Seniors can feel safe in their homes with the help of a home security system. These systems provide a straightforward approach to risk reduction or early warning, and they are tailored to address basic security requirements.
While staying in their own homes for as long as possible is a priority for many, the elderly are a particularly accessible target for criminals.
And of course, the elderly always run the risk of hurting themselves if they take a tumble. These issues may be addressed by installing a home security system.
One advantage is that they may be a cheap option for allowing loved ones to remain in their own homes, while still allowing for instant access to medical assistance in times of need.
Some of the top home security systems additionally provide automation functions like remote temperature regulation and lock status verification. The reassurance it provides to loved ones is priceless.
Installing some types of home security systems should be left to the experts. Some people don’t. It is always important to pick a system that is tailored to the specific requirements of the people who will be using it.
For quick assistance, seniors may use panic buttons or emergency alert wristbands.
Selecting a system built with high dependability in mind may also be crucial. This will include settling on a strategy for really dependable machinery.
Choosing a home security system that is simple enough for an elderly person to operate can be difficult. Certain designs’ heavy reliance on technology may present a learning curve for some elderly users.
However, the greatest home security systems for the elderly are made to be extremely user-friendly.
Sometimes all it takes to get help is to push a button. In addition, brighter screens and control panels with larger font sizes can be useful while arming and deactivating the device.
Elderly homeowners might save money by installing a system without a monitoring service. On the other hand, they do not perform automatic checks on the house. This could reduce the safety nets available to the elderly. But for seniors who never leave their homes and can take care of themselves most of the time, it’s possible that monitored systems are unnecessary.
Many seniors have strict budgets, but a high-quality, well-designed unmonitored system can help keep their homes safe without breaking the bank.
Features and Technology Designed to Make Older Adults’ Homes Safer
The best security systems for the elderly combine ease of use, affordability, and a full suite of safety and security options.
Your loved one’s security system should have at the very least motion detection, door/window sensors, and professional monitoring. Some of these features are also modifiable in a variety of designs:
The Remote Controlled Key
When you can’t get to the control panel, this remote will come in handy for arming and disarming the system and sending out a distress signal. Keep it close at hand or put it someplace convenient like the bedroom or bathroom.
Alerts on Your Mobile Device
The security firm’s app will send you a push notification if the system’s sensors detect an intruder. Even when you’re far from home, you’ll be up to date on everything that’s occuring there.
In Case of Emergency
A panic button is a quick and easy way to contact monitoring personnel and get help from the police in the event of an emergency. If your panic button doesn’t already have a built-in siren, you can always instal one.
Keeping an Eye on the Environment
In order to keep their customers safe, security firms typically provide devices that can detect carbon monoxide, water, and fire. In the event of a fire, a water leak, or a rise in carbon monoxide levels, professional monitors can send help quickly.
How Do Home Security Systems Benefit Seniors?
In today’s society, people of retirement age live longer and often wish to continue living on their own.
However, the unpleasant truth of today is that the elderly are at risk of being a target of criminals. The elderly are disproportionately affected by crimes such as burglary, assault, and vehicle break-ins.
Which is when home security systems come in handy. Seniors and their families can rest easy with the help of home security systems and equipment, which offer features like round-the-clock monitoring and deterrents like outside video cameras to would-be intruders.
In addition to keeping your houses safe, home security systems have other uses. Some service providers facilitate getting aid after a fall or medical emergency by providing supplementary equipment or services like medical alert systems or two-way communication.
Every senior citizen has different requirements and resources, and so does every home security company. That’s why it’s crucial to ask questions and get clear answers before committing to a home security company.
Things to Think About for Seniors’ Home Safety
Contracts
Risky contracts for home security services are a particular concern for the elderly. Your senior’s security requirements or living situation may alter. However, the fees, services, and equipment involved in security contracts are usually fixed for a certain time period. If you try to back out of your contract, you might have to pay a substantial penalty.
Do-it-Yourself Home Safety
Consider the initial cost of equipment if you’re considering a do-it-yourself security company that doesn’t require a contract.
Moving your equipment to a new location is free of cancellation or installation charges. Plus, you can buy what you need now and expand later if you so want.
Installation
Professional installation is required by some service providers, which might cost up to $100 on average. Expert experts will not only set up your equipment, but will also train your family members on how to utilise it.
Do-it-yourself installation, on the other hand, is cost-free but requires expert installation skills from a member of your own family. Professional installation is prefered by many elderly people because it provides convenient in-person assistance and guarantees a proper fit.
Remember that some companies who advertise self-installation also provide the option of having a professional do it for you.
Service to the Customer
Look for a home security company that offers your loved one easy access to customer and technical support at any time.
There are service providers whose customer service lines are open all the time, and there are also those whose lines are only open during normal business hours.
