Many seniors feel vulnerable in their own homes. 

Thankfully, with some simple and budget-friendly modifications, you can greatly enhance your home’s security.  Here are some important and inexpensive modifications to help you feel safe and secure.
 
Update your locks.  One of the best modifications you can make to improve your home security is installing new locks.  The locks on your exterior doors should include a deadbolt, with the part that enters the door frame, called the “throw bolt,” extending deep into the frame. 

Also, ensure the locks on your windows function properly.  As windows age, they can drop out of alignment, causing the locks to not engage properly. 

Some experts suggest installing alarms on your windows as well because the noise the alarm makes can frighten home invaders and provide precious time to call the authorities.
 
Steel doors.  Your home’s exterior doors should be made of steel.  Ideally, your doors should also be solid, with no windows for would-be intruders to access door knobs or to slip through.  Small windows at the top of the door are okay because they don’t reduce the strength of the door and aren’t useful for breaking in. 

Also, another recommendation is to ensure your entryways and window areas are free of hiding places.  Cut back large shrubbery and tree branches so nobody can lurk around your home.
 
Furry friend.  A dog is a terrific deterrent to criminals.  Dogs don’t have to be trained guards, or even large, to make burglars pass you by.  Man’s best friend poses a potential threat or at least an inconvenience, and criminals like easy targets. 

A barking dog is also an instant alarm, notifying both you and the neighbors there is trouble afoot.  If you don’t own a dog, you can purchase an alarm that sounds like one when activated. 
 
Motion sensors.  Lights that come on when there is activity outside can be a boon to home safety.  They should be installed in strategic locations so trespassers trigger them before entering your house. 

You can replace existing fixtures with motion-activated lights or install wiring for new lighting. There are also solar-powered options that save you the trouble and expense of hiring an electrician. 

Some motion-sensor lights also offer dusk-till-dawn sensors so you don’t have to remember to turn them on in the evening.
 
Security systems.  By recording what’s going on in your property’s key areas, you can keep would-be burglars at bay. 

Newer systems connect wirelessly to your computer and record activity which you can view later on the internet.  Some systems include a camera, motion sensors, and noise detection. 

You can even get a peephole with video and night vision so you don’t need to guess who is ringing your doorbell.  What’s more, experts at HGTV explain you can even control newer security systems via your cell phone, and systems do not involve a monthly fee. 

As Angie’s List notes, “Today’s home security systems are far more advanced, and homeowners can now choose from a wide range of security options, such as around-the-clock monitoring and video surveillance.”
 
Stay alert.  These days, seniors aren’t only vulnerable to physical break-ins.  It’s important to be aware of potential fraud and scams, especially over the phone. 

Some criminals attempt to steal your credit card information, sell you false goods, or even steal your identity.  The National Council on Aging recommends keeping a few easy lines in mind if you’re approached by a solicitor. 

You can even write yourself a script and keep it by the phone, since some scoundrels are particularly persuasive. 

You can say something simple, such as, “I never purchase anything over the phone.  Please send me your request in writing.”  Also, ask the caller to give you the company’s name and contact information so you can follow up later. 
 
Safe at home.  Improving your home’s security can give you great peace of mind.  Consider some inexpensive but effective modifications, such as adding locks, lighting, and alarms. 

Also stay alert to scams and frauds.  With a handful of smart and budget-friendly changes, you can stay ahead of criminals and keep from becoming a victim. 

Submitted by Lisa Gonzalez
​- website www.elderscorps.org
​- email Lisa

Social Isolation and Loneliness Among Seniors (SILAS) Forum

Saturday, May 26, 2018
1:30 - 3:30 pm
2nd floor, 1440 West 12th Avenue
Vancouver, BC

Social isolation and loneliness has been identified as a major concern in our
community causing significant negative effects on health, health care costs
and personal well-being.

Eddy Elmer, of the Vancouver Seniors Advisory Committee, will speak about his extensive research into the issue and
resulting recommendations. Representatives of the federal and city governments will be attending along with community support groups.

