|
| Elder/Senior Safety |
Crime can strike anyone at any time. For many elder adults- particularly those who suffer from various illnesses or
who have other physical disabilities- crime can be especially frightening.
There are ways to protect yourself from becoming a victim. For one thing, you and your neighbors can contact your
local law enforcement agency to establish a Neighborhood Watch program in your community. In addition, a few simple
precautions could prevent you from becoming a target for a robbery, burglary or violent assault. Here are a few tips
to help enhance your safety and security.
ROBBERY
Robberies and purse snatching are difficult to prevent, but there are things you can do to protect yourself against
loss of property, severe injury or loss of life. You can reduce the chances you will be a victim by doing the
following:
- DO NOT carry large sums of money. Credit cards and checks can be replaced Cash cannot.
- DO NOT discuss your financial affairs in public and around strangers. Disclosing bank and similar information
could set you up for a robbery.
- STAY AWAY from dark and deserted places at night.
- ALWAYS LOCK your doors when driving or riding in a vehicle or when you leave your vehicle unattended.
- AVOID WALKING ALONE. Try to set up a walking trip with a companion. If you must walk alone, do it in daylight
and in active areas where you will be observed if confronted.
BURGLARY
Take adequate security measures to protect your home. Many burglaries can be avoided by taking some common
precautions.
- Turn on some lights when you are away. A dark home attracts burglars. Try to leave two lights on; particularly
in the kitchen and living room, the two most used rooms in a home. Don’t leave the same lights on each time you
leave.
- If planning to be away for a long period of time (days or weeks) contact the Citizens Assisting Police at
386.424.2499 and ask for a FREE House Watch. A citizen volunteer will be assigned to check your home every day
while you are gone.
- If you are going away for a period of days or weeks, cancel all deliveries, or have a trusted neighbor or
friend pick up papers, mail, etc.
- Keep all doors and windows in good repair. A broken window or door is an invitation to a burglar. Many
burglaries occur because they found a broken or unlocked window.
- Maintain good locks on doors and windows. Weak or easily defeated locks are another invitation to burglars.
Contact the Crime Prevention Officer at 386.424.2440 and ask for a FREE Home Security Check. A trained crime
prevention officer can come to your home and help you make your home a "hard target".
- Trim your bushes and shrubbery. High bushes and shrubs that hide doors and windows create hiding places for
burglars.
- Do not make it easier for the burglar to find valuables. Don’t keep large amounts of money in the house or
place your money and jewelry in the bedroom- this is the first place a burglar looks.
- Store all valuable property in a locked closet or safe deposit box.
- Don’t "display" valuable items near a window that can be visible from outside.
- Install an alarm system if you can afford one. Many companies offer installment plans. HOWEVER, be very aware
of what the system will or will not do. If you have any questions about an alarm system, contact your law
enforcement agency’s crime prevention unit for advice and suggestions.
WOMEN and STREET CRIMES
There are basic steps that women can take to protect themselves from robbery or physical or sexual assault. Keep the
following points in mind:
- Don’t leave your purse on a counter while shopping. When in a crowd, hold your purse firmly. If at all
possible, avoid carrying a purse.
- Don’t list our fist name in the phone book or on your mailbox. This invites crank calls.
- Be fully dressed, if possible, when deliverymen or others come to your home. Do not allow strangers in your
home. Ask for identification if it is necessary to let someone in your home. When possible, ask the delivery
person to leave the packages outside.
- Keep shades or draperies closed at night. Do not let anyone see that you are alone.
- Don’t hide your house key under the doormat, behind a flowerpot or in a mailbox. These are all places a
burglar first looks.
- DO NOT volunteer any personal information over the telephone to strangers. If you have an answering machine,
have a male friend or neighborh put a message on it for you. Never leave a message saying, "I’m not home"
To guard against the possibility of sexual attack, a woman should:
- Always walk with a whistle and keys in hand for quick access to your vehicle, home or office. Keys can also
be used to repel an attacker in an emergency.
- When walking alone, be aware of your surroundings and be cautious of the people around you.
- When walking at night, stay in well-lighted areas and take the most direct route.
- Notice stores and businesses that stay open at night and places to go where you can get help.
- If you have to be out at night, tell someone where you will be, ask that person to look for your return, and
to notify law enforcement if you do not return after a certain time.
- If you are driving and your vehicle becomes disabled, do not get out of the vehicle. If someone approaches
and offers to help, ask them to call someone for help or to call the local law enforcement agency.
- Carry a cellular telephone with you. A phone that is not activated can still be used to call 911. IF IT IS
CHARGED UP.
ELDER ABUSE
Older persons and their families today face increased economic and emotional pressures. Often, these are pressures
over which we feel we have no control. The result can be undesirable living conditions. For the elderly adult who is
dependent on a caretaker, the result may be abuse, exploitation or neglect.
There are many types of abuse. Although actual physical violence by one person against another (in this case the
elderly adult) is not the most common form of abuse, it does occur. More often, the older adult is subjected to
psychological abuse, such as unnecessary neglect or verbal taunting. Financial abuse of elderly person’ resources and
possessions is also prevalent.
Older Floridians have rights. Help is available. There is a response network in Florida. If you feel you are being
abused, neglected or exploited, contact the Department of Children and Families (DCAF) immediately at 1-800-96-ABUSE.
This is a 24-hour a day toll free call. When you call, DCAF will intercede on your behalf and make appropriate
arrangements for your safety and well being. DCAF’s goal is to protect you while allowing you to remain in your own
home.
If you are the victim of physical violence, call your local law enforcement agency immediately. Go to your doctor or
hospital emergency room if you are injured. If you have little or no money, a county hospital will provide emergency
medical treatment. Health insurance plans (including Medicare and Medicaid) usually cover medical expenses resulting
from physical abuse.
TELL THE DOCTOR OR NURSE THAT YOUR INJURIES ARE THE RESULT OF ABUSE. FLORIDA LAW REQUIRES PROFESSIONALS, SUCH AS
PHYSICIANS, NURSES AND OTHER HEALTH CARE WORKERS, AS WELL AS ANYONE ELSE WHO KNOWS OR HAS A REASONABLE CAUSE TO
SUSPECT THAT ABUSE IS OCCURRING, TO REPORT THIS KNOWLEDGE OR SUSPICION TO DCAF.
Document the incident by keeping your medical records and the police report. This will enable you to be reimbursed by
your insurance company, protect yourself through legal action and receive reimbursement through the Victims of Crime
Act.
If you or someone you know is not receiving adequate care or is being neglected by his or her family or caretaker,
please seek help immediately.
Help cannot be provided if you do not make the situation known to the proper agency or authorities. Do not be afraid
or ashamed to report any situation that you feel is not what it should be. Both the victim and the abuser need help
and without intervention, the abuse is often repeated.
Do not worry about the confidentiality of your information when making a report. Florida law strictly enforces
confidentiality.
The law recognizes that older adults
have the right to respect and dignity.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, YOU MAY CALL THE BETTER LIVING FOR SENIORS HELPLINE, CENTER FOR AGING RESOURCES
AT 1-800-262-2243
Additional Resources Online:
American Association of Retired Persons - http://www.aarp.org/
National Crime Prevention Council - http://www.ncpc.org/
Florida Department of Elder Affairs - http://www.myflorida.com/doea
|
|
|
