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Page Last Updated:
Friday, 17 May 2013
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Home>Council Services>Community Safety>Safety for Older Men and Women
As a community we need to make sure that everyone feels safe in their home and can enjoy their neighbourhood without fear of crime. This is particularly important for elderly residents of our community.
The risk of crime is small, however the fear of crime is much greater for vulnerable members of the community. Advice and support from family, friends and neighbours can help alleviate their concerns.
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| Safety in the home | | Elderly residents spend a considerable amount of time at home, enjoying the privacy and security that their homes often bring. The feeling of security and safety in the home is important to health and well being. Some tips for safety at home are:
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 | Install a screen door, peep-hole or door chain and remind the older person to check who is at the door before they let anyone in
| | Inform the older person what to do if a stranger asks to use their phone or toilet - direct the stranger to the nearest public facility and never let the stranger into the home
| | Ensure the older person keeps financial and personal information private
| | Ensure smoke detectors are installed and working
| | Consider a personal alarm service
| | If the older person is in a bushfire prone area, they should have a fire plan in place and this should be discussed with close relatives, friends or neighbours.
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| Safety in public | | It is important that older residents stay active and use the facilities and public space available to all community members.
Some tips for safety in public:
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| Encourage the older person to go out with a friend and stay in well lit areas | | Remind them about the safety of purses or wallets; don't leave them in places they can be easily stolen | | Encourage them to be alert in car parks and garages and be aware of who is around | | If something makes them feel uneasy, then walk away and report it.
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| Council is proactive in making public spaces safer and more accessible to all community members through programs such as Safer By Design. This program plans and develops public spaces with safety in mind, including lighting, vandalism deterrents and better transport access.
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| Safe banking practices | | Some tips for older residents to complete banking tasks with more confidence:
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| Advise older people to use Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs) in well lit or enclosed spaces where possible
| | Be aware of people nearby and if they feel they are being watched, walk away and don't use the ATM
| | It is important older people never disclose personal details including account information or their PIN
| | Encourage them to put their money away before leaving the bank or ATM
| | Avoid withdrawing large amounts of cash
| | Offer to take them to the bank, particularly if they are withdrawing a large sum of money.
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| Regular contact | | Everyone in the community can work towards creating a safer environment. A simple step in this process is through talking and interacting with all members of the community.
If you have an elderly parent, friend or neighbour keep it in mind to call them or visit them on a regular basis. This will make them feel more secure, supported and connected with the community.
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| For further information | | For further information please contact Knox City Council on 9298 8000 or email knoxcc@knox.vic.gov.au
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