Original Air Date: March 15, 1998

Are seniors more vulnerable to fraud?

• Seniors fall into three categories, based on age: "junior" seniors, "intermediate" seniors and "senior" seniors.
• Junior seniors (65-70-ish) are pretty much able to look after themselves-they just need to be aware of the dangers.
• Intermediate seniors can benefit from someone going into their home to talk to them in detail about what can happen. They often don't like to turn people away or be rude, and can be helped by role-playing exercises that dramatize scams, etc.
• Senior seniors (in their 80s) need lots of help. They are the real victims of door-to-door sales and phone scammers. They need strong coaching and enforcement re refusing these frauds, no matter what.

  Are they more vulnerable to street crimes?
  

  • Seniors fall into three categories, based on age: "junior" seniors, "intermediate" seniors and "senior" seniors.
  • Many seniors are very afraid of crime when they're out, but they are actually statistically less likely to be victims of random street crime than anyone.
  • This is because they're just not out of the house as often as younger people. When they do venture out, because many have given up driving, they're less likely to stay out late. Additionally, seniors (particularly the "senior" seniors) tend to travel in groups.

    What are the warning signs of scams?
    

    • If someone approaches/phones you saying, "Act now" or you'll lose whatever it is they're offering, forget it! Pressure to act immediately is a big tip-off. (For example, they tell you you've just won a new car, but they need a cheque from you immediately to transport the vehicle here from Montreal.)
    • If the person isn't prepared to send you literature about his company and something on company letterhead, there's something wrong. If you're suspicious, ask for brochures or a written offer-if you make things difficult for these scammers, they'll leave you alone and move on to the next guy.
    • Beware if somebody tells you, "We have a representative right in your neighborhood. We'll send someone right over...." Reputable companies don't work that way.

      What about unscrupulous retailers who take advantage of seniors?
      

      • Some smaller, unknown retailers aren't necessarily good when it comes to "making things right" after a sale. Often, once they've got your money, you're on your own.
      • Deal with larger retailers so you know that if there's a problem, they'll be there to back up the sale-and you can be pretty sure they'll still be there next month if you need something serviced.

        What can you do to keep from becoming a victim of other types of crime (i.e. muggings, break-and-enters)?
        

        • Be alert. If something seems too good to be true, it probably is. Don't be afraid to ask questions and demand proof.
        • Talk to a trusted family member or friend before signing or paying for anything.
        • Take your time. Don't be pressured or bullied into doing anything.
        • Deal with the same bank all the time, and develop a relationship with the people there. Often, a scam artist can be foiled when an alert bank employee sees a cheque come through that seems suspicious for that particular customer.

          What can you do to keep from becoming a victim of other types of crime (i.e. muggings, break-and-enters)?
          

          • When you're out, carry your money or wallet in a pocket, not in your purse-and carry as little cash as you can. That way, if someone grabs your purse, you can let them have it. While we occasionally hear stories about feisty seniors foiling purse-snatchers, there are many more stories of people who are injured fighting back. It's better to just let go.
          • When you first meet someone, make sure you give yourself a "safety zone": step back from them. It will give you extra reaction time if you need it.
          • Before you let anyone in your home, demand lots of ID. Utilities companies are very adamant that people should ask for ID when someone shows up at your door claiming to be from Hydro or Bell or whatever. Don't worry about being a "pain."
          • Develop a neighbourhood watch program. If you see someone suspicious and aren't comfortable calling police, you can call a neighbour to sound the alarm.
          • Security systems/burglar alarms can be useful, but the field has become very competitive in recent years. Rock-bottom pricing means the system could fail when you need it most. On the other hand, sophisticated and hard-to-use systems are not a good idea for many seniors who might keep setting them off accidentally. And, again, buy from a big, reputable company, because when someone comes to your home for installation, you don't want some fly-by-night guy casing your house for a later robbery.
          • Dead-bolts on the door are important, but they have to be backed-up by a good strong door and door frame: "layered security."
          • Don't put your name on your house or mailbox. If you do, it's simple for a burglar to look you up in the phone book and call to see if you're home. Also, once someone has your name, it's easier for them to call and become your "pal."
          • When you do go out, make sure the house looks occupied, like with lights on a timer.
          • A doghouse in the yard is a great deterrent. Dog optional.

            Are seniors more at risk for home invasions?
            

            • Home invasions aren't usually random. A lot of home invasions lately have been "ethnic" in nature.
            • Some seniors who have come from other countries don't trust banks, and end up keeping huge sums of money at home. Word gets around their community (i.e. through kids at school) that they have all this money or other valuables in the house, and they become targets.
            • If you have something valuable, keep it in the bank-not at home.
              

