Smart Home Security for Older Adults: Devices That Make Life Safer

Choosing the right system for independence and peace of mind.

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I’ve been security-minded for most of my adult life, mainly because I moved to the US from Italy by myself at 21 and felt the need to be extra cautious. Over the years, I’ve lived in all kinds of places, from apartments to houses and even industrial lofts, with each place presenting its own challenges in terms of home protection. In addition, for long periods of time I was alone and responsible for my own safety.

So I got my first alarm system in the ’90s. It was professionally installed and not cheap, but it gave me peace of mind. Fortunately today there are many more options that are affordable, easy to install and simple to use. This means that getting a home security system should be a no-brainer even for older people, and believe me, we can benefit from it in more ways than one.

With this article, I want to give you a general idea of what's available. Just keep in mind that an alarm won’t prevent intruders from getting in, but it can discourage them from trying, give you time to react if they do, and even call for help on your behalf. It may also allow you to see what’s happening inside or outside your house remotely, so you can avoid putting yourself at risk.

The bottom line: Installing a smart alarm is a simple step toward living with less stress, something we should all aim for as we get older.

And if you’d like a quick summary, there’s a cheat sheet with the key points available to download at the end of this article.

Key Components of Smart Alarm Systems Focusing on Home Security for Older Adults 

Video Doorbells

One of the first items you may consider for your home security is a video doorbell which allows you to see who's at the door before opening it. Most models include motion alerts, night vision and two-way audio, so you can speak to visitors from your phone, computer or tablet. You can even talk to them remotely when you are not at home. In addition, if someone lurks around your door, day or night, they will be recorded and you will see them on video.

Smart Locks

Smart locks can also be very useful because they take away the stress of juggling keys by allowing you to unlock the door with a PIN code, your fingerprint or your phone. Many models let you create temporary PIN codes for family or friends, and they keep a log of who comes and goes. Some even let you program the door to lock automatically after a set amount of time, so you don’t have to remember to do it yourself.

Sensors for Doors, Windows and Glass

Door and window sensors trigger alerts when opened, while glass-break sensors detect the distinct sound of shattering glass. Although they don’t create a physical barrier, by triggering the system siren they act as a deterrent for potential intruders and provide a loud warning for you.

Indoor and Outdoor Cameras

Home security cameras are an excellent addition to home security because they allow you to view video remotely from your phone or other devices.

Personally, because I value privacy, I would not install permanent indoor cameras except in specific circumstances, such as monitoring someone who may be too old or too sick to care for themselves. Outdoor cameras, on the other hand, can be very useful when living in a house as they let you see what's going on outside, while you remain safely inside.

In any case, you should limit your camera placement to common areas and turn off the audio input to protect your conversations.

Professional Monitoring and Agent Support

One of the most valuable features of home security for older adults is professional monitoring where your system is connected to a center that operates around the clock. If the alarm goes off, they call you, and if you don’t respond, an agent can contact the police. With some systems, you can also allow the agent to log into your cameras and see what’s happening which can be a lifeline if you live alone or have a medical condition. 

Most systems also offer panic buttons or wearable fobs that let you call for help with a single press, whether you’re in bed or in the yard. Many setups also integrate with voice assistants like Alexa or Google, so you can ask for help by speaking.

Shared Access

With modern alarm systems you can grant access to others remotely or with a dedicated PIN, while you maintain control over who’s coming and going.

Smart Lighting with Motion Sensors

Outdoor lights with motion sensors are also important tools of home security because they serve as early deterrents, switching on automatically when someone approaches, making your home less appealing to prowlers. Some systems even combine lighting with a camera and a siren, allowing you to see what's going on from your phone or other devices and activate the siren as needed.

Backup Power and Connectivity

Backup is essential so your smart alarm continues to work even if the internet goes down. Look for systems that offer emergency cellular connection or built-in battery support.

Privacy

Don't overlook your privacy. Choose a system with two-factor authentication, which makes it harder for hackers to access your data and potentially turn off your system or spy on you.

Living Solo

In many cases, people find themselves living alone later in life, sometimes for the very first time. This may happen after their children leave home or because of divorce or widowhood. Living solo can bring a sense of vulnerability, but a smart home security system can help you build confidence and allow you to maintain independence.

Caring for Aging Parents

Many of us over 55 are also caring for older parents. Setting up an alarm system for them adds peace of mind, knowing their home is protected and they don’t have to manage it themselves. Most systems let you automate the schedule so the alarm arms at night and disarms in the morning, keeping them safe without the stress of remembering.

In addition, if you install cameras inside or outside their home, you can check on them remotely without intruding.

On another personal note: In January 2020, while I was in Italy, I installed a camera in my 90-year-old mother’s bedroom and set it up with a secret code so I was the only one who could watch. I did it because, although she lived with her partner, she had started locking her door, was losing her hearing, and consequently wasn’t answering the phone. So I was worried about her. However, I did tell her and, thankfully, she was ok with it.

Then COVID hit, and that camera became extremely useful. Although my brother lives nearby, when he couldn’t reach her, he called me in the United States and I checked on her.

Practical Steps to Get Started

• To begin with, look at your home and decide which doors or windows need protection first.

• Start small with a video doorbell, then maybe add a smart lock and a few sensors. Beginning with a few items makes it easier to learn the system.

• Decide between professional monitoring and self-monitoring. Professional services are advisable if you live alone, while self-monitoring may be enough if family lives nearby.

• Create custom PINs for trusted family members or friends, so they can enter your home if needed. 

• Test the system regularly. Check batteries every few months and read alerts to make sure that your alarm will work in the event of a break-in or emergency.
  

Recommended Products

Here is a list of products worth considering

Video Doorbells

Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2: HD video and motion alerts, works with Alexa and other Ring devices.

Google Nest Doorbell: Detects people and packages, integrates with Nest Hub for viewing.

Arlo Video Doorbell: Wide field of view, sends call-style notifications for answering.

Smart Locks

Yale Assure / Nest x Yale Lock: Integrates with Google Nest for app control. Does not use a physical key.

August Smart Lock: Retrofit design that keeps your existing deadbolt, adds smart control without changing the exterior lock.

Schlage Encode Plus: Compatible with Apple Home. Works with iPhone.

Level Lock: Minimalist design that looks like a regular lock while hiding smart features inside the door.

Alarm Systems and Monitoring

Ring Alarm / Ring Alarm Pro: DIY setup, works with Ring cameras. Offers optional cellular backup.

SimpliSafe Alarm and Monitoring: Flexible plans, available monitoring support.

Vivint Smart Home: Professionally installed, includes monitoring.

Sensors

Ring Contact Sensors: Easy to install, syncs with the Ring app for alerts.

SimpliSafe Glass-Break Sensors: Recognizes sound of breaking glass when paired with monitoring.

Nest Detect: Combines open/close detection with motion sensing.

Outdoor Lighting

Ring Floodlight Cam: Combines floodlights, HD video, and a built-in siren.

Arlo Pro Floodlight: Floodlight with video recording.

Backup and Privacy Tools

Ring Alarm Pro with Cellular Backup: Adds cellular service if Wi-Fi fails.

SimpliSafe Hub with Battery Backup: Built-in battery for power cuts.

Apple HomeKit-Compatible Devices: Provides integration and encryption within the Apple ecosystem.

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