Best Home Security Systems for Seniors

Home security is an important issue for seniors. Seniors living alone can be easy targets for criminals since they aren’t strong enough to defend themselves, and many seniors are hearing and vision compromised so they can’t hear a break-in.

Home invasions are often the result of a period of reconnoissance work, so criminals would know that they are breaking into the home of a vulnerable senior citizen.

In our opinion, crime prevention is much more powerful than justice. The presence of a security system alone is often enough to deter break-ins and other crimes, but things like motion sensing lights and alarms can also be an added step between the perp and their goal.

A home security system for seniors is not just about catching a thief, it’s about preventing a crime in the first place! Here are our top 5 picks for home security systems for seniors.

ADT Home Security

Using ADT Home Security systems is an easy way for seniors to protect their home while they’re away or asleep. This brand covers all the bases and makes it simple for senior citizens to stay secure and safe when home alone.

Some of the perks of ADT Home Security is 24/7 around-the-clock monitoring. This means that anytime seniors have an emergency, assistance can be dispatched quickly. 

Seniors who are worried about having to set up and install a complicated security system have zero to worry about with ADT. A professional tech will come out and install the system, set it up, and show you how to use it!

Prices vary according to which package you decide to choose. This can range from $35 a month upwards of $50 a month, so consider carefully the features that are most important for your peace of mind. 

The upside of using ADT is that there are a number of ways you can manage your security system. There’s a keypad that you’ll have installed in your home, but the company also has an app so if you’re smartphone savvy, you may enjoy managing your security via the app. 

Simple benefits like outdoor motion detectors and visible decals will deter criminals, and ADT security systems are user-friendly, meaning you don’t have to be completely tech-savvy to understand how to use your system.

You will be liable to sign up for a contract, which may or may not be your thing. But, ADT gives you a bit of leeway in the form of a six-month trial period where you can get your money back and hop out of the contract if the service turns out to not be quite right for you.

Vivint SmartHome

Combine smart technology with a state-of-the-art security system and set seniors’ minds at ease when they’re home alone or away from home with Vivint.

Vivint lets you put together your own customized security system based on what your needs are. If you’re hearing impaired, Vivint will create an alarm if someone simply tries to break the glass to get inside or jimmies a door, alerting you to even the smallest activity.

Like ADT, Vivint will send a tech to you in order to set your system up so you don’t have to mess with any technical aspects yourself, which is convenient.

Monthly security services begin at around $30 a month. Some added benefits of using Vivint is cameras. Seniors can see who’s outside, who is ringing the doorbell, and use Vivint’s camera system to record what’s going on outside. 

You’ll operate your system via a touchscreen panel. Vivint does offer some benefits that other systems don’t, such as allowing you to turn your lights on when you’re not home through the app. 

You can also sync your Vivint security system with other smart home devices, such as a Ring doorbell, Google Home tech, etc. This allows you to put together an entire Smart Home package that can really make life easier for a senior living alone.

Now, the contract you’re going to get into with Vivint is long-term; five years at minimum. This means you should be absolutely certain of what you want in terms of security since you’ll be in this extended contract.

There’s not a grace or trial period here. Monthly payments are affordable, though, and you get a lot of bang for your buck. Also, like ADT and other security firms, Vivint is monitoring 24/7, so you get the peace of mind of constant assistance should you need it.

Cove

For seniors who don’t want to be locked in a contract but do require the peace of mind of a great security system, Cove could be the solution you’re looking for.

Cove not only does away with contracts, but it also lets you customize bundles to get the services you need at the price you are willing to pay. This could be as little as $15 per month for seniors on a budget.

Consider it the bare bones of security systems. However, just because it’s cheap doesn’t mean Cove doesn’t ensure peace of mind and home protection.

The reason Cove is so affordable is that it’s billed as the “DIY” home security system. There’s no installation fees, no hidden costs, no contracts. You can set up the system in less than half an hour.

Try Cove risk-free for 60 days to determine if it’s right for you. You’ll enjoy 24-hour-a-day monitoring, a two-way system that allows you to instantly reach a person to communicate in real time, which is perfect for seniors who need immediate help. 

You’ll have sensors to place on your doors to alert you to intrusion, and you manage everything from your touch pad. You’ll also have a small, handheld remote that you can use to press a button to call for help whether you need medical assistance or you hear someone breaking in.

Download the accompanying app to check on your home while you’re gone or find out if any of your alerts have been triggered. Cove is a no-frills, stripped down security system that takes pride in excellent customer service and no hidden costs.  

