If your elderly parents live far away from you, or even if they are relatively close by, but you’re not able to visit as often as you would like, it can be worrying. You want to do what you can to protect them and keep them as happy as possible, but what can you do if you’re not with them all the time? The good news is, you don’t need to worry so much; there are things you can do and practices you can put in place that will help you take care of your elderly parents in between your visits. Read on to find out what you can do to help you – and them – sleep better.
CCTV
It may feel a little like an invasion of privacy, but as long as you have your parents’ permission, installing CCTV around their home is a great way to keep them safe. Firstly, cameras are an excellent deterrent; any would-be burglar will think twice about targeting a property with cameras all around it. Secondly, if you can connect the camera feed to your phone or log in through your laptop if there is an issue, you can spot it right away and call the police, ambulance, or your parents to find out if everything is all right.
On top of all this, if the worst were to happen and a burglar still tried to break into the property, there would be evidence of this on the cameras, which would help police find the criminal.
Alarm System
Just because your parents are older, that doesn’t mean they can’t – or don’t want to – look after their own security, and an alarm system will allow them to do that. You can help them choose it and show them how it works, but the rest is up to them, giving them independence and a sense of achievement at being able to protect the place in which they live.
Again, an alarm system is another excellent deterrent, and since some alarms will automatically call the police or a nominated phone number (yours, perhaps), you can be sure that, no matter what happens, your parents are as safe and protected as possible.
Better Doors
Front doors are not all the same. You have some that are solid and strong, and others that are very flimsy. What kind of door do your parents have? If it falls into the latter category, it’s worth changing the door to a more robust one; perhaps one with a metal sheet inside for added protection.
The same is true of the garage. How good is their current garage door? If it’s old and easily opened, thieves can target this area and steal tools, sporting equipment, or even vehicles. If you help your parents choose new garage doors, their possessions will be safer, and their property will be less vulnerable to attack.
Video Doorbell
On the subject of the front door, it’s a good idea to install a video doorbell as well. Your parents will then know whether or not they are comfortable opening the front door, and if not, they can tell the person to leave through the app that comes with the bell.
Even if they aren’t at home, they – or you – can see if anyone comes to their property, and again, they will be able to speak through the app. This will ensure the house stays much safer.
