Aging in place has a lot of benefits for seniors. Seniors who age in place are typically happier and healthier than other seniors. And seniors really enjoy getting to live in a home and neighborhood where they feel safe. But seniors do still need to be security conscious. Seniors who are living alone are a target for some criminals. Burglaries and break-ins happen more often in the summer. That means seniors need to take extra security precautions to be safe at home. 24-hour home care services for a senior are a great crime deterrent.
Seniors who have 24-hour home care are never alone. And just having another person in the home with them can make seniors less likely to become the victim of a crime.
In addition to getting 24-hour home care seniors should use these expert security tips to stay safe:
Lock All The Windows and Plant Hedges And Thorny Plants
A shocking number of robberies happen when criminals find an unlocked ground-floor window. When the weather is nice people often leave their windows open or forget to lock them at night. That’s the only opening a thief needs to come in and look around. Keep windows locked at night. And if the windows are open during the day put child locks on them so they can’t be pulled up enough for someone to enter through them.
Landscaping doesn’t just look nice. It can be protective too. Plant some rough hedges or thorny or prickly tall plants near windows. You can also plant them near patio or garden doors. Making things like windows and doors hard to get at will make the home unattractive to criminals. Criminals typically want to get into the house and out as fast as they can without being seen. If that’s too much effort they will move on to another house.
Upgrade The Outdoor Lighting and Leave Cars In The Garage
Bright lights may not deter thieves, but they will make it easier to catch detailed photos and videos of anyone around the house. Bright lights, security cameras, and video doorbells can be a great network of protection for seniors. Talk to a security system expert about a custom-designed security system.
Seniors who have garages should leave cars and valuables inside the garage. Leaving them in the driveway makes them attractive to criminals. During the summer it’s common for criminals to go from car to car in driveways throughout the neighborhood looking for money and valuables. Always keep your car locked. And stash anything valuable out of sight. If it’s possible to put the car in a garage or shed do that. If not, a car cover can be a good deterrent too.
Talk To Neighbors
Neighbors are a great resource. Their security cameras may pick up something that is important. And neighbors watching out for each other can stop crimes from happening. Get to know the neighbors and watch out for each other.
Sources: https://www.safewise.com/blog/8-surprising-home-burglary-statistics/
https://www.bobvila.com/articles/home-safety-for-elderly/