The internet is a fun place for seniors, as it can keep them active, engaged, and connected with family members. However, seniors are more susceptible to online frauds and scams than younger adults. Here are a few precautions family members should take to make the internet a safer place for their aging loved ones.
1. Create Strong Passwords
Having strong passwords for all online accounts is one of the easiest ways to keep seniors safe online. These passwords should be at least eight characters long with a mixture of numbers and letters. Your loved one should have a unique username and password for every new account he or she sets up. While keeping up with so much information can be a hassle, it’s still better than losing private data or having your loved one’s identity stolen.
2. Avoid Online Shopping
Online shopping can be quite risky when items or services are purchased from smaller stores. Until your loved one is more comfortable using the internet, he or she should avoid making purchases online. Seniors who would still like to shop online should always use credit cards instead of debit cards.
A home caregiver can monitor your loved one’s online safety when you need to take a break from your caregiving duties. Living independently is important for seniors who want to maintain a high quality of life. For some, this simply means receiving help with tasks that have become more challenging to manage over time. Even when families have the best intentions, they may not have the time to provide the care their elderly loved ones need and deserve. If your loved one needs help for a few hours a day or a few days a week, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care, a trusted provider of home care Arlington seniors can depend on.
3. Don’t Open Unusual Files
Unless your loved one requested a file or tried to download a specific program, he or she should never open any unusual files. Even if the file was sent by a family member or friend, seniors need to remember that criminals can easily hack email accounts. If they’re ever in doubt, they should contact the sender before proceeding any further.
4. Be Wary of Particularly Good Deals or Offers
Amazing deals and discounts can be found online, but seniors must exercise caution when they see especially enticing offers. Very few things are going to be offered for free, and buyers should be wary of anything that seems too good to be true. As seniors are learning more about the internet, they should consult their caregivers before making any purchases or providing private information.
If your loved one has been diagnosed with a condition such as dementia or Alzheimer’s, his or her online activity may need to be supervised closely, and a home caregiver can help. Families looking for top-rated elderly home care providers can reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care. From respite care to specialized Alzheimer’s, dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s care, there are many ways we can make life easier for seniors and their loved ones.
5. Create a Social Media Account
After seeing familiar faces on social media, many seniors believe the sites are safe and trustworthy. Advise your loved one not to post any private information besides his or her name on those sites and not to accept requests from any strangers. Family caregivers can also add their own numbers as emergency contact numbers to shut down their loved one’s accounts instantly if there’s any suspicious activity.
Using the internet safely is just one of the issues aging adults must navigate in today’s modern world. Seniors can face a variety of challenges as they age, many of which can be mitigated with the help of professional in-home caregivers who provide high-quality home care. Arlington families trust Assisting Hands Home Care to help their elderly loved ones age in place safely and comfortably. Call one of our Care Managers today to learn about our customized in-home care plans.
