How To Ensure Home Security for Seniors Living Alone

Covered in this guide:

• What Are Home Security Systems and How Do They Work?
• Why Should Seniors Get a Home Security System?
• Types of Home Security Systems
• The Best Professionally Installed Home Security Systems
• The Best DIY Security Systems
• The Best Self-Monitored Security Systems

Updated: May 28, 2023 | Reviewed by: Dr. Brindusa Vanta, MD

Unfortunately, many seniors relocate to expensive care facilities sooner than necessary due to fear and a lack of home security. Stress and anxiety can build over time, even for family members who live near enough to visit regularly. An alternative is to plan for the risks and benefits of aging in place to promote independence while avoiding the high costs of senior care communities.

According to the results of an AARP survey, an overwhelming majority of older Americans — around 75% — say they wish to remain in their own home for as long as possible. Many of the respondents plan to install senior-friendly modifications and smart home technology, while some have major renovations in mind. These modifications can greatly increase comfort and safety in the home, but do little to address the need for security. 

This guide explains how various types of security systems, as well as smart home and wearable technology, can help seniors maintain independence in their own home.

What Are Home Security Systems and How Do They Work?

Security systems come in many forms. This overview of main components helps inform your decision for making a plan for your home, as well as legal issues to consider.

• Door and Window Alarms: These alarms use sensors consisting of a magnet and transmitter that form a circuit when the door or window is closed. When the circuit is broken, a signal is sent to the security system, which then sends an alert to either a mobile device or security service.
• Motion Sensors: Passive infrared (PIR) is the most common type of motion sensor in residential systems, which tracks temperature changes and movements. Microwave sensors (MW) measure the reflection of pulses constantly emitted by the device and are more expensive than PIR.
• Cameras: Indoor and outdoor home security cameras provide both a deterrent against crime and live and recorded video for monitoring or reviewing incidents.
• Medical Alert Devices: This type of wearable technology can take the form of a pendant or other small device. Aside from an alert button that the wearer can use to call for help, these devices generally feature fall detection technology.
• Stickers and Signs: Signs in the front yard and stickers on windows add a layer of security by advertising a security system.
• Smoke and CO Detectors: While not technically used as security in the traditional sense, smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors can be connected to a home security system. Alerts can be automatically sent to chosen contacts rather than simply sounding an alarm inside the house.

Legal Considerations When Placing a Home Security System

The most common legal issues with home security systems are associated with cameras. Generally, you're allowed to record on your own property, including most indoor and outdoor spaces.

• Private Spaces: The exceptions to the general rule mentioned above are private spaces inside the home, such as bathrooms and bedrooms, where people have a reasonable expectation of privacy. The right to privacy in these areas is protected by federal and state laws.
• Hidden Cameras: Concealing your security cameras is legal mostly, given that it's done within the bounds of your private property. Review local surveillance laws to ensure compliance with specific guidelines.
• Recording Audio: Home security cameras that record audio in addition to video may conflict with consent and wiretap laws in some states. In almost all cases, however, clearly visible recording devices and doorbell cameras are legal.

Why Should Seniors Get a Home Security System?

Installing a home security system can help seniors regain and maintain a sense of control, which can improve their quality of life. Specific considerations depend on the individual's areas of concern.

Preventing Crime

According to a study by Rutgers University School of Criminal Justice, the use of home security systems is linked to a reduction in crime. Using five years of police data from Newark, NJ, researchers concluded that increasing usage of residential alarms caused a steady decrease in burglaries. Studies like this confirm what many have often speculated: burglars are looking for easy targets, and they tend to avoid unnecessary risks that could land them in prison. 

Catching Criminals

Although security systems provide a very real deterrent for would-be intruders, crime can still occur. In situations where prevention failed, the next best thing is to minimize the harm and catch perpetrators.

Residential alarms may alert the authorities quick enough to catch intruders in the act, while surveillance cameras provide a chance to track them down at a later time if they've already fled the scene. Modern security cameras can record very clear images, even at night, and this kind of evidence is very persuasive in prosecution.

Emergency Medical Response

Medical alert devices, otherwise known as Personal Emergency Response Systems (PERS), are often used by seniors and people with disabilities. This type of wearable device is especially handy for persons who live alone, as some can automatically call for help, have manual buttons, or use two-way voice communication, text message, or other methods that vary by device.

