Why Guthrie’s Arrest Is a Bad Wake-Up Call for Local Aging Seniors

You’ve probably seen the headlines. On January 31, Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of “Today” show host Savannah Guthrie, disappeared from her home in Tucson, Arizona, in the middle of the night.

With notes of ransom emerging and the FBI involved, the story reads like a Hollywood thriller. But beneath the horrifying facade, as a recent piece in the Wall Street Journal showed, this tragedy is sparking a wide-ranging and uncomfortable conversation.

It’s forcing families to address a major blind spot in American retirement: the reality of aging in place.

If it can happen in a quiet, classy place for someone with a very visible family, it can happen anywhere. Wanting to maintain your independence as you get older is natural. But safely maintaining your independence takes more than simply refusing to move.

The illusion of a safe family home

We tend to think that our homes are permanent sanctuaries. You’ve raised your kids there, you know all the junk on the floorboards, and you think it’s the safest place to be. That’s why AARP surveys consistently show that nearly 90 percent of seniors age 65 and older want to stay in their current homes as they age.

But wanting to stay and being equipped to stay are two completely different things. According to the Administration for Community Living, more than a quarter of all older adults in the community live alone. Although they may feel safe, the structure of their homes often tells another story. Census data shows that only about 10 percent of American homes are actually “age-friendly,” meaning they have a step-free entrance, a first-floor bedroom, and basic bathroom accessibility.

If you live alone, you’re not just at risk for the occasional, high-profile home invasion. You are in danger in the house itself. A loose rug or a slippery shower floor can be just as dangerous as a broken window.

Security cameras do not include a security system

One of the most disturbing details of Guthrie’s case is the security footage. Detectives discovered that his door camera had been disconnected, and ended up releasing footage of a masked burglar disrupting the system.

Many families buy a smart doorbell, attach it to the porch, and consider the job done. That is a mistake. Passive technology is not a substitute for a comprehensive security plan. If the camera is not monitored, or depends on an expiring registration, it is just a plastic ornament.

When researching a single-adult home, you have to think beyond the front door. It’s about making sure all entry points are secure, having enough outdoor lighting that really illuminates, and making sure the occupant has a wearable panic button or voice-activated phone system in case they fall and can’t access a cell phone. (Related: Check out “7 Smart Devices That Protect Your Home from Disaster)

How to protect yourself or your parents

I get it. No one wants to admit they are losing a step, and older kids hate having the “it’s time to make a change” conversation. But you can’t just cross your fingers and hope for the best. If you or someone you love is aging in place, here’s what you need to do now.

• 1. Fix physical hazards: You don’t need a major renovation to make the house safer. Add grab bars to the bathroom, add non-slip backing to rugs, and improve your lighting. (Related: See “10 Most Popular Home Improvements for Aging Areas” on Money Talks News)
• 2. Set up a daily check-in: Silence is your worst enemy. Establish a non-negotiable routine where adults text or call a family member or neighbor at the same time every morning. If the phone doesn’t answer, someone goes to the house immediately.
• 3. Improve security reality: Drop expired subscriptions. Invest in a monitored security system with glass-break sensors and audible alarms. Make sure that the outside of the house is well lit with motion sensors so that no one can approach the unseen area.
• 4. Have a tough conversation ahead of time: If the house is insecure, or the neighborhood is too segregated, it’s time to discuss alternatives. Sometimes the safest option is to stay with family. (Related: See “Secrets for Successful Home Sharing with Elderly Parents” on Money Talks News)

Aging in place is a worthy goal. But true independence is not about stubbornness. It’s about being smart enough to adapt to your surroundings before you’re forced to.