Many older people are choosing to stay in their homes as they age. Aging in place and being in familiar surroundings has major benefits for seniors. But there are also drawbacks. Delco Alarm Systems can help you keep your elderly relatives safe, secure and protected in their homes.
“WHAT IS THAT BEEPING I KEEP HEARING?”
Hearing loss can endanger seniors who are unable to hear smoke or burglar alarms sound. Sleep aids and other medications often taken by the elderly 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 became an issue. Workers from the local emergency center attempted to contact the woman, 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. Delco Alarm Systems subsequently installed a bed shaker device in her home to ensure 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 declining mental faculties. Often more trusting than they should be, and happy to chat with someone, seniors are easily distracted and victimized.
One set of scammers from just outside of Philadelphia targeted 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 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.
PROTECT YOURSELF AND YOUR HOME
You can help elderly relatives avoid becoming a victim by encouraging them to become more alert and aware of what is happening around them. Remind them to take simple measures to stay safe, such as locking their doors and windows, always asking workers for ID and keeping their personal and financial information secure.
Doorbell cameras and security systems also are an excellent crime deterrent. The folks 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.