Senior citizens represent the most rapidly growing segment of the population in the United States. One in every eight Americans is 65 or older and totals 35 million. By year 2030, as age/life expectancy increases, this will increase to 64 million.
Body functions decline and we become less able to defend ourselves or project a confident image as we age. Some seniors may begin to shows signs of mental impairment, dementia, or Alzheimer’s disease which may predispose them to people who might take advantage of them.
There are numerous ways seniors can be taken advantage of so it’s important seniors to be aware of them. Seniors can become victims of elder abuse (physical, psychological, or financial abuse), as well as neglect by family members or someone known to them. Seniors can also be abused/neglected while in the care of nursing homes. Because seniors can have significant financial resources, often they are targets of fraud and scams. Seniors are targets of telemarketing, mail, internet, home improvement fraud, door-to-door salespersons, and identity theft.
Seniors are targeted for scams for several reasons. Older Americans often own their home, have excellent credit, and saved for their retirement. They also tend to trust other people. Seniors are also less likely to report it because they don’t know who to report it to, are too embarrassed, or don’t even know they have been scammed!
As we get older, seniors should be aware of safety precautions in the home, car, while shopping, or in public. Family members can assist with the safety of seniors by checking on parents, family members, or friends with a daily phone call, email or text message. Family members should also talk with seniors as to any unusual calls, emails, texts, or visits from strangers they may have received. Set up an emergency plan, like a safety alert button, in case they need help, or fall. Safety precautions include:
Personal Safety:
- When someone knocks on your door, do not open it unless you know who it is.
- If you return home and the door is ajar, DO NOT GO INSIDE and call police.
- Have good locks and a deadbolt.
- Don’t carry a large amount of cash.
- Use direct deposit instead of mailed checks.
Telephone/Internet Safety:
- Don’t have a conversation with an unknown caller.
- Don’t give personal/identification information on the phone. The IRS, Banks, Police, and other institutions do NOT call asking for personal information. Hang up. You can call the organization.
- If the phone call is threatening, hang up and call 911.
- Be aware of scams telling you you’ve won a prize and asking for payment.
Home Improvement Schemes:
- Avoid home improvements schemes including door to door, telephone calls, or via internet.
Health Fraud:
- Avoid “instant cures” or gadgets that relieve pain promoted on TV, online, or in the newspaper.
- Avoid Fake/free laboratory tests.
General Fraud Recommendations:
- Avoid get-rich-quick schemes.
- Read contracts before signing. Don’t skip fine print or leave blanks.
- Review bills for errors, additions, and services you did not use.
- Contributions to charity should be made to an organization and NOT an individual.
On June 7, 2023, Wednesday, from 12:00pm-1:00pm, St. Therese will host Macomb County Prosecutor Peter Lucido to discuss Crime Prevention for Seniors, including ways seniors are targeted and taken advantage of by criminals and what to do if a senior becomes the victim of a crime.
Light lunch will be provided. Request a RSVP to St. Therese of Lisieux Parish Secretary at 586-254-4433 or Marilyn Cito, Parish Nurse at 586-254-4433 Ext #320 or via email at Marilync@stol.church..
References:
- www.beverlypd.org/pdf/PERSONAL SAFETY/CRIME PREVENTION FOR SENIORS
- https://agesafeamerica.com/crime-prevention-tips-elderl