Is it TRIAD or Triad? And what does it mean? Either way you write it, Triads are local volunteer organizations that bring together 1) older adults, 2) law enforcement and 3) the community at-large to promote safety and to reduce the fear of crime that older adults often experience. There are Triads all across the country, often sponsored by local police departments, sheriffs' offices and nonprofit organizations, such as RSVP here in Dane County. There are three Triads in Dane County (Cottage Grove, Madison and Verona) working on issues particular to each of these communities. Their monthly presentations, held face-to-face before COVID-19, are now available on Zoom, making it convenient for more people to participate.
August 26: COVID-19 Scams and What You Need to Know
Providing vital information about personal safety and crime prevention is the primary way a Triad works to achieve its mission. The topics run the gamut from aging-in-place to zone surveillance and burglary prevention. The Madison Triad's August and September programs are especially timely considering the continuing influence COVID-19 exerts on all of us, but especially on older adults. Have you received an urgent fake text or email? Or perhaps a robocall pitching coronavirus treatments? These types of scams, and more, are preying on consumer fear and confusion, and can result in large monetary losses.
On Wednesday, August 26th at 10:00 a.m., Tiffany Bernhardt Schultz, Southwest Regional Director for the Better Business Bureau will provide information on the most current COVID-19 scams and the warning signs to watch for. Some of the topics will include phony websites, fake charities, contact tracing scams, phone and text scams, phishing emails and more. An active discussion is encouraged throughout the presentation.
September 23: Safety Tips and Tools for those Living with Dementia
Older adults have enjoyed life more than most 25-year-olds, have a disproportionate number of underlying health risks, and that makes us disproportionately more at-risk for a severe case of COVID-19. As a result, we need to take extra precautions to remain healthy and COVID-free. Unfortunately, this often means being more isolated from friends and family than pre-COVID. Imagine the situation for those who suffer from dementia and who care for dementia sufferers.
On Wednesday, September 23rd at 10:00 a.m., Heidi Musombwa, a specialist in dementia care at Brookdale Senior Living, will discuss and share resources related to keeping those living with dementia safe. We all know that caring for a loved one in the home can be a challenging task. For many people, one of the biggest concerns is their safety. Please join Heidi to learn some helpful tips and tools to help make sure your loved one is safe. In addition to providing a safe and secure environment for your loved one, we hope the available resources will provide you some peace of mind and help to ease your worries.
Both presentations will be live online on Zoom. To register and receive the Zoom link for either or both of these FREE presentations, please email .
We also invite you to become an active participant in Triad activities. Active, enthusiastic volunteers are a key element in our success. To get involved, email Mike Thomsen at .