As any local knows, it’s easy to “pass a good time” in New Orleans. The city is filled with culture, history, good music, and great food, making it an enticing place to retire. However, like many big cities, safety can be a concern, especially for seniors. Challenges can present themselves in the home, community, and online. It’s important to address these safety measures to ensure the best quality of life.
Personal Safety at Home
You should have more control over your home environment than any other space that you frequent. With that said, your home needs to be the first place where you secure your personal safety. Here are some essential tips:
Preventing Falls
The leading cause of injury for older adults is falls. You can easily reduce the risk and prevent many unnecessary injuries by making small modifications around your house. For starters, it’s important to have well-lit spaces, especially in hallways and staircases. Making sure that your floors are free from clutter also helps to ensure safe walking spaces. This includes securing or eliminating area rugs, removing unsturdy furniture or cumbersome side tables, and keeping electrical cords tucked out of the way. Lastly, it is advantageous to install grab bars in both the shower and on the side of the toilet.
Securing Your Home
While you can’t completely eliminate crime, you can take added measures to help safeguard yourself and your home with basic home security. All exterior doors should have deadbolts and peepholes to keep out unwanted guests. When you’re home, it is recommended that you keep windows and doors locked. Any and all valuables should be kept tucked away and out of plain sight; they should especially not be visible from the outside of your home. Home security systems can help deter criminals, while also monitoring the perimeter of your home. The home video system is helpful both when you’re home and away from your property.
Emergency Preparedness
Hurricanes can be devastating, but if you have to look on the bright side, technology has drastically advanced over the years to be able to provide you with advance notice of when a hurricane is coming. This warning provides you with a sufficient amount of time to prepare to either evacuate or hunker down. Having a hurricane preparedness plan in place is essential. We recommend you discuss this with a loved one to decide what is best for you.
Personal Safety in the Community
When you decide to take it to the streets, you can safely explore the city with these helpful tips.
Reliable Transportation
If you no longer drive, or if you worry about parking and walking around the community, consider using a rideshare option, such as KreweCar to get you to and from your destination. Make sure that you travel during daylight hours and stay in well-populated areas. Avoid side streets or dim areas where others are not able to safely see you if an emergency were to arise. If you use public transportation, such as the bus or streetcar, be ultra-aware of your surroundings. Share your trip details with a trusted individual so someone is aware of your whereabouts.
Safeguard Yourself
Keep your personal belongings close to yourself by using secure bags and wallets. A crossbody bag with zippers, or your front pockets are recommended to help reduce the risk of pickpocketing. When walking out and about, do not let your guard down; limit the distractions, such as texting while walking, so you can be alert and aware of your surroundings.
Use the “Buddy System”
When possible, stick with a companion or family member when you’re out in the city. Safety in numbers can often deter a potential criminal; it’s easier for them to target a single person than 2 or more individuals.
Personal Safety Online
Sadly, senior citizens are statistically an easy target for online crime. These crimes continue to be on the rise year after year, exploiting technology to steal money and personal information from seniors. Here are just a few of the common scams to familiarize yourself with:
Tech Support Scams
This can come in the form of a phone call or text claiming that your computer has a virus. The scammer will offer to “fix” it by requesting remote access or they’ll request payment for antivirus software. The best way to avoid being scammed in this situation is to avoid clicking on pop-up warnings. Reputable companies do not operate in this manner, so it’s a clear sign that a scammer is behind this request. Additionally, if you need assistance with your computer, contact a legitimate company who can provide service.
Grandparent Scams
Possibly one of the most disturbing, or low, scenarios is the “grandparent scam”. Scammers will use personal information to pretend they’re one of your grandchildren in distress. They may claim to have just been arrested or in an accident of some sort. An urgent request for money soon follows in the form of a wire transfer or gift cards. Your “grandchild” will often beg your secrecy so that no one will know about it. In the event this happens, you need to immediately hang up and contact a loved one to confirm the story.
Online Shopping Scams
If you’re shopping online and come across a deal that looks too good to be true, chances are, it’s a scam. Scammers go to great lengths to trick unsuspected victims out of their money. They will often set up fake shops with popular items, like highly sought after electronics, at attractive prices, to lure you in. They’ll then process your payment without ever delivering on the item. Furthermore, they can use this method to collect your credit card and personal information to use as their own. These sites can usually be identified by their unprofessional designs, misspellings or typos, and unusual payment methods.
Thrifting Online
Purchasing second hand items can be a wonderful way to find beautiful antiques, save money, and eliminate items from ending up in a landfill. Platforms such as Facebook Marketplace can be a great resource, but it’s also filled with scammers who are trying to make a buck off of your hard earned money. Be weary of anyone who requests money upfront to “hold the item”. Furthermore, if you do decide to complete an exchange, be sure to meet up in a well-lit, public area and bring someone else along with you.
If you prioritize your safety, New Orleans can be an enjoyable and fulfilling place to retire. Be proactive and take the necessary steps to stay safe in your home and community.