Most seniors and their families these days recognize the fact that aging in place offers many benefits. They would rather stay for as long as possible in their own homes or transfer to another that can better accommodate their needs. If your senior parent or relative would rather choose this option, it pays to make sure their stay would be as safe as possible.
Aside from making the necessary changes to accommodate your aging loved one’s special needs, their security is another priority. Many bad guys pick homes of the elderly as they are often an easy target. Here’s what you can do to secure the homes of your retired loved ones.
Invest in fences and gates.
If their house is on a busy street, adding a fence and gate is always a good idea. Aluminum driveway gates and fences do not only add instant protection in any property, but they can also serve as a beautiful home addition while warding off trespassers and burglars. This way, the bad guys will think twice before getting caught creeping in on a fenced up property. Of course, you will need to consider the slope of the property, local building codes, and even automation options before adding these features.
Befriend their neighbors.
It is one thing knowing who their neighbors are. But befriending neighbors will give you peace of mind. This way, you can always ask them to check up on your loved one in case you can’t get a hold of them. A tight-knit community takes good care of its members. Even if you don’t live with your senior loved one, you can have someone to rely on in case of emergencies.
Light up the property.
One good way to deter burglars and trespassers is by making sure your loved one’s property is well-lit. So make sure all entry points have adequate lighting. But since older people often forget to open all outdoor lights on time, you can consider investing in smart lighting. This way, you can automate the time you want their property to light up at night. You can do so without worrying about forgetting to switch them on or leaving them open the entire time.
Add a doorbell camera.
Not all criminals are discreet enough not to use the front door during break-ins. As an added security measure, a doorbell camera is always a good idea. This way, you have a way of checking who ends up setting foot on your senior loved one’s front porch. No bad guy would want their face captured. You can also use this to grant entry only to people you trust to visit your loved one.
Install indoor security cameras.
Having security cameras is another security investment you can install inside a senior’s home. This way, you can check if an unauthorized person can access the house and how they do it. That will also give you peace of mind, knowing you can check on your loved one while you are miles away.
Security is a major concern in every home but, most notably, in houses where seniors live. Since they are among the most vulnerable ones, criminals use this as an opportunity to act on their bad will. By boosting home security, you can make sure your elderly loved one can live in peace and enjoy their privacy in their own home.
