Aging in place, or staying in your own home while growing older, is fast becoming the preferred choice of older Americans. Aside from the lower costs, remaining in familiar surroundings has major benefits to folks in their later years. A few minor modifications to a longtime home can keep you or your loved one secure. A Delco Alarm Systems home analysis can help keep those aging in place safe and protected
“WHAT IS THAT BEEPING I KEEP HEARING?”
Hearing loss can endanger anyone who is unable to hear the sound of smoke or burglar alarms. Also, sleep aids and other medications can dampen one’s ability to awaken from a sound sleep.
When one 80-something woman from Delaware County rolled over in bed and inadvertently hit the alarm button on her wearable medical device, it activated an alarm. The medical alarm had
worked well, but the elderly woman’s hearing loss had recently become an issue. Workers from the local emergency center attempted to contact the woman by phone, to no avail. Police, fire
and ambulance workers were dispatched. Despite the loud sirens and police 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. A bed shaker device installed by Delco Alarm Systems in her home made sure she would 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 scam artists who distracts 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 set of scammers from just outside of Philadelphia targeted a number of seniors by 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 bad guy talked 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. Take simple safety precautions, such as locking doors and windows, always asking workers for ID and keeping your personal and financial information secure.
PROTECT YOURSELF AND YOUR HOME
Doorbell cameras and security systems also are an excellent crime deterrent. 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. Taking some simple precautions can reduce the odds that your elderly parent will become the target of criminals and will let you sleep better at night.