Some Crime Tips For The Elderly

Older people and their families worry about crime. Though older people are less likely to be victims of crime than teenagers and young adults, the number of crimes against older people is hard to ignore. Older people are often targets for robbery, purse snatching, pick-pocketing, car theft, or home repair scams. They are more likely than younger people to face attackers who are strangers. During a crime, an older person is more likely to be seriously hurt than someone who is younger.

But, even though there are risks, don't let the fear of crime stop you from enjoying life.

Be careful and be aware of your surroundings.

Here are some "do's and don'ts" that can help you fight crime and stay safe.

Be Safe at Home

Do try to make sure that your locks, doors, and windows are strong and cannot be broken easily. A good alarm system can help.

Do check to be sure your doors and windows are locked - both when you are in the house and when you're away.

Do make a list of your expensive belongings. You might even take pictures of the most valuable items. Store these papers in a safe place.

Do ask your local police department about marking your valuable property with an I.D. number.

Don't open your door before you know who's there. Look through the peephole or a safe window first. Ask any stranger for proof of identity before opening the door. Remember, you don't have to open the door if you feel uneasy.

Don't keep large amounts of money in the house.

Do get to know your neighbors. Join a Neighborhood Watch Program if your community has one.

Be Street Smart

Do try to stay alert. Walk with a friend. Stay away from unsafe places like dark parking lots or alleys.

Do keep your car doors locked at all times.

Don't open your car door or roll-down your window for strangers.

Do park in well-lit areas.

Do carry your purse close to your body with the strap over your shoulder and across your chest.

Don't resist a robber. Hand over your cash right away if confronted.

Be Safe with Your Money

Do have your monthly pension or Social Security checks sent right to the bank for direct deposit. Try not to have a regular banking routine.

Don't carry a lot of cash. Put your wallet, money, or credit cards in an inside pocket.

Don't keep your check book and credit cards together. A thief who steals both could use the card to forge your signature on checks.

Aging Parents and Role Reversal

This is the day you thought would never happen. Your roles in life are reversing. You're trying to make decisions for yourself and your Aging Parent. What will be best for them without altering your life too drastically. How do you keep up the pace and ultimately please everyone around you? You are not alone in life, you have a family, significant other, a career to think about. You want to balance everything to keep everyone happy and life as normal as possible. Think again! Those once a week visits or daily phone calls aren't enough anymore. Your parent needs care, the real kind.

The care includes making sure they eat, that they take their meds, that their money isn't being floundered away on TV shopping. You have siblings that think Assisted Living or Nursing Facilities are awful and they don't want to put Mom or Dad in one even though they also don't want to help out. How do you cope? How do you deal with this situation without alienating every member of your family?

First understand, it's not about you. What I mean by that statement is that it is not about guilt and what some think is the "Right thing to do". It's not about hanging on to someone that they used to be. They are an elderly person in need of constant care and attention. If you need a dose of growing up, this situation will make it happen whether you're ready or not!

Start with their doctor. Have an appointment to discuss the faltering health of your beloved parent. You can also check into the hospital that their health care is associated. Every hospital has an elder care group of some type. The medical coverage will also have affiliations with elder sourcing. Between the doctor and the medical coverage group, you may be able to determine the types of help and living style your parents current status requires. Keep asking until you have the best situation for all concerned.

It may be as simple as an Aide visiting once or twice a day to help with showering, dressing, meals and meds. Their health may need more than that and the visiting nurse or doctor's office is the place to apply the concern. The best word to learn to help an elder parent is the same as if your infant child were being cared for and that is SAFETY. If safety is not at the level necessary, keep pushing until you get the help you need. Keep on insisting the area of SAFETY.

It may take you time to uncover everything available to your parent to help with this care process but trust me, it will be worth it in the many years elder care can stretch out to be. It is best to discuss with them all their health and medical, financial and personal situations before that day arrives.

When they are older the best thing you can give them is you. Spend quality time instead of stress time. Have them over for a day and dinner instead of needing to pawn them off on someone else. The resentment builds if you do this alone and there are many really good care facilities to take that burden off your shoulders.

Safety and honesty is what makes those later years a good memory!