Police issue notice on safety of elderly parents living alone

The Sri Lanka Police have stressed that ensuring the safety of elderly and isolated senior citizens has become an increasingly sensitive and essential responsibility in today’s society.

In a statement, Police Headquarters noted a growing trend of elderly parents being left vulnerable at home as children move away for work, migrate overseas, or settle in other regions.

The statement further emphasised that elderly people living alone can become easy targets for criminals, particularly drug addicts seeking money or valuables. Police said some recent incidents involving isolated homes have even ended in violent crimes and deaths.

The Sri Lanka Police urged the public to take precautionary steps to ensure the safety of elderly relatives living alone, including:

Ensuring homes are well-lit at night.

Avoid allowing unknown individuals into the house for unnecessary work.

Maintaining good relationships with neighbours to support mutual safety.

Informing the local Grama Niladhari and community police committee about elderly persons living alone.

Providing elderly parents with an easy-to-use mobile phone containing family and police contact numbers.

Displaying emergency contact numbers prominently at home, including the local police station, 119, 1990 Suwa Seriya ambulance service, trusted neighbours, and family doctors.

Conducting background checks and obtaining police reports before hiring caregivers, domestic workers, or care service providers for elderly individuals.

Police also urged the public to reduce the isolation of elderly parents, regularly check on their wellbeing and safety, and remain alert to signs of potential criminal threats before incidents occur.