Aging In Place Directory

#66 - Using Smart Security Systems for Senior Safety

• Esther C Kane CAPS, C.D.S. • Episode 66

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How can smart security systems do more than just protect against intruders? 

In this episode of the Aging in Place Directory Podcast, we explore how today’s connected technology—like video doorbells, smart locks, motion sensors, and monitoring tools—can enhance senior safety, prevent scams, support caregivers, and give older adults the independence they deserve. 

We share real-life examples, practical tips for choosing the right system, and a look ahead at how smart home security is merging with health monitoring to shape the future of aging in place. 

Whether you’re a senior living alone, a family caregiver, or simply planning ahead, this episode is packed with insights to help make home the safest place to grow older. 

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Speaker 1:

Hello and welcome back to the Aging in Place Directory podcast, where we talk about all the ways seniors and their families can make home life not just safer but easier, more comfortable and more enjoyable. I'm your host, robin Schiltz, and today's episode is one that hits home for a lot of families, and I mean that both figuratively and literally. We're looking into the world of smart security systems and how they can support senior safety. Now, when most people hear the term security system, they think of protecting a home from burglars and yes, that's definitely part of it. But for seniors, a smart security system can be so much more. It can provide peace of mind, prevent falls, help caregivers stay connected and even make day-to-day life a little easier. This is one of those topics that I wish I'd known more about with my own parents. When my mom got older, she was nervous about people coming to the door, especially in the evenings, and after she passed away, my dad had a tendency to go out and do yard work in the backyard, where none of his neighbors could see him and without letting me know he would be out there. It scared me to think that he could fall and no one would know for hours or possibly even days. My aunt does this now and it scares my cousin as well, so I can tell you firsthand that technology can be an incredible ally for both the senior and the family members who want to keep them safe. So today we're going to explore what smart security systems are and how they work, the key features that actually matter when we're talking about older adults, some real world stories of how this technology can prevent accidents and give you peace of mind, some tips for choosing the right system for yourself or a loved one, and, of course, some of the challenges to watch out for, like privacy concerns and system complexity. By the end of this episode, you're going to have a good idea of how security technology can be much more than just an alarm that goes off when someone's breaking in. It can be a safety net that supports aging in place.

Speaker 1:

All right, let's get started. So let's start with the basics. What do I mean by smart security systems? In the old days, a home security system was pretty simple you had some sensors on the doors and windows, maybe a loud alarm and, if you were lucky, a call to a monitoring service when something triggered it. Fast forward to today and technology has completely changed the game.

Speaker 1:

Modern smart security systems are connected to Wi-Fi. They include devices like smart cameras, doorbell cameras, motion sensors, smart locks and voice assistants. They're controlled through an app on your phone or even with just your voice, and they don't just sound an alarm. They can alert you instantly, no matter where you are. They can show you who's at the front door. They can even allow you to unlock or lock the front door remotely. For families with older adults, this means a security system can act like an extra set of eyes and ears watching out for unusual activity. But it can also be part of daily life, for example, unlocking the door for a visiting caregiver without ever having to get up, or checking the garage if someone thinks they heard a noise. Now, the word smart in smart system doesn't mean complicated. It actually means that the system is designed to make life simpler through automation. When you add in voice control, like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant, it becomes extra powerful for seniors with limited mobility. They don't even have to use an app. They can just say Alexa, lock the front door and it's done.

Speaker 1:

So what are the most valuable features for older adults? Let's break it down. There are smart doorbell cameras, which are huge for senior safety. The senior can see who's at the door without having to get up. This is not just about burglars, it's also about avoiding scams. Sadly, older adults are frequently targets for door-to-door scams or high-pressure salespeople. A video doorbell allows them to see and even talk to someone at the door without opening it, and family members can check the same camera, too, from their own phones.

Speaker 1:

Then there's motion sensors. These can serve double duty. Yes, they detect intruders, but they can also show family members if mom or dad is moving around the house at unusual hours. If a caregiver notices the loved one is constantly wandering at 2 am, that could be the sign of a sleep problem or early dementia. Then there are smart locks. These are life-changing. There's no more fumbling with keys. Lock these are life-changing. There's no more fumbling with keys.

Speaker 1:

Many systems allow doors to unlock with a code, a smartphone or even your voice. For seniors with arthritis or hand weakness, that can be a huge benefit For families. Being able to create temporary codes for caregivers adds both convenience and security. Then there are indoor cameras. Selectively used Cameras are a little tricky because of privacy issues, but when used correctly, they can help in specific areas, for example, checking that dad made it safely from the bedroom to the kitchen without a fall. Shared responsibility agreements are very important here, so that everyone feels comfortable. And then there's emergency alerts and integrations. Some systems can connect directly with fall detectors or panic buttons, which means that if a senior presses a wearable emergency button, the security system also alerts family members and even lights up part of the house for easier visibility. The beauty here is that a smart security system can be customized. It doesn't have to be a one-size-fits-all box. You pick the devices that address the safety issues you actually have, whether that's fall monitoring, preventing scams at the door or keeping track of nighttime wandering.

