Senior Safety Tips
Project Lifesaver
The Monmouth County Office on Aging is pleased to partner with the Sheriff’s Office for this new Senior Safety Initiative and bring relief to families who have loved ones that wander. Project Lifesaver’s mission is to use state of the art technology to find people with Alzheimer’s disease, other memory disorders (such as dementia), or Autistic children. For further information or to apply, call (732) 431-7450
or click here to view the brochure.
Be Alert When Out and About
As people grow older, their chances of being victims of crime decreases dramatically. But a lifetime of experience coupled with the physical problems associated with aging often make older Americans fearful. Although they are on the lookout constantly for physical attack and burglary, they are not as alert to frauds and con games – in reality the greatest crime threat to seniors’ wellbeing and trust. Want to conquer fear and prevent crime? Take these common-sense precautions.
- Go with friends or family, not alone.
- Carry your purse close to your body, not dangling by the strap.Put a wallet in an inside coat or front pants pocket.
- Don’t carry credit cards you don’t need or large amounts of cash.
- Use direct deposit for Social Security and other regular checks.
- Whether you’re a passenger or driver, keep car doors locked. Be particularly alert in parking lots and garages. Park near an entrance.
- Sit close to the driver or near the exit while riding the bus, train, or subway.
- If someone or something makes you uneasy, trust your instincts and leave.
Make Your Home Safe and Secure
Watch Out for Con Artists
- Install good locks on doors and windows. Use them! Don’t hide keys in mailboxes, planters, or under doormats. Instead leave an extra set of keys with a trusted neighbor or friend.
- Ask for photo identification from service or delivery people before letting them in. If you are the least bit worried, call the company to verify.
- Be sure your street address number is large, clear of obstruction, and well-lighted so police and other emergency personnel can find your home quickly.
- Consider a home alarm system that provides emergency monitoring for burglary, fire, and medical emergencies.
- Don’t fall for anything that sounds too good to be true – a free vacation, sweepstakes prizes, cures for cancer and arthritis, a low risk, high-yield investment scheme.
- Never give your credit card, phone card, Social Security, or bank account number to anyone over the phone. It’s illegal for telemarketers to ask for these numbers to verify a prize or gift.
- Don’t let anyone rush you into signing anything – an insurance policy, a sales agreement, a contract. Read it carefully and have someone you trust check it over.
- Beware of individuals claiming to represent companies, consumer organizations, or government agencies that offer to recover lost money from fraudulent telemarketers for a fee.
- If you’re suspicious, check it out with the police, the Better Business Bureau, or your local consumer protection office,1-800-242-5846.
Get Involved in the Community
Important Phone Numbers
- Report any crime or suspicious activities to law enforcement.
- Join a Neighborhood Watch to look out for each other and help the police.
- Get involved in our TRIAD program. It’s sponsored on a national level by the AARP, the International Chiefs of Police, and the National Sheriffs’ Association. TRIAD promotes partnerships between senior citizens and the law enforcement community, both to prevent crime against the elderly and to help law enforcement benefit from the talents of older people.
- Visiting Nurse Association 1-800-862-3330
- Meals on wheels 732-775-5155
- Monmouth County Office on Aging 732-431-7450
- TRIAD/OOA 1-877-222-3737
General assistance/welfare in
Wall Township, call 732-449-8444 ext 214