It’s a highly rated company that meets your security needs without being tethered to a contract. Minimal fees, no muss, no fuss installation, and all the equipment you need is perfect for a senior who doesn’t need the bells and whistles of a sophisticated system.

Frontpoint

Frontpoint is another affordable option for seniors who require a bit of security in their homes or apartments. The only downside is you must install the setup yourself, but to be fair, it isn’t complex at all. 

Frontpoint works on a completely wireless network that’s simple to manage via the included keypad or the smartphone app. 

The cool thing about Frontpoint is that you aren’t paying for what you don’t need. You can build your own custom security system from the ground up based on your own specific needs. 

These ‘a la carte’ add-ons include everything from motion sensors to smoke detectors.  You’ll love the keyless remote control and garage door openers. 

The down payment cost to get started is $99. Monitoring 24/7 per month costs around $35. Frontpoint can be a little spendy, but its benefits are great; excellent and helpful customer service, a menu of add-ons just for you, and around-the-clock monitoring.

Now, you will be in a contract with Frontpoint, starting at three years. This is fairly standard. Be leery when you begin adding more equipment and services. Everything has a price tag, and you could be looking at paying $50 a month if you aren’t careful.

Frontpoint is a good option if you want extensive monitoring and lots of extras, and you aren’t necessarily on a strict budget. 

The wireless system ensures you’re always being monitored and makes for a much easier setup for seniors. You can literally create the smart home security system of your dreams with Frontpoint, including a range of indoor and outdoor cameras.

You don’t need to be tech-advanced to work it, but access to a smartphone and some knowledge of wireless tech could be helpful. The keypad inside is powered by batteries. 

A perk of using Frontpoint is that the company offers a ‘price-lock guarantee’ which means they can’t increase your bill during your contract; that’s your locked-in price.

Protect America

Since many seniors are on a budget, it pays to look at another security system company that keeps that in mind. Protect America has monthly options that start at $27 a month for monitoring.

You do have to install your own system, but if you have a friend or family member who’s handy this could save you cash in the long run.

Protect America offers a basic bundle that you make your own by customizing it with add-ons. The basics include motion and entry sensors, a keypad, signs, and 24/7 monitoring.

Upgrade and customize the system to meet your needs by adding perks like fire detection and a garage door opener. Supported smart devices (like Amazon’s Alexa and Echo) can sync with your security system to make it easy to operate, and you can download the companion app on your smartphone.

Now, here comes the best part of using Protect America; you can get monitoring for under $20! This is likely the most budget-friendly security system.

Of course, there’s a contract involved; three years with this company. But, with so many features and perks, along with a low monthly premium, it seems like a small price to pay. 

There are no hidden fees or upfront costs to get started with Protect America, so you won’t be shocked when you get the bill. 

Honestly the only downside of this service is the DIY installation, but that doesn’t have to be a deterrent for seniors who have access to friends, family, or caregivers that could help set the system up.

Though some high-dollar security firms may offer more bells and whistles, most seniors just want the peace of mind of around-the-clock monitoring, and that is what Protect America offers.

Take advantage of zero install fees and a locked-in rate once you put together your customized security services.

Home Security Systems Buyers Guide

Why Should Seniors Consider Security Systems?

Let’s face it, living alone can be frightening for people of any age. For seniors, it puts them at even more of a disadvantage.

A senior may not be able to hear the soft jiggle of a doorknob or the crack of a window being broken into.

Seniors are easy targets, and this is all the more reason they should be protected. Security systems aren’t just for burglaries. They also help seniors who may need medical help in a hurry.

Most security systems have a panic button or two-way communication that a senior can use to instantly have help on the way in minutes should they need it.

Seniors are also forgetful at times. What if they forget to close the front door? An alarm will go off reminding them to lock up the house.

The hardest part of being a senior is losing your independence. A home security system can allow seniors to stay independent for much longer.

Loved ones can also sign up to get alerts should something happen. This can give families the peace of mind they need, too.

Motion sensors and doorbell cameras don’t leave seniors vulnerable to attacks. Looking at a camera can easily let seniors know who’s outside and if they should answer the door.

Our seniors are our most valuable asset! We have to make sure they stay safe in their homes for as long as their health allows them to.

Security systems don’t just make seniors feel safe, they make caregivers, family members, and loved ones feel good, too. A monthly premium is a small price to pay for keeping seniors safe.

