Keeping The Elderly Safe In The 21st Century

Keeping the Elderly SafeKeeping the Elderly Safein the 21in the 21stst Century Century

National Crime Prevention CouncilNational Crime Prevention Council

20062006

National Crime Prevention Council National Crime Prevention Council 20062006 22

Workshop Goal and ObjectivesWorkshop Goal and Objectives

Attendees will be better equipped to assist Attendees will be better equipped to assist their aging parents or other friends and loved their aging parents or other friends and loved ones from becoming victims of crime byones from becoming victims of crime by– Understanding the Processes of AgingUnderstanding the Processes of Aging– Identifying Threats and ChallengesIdentifying Threats and Challenges– Recognizing Signs and Potential DangersRecognizing Signs and Potential Dangers– Developing Prevention/Intervention StrategiesDeveloping Prevention/Intervention Strategies


IntroductionIntroduction

Senior citizens (age 65 and older) Senior citizens (age 65 and older) currently make up 13% of the population.currently make up 13% of the population.

Baby boomers are entering that age Baby boomers are entering that age group.group.

The number of seniors will continue to The number of seniors will continue to grow over the coming years.grow over the coming years.



As the senior citizen population grows, they As the senior citizen population grows, they will need more care and attention. will need more care and attention.

More adults will find themselves caring for and More adults will find themselves caring for and assisting their elderly parents and loved ones.assisting their elderly parents and loved ones.

The elderly often turn to their adult children in The elderly often turn to their adult children in times of need.times of need.



The elderly are sometimes ignored, even by loved ones. The elderly are sometimes ignored, even by loved ones. They can be victims of crime like the rest of us, and They can be victims of crime like the rest of us, and

especially ofespecially of– Physical abusePhysical abuse– Financial exploitation Financial exploitation – FraudFraud– Self neglectSelf neglect


Why it’s Important Why it’s Important

As the population of seniors growsAs the population of seniors grows Adult children will be called upon more often to resolve Adult children will be called upon more often to resolve

problems.problems. Public safety officials will get more calls for service Public safety officials will get more calls for service

concerning the elderly.concerning the elderly. Perpetrators will more readily target seniors.Perpetrators will more readily target seniors.


Senior CitizensSenior Citizens

Older Americans deal with issues like the rest of us, includingOlder Americans deal with issues like the rest of us, including Loneliness or alonenessLoneliness or aloneness DepressionDepression

But also age-specific issues, includingBut also age-specific issues, including RetirementRetirement Diminished health Diminished health Reduced independenceReduced independence Dementia and Alzheimer's disease Dementia and Alzheimer's disease


Senior CitizensSenior Citizens

Some senior citizens are in great health and are fullySome senior citizens are in great health and are fully

capable of caring for themselves. Many of them volunteercapable of caring for themselves. Many of them volunteer

some of their free time to help others bysome of their free time to help others by MentoringMentoring TeachingTeaching Joining Neighborhood Watch groupsJoining Neighborhood Watch groups Organizing community eventsOrganizing community events


Seniors VolunteeringSeniors Volunteering

On average, senior citizens volunteer less than On average, senior citizens volunteer less than other age groups, but when they do, they tend other age groups, but when they do, they tend to become very involved and volunteer more to become very involved and volunteer more hours than other age groups.hours than other age groups.

It is predicted that the “boomer” generation will It is predicted that the “boomer” generation will be more active in volunteer activities.be more active in volunteer activities.


Seniors in the NewsSeniors in the News


Senior Volunteer OpportunitiesSenior Volunteer Opportunities

Senior CorpsSenior Corps USA Freedom CorpsUSA Freedom Corps Senior Citizens BureauSenior Citizens Bureau Older Americans Act ProgramsOlder Americans Act Programs Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP)Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) AARPAARP


Elder Care IssuesElder Care Issues

Many senior citizens are unable to care for themselves, andMany senior citizens are unable to care for themselves, and

require special attention. In these situations, loved ones shouldrequire special attention. In these situations, loved ones should

watch forwatch for Elder abuseElder abuse Financial exploitationFinancial exploitation Neglect and self-neglectNeglect and self-neglect SeclusionSeclusion

However, there is also plenty of help available to caregivers.However, there is also plenty of help available to caregivers.


Doctor MarionDoctor Marion


Elder CareElder Care

Make sure the health agency is insured, Make sure the health agency is insured, bonded, and that criminal background bonded, and that criminal background checks have been completed.checks have been completed.

