Crime Against Seniors
The baby boomer generation is reaching retirement age and the average lifespan is in the late 70s. As a result, many families are dealing with elder care needs. This can be anything from senior communities to assisted living to full nursing care. Often, these seniors are highly vulnerable to crimes against them, including theft, identity theft, abuse and even violent assaults.
Why are Seniors Targeted?
In the most extreme cases, seniors have memory loss issues. They may be seen as confused when they try to report suspicious activity. Authorities don’t see their complaints as credible or the senior may not be able to remember details or identify the perpetrator.
As we age, our brains change. A study conducted by a UCLA psychologist in 2012 “discovered older adults might have less activity in the areas of their brains which help process risk and subtle danger.” As a result, seniors may be more trusting and less likely to recognize suspicious behavior. Also, they may be hesitant to tell their loved ones about issues. They don’t want to seem like they cannot take care of themselves.
Housekeepers, maintenance folks and others can access a resident’s room at independent or assisted living facilities. Typically, they can come in even when the resident is not there. This creates opportunity for them to steal items or “case” the place for a future theft.
Common Crimes
Nursing care facilities have very strict requirements for reporting violent crimes against patients. Despite this, many still go unreported or are not adequately investigated. CNN did an extensive study on the reporting of these crimes.
Residents at senior communities and care facilities experience theft of possessions, financial information and identity theft. They have reported gift cards, cash, jewelry, designer clothes or purses, medication, alcohol and even food stolen from their living space. In addition, staff members have stolen and used checks, credit cards and taken mail with payments or bank information.
How to Stay Safe
- Keep valuables and financial information in a safe place. A safe deposit box offsite is ideal. For items that need to be easily accessible, have a locked drawer or closet. Add keyless entry locks to rooms or closets to prevent access to the area.
- Inventory all possessions, especially expensive items or ones that can be resold easily (like jewelry and electronics). This removes all doubt about whether something is missing or if the senior is just forgetful or confused.
- Family members or a trusted friend should keep an eye on financial records of their loved ones. Check credit card statements for unusual charges. Watch the bank account for missing expected deposits or unusual checks or withdrawals. Also check credit reports or put a restriction on opening any new credit accounts to prevent identity theft.
- Lock medications up when possible. Keep a count of the number of pills. Check regularly that none are missing.
- Make sure caregivers are trustworthy. If you are hiring the caregiver, check references, certifications and do a criminal background check. Ideally, work with an agency that performs all of these tasks.
- Question the director of the facility. First, ask for their procedures for hiring of employees. Ask about all employees, including administrative, food service and janitorial staff. Ask about the security systems in place, including video cameras and access to the facility. Finally, find out who has access to the individual units. Ask if they are allowed to enter without express permission.
- Install video cameras in the room or apartment. Friends of an elderly woman with dementia installed covert cameras and discovered several different staff members stealing cash, gift cards and even eating food out of the refrigerator.
- Most importantly, do your research. Search here for licensing information, inspection reports and complaints against facilities in your area.
We Can Help!
Cultris Security Systems has been helping Houstonians with their security needs for over 13 years! Call us today at 281-506-8466 or visit us online to see how we can help you and your loved ones.
