Safety First: Safety For Elders While at Home

Safety for Elders at Home

Safety Checklist

  • Never keep large quantities of cash in your home — it can make you a target for thieves. Talk to the folks at your local bank about things like direct deposit, so your monthly cheques are deposited directly into your chequing or savings account. Pre-authorized bill payments can also be arranged.

  • Think about storing valuables in a safety-deposit box.

  • If you live in an apartment complex with a security entrance system, don’t buzz anyone into the building unless you’re sure of their identity. You may want to consider taking your full name from the front lobby and using a middle name or code name instead.

  • Don’t let anyone you don’t know into your home. Even if they’re asking to use your phone for a medical or personal emergency, offer to phone for them. Even if they claim to know you, or a member of your family, don’t let them in. Simply ask them to return at a later date. If they really are a friend, they won’t mind.

  • If your door has a window, make sure you can identify the person before opening the door. Ask service or repair people for identification. Look for laminated, wired, acrylic or plastic windows. Ordinary or tempered glass can be easily shattered, giving thieves easy access to inside locks. If your door has no window, install a peephole so you can see outside before opening the door.

  • Never put your name on the exterior of your home. It makes it too easy for would-be thieves to call to see if you’re home. Or, they can call you by name when they come to the door, making them seem more trustworthy than they are.

  • Talk to your local police agency about a home security inspection. They will be pleased to offer advice on proper home security measures for doors, windows and locks.

  • Arrange to have friends phone on a regular basis, or organize a calling ring, or ask that Citizens on Patrol routinely check your home. Your local police agency can also provide information on areas where these services are available.

  • If you’re suspicious at all, call 911. Don’t worry about it being a false alarm — the police can quickly check and make sure everything is all right.