Prevent the elderly from becoming crime victims
Remind seniors to keep their doors, screen doors and windows locked when they are away.
1. Be sure all window and door locks are functioning. If necessary, update them to newer, stronger locks.
2. Remind seniors to keep their doors, screen doors and windows locked when they are away and when they are at home.
3. Suggest they never open the door until they have checked to see who is there – and then open only if they know the caller. Look through the peephole. Don’t have one? It is time to get one installed.
4. Encourage them to avoid keeping large sums of money in the house.
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5. Arrange for any checks to be deposited directly into the bank instead of posted.
6. Make friends with the neighbors and get their phone numbers so you can check in via them as needed. Form a partnership to help them and let them help your senior.
7. Keep the bushes trimmed around the house so criminals can’t hide out and be unnoticed while waiting to break in.
8. Vital information, such as ID numbers or credit card numbers, shouldn’t be given to strangers over the phone. Remind seniors that thieves may identify themselves as being from a trusted company.
9. Emphasis that if a deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
10. When out running errands or taking a walk, encourage them to be aware of the environment and people around them. Stay alert to strangers or suspicious people.
11. Suggest that loved ones only go out when they can be joined by a friend or family member – especially at night. Urge them to avoid driving at night, especially alone. If they do go out, remind them to park in well lit areas.
12. When in the car, tell them not to open the door or even roll down the window to a stranger.
13. Remind them not to fight back if someone does try to snatch their handbag, wallet or packages. Nothing they are carrying is worth injury…or worse!
Sourced from: seniorcarecorner.com and US National Institute on Aging
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