The Eldercare Locator can help you find The Eldercare Locator can help you find appropriate care. Visit this resource at appropriate care. Visit this resource at www.eldercare.govwww.eldercare.gov or call 800-677-1116. or call 800-677-1116.


Eldercare LocatorEldercare Locator


Things to Watch For Things to Watch For

There are several ways that elder abuse is committed:There are several ways that elder abuse is committed:– PhysicalPhysical– EmotionalEmotional– SexualSexual– NeglectNeglect– AbandonmentAbandonment

In addition, seniors may neglect their own welfare.In addition, seniors may neglect their own welfare.


Signs of Physical AbuseSigns of Physical Abuse

Bruises, black eyes, broken bonesBruises, black eyes, broken bones Open wounds, punctures, untreated injuriesOpen wounds, punctures, untreated injuries Sprains, dislocationsSprains, dislocations Broken eyeglasses/frames, signs of being restrainedBroken eyeglasses/frames, signs of being restrained Over- or underutilization of medicationOver- or underutilization of medication Caregiver’s refusal to allow visitors to see an elder aloneCaregiver’s refusal to allow visitors to see an elder alone The senior’s verbal report of being mistreatedThe senior’s verbal report of being mistreated


Signs of Emotional AbuseSigns of Emotional Abuse

Elder is emotionally upset or agitatedElder is emotionally upset or agitated Senior is withdrawn and noncommunicative or Senior is withdrawn and noncommunicative or

nonresponsivenonresponsive Unusual behavior, such as sucking, biting, or Unusual behavior, such as sucking, biting, or

rockingrocking An elder’s report of being verbally or emotionally An elder’s report of being verbally or emotionally

mistreatedmistreated


Signs of Sexual AbuseSigns of Sexual Abuse

Bruises or bleeding around vaginal or genital Bruises or bleeding around vaginal or genital areaarea

Unexplained venereal disease or genital Unexplained venereal disease or genital infectionsinfections

Torn, stained, or bloody underclothingTorn, stained, or bloody underclothing An elder’s report of being sexually assaulted or An elder’s report of being sexually assaulted or

rapedraped


Signs of NeglectSigns of Neglect

Dehydration, malnutrition, untreated bed Dehydration, malnutrition, untreated bed sores, poor personal hygienesores, poor personal hygiene

Unsanitary, unclean, or unsafe living quartersUnsanitary, unclean, or unsafe living quarters Lack of clothing or inadequate clothingLack of clothing or inadequate clothing Inadequate housing or homelessnessInadequate housing or homelessness An elder’s report of being mistreatedAn elder’s report of being mistreated


Signs of AbandonmentSigns of Abandonment

Desertion of an elder at a hospital, nursing Desertion of an elder at a hospital, nursing facility, or similar institutionfacility, or similar institution

Senior’s disorientationSenior’s disorientation Desertion of an elder at a shopping center, Desertion of an elder at a shopping center,

park, or other public areapark, or other public area An elder’s report of being abandonedAn elder’s report of being abandoned


Eldercare LocatorEldercare Locator

If you recognize any of these signs of abuse,If you recognize any of these signs of abuse,contact the Eldercare Locator help line as sooncontact the Eldercare Locator help line as soonas possible.as possible. 800-677-1116, Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 800-677-1116, Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. ET8 p.m. ET Call 9-1-1 immediately if someone you know Call 9-1-1 immediately if someone you know

is in serious or life-threatening dangeris in serious or life-threatening danger


Elder CareElder Care

On the Internet, there are more resourcesOn the Internet, there are more resources

available to assist caregivers.available to assist caregivers. CareGuide@Home, CareGuide@Home, www.eldercare.comwww.eldercare.com Doctor Marion, Doctor Marion, www.doctormarion.comwww.doctormarion.com


Financial ExploitationFinancial Exploitation

The unique issues that senior citizens face can leaveThe unique issues that senior citizens face can leave

them more at risk of becoming victims of fraud or identity them more at risk of becoming victims of fraud or identity theft than other age groups.theft than other age groups.

Caregivers should watch for signs of financial Caregivers should watch for signs of financial exploitation in their older parents and realize that these exploitation in their older parents and realize that these crimes could be committed by anyone – even the elder’s crimes could be committed by anyone – even the elder’s family members or other caregivers.family members or other caregivers.


Financial ExploitationFinancial Exploitation

Many criminals consider senior citizens easy targetsMany criminals consider senior citizens easy targets

for scams because theyfor scams because they May have a “nest egg” to spend or investMay have a “nest egg” to spend or invest Might be lonely and more willing to talk to strangersMight be lonely and more willing to talk to strangers Are less likely to report fraud than other age groupsAre less likely to report fraud than other age groups No longer have their partner and confidant to talk toNo longer have their partner and confidant to talk to


PreventingPreventingFinancial ExploitationFinancial Exploitation

Minimize isolationMinimize isolation

– Family and friends can help with early Family and friends can help with early detection.detection.

