Bryan Ward - Elder person safety advice

Publish Date: Saturday, 31 October 2015, 1:02AM

Author: By Bryan Ward

As an older person, there are a number of things you can do to keep yourself secure at home. Remember that New Zealand is a relatively safe place to live and it is unlikely that you will ever have an intruder. If you have crime or safety concerns about your neighbourhood then you should get in touch with your local Police, who will be happy to discuss these with you. There are a number of other agencies you can contact for help and advice, such as the Citizens Advice Bureau and Age Concern.

One of the best actions you can take to make your place safer is to get to know your neighbours.

Think ahead:

Don’t open the door to strangers. Install a peephole in your door. If you don’t know someone, keep the door closed.
Have a phone by your bed.
Arrange with a neighbour to phone or visit you if your curtains are still drawn after a certain time in the morning.
Have a personal or medical alarm that you can press in an emergency.
Never tell someone that you are alone in the house.
Get a Life Tube from Age Concern or Neighbourhood Support. In an emergency the red Life Tube sticker on your fridge will alert Police, ambulance or fire service that vital information about you is available inside the refrigerator.
Ask for a security checklist from Neighbourhood Support.

Don’t be tricked:

If someone you don’t know asks to make a phone call from your home, get the phone number and offer to make the call yourself. Then they don’t need to enter your home and you don’t need to open the door.
Never do business with strangers who come to the door, phone you or contact you via email.
Never talk to strangers about your financial affairs.
Never give out your name and address or chat if you receive a wrong number phone call.
Use tried and trusted tradespeople. Get several quotes. Ask your family to recommend someone or contact Age Concern.

If you are cheated, tell Police. You could help Police catch the criminal and stop other people from being cheated.

If you suspect an older person is being cheated or abused, contact Citizens Advice Bureau, Age Concern, your community constable or local Police for advice.

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