Protecting Your Elderly Loved One’s Safety in New York City: What Families Can Do
As a result of the rapid pace of New York City, there is a need for families to protect their loved ones from fraud and ensure they are safe in their homes. For those who rely on daily assistance and/or care, as well as seniors, the threats of both home safety and scams continue to evolve. As the city continues to grow, the threats to its citizens continue to evolve as well. In this article, we will review the current threats facing New Yorkers, the solutions currently available to address these threats, and what families can do to help keep their elderly loved ones safe.
Why is this topic especially relevant to New York?
There are many alarming statistics that demonstrate the urgency of this topic:
- According to the New York State Office of the Attorney General, between 2010-2019, there was an average annual loss of approximately $35 million to fraudsters targeting New York seniors; however, during 2023, New York seniors lost over $203 million to fraud, which equates to over $23,200 per hour.
- The New York State Department of State indicates that seniors are targeted as a vulnerable population by scammers using at least eight different major types of fraud.
- The Office of the New York State Attorney General has stated: “Fraud and abuse against older adults takes many forms … costing victims nearly $3 billion annually.”
- Due to the dense nature of the urban environment and the high level of mobility, there are additional safety concerns regarding strangers entering apartment buildings, phishing calls, and online traps.
“Being a smart consumer requires having the tools to protect yourself from fraud and abuse … Too many of them make it a practice to target elderly New Yorkers.” – NY Attorney General’s Office
Types of Home Safety Threats and Scams
| Category of Threat | Example of Risk | Why It’s Dangerous |
| Phone / Internet scams | “Bank” calls, phishing emails, fake insurance or device offers | Loss of savings, identity theft |
| Home visit scams | Strangers offering to check utilities, meters, or security upgrades | Home invasion, theft, extortion |
| Physical safety at home | Poor lighting, weak locks, lack of alarm systems | Higher risk of burglary, injury |
| Financial abuse by caregivers | Unauthorized account access or manipulation | Loss of independence, emotional distress |
| Online / technical threats | Pop-up messages stating “Your computer is infected!” and requesting payment | Hacking of devices, ransomware, blackmail |
Photo 1. Research of Angel care Personal Care Assistance unit.
According to the FBI, in 2024, older Americans lost an estimated $4.8 billion to scams, and New York ranks among the top impacted states.
The NY Department of State has also warned about popular schemes such as the “grandparent scam,” “medical device scam,” and “jury duty scam.”
Ways to Enhance Home Safety and Prevent Scams
Families in New York today have access to a wide variety of modern solutions and methods to prevent scams and improve safety, including:
- Professional Care and Controlled Access
- Certified caregivers and aides can supervise and manage home access.
- Digital doorbell systems, smart locks, and visitor logs allow tracking of who enters and exits the home.
- Security consultations are available through community programs and private safety consultants.
- Education and Awareness
- Workshops are frequently offered at community centers and organizations for educating seniors on how to recognize scam calls or suspicious emails.
- Creating a simple “home safety plan” (emergency numbers and what to do when approached by strangers), can make a big impact.
- Families can sign up for newsletters from local consumer protection agencies to remain informed of new fraud tactics.
- Monitoring and Ongoing Support
- Regular visits by trusted caregivers or family members can identify early warning signs of exploitation or neglect.
- Financial joint oversight — reviewing statements together — can prevent unknown withdrawals.
- Community watch programs and neighborhood associations can be an additional layer of protection.
“Safety is not a single event, it is a habit created through awareness, connection and consistency.”
Why Family Involvement Matters
Home safety for older adults is not simply about locks or alarms — it is about human relationships. Many cases of fraud succeed because seniors are living alone and therefore do not have daily communication. Regular contact, regardless of length, can greatly lower the chance of victimization.
When families and communities are involved, seniors tend to feel more secure, confident, and less likely to believe a stranger who may take advantage of them.
Final Thoughts from Angel Care Home Care Agency Inc.
At Angel Care Home Care Agency Inc., we understand how vital it is for seniors to feel safe, taken care of and connected.
Our mission is to provide professional home care, enabling older adults to remain comfortable in their own surroundings — without being left alone or feeling isolated.
We provide personalized support that ensures your elderly family member receives caring service, daily assistance, and emotional support — making their home a safe place of dignity and peace.
If you are seeking reliable home care in New York for your elderly family member, we are here to help.
Because all people deserve to age safely — surrounded by care, not loneliness.
When the search for home care begins in New York, families commonly think of services, schedules or cost. However, beneath all those practical concerns is something fundamental: love. True senior home care services aren’t strictly about receiving help for daily activities — it is about preserving dignity, companionship, and an environment where older adults are preserved. “Home care is love in action: the patiently prepared warm meal, holding a hand in quietness, and the gentle remark that says — you are not alone” Home care beyond services: love Yes, practical help is important. Bathing, cooking and medication reminders are all crucial. However, the home care and the value of caring for elderly at home is deeper. Families choose home care precisely because this will allow their loved ones to have their familiar memories to be close to them, and to be in their comfort zone of home. At Angel Care Inc. NY, we do not view home care services as checklists. Each assurance to provide care is rooted in the action of demonstrating love. Love as Safety One way love is shown in home care is through protection. Families and caregivers want to help provide a prospect safe environment by: Installing grab bars and improving lighting. Making sure medications are administered correctly. Providing presence in episodes of illness or recovery. Waking up to watch loved ones at night for peace of mind. Every deliberation on how to provide safety is a consideration of saying “your life is valuable” Love as Dignity Seniors often wanted dignity over convenience. A compassionate caregiver in NY helps preserve dignity by: Acknowledging daily habits and routines. Supporting independence as much as possible. Encouraging seniors to make their own decisions about meals, clothing, or other activities. Providing companionship free from judging. Elderly home care is not solely about surviving; it’s about preserving dignity. Professional Care with a Heart People often wonder if professional care is personal. At Angel Care Inc. NY, yes it is. Our professional caregivers provide skilled and competent assistance, but mostly there is love, patience and human compassion. Families often use CDPAP in New York, a self-directed program where a family member or trusted friend can become a compensated caregiver. This needs a combination of the structure required of medicaid, and the family love of a caregiver. “Professional Caregivers are helping, and in a sense carrying love, to each home they step into.” Concluding Thoughts: Love in Home Care Ultimately, home care in New York isn’t about medical routines, or spruce house cleaning. It is about the love impacted a daughter to become a CDPAP caregiver; the kindness that inspires aides to show up again today; the dignity that allows seniors to remain at home in comfort and grace. At Angel Care Inc. NY, we believe that love is not unique into caregiving, it’s at the basis of everything we do.