While in-home appointments for some types of technical help are included in the price, others are not. Reading reviews written by satisfied and dissatisfied customers is the greatest way to get an idea of the provider’s service satisfaction and typical complaints.
Advice for Older Adults on Purchasing a Home Security System
Pick Your Preferred Degree Of Technology
You should look for a system that suits your specific requirements in terms of ease of use and sophistication of features.
Thankfully, advancements in technology facilitate this aspect of your quest. These days, it’s easy to choose a home security system that suits your needs and is straightforward to instal.
Don’t Forget About the Activation Points
There is also the question of how many different triggers there are in the system. Does the strategy merely include a set of buttons? Is there any other method to contact the watch crew in case of an emergency?
When looking for a system for an elderly person, look for one that has a control panel that allows for two-way communication, a mobile app, an emergency wall button, and a portable emergency button.
Choose the Most Appropriate Networking Method
The type of system is also an important consideration. What kind of network connectivity do you have access to? A landline, broadband internet, or cellular network? In most cases, the safest option for home security is a wireless or cellular system.
To have reliable coverage, however, a hardwired or hybrid system may be preferable to cellular technology if you happen to live in a region with spotty mobile service.
Learn More About This Business’s Reputation And Customer Service
Finally, think about the provider’s track record with support issues. It’s wonderful when loved ones can answer your questions, but they may not always be the best resource.
Find out when the support crew is available and what kind of feedback past customers have given them. The provider’s website and other internet resources should also be explored. If your home security system ever stops working, you need to be sure that you can get the help you need.
Key Benefits of Senior Home Security Systems
While the specifics of each home security system will vary, many of the components and features will be familiar.
In the next section, we’ll take a look at what makes up the core components of a home security system. If you’re trying to figure out which parts are best for you, this is a helpful resource to have.
Provide Round-The-Clock Monitoring and Fast Reaction Times in Case of Emergencies
Home security systems can be as simple as installing sound alarms and relying on the homeowner to keep tabs on things. We disagree, however, and believe that constant surveillance would be beneficial for all elderly people, but especially those who live alone.
The timely arrival of assistance is guaranteed through monitoring services. If your home security system goes off or you push the panic button, the monitoring centre will still alert the appropriate authorities even if they are unable to reach you.
Older people who like to venture out or who spend the winter in a warmer climate can benefit greatly from professional monitoring.
In addition, we see it as a boon for elderly people who have trouble getting around. You won’t have to scramble to find your phone if the alarm goes off. The proper authorities will be contacted by your security system.
Both Wireless and Wired Options Are Available
The two most common kinds of home security systems are wireless and hardwired. Battery- and internet-powered wireless systems offer more portability. Basically any room in the house with Wi-Fi will do.
Due to the necessity of a landline connection, hardwired systems need to be installed close to the phone’s input. While landline service may be less expensive overall, it may restrict your choice of devices with certain providers.
Landline telephones are especially useful for seniors in rural regions with spotty or no cell service. Keep in mind that an attacker can more easily disable this system by severing the connections.
Choices For Mobile Notification And Distant Monitoring
For seniors with smartphones and wireless home security systems, the latter can be set up to send out mobile alerts anytime a problem is detected. If you have a doorbell camera, this might be an intruder, a fire, broken glass, or a visitor.
With the monitoring service’s mobile app, homeowners can check in on their house at any time, no matter where they happen to be. You can even view the feed from your mobile device if your security system is equipped with video cameras.
While out doing errands, you can check to make sure your packages arrived or see how your pets are doing inside. Cloud-based video backup services are increasingly common among leading enterprises. When looking at suspicious circumstances, this can be helpful.
Indicator Lamp
Important fobs that function like remote controllers are a part of certain home security systems. Use the panic button on the keychain to instantly arm or disarm the system. Those who have mobility challenges and have trouble reaching to the control panel when they need to can benefit greatly from having a remote control.
Proximity Detection Systems at Doors
Any home security system that aims to be more than just basic should include door and window sensors. An alarm sounds when a door is opened while the system is activated, and users are notified by entrance sensors if a door or window has been left open for too long.
Indicators of Motion
Motion sensors can be installed both inside and outside the house to increase safety. Some retirees have them wired into motion-detection light switches, making it possible to enter a room and have the lights immediately come on. Some people only utilise them for the sake of safety. In the event that motion is detected, an alarm will sound.
Different types of motion detectors have varying detection ranges, usually between 100 and 400 feet. Modern motion detectors are able to tell the difference between humans and animals, reducing the number of false alarms. Inquire as to whether or not their infrastructure is suitable for use with animals.
Devices that Detect Broken Glass
Many burglars avoid the use of locks and doors in favour of breaking a window. Concerned elderly can rest easy with the help of glass-break sensors. Whenever these sensors detect the sound of shattering glass, an alert goes off.
