Keeping Seniors Safe with Home Security Features 

A recent study by AARP shows that 75% of adults aged 50 and older would prefer to stay in their homes as they age. This concept of “aging in place” is becoming more popular as seniors find comfort in familiar surroundings, enjoy continued independence, and realize the exorbitant cost of senior living or assisted living. 

While it is a good choice for many seniors as they age, it also requires some planning, remodeling and investing in equipment that will make their living quarters safer both in terms of mobility and in respect to safeguarding against events such as robberies, falls or strangers approaching the home.

Many family members of seniors agree that installing a home security system for their aging loved ones is a great investment that provides some peace of mind. Let’s examine the features that will keep seniors who are aging in place safe and secure. 

Remote Monitoring Capability

Many seniors can successfully go about their daily lives without assistance. However, when assistance is needed, a home security system could be the perfect way to check on your loved ones. For instance, home security systems allow for remote monitoring to check that doors are locked and windows are closed, and some even have the technology to ensure that lights are off. 

Remote monitoring can also include video monitoring, which allows family members to visually check in on their aging parents to ensure that everything is okay. Some home security systems can alert family members when a problem arises, such as a smoke detector going off, a door being left open, the CO monitor alerting, or even a fall. 

This remote capability can give many family members a sense of peace. They may not always be able to be at their loved one’s home, but they can remotely check in periodically. 

Outdoor Motion Sensors 

Another feature of many home security systems is the addition of motion sensor lights in key areas around the home. These lighting systems illuminate an area upon the detection of movement, meaning aging parents will have a well-lit walkway and entry point each time they come and go at night. This can prevent falls and allow seniors to focus on getting in and out of the home safely rather than remembering to turn the lights on and off. 

Outdoor motion sensors serve a dual purpose. Not only do they illuminate the dark for owners of the home, but they act as a deterrent to those who should not be on the property such as burglars. 

Video Doorbells & Automatic Locks 

As seniors age, many experience mobility issues that make it challenging to quickly get to the door should guests arrive for a visit. Video doorbells and automatic locks that can be controlled remotely can be a godsend for seniors who want to see who is at the door and remotely let them in. This is especially helpful for seniors who have help coming into their homes for physical or occupational therapy or just a person coming over to keep them company. 

This feature of most alarm systems allows for remote access to the home and a visual confirmation that the person the senior was expecting is at the door. 

Environmental Sensors

Many home security systems offer a host of features that can monitor the environment, from rising water levels in a basement to the heat/cold of a home as well as smoke or CO monitoring. These features will alert the homeowner as well as emergency responders if an incident is underway and help is needed. 

If your loved one is considering aging in place, take the step to safeguard them with a home security system. You will find that the features will make life easier for both you and your loved ones. Talk to our team today about features that could assist your senior.