Security

An increasing number of older people live alone. Making security and safety issues and modifications inside and outside your home can reduce your risk of injury and foster independence.

Personal safety

Join a neighbourhood or rural support scheme. Information on the one closest to you is available from your police station.

Personal emergency alarms provide security in the event of a fall or an emergency for people who live alone. There are a variety of options offered by different companies but most involve wearing a small alarm device. If you need help, you set off the device which is linked through the phone either to a neighbour, family member, or a security company so someone can get to you quickly.

For more information, contact your general practitioner, or check the Security Systems – Personal Alarms section in the Yellow Pages.

Telephone assistance

Keep a list of emergency numbers beside the phone. Get at least two phones in the house, accessible from the floor so you don’t have far to go in the event of a fall. Cordless phones are useful, but you should also keep a "hard wired" or conventional phone as cordless phones won't work if the power is off.

Get a pre-paid mobile phone. These don’t have any monthly charges so can be kept for emergencies. Don't forget to keep its battery charged up though.

Reduce the risk of injury

Be aware of the risk of injury from falls. Install handrails. Keep outside areas free of moss or mud. Install non-slip surfaces and tack down or remove loose edges of carpet and secure loose rugs. Use cupboards at easy to reach levels to avoid having to climb.

Hiring contractors

A deteriorating house or overgrown garden can mark you out as a target for rogue contractors, bogus callers or con artists.

Be careful if someone comes to your door uninvited offering trades services.

Beware of distraction crimes – one visitor keeps you busy while the other prowls round your house. Never let a stranger into your home unless you have checked that they are who they say they are.

Here are some other tips on how to avoid being cheated:

• ask your friends or neighbours (or some Age Concerns) if they can recommend tradespeople to you
• find out how much a job will cost before the contractor starts work and get a written quote
• never agree to jobs done on the spot by people who call without an appointment (for example, by people who claim they have unused concrete or other mixes they must use up urgently)
• give yourself time to think before you agree to an offer and get quotes from a few different gardeners or contractors
• never pay someone cash before the job is finished
• never admit you keep cash at home and never accept a lift from traders to go to the bank to collect cash.

If you have been threatened or intimidated, call the Police on 111. If you think an unscrupulous contractor may be targetting your neighbourhood, talk to Age Concern or make a non-urgent call to local Police.

Security

Be aware of planting and garden design that can improve visibility of access. Make sure the outside of your house is well lit. Install security lights that are activated by movement.

Fit good locks on doors and windows. Install a door viewer and consider a door chain. The Police can be contacted for advice on home security options.

Comment

Although you can take sensible precautions, don't let the fear of crime disempower you, Age Concern says. The Ministry of Justice New Zealand Crime & Safety Survey 2006 found that people aged 60-plus are the least likely to experience crime. Popular perceptions of 'endangered oldies' don't reflect the truth.

Resources

>VISIT the Ministry of Social Development for assistance with telephone or medical alarm rental.