The presentation will be followed by round table discussions where the audience
can share their views if they wish and explore ideas to address the problem.

Presented by:
The Quadra Granville Seniors Group
and the South Granville Seniors Centre

Space is limited, register online for this free forum at
http://quadragranvilleseniors.ca/register

As we get older, safety becomes more important than ever.

Home safety is becoming especially relevant as more and more seniors are living independently.

​The following are links to resources that will help raise your awareness of potential risks and enhance your safety in the home.
 
The Most Common In-Home Injuries for Seniors and How to Prevent Them
 
Fire Safety for Elders with Special Health Needs
 
Preparing Your Home for a Loved One with Alzheimer’s: A Caregiver’s Guide
 
44 Crime prevention tips for seniors
 
Handicap Accessible Modifications That Won’t Turn Off Future Homebuyers
 
How To Garden Safely When You’re A Senior
 
Links compiled by Lisa Gonzalez
- email

Changes, which accompany aging, can bring many seniors a loss of mobility. 

Managing what used to be the simple tasks of day-to-day living can become challenging.  However, clever modifications can mean the difference between struggling to maneuver and being able to comfortably and safely stay at home. 
 
Safety first.  One of the first areas of concern for seniors is ensuring the home environment is safe.  Some experts point out that as we age we lose flexibility and balance.  Add waning vision and loss of muscle and bone mass and we have a perfect storm, leaving seniors open to falls with serious complications.

​As HomeAdvisor explains, “For seniors to keep their independence, they must have a safe environment to live in.  Safe is a relative term that must factor in a person’s individual needs.  Understanding your health, medical conditions and any complications that may arise is the first step to staying in your own home.”
 
Prevent injuries.  Some of the best ways to keep a senior safe is through simple, preventative measures.  Think in terms of removing slipping and tripping hazards, and then in terms of support if a senior does become off-balance. 

For instance, you can install handrails, seats and grab bars in shower areas and add nonslip mats for traction.  Install an elevated toilet seat and faucets with lever-style handles. 

Remove rugs and other floor clutter, such as ottomans and magazine racks.  Secure furniture that could tip over, and eliminate household items with glass tops and sharp edges. 

​At least one entrance to the home should be step-free.  The entrance can be in the front, back or side of the home, so long as there are no stairsteps.  Consider installing a ramp for improved access. 
 
Throughout the home.  Addressing the property as a whole is a key to helping seniors remain mobile.  Reader’s Digest notes you should evaluate some of the basic design elements to ensure safety and independence. 

For instance, ideally seniors should live on one floor of the home with access to a bedroom, bathroom and kitchen.  Hallways should be a minimum of 42-inches wide to accommodate wheelchairs, and there should be at least one no-step entry to the home in order to accommodate wheelchairs. 

Light switches and outlets should be easy to reach, even from a seated position, and rocker switches should replace traditional switches.  Round door knobs and faucet handles should be replaced with lever-style handles.  Thresholds throughout the home should be level and free of steps. 
 
Details make the difference.  Sometimes the smallest things can make the biggest difference in living happily and comfortably.  When someone experiences a mobility loss, this can be particularly true. 

For instance, moving dishes to low-level cabinets makes them easier to manage, and installing cabinet hardware that is easy to grasp can smooth out meal prep and clean up. 

Turning the water heater down to 120 degrees can prevent scalding, and replacing appliance knobs with easy to grab knobs can make preparing food a breeze. 

You may wish to complete a simple but thorough home modification assessment for aging in place to ensure you are creating a more comfortable, age-friendly living environment. 
 
Funding your changes.  Some home modifications can be expensive.  Fortunately, there are several funding resources available to help meet the needs of those with changes in mobility.

Depending on your circumstances, you may qualify for assistance through the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Federal Housing Administration, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Department of Agriculture, or the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. 
 
Keep moving!  With well-planned modifications, seniors can remain mobile in spite of mobility loss.  Evaluate the home and make wise changes.  A safe and accessible environment lays the foundation for continued independence. 
 
Author: Hazel Bridges
​- website: Agingwellness.org
- email