Best Security System Setups for Senior Citizens
According to the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), nearly 90% of senior citizens want to stay in their homes as they age even if they need day-to-day assistance or have ongoing health issues like early-stage Alzheimer’s or dementia.
Unfortunately, criminals often target senior citizens as victims. Thieves assume older people will not be able to hear, see, or defend themselves, which makes them an easier target. Also, seniors often possess high value prescription medications that make them a target for home burglaries.
Loved ones of senior citizens who live at home tend to worry about them wandering out of the house or falling down while alone. The leading cause of elder injuries and death is falling, according to the CDC.
The good news is that home security systems provide a relatively low-cost solution that allows senior citizens to continue living at home for as long as possible. With today’s smart home technology incorporated into security systems, caregivers have a wealth of knowledge about the health, well-being, and safety of their loved ones.
Protecting the perimeter of the house is vital for a home security system for a senior citizen. Smart door locks can provide easy access for family members or service providers coming into and out of the home, preventing the homeowner from having to get up and down to answer the door.
Placing sensors on all exterior doors and windows, as well as on access doors for the garage is also an essential component for seniors. These sensors allow caregivers to be notified if any doors are opened.
Many families install video surveillance cameras that overlook the yard, facing down the driveway, looking over vehicles in the garage, and at the front door. If any door opens, it can trigger a video notification so the family members can log in to the app on their smartphone and watch in real-time what is going on at the senior’s home.
Monitoring for the security system of a senior citizen is necessary. Yes, an unmonitored system will be cheaper. However, the ability to easily connect senior citizens to monitoring representatives who can quickly dispatch law enforcement, firefighters, or even medical emergency personnel is priceless.
Medical alert buttons and remote-control activation of the home security system are features to consider for an elderly homeowner too.
Medical alert buttons can be connected to the home security system, so if the senior citizen falls or needs help in an emergency, they can quickly push a button on their wrist and talk to a live person for help. Remote control activation is essential, so the security system can be armed and disarmed without the senior citizen having to hurry down hallways or run downstairs.
While there are a lot of DIY security systems on the market, a DIY system may not have all the features seniors need, and ease-of-use is crucial for a senior.
Professional installation means that a trained professional will be able to spend time with the senior homeowner making sure they understand how to use the features of the security system and can physically do so. There are options for seniors, including larger arming and disarming panels with brighter screens and pull-down activations, to make use easier for a senior citizen.
FSS Technologies is proud to help make aging in place a reality for more families. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Explore Our Other Blogs
What to Know About Smart Locks
Smart locks have been on the market for several years and continually gain features as technology advances. Learn how useful they can be and how to find the best option for your home or business. What’s a smart lock? Smart locks are door locks controlled digitally. These locks can be monitored and controlled by an…
Ins and Outs of Contract vs No Contract Security Systems
Many people see signing a long-term contract with a reputable alarm company as a stressful experience. In truth, contracts are in place to benefit both the alarm company and the homeowner. Developing a relationship and signing a long-term commitment to a security company allows you to get to know a team and benefit from the peace of mind that…
Should My Business Have a Panic Button?
What Exactly is a Panic Button? As the name implies, a panic button is a button or switch that an individual activates when there is an emergency that needs immediate attention. Panic buttons are often hidden from plain sight so they can be activated subtly or in secret by the correct individuals. How Does a…
Code Requirements for Commercial Fire Alarms
The International Code Council The purpose of commercial property is for business or retail use, and the International Code Council (ICC) is a nonprofit association that develops model codes and standards used worldwide to construct safe, sustainable, affordable, and resilient structures. The fire codes vary depending on the type of business you run. For example,…
Can You Get in Trouble for Breaking into Your Own House?
Is it legal for you to break into your own house? Yes, you can get in trouble for breaking into your own house—at least temporarily. If the police are notified that there is a break-in at a residence, either by a neighbor or a security alarm, they can detain or arrest you until you can…
Fire Systems for the Restaurant Industry
Companies in varying industries face fire hazards in their standard operations to a certain degree. Businesses that operate commercial kitchens, however, are at significant risk for fire-related hazards because cooking equipment is a leading cause of commercial fires. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, an estimated 50% of non-residential fires were caused by cooking in…
Do Smoke Detectors Call the Fire Department?
One of the most asked questions about fire alarm systems is whether smoke detectors call the fire department. The belief that a smoke detector or fire alarm will automatically activate the fire department or send a signal to local first responders is a common misunderstanding. While some systems may be integrated with monitoring services, that’s not always…
7 Tips For Small Business Security
We hope it never happens to you, but workplace crime is something that all business owners should be prepared to encounter. With one-third of our life spent at work, it is an important place to secure and monitor for your safety, and that of your employees. Luckily, there are many simple, proactive steps you can…
Do You Know How Your Alarm System Communicates?
What is alarm monitoring? One of the most sought-after features for residential and commercial security systems is 24/7 alarm monitoring. Monitored security systems are connected to a central monitoring facility with staff who review tripped alarms, verify emergencies, and contact relevant emergency services. Monitors generally reach at least two phone numbers connected to a residence…
Security Integrations with Avigilon Alta
Security systems and integrations For business owners and managers, security systems are a key tool in protecting your customers, property, and commercial operations. There are several components to consider when working to create the best security system for your business, and there’s never a one-size-fits-all solution. A helpful approach to finding the best fit for…