Home Care in Anderson SC

Crime can happen to anyone. Sadly, the elderly are easy, unsuspecting targets for criminals to take advantage of. Whether seniors are the victims of robbery, car theft, pick-pocketing, purse snatching or other scams, they become targets because they are less likely to fight back compared to younger adults.

While you can’t protect your elderly loved one from all crimes, there are some ways the senior can protect themselves. The first thing you can do to help is by hiring a home care provider to watch over your aging parent. Although you may not be able to keep a close eye on the elder, the in-home care aid can. Along with hiring this professional caregiver, here are some other ways the senior can keep themselves safe when out and about.

1. Stay in well-lit areas. There may be a shortcut through an alley or park, but these places should be avoided at night. The elder should stay on busy, well-lit sidewalks and streets.
2. Keep the purse close to their body. Thieves can easily walk by and snatch a purse if it has dangling straps and it is not close to the body. If the senior wants to carry their purse, it should be close to their body to prevent criminals from snatching it. Seniors who use mobility devices, such as a wheelchair, can keep their belongings safe without the need for a purse by storing everything in a Ziploc bag and attaching it to the device. An elder care professional can also keep their items safe.
3. Discretely carry a wallet. Older adults who carry wallets should do so as discretely as possible. It should be stored in the pocket so that it does not show. If a thief can see it, the wallet will be easy for them to snatch.
4. Discourage the elder from bringing large amounts of cash. Many older adults think that carrying large amounts of cash is a better option than bringing a checkbook or credit card. This could not be further from the truth. Cash is a desirable item for criminals to want to steal. Encourage your loved one to keep most of their cash in a safe place at home, bringing only the money they will need.
5. Bring a mobile phone. Having a phone with them at all times will allow the senior to call the police or a family member in case of emergency. Since most older adults have a problem using cell phones because of their small buttons and screens, search for one that has an easy-to-use design, large buttons, and a large screen. Although bringing a mobile phone with them is a great idea, they need to keep it in a hidden, safe place that will not get the attention of criminals.
6. Get the elder a personal alarm. A personal alarm can be purchased and activated when the senior feels threatened or unsafe.

Crimes can occur in even the safest neighborhoods. These tips will help keep them safe when spending time outside of their home at night.

If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring home care in Anderson, SC, contact Heart of the Carolinas Home Care at 864-991-3116.  Providing Home Care Services in Greenville, Simpsonville, Greer, Anderson, Spartanburg, Mauldin, Seneca, Laurens, Charleston, Columbia and the surrounding areas.

Source:

http://www.elderlycaretips.info/crime-precautions-outside-home.php

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Edward Harrison

Founder at Heart of the Carolinas

Edward Harrison founded the Heart of the Carolinas Homecare in 2007 when he saw there was a need for caregivers that provide non-medical home care services, at a price that most people could afford. It was standard in the industry to require hourly minimums and it was common to be assigned a caregiver, not matched with one based on your individual personal needs. Edward understood that to make a successful relationship between caregiver and client, skills were not enough, personality and compatibility plays as much a role as do skills.

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