A home security system can be the best way to protect your elderly parents, grandparents, or other family members. They offer 24/7 monitoring, smart home automation features, and more, all at an affordable price.
Seniors often live alone or in a nursing home, so having an alarm that can be easily accessed from anywhere can be a life saver. Some companies also offer medical alert systems to ensure that your loved ones can get help when they need it.
If your parent has a lot of trouble navigating the stairs or stairways in their house, a panic button can be a good addition to their system. These buttons can be affixed in key locations like walk-in tubs, hallways, and even stairways, and they’ll trigger the alarm and send an alert to a monitoring center.
Another great option is a video doorbell, which can be used to see who’s at the door without having to open it up. These video devices have motion sensors and a two-way audio feature that lets you speak to the person outside your door.
Many of these devices can also be controlled from a mobile app, so you can monitor them whenever you want. They’re especially useful for older adults with mobility problems that can make it difficult to access the control panel of a traditional security system.
One of the biggest risks to older adults is abuse from trusted caregivers, either physically or sexually. A security system can deter abusers and prevent them from entering your loved one’s home.
Besides providing peace of mind, security systems can also be helpful for your loved one if they have a medical condition or an unsteady gait. These systems can be programmed to send a text message or email to a caregiver when a specific condition is detected.
Some systems also have medical response buttons that can be worn on a bracelet or keychain. This helps a caregiver get in touch with a senior’s doctor or hospital immediately after they receive an alert, so that they can provide treatment before the issue worsens.
You can also buy security cameras that can be installed in places that are difficult to reach, such as a stairway or a walk-in tub. These cameras come with built-in motion sensors and night vision, which means you’ll always have a clear view of what’s going on in the home no matter where your parent is.
Other options for seniors include door and window sensors, which will activate the alarm when a door or window is opened. Some security systems will even alert authorities when a door or window is left open for an extended period of time.
There are many ways to improve your elderly parent’s safety and independence in their home, so it’s important to research all of the different home security for elderly solutions available. It’s also a good idea to ask for a personal recommendation from friends or neighbors who have used a company to install a security system at their homes.
