Author Bio ▼

Maricel Tabalba is a freelance writer who is interested in writing about smart gadgets, emerging tech trends and environmentally friendly advice. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in English with a minor in Communication from the University of Illinois at Chicago.
October 4, 2017

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Whitepaper: Multi-residential access management – The move to digital

A comprehensive home security system guide for the elderly

Elderly people and technology are rarely associated with one another, but when it comes to safety and security, modern technology has a great deal to offer. Considering robbery, assault and other crimes against seniors are most likely to occur in or near the home, a comprehensive home security system is particularly important for seniors.

A home security system represents an investment in the safety and well-being of your elderly loved ones, and it’s important to make sure you’re getting the protection they need to be safe at home. To that end, let’s take a look at the most popular home security products for seniors and how they work to keep your loved ones protected.

Security cameras

In surveys conducted among convicted burglars, more than half admit that they deliberately avoid any home that’s equipped with one or more security cameras. That alone is reason enough to consider installing a surveillance system. But the usefulness of security cameras extends well beyond that. Cameras equipped with real-time monitoring also allow elderly homeowners to stay aware of their surroundings, providing much-needed peace of mind and ensuring that they need not leave the house to investigate a suspicious noise or identify a person on their property. Best of all, many smart cameras can even be remotely monitored, allowing you or your family to keep tabs on your loved one and their home no matter where you are.

Medical alert systems

A medical alert system is a great way to monitor your elderly loved one’s health and provide a safeguard in the event of a health emergency, but some systems may offer an added layer of security as well. Many such systems feature pendants or wristbands equipped with buttons that immediately trigger an alarm and request assistance. Though they’re designed primarily for medical emergencies, the fact that these systems are constantly monitored and connected with local authorities means help is never more than a button-press away. Some systems also employ impact sensors that detect when the wearer may have fallen.

Home automation

Though you may not associate it with home security, smart home automation technology offers a number of ways to keep your loved ones safe. Installing programmable smart locks on doors and windows means your elderly family member never has to worry about remembering to lock up at night or when leaving the home. Many smart locks can also be monitored and controlled remotely from a mobile device. For another layer of security, smart lighting – both indoors and outdoors – can be programmed or triggered via motion sensors to provide effective deterrence.

Home security systemRemote control access

Whether your elderly loved one is a frequent traveler or simply has trouble getting around like they used to, the ability to remotely control various aspects of the home is invaluable. Many modern home security and automation systems can be monitored and controlled via mobile devices, putting everything from video cameras to door locks to window shades just a few taps away. This easy and convenient access means that seniors can take care of many of their normal tasks around the home no matter where they might be.

Doorbell cameras

A doorbell may not strike you as the ultimate crime-stopping device, but there’s a surprising statistic you should consider. The Los Angeles Police Department recently conducted a study comparing two local neighborhoods – one in which homes were equipped with smart doorbell cameras and one in which they weren’t. The results? The neighborhood with doorbell cameras saw a stunning 50 percent drop in burglaries. That alone makes a compelling case, but doorbell cameras also protect seniors by ensuring that they need not open up to see who’s standing at the door. Most doorbells also offer remote monitoring, so seniors can keep an eye on visitors from virtually anywhere.

Alarm systems

True home security requires accounting for all manner of potential threats, and this includes things like fire, carbon monoxide and attempted access by an intruder. Fortunately, many home security systems are designed with these threats in mind, providing a range of detectors and alarms to help alert elderly homeowners and give them time to respond appropriately. Ideally, fire and carbon monoxide alarms should be loud enough to alert others nearby in the event that your elderly loved one can’t hear the alarm or isn’t able to respond on their own. To guard against intruders, motion sensors on doors and windows can trigger alarms in the event of any unexpected activity.

Energy management

Staying safe at home doesn’t need to be costly. In fact, many home security systems include energy management tools that can actually help you save some cash each month. One popular inclusion is energy monitoring, which allows elderly homeowners to see exactly where their energy dollars are being spent and may even offer suggestions on ways to cut costs. Another energy management solution is a smart thermostat system, which enables programmable settings, activity monitors and other tools to ensure that heating and cooling is done as efficiently as possible without sacrificing comfort.

It’s no secret that seniors are among the most vulnerable members of society, but that doesn’t mean that they can’t live safely and securely at home. If you have an elderly loved one living independently, a comprehensive home security system built with their needs in mind is a wise investment. Armed with this knowledge, you can help them choose a solution that will make their lives easier and allow them to feel confident and secure in their home.

See here for a directory of home automation companies, products and services 

About the author: Maricel Tabalba is a freelance writer who is interested in writing about smart gadgets, emerging tech trends and environmentally friendly advice. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in English with a minor in Communication from the University of Illinois at Chicago.

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Eithan
Eithan
February 23, 2018 6:53 am

Thank you so much for the tips.