The disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of NBC “Today” co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, has drawn national attention. Authorities have described the Tucson-area case as an abduction, and the case remains under investigation. The reason many people have kept following the case goes beyond its celebrity connection. It has also struck a nerve with families who worry about the safety of aging parents and loved ones who live alone. For families in Western North Carolina, that concern often comes down to practical questions about home security, emergency planning, scams and regular check-ins.
Safety tips for aging parents: A Buncombe County and WNC checklist
As more older adults continue living at home later in life, local organizations say families should take a broad approach to safety. Families should consider safety inside the house and in daily routines, social connection and who to call when something seems wrong. The Council on Aging of Buncombe County connects older adults and caregivers with local resources, including an aging services directory, caregiver support and minor home repair help.
A good first step is to think about safety in layers. Start with the home, then move to emergency planning, daily contact and protection from scams.
1. Start with the front door
Begin with the areas a parent is most likely to hear activity or answer unexpectedly, especially the front door, porch, driveway and main walkway. Check deadbolts, window locks and outdoor lighting. A simple camera can also add peace of mind, especially one with pan, tilt and zoom controls that can be checked from a phone. The cameras give an older parent a way to check a noise outside without opening the door, stepping onto the porch or going to a window.
2. Make the home safer to move through
Once the entry points are secure, look at how safe the home is to move through every day. Families should walk room by room and look for the places where a parent could trip, slip or struggle to move safely. Consider everything that can pose a risk including loose rugs, poor lighting, cluttered hallways, slick bathroom floors and stairs without stable handholds.
3. Put emergency information where it can be found fast
Keep emergency contacts in a visible place, not just saved in a phone. Include family members, a trusted neighbor, doctors, medications and any major medical conditions. The information can save time and make it easier for responders or relatives to act quickly in an emergency.
4. Set up a check-in routine
A daily call, text or visit can be one of the simplest ways to catch a problem early. In Buncombe County, the Sheriff’s Office Senior Reassurance program was created to help check on seniors and make sure their basic needs are being met and that they are not in a situation where they need help.
5. Talk about scams in plain language
Safety is not only about what happens at the door. It is also about the calls, texts and emails that reach someone inside the home. Families should talk about common scams and address red flags, including pressure to act quickly, requests for gift cards or wire transfers, and anyone asking for banking, Medicare or Social Security information.
6. Make a “call me first” rule
One of the most practical protections is a simple family rule: if anyone asks for money, personal information or urgent action, call a trusted relative first. This can prevent a rushed decision and give an older parent a clear next step when something feels off.
7. Keep a current list of who has access to the home
Families should know who has keys, garage codes, alarm codes or regular access to the property. Reviewing the list of any caregivers, maintenance workers and service providers from time to time can close gaps that are easy to overlook.
8. Use local help before there is a crisis
The Council on Aging of Buncombe County offers local support that can help families address problems early, including caregiver support, minor home repair assistance and its Aging Services Directory for Buncombe County residents. Those services can help families identify gaps in safety before they become emergencies.
9. Pay attention to isolation and caregiver strain
Safety gets harder when an older adult is isolated or when a family caregiver is carrying too much alone. Missed calls, unusual confusion or withdrawal from normal routines can be signs that something needs attention. COABC’s caregiver support services are one local option for families trying to navigate that pressure.
10. Know where to report suspected abuse or exploitation
In Buncombe County, suspected abuse, neglect or exploitation of an adult can be reported through Adult Protective Services at 828-250-5800.
Local resources for Buncombe County families
Council on Aging of Buncombe County
46 Sheffield Circle, Asheville
828-277-8288
Offers caregiver support, home repair, resource coordination, Medicare help and an aging services directory.
Buncombe County Aging & Adult Services
828-250-5800
Connects residents with local aging services and adult support resources.
Adult Protective Services
828-250-5800
Available any time, day or night, for reports of suspected adult abuse, neglect or exploitation in Buncombe County.
Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office Senior Reassurance program
Provides regular wellness check-ins for seniors