While many more older Americans are choosing to remain in their homes as they age, the trend has accelerated because of COVID-19. Older Americans want to stay safe and healthy. Many feel the best path to do so is to stay put and keep their distance from others. While aging-in-place definitely has its benefits, there are tradeoffs.
ISOLATION DURING THE PANDEMIC
Isolation is a problem for many older people, especially those who have lost a partner or long-time friends. This sense of isolation has only been magnified because of COVID, when visits from family and friends are discouraged. Having someone check in on you by phone or video chat helps significantly. There are other ways you can feel safe in your home and still know your others are keeping an eye out for you.
ARE YOU ABLE TO HEAR ALARM DEVICES IN YOUR HOME?
Hearing loss is a problem for many seniors, making it difficult to hear smoke or burglar alarms. There are also many medications taken by older people that make it difficult who awaken from a sound sleep. If your smoke alarm goes off, you definitely want to know it!
Delco Alarm Systems can install a device that shakes your bed in the event an alarm is activated. This extra step can ensure that you are awaken by an alarm and can make it out of your home in a timely fashion.
“HELLO SIR, WE ARE FROM THE WATER COMPANY.”
Scientists have learned that as we age we typically become too trusting. Unfortunately, this can make older people a frequent target of criminals. 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
Make sure you always take appropriate measures to stay safe in your home. Lock your doors and windows. Never allow anyone inside of your home who does not have a prior appointment. Always ask for identification from anyone who is scheduled to do work in your home.
Recently, scam artists are contacting Medicare beneficiaries offering COVID-19 tests in exchange for personal details. The Department of Health and Human Services stress that these services are illegitimate. These scammers are calling, using text messages, social media and door-to-door visits. Be aware. Keep your personal and financial information secure and never give anyone your personal information.
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. There are also maintenance plans that keep your system up-to-date.
Taking some simple precautions can reduce the odds that you become a victim of criminals.