Staying Safe at Home: Security Tips for the Elderly

September 19th, 2024



The elderly have become a target for crime, and this has been increasing over the last few years. They are being targeted with various phone scams, fraud, and financial issues. In addition to all this, they are also susceptible to crimes in their own homes as well.

Since the elderly are viewed as an easy target for many burglars, we have compiled a list of a few tips to remember so as not to fall victim to these criminals.

Communication Is Key

You should always be in constant communication with someone outside of the home. In doing so, they will know that you are safe, and you will have someone you can go to if something happens. You never want to live in isolation because this can lead to other issues down the line, including a diminishing mental and physical state as well as loneliness and depression.

Stay in contact with friends and loved ones, and don't allow yourself to become isolated. You can also speak to them about what security measures you are taking or what else can be done to help ensure your continued safety in your home.

Home Security

When it comes to home security, there are a few more basic rules to remember. 

  • Always make sure your doors and windows are locked at all times. No matter where you live, you can easily become a target. The best thing you can do to avoid falling victim is to decrease the chances an intruder has to enter the property.

  • You should also have a peephole or security camera at the front door so you can see who is at the door without having to open it. It gives you the chance to decide if it is someone you want to engage with or not, which ultimately keeps you much safer and secure.

  • When you answer the door, you should also carry your phone with you. This is good in case you opened the door for someone you don't know, and you need to call someone for help.

  • Never leave spare keys around the property either. Burglars know this trick and will be able to locate the key. Instead, give a copy of your key to a family member or trusted neighbor or friend.

  • Install a reinforced door and doorframe for all the doors that face the exterior of your home. This is especially helpful for older homes. It is just another way to add a barrier of protection between yourself and intruders on the other side of the door. You can even have a screen or glass installed between the door and the outside as well that you can keep locked at all times.

Security Systems

Finally, if you are looking for much more advanced security solutions for your home, you should consider either upgrading or purchasing a high-quality security system for the home. Not only will it help deter criminals, but it can also provide more protection when it comes to fire, medical, and carbon monoxide emergencies as well.

You should also consider motion lights for the outside of the home as well because having a well-lit yard and security cameras are all great deterrents and will help keep you safe.

Contact Security Feed in Chico, CA if you are ready to look into your available home security solutions.

What Our Customers Say

"I had the Alibi system installed several years ago. It has functioned flawlessly. The image quality is exellent both night and day and in all weather conditions. I particularly like the replay (which can be set at various speeds) and zoom functions of the system. Tech support from Crimefreeliving has been excellent. I have received quick responses to questions, and timely home visits — as when I changed IP carriers and my Alibi system needed to be reset. I have recommended Crimefreeliving to several friends."

Rich

"As a small business owner here in Chico we definitely saw the need for video surveillance. After expressing our needs and concerns Tim did an excellent job getting us set up with the set up with the appropriate equipment. He really took the time to address our concerns in a very friendly, professional and knowledgeable manner. I highly recommend Tim for all of your business and residential video surveillance needs."

Ron H., Owner/Auto Doctor

"I have to say I love having my security cameras at my home. Tim Truby did a wonderful job of installing the five cameras. He is very neat and cleaned everything up after the installation. He explained to me how to operate the monitor, my phone and IPad. However, I have had to call Tim because I'm not tech savvy and forget what he has told me. He usually just helps me over the phone and then all is well. I'm 80 years old and enjoy the comfort of knowing I have these security cameras."

Gloria

"Tim Truby designed and installed a 32 camera system for us here at the Butte County Mosquito and Vector Control District. We had received several other quotes from security system vendors, but Tim’s quote was the least expensive. Tim also installed the system quickly and has always been available when we needed him. We are very happy with our security camera system and we can highly recommend Tim Truby for all of your surveillance system needs."

D. Weseman, Butte County Mosquito and Vector Control District

Crime Free Living updated our old video system with a new 16 Channel HD Alibi Video Security System. The old system had been added onto by different installers which resulted in a cabling mess. There were cables that worked and cables that went nowhere. It was a mess. Tim sorted it all out and installed cameras that are very clear. He also installed a monitor for our cashiers to watch hidden areas, a monitor to watch the entry door, and a monitor that allows employees to watch the outside parking and gas pump area. All work was done on time and very professional! Will always recommend Tim and Crime Free Living.

S. AM PM Chico Arco Station

"I had Tim install an Alibi Video Security System at my residence and a couple business locations. The remote view option is invaluable to absentee owners or anyone who travels a lot. The clarity and quality of the cameras have allowed for viewing employee theft. The evidence provided from the HD video cameras was fantastic! Tim was professional and provided extra value from his law enforcement background."

J. Folsom Arco Station

"Tim, I want to thank you again for doing such a fantastic job on installing a wireless IP security camera system at our dream home. The extra time that you took to hide wires, and install a clean, professional system is much appreciated. I still can’t believe the clarity, quality, and ease of use of this new system. I wished that I would have met you before our original inferior system was installed by another company. Now, whether I am at home, or monitoring the system from around the world, I know that my home and family are safe and sound."

John M.

"In April of 2017, my husband and I made a phone call to Crime Free Living that turned out to be a smart and wise decision. Amazingly, in just a few hours, Tim installed four Dome Security Cameras, weatherproof enclosures, and hooked up into our home a 23" Full HD Widescreen Security Monitor. Even more than his professional expertise was the time spent with us in making sure that this system was working correctly and properly installed on our phones so that anywhere in our travels we can monitor our new home in Magalia."

Tieka and Don S.

"I have been using Crime Free Living for the last couple years ar work and at home and I really recommend this product. Tim is a very good service provider. If he can't figure it out, he's got good tech support with the system that he offers."

Gary D.

"I have known Tim for over 10 years. To date, Time with Crime Free Living has installed two separate surveillance systems for my company. With each system, Tim has listened to my needs and custom dsigned surveillance systems for my specific needs and within my budget. The equipment used is always state of the art, the workmanship is top notch, and Tim is the example of trustworthy. I would recommend him for any job."

Steve D., Down Range Indoor Training Center

images Certifications & Training

With 16 years of experience in law enforcement, Tim Truby, CEO, is fully certified in video surveillance and training.

  • Certified Advanced Crime Prevention Specialist
  • Academy Instructor Certification
  • California POST Certification in Specialized Surveillance Equipment
  • California POST Certification in Basic Crime Prevention
    • Advanced Crime Prevention through Environmental Design
    • Certified Alibi Security Dealer
    • Enhanced Risk and Threat Assessment (FEMA)
    • Incident Command System (100 & 200)
    • Certified Cognitech Video Forensic Investigator
    • Neighborhood Watch Toolkit Trainer
    • Computer Crimes/Investigations
    • Domestic Crisis for Crisis Negotiators
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