Security Guards at Retirement Facilities

Many retirement facilities lack the proper security through CCTV monitoring and security guards either, because they have not been the victim of crime or because of budget constraints. Many times it is just for convenience that doors are left unlocked or alarms are not installed. Unfortunately unscrupulous criminals look for the easiest and most vulnerable targets and our elders are one of the most vulnerable victim group. Therefore it is imperative that retirement communities start focusing on the security of their inhabitants. Additional alarm systems, camera systems and most importantly security guards that constantly patrol the premises are pertinent the security of all retirement facilities.

In many cases management of retirement facilities wait until one or more of their inhabitants becomes the victim of crime before they strengthen their security protocol. In most cases the reasoning is that nothing has happened in many years with the current security in place. That logic is flawed, because with lack of security equipment and security only makes it a matter of time that the place is targeted by criminals. Once criminals have identified a place as an easy target they will most likely return again if security measures are not taken. 

It is imperative for a retirement home to work with an experienced security company. A security consultant will be able to provide a security assessment and make security recommendations. A good security consultation will include recommendations for staff behavior, putting alarms on doors, ID cards for employees and access control at all entry points to the facility. A security consultant will also devise a security plan for the security guards employed at the facility. It will include patrol routes, check points at sensitive spots of the property, access control behaviors and recommendations of equipment security officers should be equipped with.

It is extremely important to work with a security company that provides well trained, diligent security officers with impeccable customer service skills. A security guard at a retirement facility must work outside of the scope of his security job and provide help to elders like holding doors open, helping to carry stuff and other small customer service related activities. The security officer must consider himself as part of the team at the facility and provide the same level of customer service, the employees of the facility provide. 

In general senior facilities are vulnerable to crime in most cases, because advancement in technology has improved equipment and methods in security most retirement facilities use antiquated equipment and methods. It is important for senior facilities to hire an experienced security company that will provide a security consultation and a security plan. The cooperation will not only improve the security at the facility, but it will provide peace of mind to the inhabitants. It will make the facility less vulnerable to criminals and the inhabitants less likely to be victims of crime.