Older people and their families worry about crime. Though older people are less likely to be victims of crime than teenagers and young adults, the number of crimes against older people is hard to ignore. Older people are often targets for robbery, purse snatching, pick-pocketing, car theft, or home repair scams. They are more likely than younger people to face attackers who are strangers. During a crime, an older person is more likely to be seriously hurt than someone who is younger.
But, even though there are risks, don't let the fear of crime stop you from enjoying life.
Be careful and be aware of your surroundings.
Here are some ?do's and don'ts? that can help you fight crime and stay safe.
Be Safe at Home
Do try to make sure that your locks, doors, and windows are strong and cannot be broken easily. A good alarm system can help.
Do check to be sure your doors and windows are locked ? both when you are in the house and when you're away.
Do make a list of your expensive belongings. You might even take pictures of the most valuable items. Store these papers in a safe place.
Do ask your local police department about marking your valuable property with an I.D. number.
Don't open your door before you know who's there. Look through the peephole or a safe window first. Ask any stranger for proof of identity before opening the door. Remember, you don't have to open the door if you feel uneasy.
Don't keep large amounts of money in the house.
Do get to know your neighbors. Join a Neighborhood Watch Program if your community has one.
Be Street Smart
Do try to stay alert. Walk with a friend. Stay away from unsafe places like dark parking lots or alleys.
Do keep your car doors locked at all times.
Don't open your car door or roll-down your window for strangers.
Do park in well-lit areas.
Do carry your purse close to your body with the strap over your shoulder and across your chest.
Don't resist a robber. Hand over your cash right away if confronted.
Be Safe with Your Money
Do have your monthly pension or Social Security checks sent right to the bank for direct deposit. Try not to have a regular banking routine.
Don't carry a lot of cash. Put your wallet, money, or credit cards in an inside pocket.
Don't keep your check book and credit cards together. A thief who steals both could use the card to forge your signature on checks.
For many elderly people, living alone can be a scary and confusing new experience. Some have never lived alone before and have always relied on others to take care of finances, home security, and housekeeping. Others are struggling with health and mobility issues that make daily living difficult. A slip in the bathtub or a fall down the stairs can be a terrifying and serious worry.
To help your elderly loved one avoid household accidents, slips, and falls, read the following guidelines. It doesn't take much to make sure that your relative is living safely.
?Make sure all rooms, hallways, and staircases are adequately lit. Many older people struggle with poor eyesight, so extra lighting can help them see where they are going. Nightlights are an excellent way to light up the floor to prevent tripping.
?If your elderly relative lives in a two-story house, consider moving the bedroom downstairs. Stairs can be difficult for seniors, especially if they suffer from arthritis or tire easily.
?If stairs are absolutely necessary, make sure they are sturdy and have secure handrails at comfortable heights.
?Put non-slip mats in the shower and bathtub. Install grab bars in the shower as an added precaution.
?Test all smoke alarms regularly.
?Store frequently used kitchen items in low, easy-to-reach places to prevent seniors from having to reach or climb to get things.
?Put small appliances on timers. Older people can sometimes forget to turn things off. Consider installing a timer on the coffee pot, iron, toaster, or curling iron.
?Make sure that all electrical cords are safely out of the way. An elderly person can trip on a stray electrical cord.
?Check the floor for anything that could cause a fall. This includes area rugs, bumps in the carpet, or loose boards.
?Plan an emergency escape route if it is necessary to get out of the house quickly. Make sure your loved one knows what to do if there is a fire or another type of emergency.
If you have an elderly relative with a medical condition, help him/her make a list of emergency contacts including doctors, hospitals, and nearby friends and family that can be of assistance. In addition, a medical alarm system can provide a direct link with to medical personnel. Usually, medical alarms are worn on the body, so they are easily accessible at all times. If a fall prevents an elderly person from getting to the phone, a medical alarm can be used to call for help instead.
Both Lar & Ralph Winn are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Lar has sinced written about articles on various topics from Travel and Leisure, Credit Cards and Hotels and Hostels. Larry Westfall is a frequent traveler to the Land of Smiles - - and books his Pattaya hotel rooms through. Lar's top article generates over 201000 views. to your Favourites.
Ralph Winn has sinced written about articles on various topics from Home Security, Home Management and Home Management. Ralph Winn writes about and other related topics. For more information on. Ralph Winn's top article generates over 40500 views. to your Favourites.