Best Home Security Systems For Seniors: Camera Systems, Door Security, Monitoring, And More
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| Professional Installation |
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| Low Monthly Fees |
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| Medical Alert Device |
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A home security system tailored to a senior should be easy to use, reliable, and provide help when you need it most, whether it’s the threat of an intruder or because of a medical emergency. But can you get all of this from one company without draining your savings? Let’s find out.
Article Overview
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Home Security Systems For Elderly
- Honorable Mention: Canary
- Live Where You Want To Live
Frequently Asked Questions
Before choosing a home security provider, consider the following.
DIY or Professional Installation?
Are you able to install the system yourself? Many companies have DIY setups, which may require you to get on a chair to install sensors. Is this something you’re comfortable with, or would you prefer a professional to help you? Another option would be to ask a friend or family member to help you install the system. Professional installation typically costs money while DIY doesn’t.
What’s Your Budget?
If you live on a fixed income or have a smaller budget for a security system, you may need something that has a lower monthly fee. Calculate what you can afford in terms of upfront equipment fees as well as recurring monthly fees.
What Equipment Do I Need?
Aside from the basic door/window sensors, motion sensors, etc., is there other equipment you should be considering? If you have an underlying health issue or a history of falls, you may find comfort in purchasing a system that has a panic button or a medical alert device as an equipment option.
Other equipment that may give you peace of mind is a connected smoke detector or listener and carbon monoxide detector or listener. These devices will alarm when they detect smoke or carbon monoxide and alert authorities for help if you have professional monitoring in place.
What’s A Listener?
A “listener” is a device that listens for your existing CO or smoke alarm to sound and then sends an alert to your smartphone.
How Many Monitoring Stations?
The company you buy your security system from is most likely different from the company that monitors the system. Security companies use third parties to respond to your system’s alarms; these are called monitoring companies. Monitoring companies have stations, which are different locations for where your calls are answered.
Each monitoring company should have at least two monitoring stations located in different U.S. regions or states. This is because monitoring stations can experience power outages and natural disasters, just like our homes. So if a monitoring company only has one station and a tornado wipes out the station, your emergency goes unanswered. However, with more than one station, the calls are re-routed to another location and your calls are still answered.
What Type Of Monitoring Is Best?
There are three types of monitoring companies employ for their systems: landline, broadband, and cellular.
| Landline | Broadband (Internet) | Cellular | |
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| Typically The Least Expensive |  |
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| Good For Those In Remote Locations | |
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| Works During Power Outage | |
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| Works With Home Automation | |
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| Widely Offered By Companies | |
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| Faster Connection To Monitoring Station Than Landline | |
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| Not Easily Defeated By Burglars With Wire Cutters | |
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| Most Reliable | |
We consider cellular monitoring to be the most secure form of monitoring because it’s the most difficult communication signal to break. So when possible, we recommend going with cellular as the primary form of monitoring ahead of landline or broadband.
Best Home Security Systems For Senior Citizens
We’ve chosen the companies below and categorized them as “the best” for a specific feature they offer. Some of these companies are known for doing many things well, and we’ve included that information in our reviews. But overall, we looked at the following criteria to ensure that these companies would provide ideal options for seniors.
- Customer service
- Equipment
- Technology
- Ease of use
- Value
You can learn more about the specifics of what we consider for each of these criteria here.
Customer Service: Frontpoint Review
Frontpoint is a great option for seniors who want all the help they need at their fingertips. They’re known in the industry as having some of the best customer service. They make setup a breeze, but if you do run into any hiccups, know that Frontpoint can help you.
One of the biggest selling points about Frontpoint is that they have no long-term contracts, but you still get great customer service, quality equipment, and dependable professional monitoring. No contracts can be a big selling point for the elderly because you may not want to be tied into a three-year contract. What happens if your health changes and you need to move into assisted living or a nursing home? Some companies may require you to finish paying out the contract, but with Frontpoint, there are no contracts or long-term commitments.
Frontpoint has a vast array of equipment options to help you feel fully secure in your home. It features a keyfob with a panic button that can send help immediately. Frontpoint makes home security simple while still offering many customization options. You can add on smart home equipment (including cameras) and secure your home exactly the way you prefer without paying for unwanted equipment.
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Price
Below are the packages Frontpoint offers. You can also purchase additional sensors for an extra fee, which you’ll see listed next to the device. There is also a Build Your Own option, which is à la carte style. Add up the total of your selected equipment and that’s your equipment fee.
| Package Name | Safe Home Starter | Safe Home Everyday | Safe Home Select | Safe Home Preferred |
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| Price | $99.00 | $295.94 | $383.92 | $479.90 |
| Control Panel Hub ($249.98) | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Keypad ($54.99) | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Door/Window Sensor ($19.99) | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| Motion Sensor ($29.99) | 1 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Glass Break Sensor ($44.99) | 1 | 1 | ||
| Smoke & Heat Sensor ($44.99) | 1 | 1 | ||
| Indoor Camera ($99.99) | 1 | |||
| Yard Sign ($3.99) | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Window Decals 3-Pack ($3.99) | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Door Stickers ($3.99) | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
Additional Equipment
[frontpoint-pricing-supplement]Did You Know…
Z-Wave is a wireless communication protocol used for smart home equipment. Companies that support Z-Wave are able to expand their product lines to support many third-party devices, giving you access to more equipment options.
