All of us here at Warman Homecare are always on the look out for what we call a “Warman Fuzzy” – something that touches your heart and makes you feel good inside.  This story has got it all – cute baby animals, a daring rescue, and a happy ending!  Check out this recent story and then go to www.warmanfuzzy.com to post your best warm and fuzzy pictures or videos to win an iPod Nano or iPod Touch.

Recently I was helping my 87 year old neighbor and I discovered a bill for $28.10 to a leasing company for…2 telephones.

I called the leasing company to learn that back in January of 1984 when the phone company was regulated out of being a monopoly, customers had the option to purchase their own phones, or keep the phones they were leasing from the phone company.  Many people, in their 60s then, opted “not to fool  with getting a new phone” and kept the ones they had.  The phone company then turned over those leases to other leasing organizations.

So, I learned that my neighbor had been leasing this phone for about 25 years!!!  Doing the math, it worked out to almost $3000.00 that my elderly neighbor had already paid for these phones.  He started paying his bills right about this time (1984) since his wife, who normally paid the bills, had passed away.  I am quite sure he did not understand, then or now, what he was paying for.

I was outraged at the whole situation, and wondered how many more seniors are being ripped off by this same long term lease of their phones since 1984.  Bottom line for anyone looking after seniors and their bills: look into this situation and change it as soon as possible.  I am sure there are more 80 something’s out there who have paid thousands for their telephones, and continue to do so.

Our first CareShare meeting, held March 25, was graciously hosted by The Support Center. This event brought more than 30 healthcare professionals together and recognized National Social Work Month! Here are some photos from the event: