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Essential Guide: Home Security for the Elderly

  • Planful Aging
  • Jul 1
  • 4 min read

Updated: Jul 5


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Smart, Simple, and Remote-Ready Protection for Your Aging Loved Ones

As our loved ones age, their needs change—but the desire to remain independent stays strong. Whether your parent is aging in place or downsizing to a smaller home, one of the best ways to ensure their comfort and security is with a smart home security setup.

Older adults are more vulnerable to break-ins, medical emergencies, and forgetfulness that can create serious risks. The good news? Today’s remote-accessible, senior-friendly home security systems and smart locks are easy to use, customizable, and offer real-time peace of mind for caregivers—even from miles away.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything from alarm systems to smart locks, garage door monitoring, and wearable alerts, all chosen with simplicity, safety, and accessibility in mind.(This post includes affiliate links. We may earn a small commission when you purchase through the links below—at no cost to you.)


🔐 Why Seniors Need Home Security That Works for Them

Memory Lapses and Forgetfulness

Older adults may forget to lock doors, close the garage, or set the alarm system. Even minor lapses can expose them to serious risks.

Increased Fall Risk

A fall can quickly escalate into an emergency if no one is around to help. Having a connected system means faster intervention—and in some cases, automated fall detection.

Scams and Break-Ins

Seniors are frequently targeted by scams and opportunistic criminals. A visible home security setup alone can deter potential intruders.

Remote Caregiver Oversight

Whether you live across town or across the country, being able to monitor your loved one’s home remotely is priceless. Remote-enabled tools allow you to view camera feeds, unlock doors, and receive alerts if anything seems off.


📦 Best Home Security Systems for Seniors: Easy to Use & Remote Accessible

1. SimpliSafe 10-Piece Wireless Home Security System

  • DIY installation—no hardwiring or drilling

  • Large, backlit control panel is easy to read

  • Panic button for emergencies

  • Compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant

  • Monitor status and receive alerts via mobile app

  • Optional 24/7 professional monitoring with cellular backup👉 SimpliSafe (affiliate link)

2. Ring Alarm + Video Doorbell Pro Bundle

  • Ideal for front-door visibility and whole-home protection

  • Seniors can see and speak to visitors without opening the door

  • Motion sensors, door/window contacts, and siren included

  • Caregivers receive real-time alerts via the Ring app👉 Ring Alarm System Bundle (affiliate link)


🚪 Smart Locks: Hassle-Free Entry and Exit

Seniors with arthritis, tremors, or cognitive decline may struggle with keys or forget to lock doors. Smart locks eliminate these concerns while giving caregivers secure remote access.

1. Yale Wi-Fi Smart Locks

  • Turns existing deadbolt into a smart lock

  • Some models work with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit👉 Yale Smart Locks (affiliate link)

2. Kwikset Wi-Fi HALO Smart Deadbolt

  • Built-in Wi-Fi, no extra hub needed

  • Touchscreen keypad with up to 250 unique codes on some models

  • Send alerts and revoke access remotely via app👉 Kwikset Smartlock (affiliate link)

3. Level Lock Touch Edition

  • Elegant, hidden smart lock fits standard deadbolts

  • Unlock via app, touch, or voice

  • Perfect for discreet security without “tech clutter”👉 Level Lock (affiliate link)


🚘 Garage Door Security: Don’t Overlook the Largest Entry Point

The garage is often the most forgotten vulnerability in a senior’s home—but it’s one of the most important.

Chamberlain MyQ Smart Garage Door Opener

  • Lets you check if the garage is open or closed via smartphone

  • Open or close it remotely—perfect if your loved one forgets

  • Set up real-time alerts if the door opens unexpectedly

  • Works with Amazon Key for in-garage deliveries👉 MyQ Smart Garage Controller (affiliate link)

    💡 Tip: Pair MyQ with a camera inside the garage for complete visibility.


🎥 Indoor & Outdoor Cameras for Peace of Mind

Strategically placed cameras allow caregivers to check in periodically—and help verify that all is well.

Ring Cameras

  • Budget-friendly and feature-rich

  • View live feeds from your phone at any time👉 Ring Cameras(affiliate link)


🆘 Medical Alerts & Fall Detection

Medical Guardian Home System

  • Waterproof wearable pendant or wristband

  • 24/7 U.S.-based monitoring

  • Cellular or landline options

  • Optional fall detection and GPS tracking👉 Medical Guardian Systems(affiliate link)

Apple Watch

  • Fall Detection: Automatically calls 911 and notifies loved ones if a hard fall is detected and unresponsive.

  • Emergency SOS: Press and hold the side button to instantly contact emergency services and share your location.

  • Crash Detection: Detects severe car accidents and auto-alerts emergency help if you’re unresponsive.

  • Medical ID: Displays your vital health info to first responders right from the watch face.

  • Real-Time Health Alerts: Sends warnings for abnormal heart rate, AFib, and low blood oxygen levels. 👉 Apple Watch(affiliate link - compare models to ensure you are getting all of the features that you want)


🧭 Final Thoughts: Build a Safe Haven for the People You Love

The right home security setup protects more than just a house—it preserves independence, dignity, and peace of mind for both the senior and their family.

Whether you start with a smart lock and garage controller or go all-in with a full monitoring system, the key is simplicity and remote access. The goal is to make life easier for your loved one—not more complicated.


📌 Ready to Secure Your Loved One’s Home?

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Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. We may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. These earnings help us maintain our site and continue offering valuable guidance.





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