The senior years should be a time to enjoy freedom from worrying about crime. However, seniors often experience anxiety about their vulnerability to criminals, and it’s important to provide them with ways to combat their fears. Using these tips puts older adults in control and deters criminals.
1. Be Careful with Social Media Posts
It’s a natural instinct to share good news with others, and seniors may want to tell everyone about their upcoming vacations. However, it’s best to do so over the phone or in person so seniors can control who they’re sharing the details with.
Posts about vacations and daily activities on social media give criminals clues as to when a senior’s home will be unattended. Seniors should be encouraged to share their news after they’ve returned home, and everyone should use the highest privacy settings on their social media profiles.
2. Encourage Visitors
Criminals sometimes watch to find out which seniors spend most of their time alone. Having daily visitors makes it clear there could always be other people in the house. Ask neighbors to stop by, and let family members know that even short visits can keep criminals away.
Aging adults can also arrange for caregivers to visit regularly. Some seniors need occasional assistance at home, and oftentimes the family members who take care of them need time away to run errands, take a nap, go to work, or take a vacation. Tucson respite care experts from Home Care Assistance are available on an as-needed basis, giving your family peace of mind that your loved one will remain safe and comfortable while you relax or focus on other important responsibilities.
3. Avoid Letting the House Look Vacant
Home maintenance is important for making sure no one thinks the home is unattended. When seniors go on vacation, they should make sure to have their mail and other delivery services stopped. Automatic lighting can make it appear like someone is moving around in the home, and seniors should also arrange for their lawns to be mowed while they’re gone.
One of the most challenging tasks of helping an elderly relative age in place safely and comfortably is researching agencies that provide homecare. Turn to Home Care Assistance for reliable, high-quality in-home care for aging adults. We offer 24-hour live-in care for seniors who require extensive assistance, and we also offer respite care for family caregivers who need a break from their caregiving duties.
4. Use Smart Shopping Techniques
Seniors are vulnerable to classic pickpocketing and purse-snatching attacks. Therefore, it’s best for seniors to shop with companions who can help them stay alert.
Women should carry their purses in front of their bodies and never leave them in their shopping carts. If seniors feel someone is following them, they should ask a member of the staff or security team to escort them to the car.
Seniors should also carry credit or debit cards instead of cash, since cards can be canceled before financial harm is done. If they prefer cash, they should avoid carrying more money than they need.
5. Practice Careful Banking
Criminals who prey on seniors know things such as when disability and social security checks are likely to come in. Having checks deposited directly prevents criminals from finding them in the mail and cashing them.
Seniors should never give out personal information over the phone. If a person calls claiming to be from the bank or a government agency, seniors should hang up and call the agency or bank directly for verification. Seniors can also play their part in deterring criminals by reporting suspicious activities to the authorities or their caregivers.
Many older adults are choosing to age in place, and some need a helping hand to continue living at home safely and comfortably. Luckily, there is professional elder care Tucson seniors can trust and rely on. If you need professional care for your senior loved one, Home Care Assistance is just a phone call away. Reach out to one of our Care Managers today at (520) 276-6555.