With crime rates rising effective and affordable home security for seniors is more important than ever.
Today’s best home security systems for seniors are discreet, easy to install and leverage state-of-the-art technology.
The list below comprises the top benefits of home security for seniors as determined by our panel of product experts.
18 Benefits Of Home Security For Seniors
These days home security for seniors is not a luxury, it is an absolute necessity. Here are 18 benefits seniors can enjoy when they install one of today’s best home security systems.
1: Home security for seniors enhance their safety.
There is no way to guarantee a home will never be broken into. But home security systems make it far less likely that a senior citizen (or any homeowner for that matter) will become the victim of a home invasion (1). Criminals often case the homes of older folks assuming they will be an easy target. The presence of a security system can change the mind of a would-be thief in a hurry.
2: Home security for seniors protects against more than break-ins.
Many home security systems can be programmed to interact with other home safety devices. Some come with built-in carbon monoxide and smoke detectors. Some can even shut down water lines if they detect an overflowing toilet, bathtub, or sink. Of course, these types of advanced functions typically cost more. But many feel they’re well worth the money.
3: Home security for seniors is more important than ever.
We live in an increasingly dangerous world. This is especially true for seniors, who often live in cities where crime rates are higher than they are in rural areas. Burglary is one of the most common crimes committed against senior citizens (2) and is often the result of lax security around the house. A good home security system can help neutralize the threat.
4: Home security for seniors can lower homeowner’s insurance premiums.
One of the most oft-stated benefits of a home security system is that it will likely lower a person’s homeowner’s insurance premium. This is important for many seniors who are living on fixed incomes or struggling to retain their homes amid increasing financial insecurity (3). High-quality home security for seniors may cut their monthly homeowner’s insurance premium by as much as 20%.
5: Home security for seniors helps them protect their valuables.
Over the years, people tend to collect things that are of intense personal value. Many also have artwork, furniture, jewelry, and other things that have substantial dollar values attached to them. A home security system for seniors can help ensure that both family heirlooms and irreplaceable personal items are secured against home invaders.
6: Home security systems for seniors are effective at deterring crime.
Home security systems do more than just alert the police that a break-in is in progress. They also prevent those break-ins from happening in the first place. Thieves tend to be opportunists. That is, they’ll take an easy score over a tough one every time. As such, they’re more likely to change their minds about breaking into a house if they see security cameras (4).
7: Home security for seniors can help them sleep easy.
To say we live in uncertain times would be a gross understatement. Any reasonable steps a person can take to increase their level of security is a good idea. That goes double for seniors, who are often some of society’s most vulnerable citizens. Home security systems provide discreet but very real deterrence against home invasions and allow seniors to sleep easier.
8: Home security for seniors helps loved ones rest easy too.
Seniors are not the only ones who worry about their safety and security. The families of older folks often spend an inordinate amount of time worrying about the safety of elderly loved ones. A good home security system can go a long way toward alleviating the concern of family members and ensuring they can sleep well at night too.
9: Home security for seniors helps them retain their independence.
If you spend time researching why people put their aging parents into assisted living facilities, you’ll find most cite security concerns. While this is certainly understandable, the fact is, If given a choice, most older individuals would prefer to stay in their own homes. A good home security system can greatly enhance their security and allow them to remain in the home they know and love.
10: Home security systems for seniors can be cheaper than other options.
Some people don’t see the point of a home security system if they can just go out and buy a dog. What they don’t realize is A) the average dog is probably less effective than a good home security system (5), and B) truly effective guard dogs can be incredibly expensive (6). Much more than the cost of a home security system.
11: Home security for seniors can be monitored remotely.
If you don’t have a home security system and you go out, you have to hope your home is in one piece when you get back. Most home security systems, on the other hand, can be monitored remotely using a smartphone app. You can see what your surveillance cameras are seeing, and you’ll be alerted immediately if the system detects any signs of trouble.
12: Home security for seniors tell you who’s coming and going.
Many seniors have caregivers coming and going, people delivering meals, and relatives who are in and out of their house day and night. A home security system will keep track of everyone who enters and leaves, so you always know who is in the house at any given time. And if something goes missing, you’ll likely be able to tell who took it.
13: Home security for seniors can protect their pets.
All too often, pets become victims of home intruders. Dogs are sometimes killed, while both dogs and cats sometimes escape because an intruder leaves behind an open window or door. A home security system for seniors not only protects people, artwork, and expensive electronics, it also protects pets.
14: Home security for seniors can make a home more energy-efficient.
Some home security systems provide smart thermostats (7) or give you the option of adding one to your system. These can be linked to the security system and programmed to lower or raise the heat when the system detects that you have left the house or returned home. It’s the most effective way possible to maintain a comfortable house without wasting energy.
15: Some home security systems for seniors can be linked to medic alert systems.
The panic button we just mentioned can also be used to summon help in the event of a health emergency. Alternatively, some home security systems come with built-in health alert components that may include a small device you carry around with you and activate in case of an emergency. These can significantly enhance overall safety around the home.
16: Home security for seniors can protect against fire.
Each year there are more than 350,000 house fires in the US, resulting in an average of about 3,000 deaths (8). People often die in house fires because they are not aware of a problem until it is too late. Many home security systems provide smoke detectors as part of their package. Once one of these detectors has been tripped, those monitoring the system quickly notify authorities.
17: Home security for seniors is not one size fits all.
One of the many great things about home security systems is that there is bound to be one to satisfy every need and budget. The security needs of a large suburban property are different than those of an urban condominium. The best home security systems take all variables into consideration and allow you to obtain just the right type and level of security for your property.
18: Home security for seniors is available for rental homes.
You do not have to own the house you’re living in to install a home security system. Most landlords will allow people to install a home security system, as long as they don’t make any physical changes to the building to do so. That means no drilling of holes, no taking down walls to create clear sightlines for cameras, and no installing cameras that might infringe on a neighbor’s privacy.
Conclusion
From providing protection against break ins and fires to enabling seniors to secure their valuables and sleep better at night home security for seniors is an indispensible service. Seniors are able to retain their independence and enhance their overall quality of life with a state-of-the-art home security system standing guard round the clock.