How to Keep Your Elderly Relatives Safe in Their Own Home

With the rising costs of retirement homes and nursing homes, as well as the fight to keep independence for the elderly generations going for as long as possible, you will need to tackle the concept of keeping your older relatives safe in their own homes.

Of course, it is likely that you and other family members will be popping in to see them regularly, and probably even carers or nurses too. However, they might still be at risk while they are on their own. Indeed, it is likely that they will easily feel intimidated or scared at certain times of the day or night, especially if they are on their own rather than being part of a couple.

1 Install new windows and doors

New windows and doors offer higher security measures than either the old-fashioned doors or even those that were new a few years ago. Surprisingly enough, some burglaries happen due to front doors being easily opened or, worse, left unlocked. So, it is essential that you make sure that the door locks when it is closed and cannot be easily opened from the outside if there is no key present.

2 Add state-of-the-art security systems

You can have state-of-the-art security systems added to the home, which can be not only zoned but also can be controlled and connected to your cell phone. This way, you can make sure that your elderly relatives are safer during the night from thieves breaking in on the lower levels of their home while they sleep upstairs and that their belongings are safe at any time they are out of the house.

3 Include deterrents

You should include pest control deterrents as well. Motion sensor security lights will not only prevent thieves but can also deter animals looking for food or dark places to stay the night.

Groups of youths or strangers hanging around outside a property can also cause stress and the feeling of intimidation, even if the groups are not aware of or want to portray this. Moving these people on in a confrontational manner is not a wise idea, as violence and vandalism, amongst other issues, could pursue.

Knowing how to prevent these groups from hanging around causing mischief, or even how to prevent graffiti, is something that you should take seriously as many older ages could feel like they are too scared to leave their homes, or for that matter, re-enter with these people watching them. That’s not to say all groups of youths or random strangers hanging around are troublemakers – not at all. But on the off-chance that loiterers do intend to get up to no good, having a deterrent in place can be a wise solution.

4 Supply them with a camera doorbell

Of course, it is not just groups of people hanging around outside or those that are trying their hand at gaining access to the building itself that your elderly relatives will have to be careful of.

You also have those individuals that come to the door with scams or ‘case out the joint’ prior to any incident happening. Installing a modern doorbell with a hidden camera that is connected to your cell phone can provide you with peace of mind as you will be able to see and record any individual who visits.

Not only this, but you will also be able to provide delivery people with instructions on where to leave packages or post if they happen to come knocking and nobody is home.