For example, many devices use an accelerometer to detect that the user has fallen. This technology works similarly to the way your phone detects rotation to adjust its display. Falls among seniors throughout the U.S. accounted for 3,000,000 emergency department visits in 2020, according to the CDC, which makes this an important consideration when developing a security plan.

Help With Environmental Hazards

Aside from medical issues affecting the individual, security systems can also detect and notify relevant authorities in the case of an environmental hazard affecting the house itself. These hazards include fires, floods and dangerous gases such as carbon monoxide (CO).

The most common example in this category is a smoke detector. When connected to the security system, smoke and CO detectors have the added benefit of automatically alerting authorities and/or preconfigured contacts. Various sensors, switches, valves and other components can add functionality to a security system, such as the ability to detect flooding and turn off the flow of water.

Peace of Mind

Most elderly Americans enjoy the independence, comfort and familiarity of their own home and plan on aging in place for as long as possible. Home security, and safety in general, become increasingly important as we age. The investment in a security system is an alternative to the cost of moving to a care facility in these cases.

An increased sense of security has the secondary benefit of giving peace of mind to friends and family members who may worry about an older loved one who lives alone. These friends and family members are often the ones who suggest a move into assisted living, so alleviating their concerns could delay or prevent such a proposition.

Efficiency and Automation

Beyond detecting danger and calling for help, a home security system paired with smart technology can help automate various household systems, increasing their efficiency and reducing costs.

Devices such as the door and window sensors mentioned earlier can connect with heating and cooling systems. Motion sensors for hallway and bathroom lights also increase safety and convenience. Automation can also provide keyless entry to the home, similar to the functionality of most modern cars, by programming a wearable device or smartphone to unlock a door upon detection of the resident.

Types of Home Security Systems

There are several things to consider when choosing the best type of home security system for yourself or a loved one. Cost is generally an important issue, as is the level of technical knowledge that's required to install and/or monitor a system. For seniors and people with disabilities, however, one of the biggest considerations may be the system's automatic functionality and professional monitoring in case of emergencies.

DIY Installation vs. Professionally Installed Systems

It's generally much cheaper to take the DIY route with home improvement projects, including security system installation, but that doesn't necessarily make it the most suitable. The following pros and cons may help you decide which way to go.

Professionally Monitored vs. Self-Monitored Security Systems

With professionally monitored systems, support staff respond and direct the appropriate personnel to your home in case of emergency. Self-monitored systems, however, are generally configured to send an alert to a phone, which allows you to remotely view cameras and status indicators. There are many benefits of professional monitoring, particularly for seniors and people with disabilities, with the only major downside being the additional cost.

Cellular/Wi-Fi vs. Landline Home Security Systems

The biggest issue when choosing between these two options is that landline connections are increasingly unpopular. According to the CDC, around 75% of adults live in wireless-only households as of 2022, and close to half of the senior population also relies on wireless service. This trend away from landlines is only expected to continue. As a result, fewer security providers and monitoring companies will support this older technology in the future. For those with the ability to use either type of connection, we've listed some other pros and cons to think about.

The Best Professionally Installed Home Security Systems

Below you'll find some of the main points of comparison for three of the best home security systems with professional installation. Vivint and ADT are fairly close competitors in many aspects, such as the range of functionality and overall component cost. SimpliSafe primarily competes through its low cost.

Learn more about the benefits and downsides of each of these systems below.

The Best DIY Security Systems

Installing your own home security system or having a family member do it for you is easier now than in the past. Frontpoint, Abode and Cove DIY systems are all wireless and use a phone or tablet as the user interface, which reduces the cost and difficulty level of installation. Other considerations, such as the need to integrate with home automation, may become a bigger factor in the decision.

Learn more about the benefits and downsides of each of these systems below.

The Best Self-Monitored Security Systems

Monitoring your own home security system is another way to save money. You can generally avoid ongoing costs with Ring and Wyze, but Scout has a mandatory monthly subscription cost.

Learn more about the benefits and downsides of each of these systems below.

Expert Reviewer

Dr. Brindusa Vanta, MD

Dr. Brindusa Vanta is a healthcare professional, researcher, and an experienced medical writer (2000+ articles published online and several medical ebooks). She received her MD degree from "Iuliu Hatieganu" University of Medicine, Romania, and her HD diploma from OCHM - Toronto, Canada.