Online safety is becoming more and more important these days, especially for elderly people. Malicious individuals on the Internet often target seniors because they tend to be less knowledgeable about technology. Here are a few ways you can keep your elderly loved one safe while using the Internet.
Don’t Download Indiscriminately
Some of the biggest problems seniors face online are malicious sites that tell them they need to download specific software to use them. While teaching your loved one about Internet safety, emphasize how dangerous it is to download software, which could contain a virus or spyware that steals personal 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 Harrisburg homecare services providers can reach out to 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.
Be Cautious about Untrustworthy Emails
Many scams that target the elderly are sent through emails, which may promise free gifts if the person clicks on a link or downloads an attachment. A good spam filter can prevent your loved one from being tricked by sketchy emails.
Research Charities Before Donating Money
Scammers often target seniors with messages asking them to donate money to fictitious charities and organizations. Encourage your loved one to research the charity and talk to you before sending money to a random person online. If you can’t monitor your loved one’s online activities, enlist the help of a professional caregiver.
Some seniors need occasional assistance at home, and oftentimes the family members who take care of them need time away to run errands, take a nap, go to work, or take a vacation. Harrisburg respite care experts from Home Care are available on an as-needed basis, giving your family peace of mind that your loved one will remain safe and comfortable while you relax or focus on other important responsibilities.
Create Strong Passwords
Passwords that are easily guessed can lead to the theft of personal and financial information. Work with your loved one to create strong passwords with numbers, special characters, and both uppercase and lowercase letters. To help your loved one remember his or her passwords, write them down and store the list in a secure location, such as in an address book or filing cabinet he or she has easy access to.
Use Social Media with Caution
One of the best ways to connect with family and friends and build new relationships with like-minded individuals is by using social media. Seniors can create accounts for free and catch up on the latest news, upload pictures and videos, and send messages to other users, increasing their opportunities for socialization. However, your parent must be cautious with what he or she shares online. For instance, your loved one should avoid checking in to businesses when online because he or she could forget to turn the feature off and accidentally share his or her location with strangers
Encourage a Sense of Skepticism
Teach your loved one to look out for untrustworthy websites that mimic real websites, and help him or her realize how the anonymity of the Internet can attract dishonest people. Even legitimate websites may harbor dishonest people looking to con unsuspecting seniors, which is why it’s important for your loved one to protect his or her privacy while online.
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 elder care. Trust Home Care to help your elderly loved one age in place safely and comfortably. Contact one of our experienced Care Managers today at (717) 540-4663 to learn more about our reliable in-home care.