Formal credit checks of senior’s financesFormal credit checks of senior’s finances Background checks on caregivers or Background checks on caregivers or

people close to possible victimpeople close to possible victim


Financial ExploitationFinancial ExploitationWarning SignsWarning Signs

Overdrawn bank accountsOverdrawn bank accounts Junk mail piling up at homeJunk mail piling up at home Numerous phone calls from numbers Numerous phone calls from numbers

child/caregiver doesn’t recognizechild/caregiver doesn’t recognize ““Gimme” gifts—cheap, useless items like Gimme” gifts—cheap, useless items like

whistles, hats, rulers, or bumper stickerswhistles, hats, rulers, or bumper stickers


Financial ExploitationFinancial ExploitationInterventionIntervention

If you suspect that an elder has beenIf you suspect that an elder has been

exploited financiallyexploited financially Contact the local adult protective services Contact the local adult protective services

agency.agency. Contact your state’s attorney general’s office.Contact your state’s attorney general’s office. File a report with the local police.File a report with the local police.


Telemarketing FraudTelemarketing Fraud

Criminals use high-pressure sales tactics andCriminals use high-pressure sales tactics and

psychology to exploit the trust of victims. Remind olderpsychology to exploit the trust of victims. Remind older

loved ones thatloved ones that Offers that seem too good to be true usually are.Offers that seem too good to be true usually are. You do not have to be polite to salespeople.You do not have to be polite to salespeople. When on the phone, always feel free to say “No,” When on the phone, always feel free to say “No,”

and hang up. It’s not rude – it’s shrewd.and hang up. It’s not rude – it’s shrewd.


Telemarketing FraudTelemarketing FraudWarning SignsWarning Signs

Beware of the classic lines below, which are oftenBeware of the classic lines below, which are oftenused by scam artistsused by scam artists ““You must act now, or the offer will expire.”You must act now, or the offer will expire.” ““You have won a free gift, but you must pay for You have won a free gift, but you must pay for

postage” (or another charge).postage” (or another charge). ““Don’t miss this ‘high-profit, no-risk’ offer.”Don’t miss this ‘high-profit, no-risk’ offer.”


Telemarketing Tip #1Telemarketing Tip #1Make sure seniors are familiar with the tips below and onMake sure seniors are familiar with the tips below and onthe following slides to make sure they aren’t victims ofthe following slides to make sure they aren’t victims offraud.fraud. Never give out personal information over the phone Never give out personal information over the phone

unless they initiated the call and trust the person or unless they initiated the call and trust the person or agency receiving the call. Legitimate callers will not ask agency receiving the call. Legitimate callers will not ask for this information.for this information.

““I don’t give out personal information over the phone. I’llI don’t give out personal information over the phone. I’llcontact the company directly and provide them with thecontact the company directly and provide them with thenecessary information.”necessary information.”


Telemarketing Tip #2Telemarketing Tip #2

If the caller says something is free, then they If the caller says something is free, then they shouldn’t have to pay to receive it.shouldn’t have to pay to receive it.

They should not need to pay handling charges or They should not need to pay handling charges or taxes.taxes.

““I shouldn’t have to send money for somethingI shouldn’t have to send money for something

that’s free.”that’s free.”



““Limited time offers” should not require an immediate Limited time offers” should not require an immediate decision.decision.

Legitimate callers will not rush them.Legitimate callers will not rush them. They should sleep on it for a day or two.They should sleep on it for a day or two.

““I’d like some time to think about this. Tell me how I canI’d like some time to think about this. Tell me how I can

get in touch with you. If I’m interested, I’ll call you back.”get in touch with you. If I’m interested, I’ll call you back.”



Be wary of any caller that tries to convince Be wary of any caller that tries to convince them not to speak with anyone about the call.them not to speak with anyone about the call.

““I’d like to take some time to discuss this withI’d like to take some time to discuss this with

my family and friends, and I’ll get back to youmy family and friends, and I’ll get back to you

if I’m still interested.”if I’m still interested.”



It can be hard to understand the verbal details of an It can be hard to understand the verbal details of an offer.offer.

Request to receive details in the mail.Request to receive details in the mail. All legitimate business offers and investments should be All legitimate business offers and investments should be

able to comply.able to comply.