Monitoring Plans
| Interactive | Ultimate | |
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| Price Per Month | $44.99 | $49.99 |
| Wireless & Cellular | |
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| Unique User Codes | |
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| Crash & Smash Protection | |
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| Geolocation Services | |
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| Mobile Alerts | |
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| Remote Access & Control | |
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| Sensor History | |
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| Live Video Streaming | |
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| Video & Image History | |
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| Motion Triggered Alerts | |
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| Night Vision Enabled | |
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| Light Control | |
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| Smart Lock Control | |
Coupon
Our link above applies discounts if available.
Read Our Full Review Of Frontpoint
Professional Installation: ADT Review
Some of you may want a company with a name that you recognize, and no one fits the bill better than ADT. ADT has authorized dealers to professionally install your system, which takes all of the upfront work off your shoulders.
Authorized Dealer vs DIY Installation
Professionally installed systems, like those provided by ADT, tend to be outsourced to local authorized dealers. This means your installation and customer service experience may vary greatly depending on whom your local ADT provider is.
You can make your ADT system as basic or extravagant as you want by sticking with door/window and motion sensors or adding on cameras. ADT has a Pulse app that makes it simple to control the security system from your smartphone.
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Price
Equipment options and monthly prices can vary depending on the ADT reseller you choose. The equipment and pricing we have listed below are from an authorized reseller we recommend. If you’re interested in ADT, use this link to get a custom quote for your home.
| Complete Monitoring | Premium Monitoring | Remote Monitoring with Command | Video Monitoring with Command | Video and Home Automation with Command | |
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| Price Per Month | $36.99 | $44.99 | $52.99 | $58.99 | $62.99 |
| Professional Installation | $99 | $99 | $99 | $99 | $199 |
| Free Security System | |
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| Control Panel | |
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| Door/Window & Motion Sensors Capable | |
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| Wireless Keychain Remote | |
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| Pet-Friendly Motion Detector | |
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| Monitoring | Landline | Cellular | Cellular | Cellular | Cellular |
| Remote Control w/ Cell Phone | |
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| Remote Arm/Disarm | |
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| Email & Text Alerts | |
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| Real-Time Video | |
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| Lighting Control | |
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| Thermostat Control (added cost) | |
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| Garage Door Control (added cost) | |
Coupon
Our link above applies discounts if available.
Low Monthly Fees: Ring Alarm Review
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Ring Alarm is an excellent choice due to its low cost and equipment quality. The system is easy to install and is a great option for those with a lower budget or living on a fixed income.
You can choose between self-monitoring or professional monitoring, although we recommend professional monitoring because it’s only $100 per year and it can provide seniors and their loved ones more peace of mind. You can add emergency contacts to the account as well, so if you have adult children who you want to have access to your system activity, you can share it with them.
Another feature that can provide more peace of mind is that Ring Alarm has smoke/CO listeners. If these devices detect smoke and carbon monoxide, they’ll alert you via the app. And if you have professional monitoring, they’ll dispatch emergency responders. This can help emergency contacts know something is wrong and can get help to their loved one sooner.
Additionally, Ring Alarm has no contracts, just like Frontpoint. So you’re not locked into a long-term commitment and responsible for paying a monthly monitoring fee for three years (or more). Ring also has many indoor, outdoor, and video doorbell cameras to choose from.
Personal Experience
Our own Kimberly has a Ring Alarm security system. Here is her experience.
There are many things I love about my Ring Alarm system. Professional monitoring is affordable and the equipment is discreet and sturdy. It’s easy to arm and disarm the system using the user-friendly app or keypad.
This system works well for renters or homeowners alike. All the sensors are peel and stick, so it doesn’t leave marks on the walls, and it’s easy to take with you when you move. Plus, there are no long-term contracts.
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Price
Ring recently came out with a 2nd generation of security equipment. Below is the pricing for it.
- Ring Alarm Security System (includes 1 base station, 1 keypad, 2 contact sensors, 1 motion detector and 1 range extender) – $249.99
Additional Equipment
Cameras:
- Indoor Camera, Floodlight Cam
- Spotlight Cams: Battery, Wired
- Stick Up Cams: Battery, Plug-In, Solar (3 cameras included), Elite
- Doorbell Cameras:
- Video Doorbell Pro, Peephole Cam, Video Doorbell Elite
- Video Doorbell 3, Video Doorbell 3 Plus
- We’ve dedicated a separate article to go more in-depth on the Ring doorbells.
