WE at Help the Aged were appalled to read in the article, 'Pensioner Robbed By Two Conmen In Her Own Home', that an older woman in Edgworth was targeted by bogus gas men.
Stories like this can raise the fear of crime so we would like to offer useful advice about dealing with unexpected visitors.
Help the Aged urges older people to follow the simple 'Lock, Stop, Chain, Check' doorstep safety advice.
l Firstly, make sure all outer doors are locked
l Then stop and think - are you expecting anybody?
l Always put the door chain on and look out of the window or spy hole to see who is calling before opening the door
Then ensure that you check their identification - do not be afraid to phone the company or organisation the caller says they are from to check their validity (obtaining the number from a separate source, rather than taking it from the proffered ID card).
In light of this, Help the Aged would like to offer advice to the elderly about a service that can provide round the clock reassurance to older people - SeniorLink, an immediate telephone response service whereby, at the press of a button (via the telephone unit, a neck pendant or wrist strap), the client is immediately connected to the SeniorLink response centre which operates 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year whether it is emergency assistance, reassurance or just a chat.
SeniorLink units are available to buy and are free units to older people who meet the charity's criteria. For more information call 01255 473 999.
Eve Brimacombe
National Home Support Manager
Help the Aged
Pentonville Road
London N1 9UZ
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