              Are seniors more "fall-prone" than younger people?
              

              • Seniors aren't necessarily more likely to fall than younger people, but it seems that way because the consequences are greater for older people.
              • There is a study that says, on average, people 65+ fall once a year. Of those falling, only 7-10% result in a fracture, but the consequences of those fractures are very serious.
              • Orthopedic surgery is still a big deal-people do die from it or fail to regain original mobility. A broken hip can be the "beginning of the end" for a lot of seniors.

                What things cause seniors to fall?
                

                • There are two categories of causes: intrinsic and extrinsic.

                  Intrinsic causes include

                • diminishing balance;
                • diminishing vision;
                • an "apparently natural" loss of sensation in the soles of the feet (he is currently doing research in this area);
                • confusion/dementia;
                • diabetes (sensation/vision complications);
                • osteoporosis;
                • slowdown in reaction time;
                • medications, particularly those that lower blood pressure or cause drowsiness.

                  Extrinsic causes include the fact that our environment tends to become very cluttered as we get older, and we're not as aware as we should be of ways to make that environment safer.

                  What are the psychological ramifications of falls for seniors?
                  

                  • It's a downward spiral. They develop a real fear of falling, so they'll walk less, attempt fewer things, and get less exercise. They'll become weaker and lose muscle tone.
                  • As a result, they become less independent, and it's extremely isolating.

                    What can you do to decrease/eliminate dangers in the home?
                    

                    Throughout the home:

                    • Eliminate loose rugs.
                    • Install good, strong handrails-ones that you can really get your hand around (13/4 inch is ideal) and that will hold your weight-both inside and on exterior stairs.
                    • Install tension poles that go from floor to ceiling in places you can't install wall bars (i.e. next to the bed).
                    • Get rid of clutter-piles of stuff, low tables-that can trip people.
                    • Install lighting with motion or infra-red sensors that will come on when you enter a room or approach an area (like stairs) that needs good lighting.
                    • Use fixtures that have more than one bulb so that if a bulb burns out, you're not fumbling in the dark.

                      In the bathroom:

                    • Use non-slip flooring (also recommended in kitchen).
                    • Consider a bath bench or seat and grab bars around tub.
                    • Have a telephone extension within reach of bathtub and toilet.
                    • Raise toilet seat to a height that allows for easier sitting/standing (you can buy an attachment, or have a platform built).
                    • To prevent scalding, turn hot water tanks down to 54°C/130°F. (This is recommended for everyone-not just seniors.)

                      In the kitchen:

                    • Install grab rail along front edge of counter.
                    • Have a good, stable stool.
                    • Remove clutter from around stove to eliminate fire hazard, and have a smoke detector and fire extinguisher nearby.
                    • Have a timer with a good, loud ring so you can't forget something in the oven or on the stove.

                      Other dangers:

                    • Dehydration. Many seniors wear too much clothing and become overheated in summer months. Make sure at least one room in your home is air-conditioned, and encourage seniors to drink lots of fluids.
                    • Not eating or drinking. Some seniors actually "forget" to eat, and need someone to check on/remind them.
                    • Smoking. The problem is twofold: (1) it's a real fire hazard, and (2) when nicotine enters your system, the blood supply to the brain drops, which can result in falls. There should be a smoke detector right outside the bedroom, as well as one in the living room (in case someone dozes off in bed or in a chair while smoking).

                      It's reasonable to remove "silly" risks, but one must consider the "dignity of risk" philosophy with respect to seniors living in their own homes and having the right to decide what risks they're willing to accept in their lives. If you're a caregiver, don't feel guilty if you don't succeed in preventing all falls.

                      Are personal emergency response systems (alert buttons you wear around your neck) useful?
                      

                      • They're as good as the people on the other end of the phone. Is it a good organization? Are they competent and kind? The person at the other end must be ready to "do something." Before signing up with a company, check it out with your doctor or a hospital.
                      • The other problem, of course, is that you have to wear it! This is a major problem. Many seniors will get up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom, etc., and leave the unit by the bed. This is when a lot of problems occur, and if the device is in another room when you fall, it's useless.

                        What about outside the home?
                        

                        • Four-wheeled walkers (the kind with a seat) are particularly helpful because they give the person a place to sit and rest. This is important because for many people the problem isn't walking per se, but endurance.
                        • People who use these devices report they have positive social consequences-that they seem to invite conversation with the user.
                        • Many people are now making "discretionary" purchases of motorized scooters. They're becoming more and more acceptable for people who aren't necessarily "disabled."