Home Security:
- Contact Sensors, Motion Detector, Keypad
- Range Extender, Dome Siren, Panic Button
- Chime, Chime Pro
Home Automation:
- Pathlight: Solar, Battery
- Floodlight: Solar, Battery, Wired
- Steplight: Solar, Battery
- Spotlight, A19 Smart LED Bulb, PAR38 Smart LED Bulb
- Smart Lighting Motion Sensor, Bridge, Transformer
Life Safety:
- Flood & Freeze Sensor | Smoke & CO Listener
Monitoring Plans
| Free | Basic | Plus | |
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| Price | Free | $3/month or $30/year | $10/month or $100/year |
| Coverage | One doorbell or camera | All devices at one address | |
| Ring & Motion Alerts | |
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| Live Video On Demand | |
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| Warranty | One year | One year | Extended |
| Video Recording | |
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| Review, Share & Save Videos | |
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| Professional Monitoring | |
Coupon
Our link above applies discounts if available.
Read Our Full Review Of Ring Alarm
Medical Alert Device: Vivint Review
Vivint is an excellent pick for two reasons. First, they offer professional installation, which may be something that interests seniors if you feel less tech-savvy. And second, Vivint’s thorough equipment lineup features a medical alert device, which may give extra peace of mind to those of you living alone or with underlying health conditions.
You can also add on many other smart home devices (including cameras) and have full control on your smartphone. This could be convenient if you want to make sure you’ve turned all the lights off but don’t want to get up out of bed. Or maybe you want to adjust the thermostat without getting up from your cozy chair where you read.
However, this system does come at a higher cost. Professional installation, equipment, and professional monitoring all come at a higher cost than some competitors. It also requires a three-and-a-half to a five-year contract, which is extremely long compared to the standard three years that the competition requires on average.
Depending on your budget and needs, you may find that Vivint is the system for you or you may want to consider other options. This may not be the best option for someone on a fixed income or with a small budget. But if cost isn’t as much of a concern and you want all the bells and whistles, Vivint has many great features available.
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Price
Note that the equipment price is paid monthly until the equipment is paid off (total). It was difficult to find transparent Vivint pricing, so confirm before you purchase.
| SkyControl Starter Kit | Home Security System | Smart Home Control | Video Security | Smart Complete | |
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| Price Per Month (Total) | $10.00 ($599.99) | $11.83 ($709.98) | $17.50 ($1,049.95) | $23.00 ($1,379.95) | $29.83 ($1,789.92) |
| SkyControl Panel $399.99 |
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| Door/Window Sensors $34.99 |
4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Motion Detector $69.99 |
1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Smoke Detector $69.99 |
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| Garage Door Controller/Sensor $99.99 |
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| Smart Door Lock $159.99 |
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| Element Thermostat $169.99 |
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| Doorbell Camera $249.99 |
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| Ping Camera $199.99 |
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| Outdoor Camera $299.99 |
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Additional Equipment
Cameras:
- Smart Drive $249.99
Home Security:
- Recessed Door Sensor $34.99 | Tilt Sensor $34.99 | Glass Break Sensor $69.99 | Key Fob $34.99
Life Safety:
- CO Detector $69.99 | Temperature/Flood Sensor $69.99 | Panic Pendant $34.99
Monitoring Plans
After you’ve chosen all of your equipment, you can then choose your monitoring plan.
Vivint recently launched a self-monitoring plan but you must call to learn the specifics; it doesn’t share any of the details online. We’ve learned that there are limitations to it as far as equipment and features.
| Smart Security | Smart Home | Smart Home Video | |
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| Price Per Month | $29.99 | $39.99 | $44.99 |
| $49-$199 Installation Fee | |
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| 24/7 Professional Monitoring | |
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| Entry, Smoke & CO Detection | |
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| Medical Pendant Support | |
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| Smart Home Integration | |
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| Live Video Feed | |
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| 14 Days Storage Of 30-Second Clips For Up To 2 Cameras | |
If you have more than two security cameras, you’ll have to pay an additional $5 per month for the camera monitoring (three cameras = +$5/month, four cameras = +$10/month, etc.).
Coupon
Our link above applies discounts if available.
Read Our Full Review Of Vivint
Honorable Mention: Canary Review
If you’re looking for an option to keep an eye on your loved one without a full security system with door/window sensors, motion sensors, etc., you may want to consider Canary. Canary is an all-in-one security device that has a wide-angle lens to view a large area.
It also has two-way audio and monitors temperature and air quality. This allows you to touch base with your loved one and make sure they’re in a comfortable environment with good air quality.
Read Our Full Review Of Canary
Live Where You Want To Live
Having a home security system can give you a level of protection that allows you to live in your home longer. Not to mention, the elderly can be targets for burglary because intruders don’t feel as threatened by the senior population. A home security system can help give you and your loved ones the peace of mind you need to continue living where you feel the most comfortable.
If you want to learn more about the best home security systems and see what your other options are, read our top home security comparison article.
What do you think is the most important home security system feature for senior citizens?
