiencies and eliminate fraud, waste and mismanagement.

In the categories of general appearance, follow-up and monitoring of project inspections, maintenance and standard operating procedures, leasing and occupancy, tenant/management relations and general management practices, Cedar Lane received the rating of “Superior.”

“Responsible management is of the utmost importance to us and I am exceedingly proud of the work our team does every day,” said Beverly Stickles, president and chief operating officer of Cedar Lane Senior Living Community. “A superior rating shows our commitment to the people who live here. Our residents can be assured we have their best interests in mind and we’re taking the best path forward to get there.”

About Cedar Lane

Founded in 1977, Cedar Lane Senior Living Community is a collaboration of 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations providing affordable housing and supportive services to residents of Southern Maryland. Cedar Lane serves senior adults (62+) with income-based and market rate housing. In addition, 10% of the resident community is made up of individuals under the age of 62 who are living with a disability.

Situated in the heart of Leonardtown, Maryland, the campus features 195 apartments where residents can live independently while enjoying onsite amenities, optional services and a full calendar of life-enriching activities. For more information, visit www.cedar-lane.org, call 1-301-475-8966 or visit in person at 22680 Cedar Lane Court in Leonardtown, Maryland.