Everybody wants to feel safe and secure in their own home and seniors are no exception.  And whilst there’s no evidence that seniors are more vulnerable to crime than anyone else, a natural decline inability can make some older people feel more vulnerable.

There are plenty of simple precautions that seniors can take to enhance their personal safety and give themselves (and their nearest and dearest) greater peace of mind that they won’t become victims of crime.

We’ve been in the business of home security in Perth for many years and have learned a great deal about safety for seniors. 

Here are some of our simple safety tips which will help older people to minimise their risk at home:

• Get to know your neighbours. They’re an extra pair of eyes and ears and will keep a lookout for your welfare.
• Don’t share your personal information with strangers.
• Only open your door to someone you know and trust. A peephole or chain provides an added layer of security.
• Check the credentials of tradespeople, delivery people or charity workers before letting them in. Use the phonebook to check the telephone numbers on their identity cards and call to verify their details if you’re unsure.
• If a stranger asks to use your telephone, rather direct them to a public phone nearby or make the call yourself (whilst keeping the door locked). If they ask to use the bathroom, decline politely and direct them to the nearest public conveniences.
• If you are alone in your home and feel vulnerable when someone is at the door, pretend there is someone else with you (preferably a male) and ‘call out’ to them.
• Report any suspicious behaviour to the police immediately. Have all your emergency numbers clearly visible near your phone.
• Don’t leave a spare key outside.
• Make sure your smoke alarm is in good working order.

If you’re going shopping, visiting a friend, going to the movies, getting some exercise, or just getting out and about, we suggest the following simple precautions to minimise your risk:

• Always be aware of your surroundings and avoid isolated areas
• Go with a companion whenever possible
• Keep a firm hold on your bag or purse and keep it close to your body
• Don’t carry large sums of cash – rather use your cards as much as possible

Your telephone is an important safety asset, but you need to take care not to let criminals take advantage of you via your phone.  Older people are seen by some scammers as a more attractive target because they are perceived to have more accumulated wealth, they may be in a vulnerable emotional state due to the recent loss of a long-term partner or ill-health, and are generally less computer-savvy.

Follow these important tips to save yourself from becoming a scam victim:

• Don’t share your personal details to unknown telephone callers.
• Don’t disclose any personal or financial information, even if the caller sounds genuine and is very persistent.
• Hang up on unwelcome callers
• Don’t tell the person on the other end of the phone that you live alone.
• An answering machine is a good way to screen your calls
• Consider changing the listing of your phone number to ‘silent’ or unlisted – and only use your initials and surname in the phonebook.

Safety in the home is really important and there are plenty of simple things you can do to protect yourself and keep unwanted visitors out:

• Maintain a clear view to your home (and remove hiding places) by keeping shrubs and trees neatly trimmed.
• Make sure the exterior of your home is well lit up at night. Consider installing motion-activated sensor lights and timer switches as an added safety precaution.
• Remove temptation by keeping all your valuables (eg your handbag and phone) out of sight.
• Make it as difficult as possible for a thief to gain entry by installing key-operated locks on your windows and doors.
• Security screens add an extra layer of protection.
• Consider installing a home alarm system with panic buttons for immediate response.
• A personal duress alarm can also be worn around the neck or wrist which, when activated, will connect to a designated emergency response team.

Following these tips will help yourself or your loved one improve their household safety and live life with greater peace of mind and self-confidence.   Please talk to us if you’re interested in home security for yourself or your loved one in Perth as we have extensive experience in designing security systems that are appropriate for mature-age lifestyles including alarm systems, panic buttons, and other security devices to suit all needs and budgets. Give our friendly team a call on 08 9400 6000 for a no-obligation chat or contact us for more information.

Find out about the Seniors Safety and Security Rebate (WA).