Elderly Safety
Protecting our most vulnerable
Seniors face unique safety challenges - from sophisticated scammers to home hazards. Learn how to protect yourself or your elderly loved ones.
€54M+
Lost to scams by over-65s yearly
1 in 3
Seniors targeted by scammers
75%
Of falls happen at home
40%
Live alone in Ireland
Scams Targeting Seniors
Criminals specifically target older people. Know what to look out for.
Phone Scams
Callers pretending to be banks, Revenue, or tech support asking for personal details or payments.
Banks NEVER call asking for PINs or passwords.
Hang up and call the organisation directly using the number on their official website.
Doorstep Scams
Bogus callers offering services (roofing, gardening) or claiming to be officials needing entry.
Never feel pressured to let someone in or pay on the spot.
Use a door chain, ask for ID, and verify with the company before letting anyone in.
Romance Scams
Fraudsters building fake relationships online or by phone to eventually request money.
If you haven't met in person, be very cautious about any money requests.
Never send money to someone you haven't met. Talk to family about new relationships.
Grandparent Scams
Callers pretending to be grandchildren in trouble, urgently needing money.
Scammers may know personal details from social media.
Hang up and call the grandchild directly on their known number.
Prize/Lottery Scams
Letters or calls claiming you've won a prize but need to pay fees to claim it.
You can't win a lottery you didn't enter.
Ignore all such communications. Legitimate prizes don't require upfront payment.
Investment Scams
Promises of high returns on investments, often involving cryptocurrency.
If it sounds too good to be true, it is.
Only use FCA/Central Bank regulated firms. Consult family before any investment.
Doorstep scams are the one kind where the caller is standing in front of you. Our guide to bogus callers, rogue traders and distraction burglary sets out the checks An Garda Síochána publishes, and the free bogus caller card your local Garda station will give you.
Home Safety for Seniors
Fall Prevention
- Remove loose rugs and cables
- Install grab rails in bathroom
- Ensure good lighting throughout
- Keep frequently used items within reach
- Consider non-slip mats in wet areas
- Wear supportive footwear indoors
Security
- Install a door chain and peephole
- Use timer lights when away
- Keep doors locked even when home
- Don't keep large amounts of cash
- Consider a monitored alarm system
- Know your neighbours
Emergency Preparedness
- Keep a list of emergency contacts visible
- Consider a medical alert pendant
- Keep a charged phone accessible
- Have torches and batteries for power cuts
- Keep medications organised and accessible
- Arrange regular check-ins with family
Advice for Family Members
How to help protect elderly parents without being overbearing.
Have the Conversation
Talk openly about scams without being condescending. Share recent scam examples from the news.
Set Up Call Screening
Help set up caller ID and discuss not answering unknown numbers.
Create a Verification System
Agree on a family code word for emergencies that scammers won't know.
Regular Check-ins
Schedule regular calls or visits. Loneliness makes people more vulnerable to scammers.
Review Finances Together
Offer to help review bank statements for unusual transactions.
Update Their Technology
Help set up scam call blockers and email filters on their devices.
Support Services
Organisations that can help seniors and their families.
Age Action Ireland
National charity providing support, information, and advocacy for older people.
Alone
Support services for older people including befriending, housing, and emergency response.
Seniors Alert Scheme
Free personal monitored alarms for eligible seniors living alone.
An Garda Síochána - Older Persons
Dedicated Garda liaison for older people, safety advice, and reporting.
Community Alert is the Garda scheme built around older and vulnerable neighbours in rural areas. Our guide to Text Alert, Neighbourhood Watch and Community Alert explains how to find out whether your area has a group and how to join one.
Frequently Asked Questions
My parent was scammed - what should we do?
First, don't blame them - scammers are professionals. Contact their bank immediately to try to recover funds. Report to the Gardaí and the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission. Change any compromised passwords. Most importantly, provide emotional support - being scammed can be devastating.
How do I talk to my parents about scams without offending them?
Approach it as a shared concern: "These scammers are targeting everyone, I nearly fell for one myself." Share news articles about scams. Make it about the criminals' sophistication, not their vulnerability. Offer to be a sounding board: "If anything seems odd, give me a call first."
Are medical alert systems worth the cost?
For seniors living alone, absolutely. The Seniors Alert Scheme provides free monitored pendants to eligible people. Private systems cost €20-40/month but provide 24/7 monitoring and peace of mind for both seniors and families.
What are the signs a senior is being scammed?
Watch for: unusual bank withdrawals, secrecy about phone calls, new "friends" asking for money, receiving lots of junk mail, anxiety about missing important calls, or confusion about finances. If you notice these, have a gentle conversation.
How can we protect a parent with dementia from scammers?
Consider: registering with the Telephone Preference Service, setting up lasting power of attorney, notifying the bank of their condition, installing call blockers, redirecting post to a family member, and arranging for bills to be paid by direct debit.
Help Keep Seniors Safe
Share this page with family members. Together we can protect our elderly loved ones from scammers and dangers.