Aging in place, or staying in your own home while growing older, has become the preferred choice for many Americans. The comfort of remaining in one’s own home, near friends and family, along with lower costs are some of the major benefits to aging in place. With a few minor modifications, older folks can stay put while remaining safe and secure.
PROTECT YOURSELF AND YOUR HOME
Doorbell cameras and security systems are an excellent crime deterrent. New advancements in security systems that integrate smart home technology are helping to keep folks safe and
comfortable in their own homes.
Delco Alarm offers a smart home system by Alarm.com. This intuitive system makes it easy to manage your home, from locking doors to temperature control. Using one app, you can control your lights, arm your security system and lower your blinds. The security professionals at Delco Alarm Systems can help you choose the right system for your individual needs. They will also teach you how to use the system or device you have chosen and are available 24/7 to answer any questions you may have.
ADAPTING TO PHYSICAL AGING
We’re all getting older. Adapting a home for aging in place might involve installing grab bars and a shower seat or adding an entranceway ramp. It can also mean adapting to specific needs such as hearing loss.
Age-related hearing loss can endanger anyone who is unable to hear a smoke or burglar alarm. In one instance, an 85-year-old Delaware County woman inadvertently hit the alarm button on her wearable medical device and activated a panic alarm. While the medical alert pendant she wore worked well, the older woman’s hearing loss had recently become an issue. Police, fire and ambulance workers were dispatched, but despite the loud sirens and banging on her doors and windows, she continued to sleep soundly. Fortunately, it wasn’t a real emergency and the great-grandmother was not in danger. She awakened just before police and firefighters kicked in her front door.Had this been a real fire or emergency, she could have perished before emergency workers
arrived. After the incident, the Delco woman had a special bed shaker device installed in her home to make sure she’d be alerted in the event of a fire.
“HELLO SIR, WE ARE FROM THE WATER COMPANY.”
Older people are also a frequent target of criminals who take advantage of their more trusting nature. Many seniors are only too happy to chat with someone who stops by their home or calls.
Law enforcement authorities are very familiar with these scam artists, who distract or befriend an older person while an accomplice burglarizes the house. Oftentimes in these cases, the older
person isn’t aware that they have been victimized until much later.
One particular popular scam involves thieves posing as utility company employees. After scoping out the neighborhood, they knocked on their victims’ doors saying there was a problem with their utilities. While one scammer talks to the elderly victim, another was given permission to check out the utility connection in the basement. In reality, the second scammer was rummaging through the elderly person’s home stealing jewelry, cash and other valuables. They left with their loot long before the homeowner discovered they’d been victimized.
You or your elderly relative can stay safe by never letting anyone inside of your home without a prior appointment and proper identification. Doorbell cameras enable one to speak to the person
knocking without opening the door. It’s also important to keep doors and windows locked and personal and financial information secure. Taking some simple precautions can reduce the odds that you or your elderly parent will become the target of criminals. You’ll sleep better at night. A Delco Alarm Systems home analysis can help keep those aging in place safe and protected. For more information call 610-494-9100.