““If you can’t mail me the information, then I can’t talk toIf you can’t mail me the information, then I can’t talk to

you.”you.”


FraudFraud

The Federal Trade Commission received a total of 99,135 fraud-relatedThe Federal Trade Commission received a total of 99,135 fraud-related

complaints from consumers age 50 and over in 2005complaints from consumers age 50 and over in 2005 Foreign money offers (10%)Foreign money offers (10%) Prizes/sweepstakes and lotteries (9%)Prizes/sweepstakes and lotteries (9%) Internet auctions (9%)Internet auctions (9%) Internet services and computer complaints (6%)Internet services and computer complaints (6%) Shop-at-home/catalog sales (6%)Shop-at-home/catalog sales (6%) Telephone services (3%)Telephone services (3%)


Identity TheftIdentity Theft

Seniors have the smallest rate of identity theft fraud victims; Seniors have the smallest rate of identity theft fraud victims;

however, the Federal Trade Commission received a total of however, the Federal Trade Commission received a total of

56,584 identity-theft related complaints from consumers age 50 56,584 identity-theft related complaints from consumers age 50

and over in 2005.and over in 2005. Credit card fraud (34%)Credit card fraud (34%) Bank fraud (18%)Bank fraud (18%) Phone or utilities fraud (15%)Phone or utilities fraud (15%) 63% of identity theft is committed by someone the victim 63% of identity theft is committed by someone the victim

knows.knows.


PreventingPreventingIdentity TheftIdentity Theft

Make sure seniors are aware of these prevention tips:Make sure seniors are aware of these prevention tips: Shred all discarded mail with personal information.Shred all discarded mail with personal information. Routinely monitor financial accounts and billing Routinely monitor financial accounts and billing

statements.statements. Make a copy of everything in their wallet in case it is Make a copy of everything in their wallet in case it is

lost or stolen.lost or stolen. Keep records of conversations and copies of all Keep records of conversations and copies of all

correspondence.correspondence.


Identity TheftIdentity TheftWarning SignsWarning Signs

Failing to receive bills or other mailFailing to receive bills or other mail Receiving credit cards for which they did not applyReceiving credit cards for which they did not apply Being denied credit, or offered less favorable credit Being denied credit, or offered less favorable credit

terms, for no apparent reasonterms, for no apparent reason Getting calls or letters from debt collectors or businesses Getting calls or letters from debt collectors or businesses

about items or services they did not buyabout items or services they did not buy


Identity TheftIdentity TheftInterventionIntervention

If you suspect your identity or an elder’s has been stolenIf you suspect your identity or an elder’s has been stolen Place a fraud alert on your credit reports and review them Place a fraud alert on your credit reports and review them

with the major credit reporting agencies, with the major credit reporting agencies, Equifax, Equifax, Experian, and TransUnionExperian, and TransUnion

Close accounts you believe are fraudulent or may have Close accounts you believe are fraudulent or may have been subject to tamperingbeen subject to tampering

File a report with local police where the ID theft took placeFile a report with local police where the ID theft took place File a complaint with the Federal Trade CommissionFile a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission

– www.ftc.govwww.ftc.gov


General Safety TipsGeneral Safety Tips

Make sure seniors follow these tips at home:Make sure seniors follow these tips at home: Use sturdy metal or solid wood doors, and install and use Use sturdy metal or solid wood doors, and install and use

deadbolt locks (1 ½ inch throw or greater).deadbolt locks (1 ½ inch throw or greater). Use wide-angle viewers in doors at different heights if Use wide-angle viewers in doors at different heights if

necessary.necessary. Light up entry doors; use motion detectors or floodlights.Light up entry doors; use motion detectors or floodlights. Trim shrubbery around doors and windows and make sure Trim shrubbery around doors and windows and make sure

the address is displayed for emergency personnel. the address is displayed for emergency personnel. Give an extra key to a trusted neighbor.Give an extra key to a trusted neighbor.



At homeAt home Ask for photo identification from service, Ask for photo identification from service,

delivery or utility workers before letting them in.delivery or utility workers before letting them in. Ask law enforcement for a free home security Ask law enforcement for a free home security

survey.survey. Consider installing an alarm.Consider installing an alarm.



Out and AboutOut and About Go out with friends and family, not alone.Go out with friends and family, not alone. Walk purposely and know where they are.Walk purposely and know where they are. Walk down the middle of the sidewalk rather than Walk down the middle of the sidewalk rather than

along doorways or the curb.along doorways or the curb. Keep purses close to their bodies and wallets in front Keep purses close to their bodies and wallets in front

pants or jacket pocket.pants or jacket pocket. Carry only cash, credit cards, and ID that will be Carry only cash, credit cards, and ID that will be

needed.needed.