What to Consider When Purchasing Home Security Systems

Cost

Since many seniors are on a budget, cost is a factor. When you’re considering the cost of a home security system, there are several considerations to keep in mind.

First, there’s usually an upfront cost to start service. Next, there may be an installation and equipment cost. Then, you’ll need to consider monthly costs.

Installation

For some seniors it’s just too much of a hassle to get a DIY security system because they don’t want to put it together themselves or bother someone else to put it together.

They’d rather pay the installation fee to let a professional come over and set up the system. This is a big factor when choosing the right system.

Add-Ons

Some systems have add-ons for safety. This could include a carbon monoxide detector, garage opener, doorbell camera, and smoke detector.

What features do you actually need? Do you just want the basics or a few more bells and whistles? Do you have a smart hub and want to integrate all of your services so you can use voice activation?

Tech-Savvy

Some of these home security systems are geared towards a more tech-savvy senior. Many, if not all, of these have a companion app that can be a handy way to manage the system when you’re away from home.

For seniors who have a smartphone, this is a cinch. However, for seniors that aren’t into tech, make sure the system can be fully managed from the interior keypad instead of a smartphone app.

Medical Assistance

Do you need to know help is a push-button away? Some alarm systems are set up for more than break-ins. For seniors who have fragile health, the focus may be on what options are available for immediate medical assistance.

Contract or No Contract?

Being locked into a contract can be good, because that also means you are locked into a price. However, it can be bad if you don’t need the service for an extended period of time, or you’re not sure if you’ll like it.

Which Security System Should You Buy?

For seniors who just want a no-contract system they can cancel at any time, Cove is the best bet.

If you are more interested in a low monthly premium, try Protect America, which can monitor your home for a cool $19.99.

Don’t even want to think about setting up your own security system and would rather someone professional do the work for you? Give ADT or Vivint a call and let the pros handle the heavy lifting.

Like the idea of a full-on system that does everything from monitor your home to make sure you’re safe from carbon monoxide? Frontpoint fits the bill.

Want an everything-but-the-kitchen-sink system and budget is the least of your worries? ADT covers all of your bases.

Want to create your own smart home? Protect America and Vivint have you covered!

Not sure how you feel about a security system because you’ve never tried one before? Take advantage of the six-month trial period ADT gives you with no drawbacks if you decide the service isn’t for you.

Frequently Asked Questions About Home Security Systems

Will my system go off every time my dog comes through the doggy door?

You may be worried about your pets setting off your system. Most, if not all, of home security systems are programmed to not go off unless a body over 40 pounds enters. Discuss this with your security company if you are worried about it.

What if I can’t afford to pay for installation? Are there deals for seniors?

Though most companies do not offer discounts for seniors, you may be able to get in on a sale depending on what time of year it is.

If you are worried about paying for high-dollar installation, check around to see if you have a friend, or maybe your son-in-law or grandson is handy enough to install your new system for you.

If I move, can I take my equipment with me?

Your contract may not be up yet, but you may find that you have to relocate. The answer is yes, you should be able to transfer your service as well as your equipment to a new location.

What if the power goes out? Will my system still work?

If you have a wireless system, the wireless service should not be compromised, which should mean your system should still be working.

Is my security equipment under warranty?

Yes, most companies offer a one to two-year warranty for your equipment.

What if an intruder disables my keypad?

This won’t happen. By the time a burglar attempts to disarm your system, help will already be on the way, so you can have peace of mind.

One of my doors or windows was breached. How do I know which one?

You’ll be notified exactly where the breach was so you can tell the cops when they arrive.

Can I connect my security system to my doorbell?

A video doorbell, such as a Ring, can be connected to your security system. All of your smart home components can work together to provide the safest environment for you.

Can my loved ones monitor me to make sure I am okay?

This is a perk that some security companies offer. Your loved one or caregiver can also download the security app and keep an eye on you.

The app will tell the caregiver when a door or window is open, when you contacted for assistance, and if police were called to your home.

The app will send alerts or notifications to your loved one or caregiver so you won’t be alone in your time of need.

What if an emergency happens and I can’t get to the keypad?

There are a couple of things you can do in this type of situation. Firstly, many security systems come with a keychain/handheld/portable remote you can use to contact help at the press of a button.

Another way to alleviate this issue is to connect your Amazon Alexa to your security system and use vocal commands to call for help instantly. A smart home setup is an intelligent way for seniors to ensure they’re safe around the clock.