Speaker 1:

So let's put this into some real life context. These are examples that I've seen happen and I'm betting many of you will recognize them in your own family situations. Scenario one the mysterious visitor. So my 98-year-old aunt has lived alone for several years during the day. My cousin lives with her, but he's gone to work, so she's alone during the day. One evening or, excuse me, afternoon, she told me that someone rang the doorbell. They claimed to be from a local tree service. She didn't know if he was legitimate or not and it scared her. If she'd had a video doorbell at the time she could have seen the person without going to the door. Luckily I happened to be on the phone with her, but if she'd have been by herself, you can see how that would be scary. And my cousin, who's living in another town, could have pulled up the video feed instantly if my aunt had not been on the phone with me.

Speaker 1:

Scenario two is nighttime wandering. So I remember a friend whose father had dementia. He would sometimes wander out of the house at night, not realizing what he was doing. So the family installed door sensors connected to their phones. The very first night they did this, they got an alert at 3 am and were able to guide him back inside before he went too far from the house. That difference can save a life.

Speaker 1:

And then number three, the key problem. So I live in a 55 plus community and one of my neighbors is a woman who is in her 70s. She's constantly worrying about losing her keys and misplacing them. So smart locks solved that completely. She and her husband set it up that they she could just unlock the door with her phone. So each of her adult children and her husband all have codes. Now nobody worries about keys getting lost or anything being copied anything like that.

Speaker 1:

What these scenarios show is that smart security systems don't just protect about burglars anymore. They protect against loneliness, confusion, the little accidents of everyday life that can spiral into bigger problems for older adults. So let's get practical. If you or someone you love is considering adding a smart security system, how do you choose the right one? Well, there's some things to consider. First is ease of use. A system that's complicated isn't going to get used, so look for ones with simple apps, clear displays and, ideally, voice controls. Think about remote access for families. For many families, one of the biggest advantages of a smart system is that adult children or caregivers can check in from anywhere. So make sure your system allows for multiple users and easy sharing of information.

Speaker 1:

Then there's cost. Some systems are DIY and don't require a monthly fee. Others, especially those with professional monitoring, do have a fee, so think about your budget and your peace of mind. Sometimes the monthly fee is worth it for that 24-7 professional oversight. Then there's scalability. You want to start small, maybe with just a video doorbell and a smart lock, but you want to be able to add more, like motion sensors, cameras and window sensors, as needs change. Then there's privacy settings, which are very important. You want to make sure everyone in the household understands what's being recorded, who can see it and how the information is stored. This avoids misunderstandings and builds trust between family members.

Speaker 1:

Now let's talk about some of the potential challenges. Again, privacy concerns. No one wants to feel like they're under constant surveillance. It's vital to talk openly about what devices should and shouldn't be used. Will you have front door cameras? Cameras in the bedroom? Maybe not so great in the bedroom. Technology overload. Sometimes having too many gadgets is overwhelming. That's why it's good to start small and build from there. Then you want to talk about connectivity. All these devices depend on good Wi-Fi. So if your home has patchy Internet service, you may have a problem. Sometimes adding a Wi-Fi extender will be necessary. And then there's false alarms. Smart security systems can occasionally send unnecessary alerts. Most systems learn over time, but it can take a little patience to work with them.

Speaker 1:

All right, let's look ahead to the future of senior safety tech. It's pretty exciting. We already have cameras and sensors, but what's coming is more predictive systems. Imagine a system that doesn't just tell you the loved one got up at night, but analyzes the data and says hey, we've noticed, dad has been waking up at 3 am every night for the past two weeks. Might be worth discussing it with his doctor. We're also seeing integration with health care on the horizon Systems that can monitor activity and vital signs, with data that can be securely shared with medical professionals if the senior agrees. There's even technology that can detect falls without wearing a pendant by using radar-based sensors or cameras.

Speaker 1:

I know a lot of seniors. My 98-year-old aunt that I was talking about before is one. They resist a fall button, fall alert button, so this could be huge in removing the barrier. So when we talk about smart security, what we're really seeing is the merging of home security and health monitoring, and for seniors who want to age in place, that's a powerful combination.

Speaker 1:

So, wrapping up today's episode, smart security systems aren't just about keeping burglars away. For seniors, they can be a lifeline. They provide safety, prevent falls, deter scams, give caregivers peace of mind and, most importantly, help older adults maintain their independence at home. If you're considering one for yourself or a loved one, start simple. The video doorbell and a smart lock are two of the most effective tools you can build from there. As needs change, and be sure to have honest conversations about privacy and make sure the system is easy to use. And, as with all Aging in Place modifications, the focus should always be on independence, dignity and quality of life. So that's it for today's episode of the Aging in Place Directory podcast. I hope this gave you a new way to think about security technology, not as a burden or a complicated gadget, but as a partner in safety and independence. Until next time, stay safe, stay connected and, as always, keep making home the best place to grow older. Take care Bye.

Contributor

Esther C. Kane, CAPS, C.D.S.

Host