In Case of Emergency Buttons
Locations such as walk-in bathtubs, stairwells, basements, and corridors are ideal for installing panic buttons. When the button is pressed, the security system is triggered, and the monitoring centre is notified that anything is wrong. Like medical response devices, panic buttons can also be carried on a keychain or worn as a necklace.
Protective Medical Equipment
You may get medical alert services from several of the best home security companies. Aging-in-place elders can benefit greatly from these devices, which are also known as personal emergency systems. Keychain fobs and pendants worn on the neck or wrist are common forms. Simply pressing the button will initiate a call for assistance to the appropriate authorities. The ability to detect falls and track their whereabouts via GPS is included in some models.
Conclusion
A home security system can give seniors a sense of security in their own homes. These setups take a simplistic approach to risk mitigation and early warning. If you want to have happy users, you need to choose a system that fits their needs. Seniors should look for security systems that are both user-friendly and affordable. In many cases, the elderly bear the brunt of the consequences of criminal acts like burglary, assault, and auto theft.
In the event of an emergency, security companies typically provide devices that can detect carbon monoxide, water, and fire. A security agreement’s duration is typically set at the outset. You may be required to pay a hefty fee if you attempt to terminate your contract before its term has ended. Do-it-yourself You can have it installed for free by a skilled family member, but that comes at no cost. Installing alarms or relying on the vigilant homeowner are two of the simplest home security measures.
Try to find one with a two-way control panel and emergency buttons installed in the wall. Consider the provider’s past performance with regards to solving support and customer service issues. In rural areas where cell phone service is spotty at best, landline phones can be a lifesaver for the elderly. Wireless home security systems and smartphones can be programmed to send out alerts whenever a problem is detected. Today’s most successful businesses frequently use cloud-based video backup services.
Outside and inside motion sensors can be installed to provide extra protection for your home. False alarms are significantly decreased by today’s motion detectors because they can distinguish between humans and animals. Sensors that listen for the sound of breaking glass will issue a warning if they pick up that sound.
Content Summary
- Seniors can feel safe in their homes with the help of a home security system.
- These issues may be addressed by installing a home security system.
- However, the greatest home security systems for the elderly are made to be extremely user-friendly.
- Elderly homeowners might save money by installing a system without a monitoring service.
- The best security systems for the elderly combine ease of use, affordability, and a full suite of safety and security options.
- If your panic button doesn’t already have a built-in siren, you can always instal one.
- Which is when home security systems come in handy.
- In addition to keeping your houses safe, home security systems have other uses.
- Consider the initial cost of equipment if you’re considering a do-it-yourself security company that doesn’t require a contract.
- Service to the CustomerLook for a home security company that offers your loved one easy access to customer and technical support at any time.
- The type of system is also an important consideration.
- In the next section, we’ll take a look at what makes up the core components of a home security system.
- Basically any room in the house with Wi-Fi will do.
- For seniors with smartphones and wireless home security systems, the latter can be set up to send out mobile alerts anytime a problem is detected.
- You can even view the feed from your mobile device if your security system is equipped with video cameras.
- Motion sensors can be installed both inside and outside the house to increase safety.
- Different types of motion detectors have varying detection ranges, usually between 100 and 400 feet.
- Concerned elderly can rest easy with the help of glass-break sensors.
- Locations such as walk-in bathtubs, stairwells, basements, and corridors are ideal for installing panic buttons.
- Like medical response devices, panic buttons can also be carried on a keychain or worn as a necklace.
FAQ’s About Home Alarm System for Elderly
Is a home security system worth it?
A home security system offers protection for your loved ones and property, as well as peace of mind. While property crime has dropped more than 6% – the sixteenth year in a row it has declined, according to the FBI – it’s still a natural instinct to protect what we love, no matter what statistics say.What is the best security system for senior citizens?
- ADT – Best Professionally Installed Home Security for Seniors.
- SimpliSafe – Best for Tech-Savvy Seniors.
- Vivint – Best Senior Home Security With Home Automation.
- abode – Best No Contract Security for Seniors.
- Frontpoint – Best DIY Home Security for Seniors.
Does ADT offer senior discount?
ADT Senior DiscountsADT offers a 20 percent discount on installation and $2 off monthly costs for AARP members. In addition, they regularly run limited-time deals.
What is the easiest alarm system to install?
- SimpliSafe: Best for Easy Installation.
- Blue by ADT: Best for No Contract.
- Abode: Best for Customization.
- Alder: Best for Medical Alerts.
- Cove Security: Best for DIY Value.
- Ooma: Best for Self-Monitoring.
How can I monitor my elderly parents at home?
- AngelSense: GPS Tracker for Dementia Wandering. …
- Baby Monitor for Seniors: No WiFi or Apps Needed. …
- LifeAlert: Fall Monitor for Elderly Adults. …
- Project Lifesaver: A Program, Not a Product.