Out and AboutOut and About Use busier, better-lighted stops on public transit.Use busier, better-lighted stops on public transit. Sit near the bus driver or, in subway cars, with several other Sit near the bus driver or, in subway cars, with several other

passengers.passengers. If someone seems to be following them, turn in the opposite If someone seems to be following them, turn in the opposite

direction or cross the street. If they persist, approach the direction or cross the street. If they persist, approach the nearest group of people and ask for help.nearest group of people and ask for help.

If someone or something makes them uneasy, trust their If someone or something makes them uneasy, trust their instincts and leave.instincts and leave.



In the NeighborhoodIn the Neighborhood Know your neighbors.Know your neighbors. Report crime and suspicious activities to police.Report crime and suspicious activities to police. Start or strengthen a Neighborhood Watch group.Start or strengthen a Neighborhood Watch group. Find out if their area has community policing, and Find out if their area has community policing, and

get to know the officers assigned to their get to know the officers assigned to their neighborhood.neighborhood.


Emergency PreparednessEmergency Preparedness

No one expects to deal with disaster, but everyone can prepareNo one expects to deal with disaster, but everyone can prepare

for them. Senior citizens should be ready to deal withfor them. Senior citizens should be ready to deal with

emergencies likeemergencies like HurricanesHurricanes EarthquakesEarthquakes Power outagesPower outages FloodingFlooding FiresFires Toxic spillsToxic spills



Make sure seniors stock up on supplies for at least three daysMake sure seniors stock up on supplies for at least three days Food, waterFood, water First aid kit, medicineFirst aid kit, medicine Phone numbers of local and nonlocal relativesPhone numbers of local and nonlocal relatives Personal hygiene suppliesPersonal hygiene supplies Battery-powered radio, flashlightBattery-powered radio, flashlight Change of clothes, extra keysChange of clothes, extra keys Cash, change, credit cardsCash, change, credit cards



Checklist Checklist Post emergency phone numbers by phone.Post emergency phone numbers by phone. Arrange for someone to check on seniors.Arrange for someone to check on seniors. Plan ahead for transportation.Plan ahead for transportation. Have an evacuation plan and practice it.Have an evacuation plan and practice it. Find the safe places in their home for each type of Find the safe places in their home for each type of

emergency.emergency.



ChecklistChecklist Plan ahead with their home health care service.Plan ahead with their home health care service. Teach those who may be providing assistance Teach those who may be providing assistance

how to operate necessary equipment.how to operate necessary equipment. Be sure others know their medical needs.Be sure others know their medical needs.



NotificationNotification National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

(NOAA) weather radio(NOAA) weather radio

– Call your local National Weather Service office.Call your local National Weather Service office. Commercial radio and television stationsCommercial radio and television stations Door-to-door warning from officialsDoor-to-door warning from officials



Preparation for PetsPreparation for Pets Assemble an animal emergency supply kit.Assemble an animal emergency supply kit. Plan in advance for shelter alternatives.Plan in advance for shelter alternatives. Develop buddy system with friends and Develop buddy system with friends and

relatives.relatives. Visit Visit www.ready.govwww.ready.gov. .


ConclusionsConclusions

Keeping your elderly loved ones safe is easier Keeping your elderly loved ones safe is easier when planned for in advance.when planned for in advance.

Talk to them beforehand about their safety.Talk to them beforehand about their safety. Pay attention to what they say, so you can Pay attention to what they say, so you can

notice if things change.notice if things change. Your local office on aging is there to help you Your local office on aging is there to help you

care for the elderly.care for the elderly.


ResourcesResources

National Crime Prevention Council: National Crime Prevention Council: www.ncpc.orgwww.ncpc.org

National Criminal Justice Reference Service: National Criminal Justice Reference Service: www.ncjrs.govwww.ncjrs.gov

AARP: AARP: www.aarp.orgwww.aarp.org Health and Human Services: Health and Human Services: www.aoa.govwww.aoa.gov Alzheimer’s Association: Alzheimer’s Association: www.alz.orgwww.alz.org


National Crime Prevention CouncilNational Crime Prevention Council

1000 Connecticut Avenue, NW1000 Connecticut Avenue, NW

Thirteenth FloorThirteenth Floor

Washington, DC 20036Washington, DC 20036

202-466-6272202-466-6272

www.ncpc.orgwww.ncpc.org


Presenter Contact InformationPresenter Contact Information

Keeping The Elderly Safe In The 21st Century

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