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The Best Christmas Gift You Can Give the Elderly

by Courtney Ronan

We're in the middle of the holiday season, and for scam artists, it's open season on the elderly. Bogus salespeople target the elderly year-round, but in the period surrounding Christmas, experienced criminals know that many well-meaning elderly people are even more willing to give a stranger the benefit of the doubt and will open their wallet in good faith -- and with serious consequences.

According to the National Institute on Aging, the elderly are more likely than their younger counterparts to become the victim of a crime perpetrated by a stranger. Older people also are more often attacked either in or near their homes, and their resulting injuries are often more serious than those of younger victims. This isn't to imply that strangers are the only ones who prey on the elderly. During the holiday season, older family members generously open their homes to relatives -- not all of whom have good intentions. Well-meaning hosts may find themselves the victims of theft (property or financial) or even violence at the hands of relatives.

But the elderly don't have to be disproportionately represented in the crime statistics this holiday season. They can begin to reverse the trend by checking all locks on the doors and windows of their homes. Sounds basic, but think about it ... what about that door that needs an extra shove to stay securely shut and locked? Does your elderly grandfather have the physical force required to "shove" that door closed? It's likely he thought he had it closed, when in fact he didn't. If you're considering what to get your grandfather for Christmas, how about the services of a repairman?

While you're inspecting doors and windows, test the locks for strength and durability. Another excellent gift for your family member would be the installation of a home security system. It's expensive, but priceless in terms of the benefits for your loved one. So ask a few family members to chip in to cover the cost of installation, and present your elderly relative with the gift of security this year.

You may also consider creating a safety checklist for your family member which outlines the following steps. If your relative lacks any of the security items mentioned below, you've probably just come up with an excellent idea for the perfect Christmas gift for your family member.

If your relative doesn't have a peephole, consider having one installed for them. Whether through a peephole or window, always check to see who's at the door before answering it. It's well worth repeating that if the stranger on the other side claims to be from a delivery service or other professional-sounding organization, require proof of identification and a name before unlocking the door -- period. No exceptions. To prevent unwanted holiday solicitors, hang a "No Soliciting" sign by your door. While it doesn't always prevent salespeople from trying, it will reduce unwanted traffic.

Do an inventory of your loved one's valuable possessions (again, this applies to family members on very close terms), creating a list of his or her most treasured items -- fine China, jewelry, silver, expensive family heirlooms, etc. Take pictures of all of those items, and place both the list and the photos in a safe deposit box (again, if your family member doesn't have such a box, buy one for Christmas). You may even have identification engraved (not applied with a removable label) on some of those items if possible.

Advise your family member about the importance of hanging up on anyone who asks him or her to remove money from a bank account. Countless scam artists get away with such tactics every year, claiming to be bank representatives and asking their victims to remove money from their accounts or leave their ATM cards in various outdoor locations in order to perform a test on their systems or replace "faulty" ATM cards.

Tell your family member that under no circumstances should he or she give out a credit-card or bank account number over the phone. No legitimate telemarketing service or charity would ask for that classified information.

Repeat for your relative that deals that sound too good to be true are just that. Any individual who calls your relative offering thousands in cash, a new car or other expensive item with "no strings attached" has something to hide. Tell your relative to hang up and call the Better Business Bureau. Post the number for the local BBB office beside your relative's phone in the event that he or she suspects a phone scam in progress. Other hook that criminals often use with the elderly is the promise of curing what ails them -- arthritis, various aches and pains, hair loss, etc. For a "small fee," the criminal offers to send miracle pills or creams that will eliminate the problem. The only thing these experienced criminals eliminate is your loved one's savings. Tell your relative that if he or she is having any health-related problems to please call a doctor (again, post the doctor's name beside the phone). Post your own phone number, as well, if you live nearby, and volunteer your help day or night if your loved one has an emergency.

To back up all of these measures, call the local police department in your relative's neighborhood, and ask if they'd be willing to send a representative to your relative's home for an inspection and to pass along some helpful advice on home security.

It's likely that your relative doesn't need more home accessories, clothes or dishes. Helping boost his or her sense of security is indeed the best gift you could give this year.

Published: December 24, 1999

Use of this article without permission is a violation of federal copyright laws.

Courtney Ronan is a freelance writer who contributes a weekly column profiling various communities. She also writes a weekly review of real estate related web sites. Courtney's career in journalism has included recent stints as managing editor of Agent News and as associate editor of Texas Business magazine.

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