What kind of security system for elderly LO who lives alone?

[Anonymous]

He's still in the family home. Wife passed away a few years ago. He has some memory and cognitive decline but can still live on his own. Wants some home security because there have been reports of increasing crime in his area. He won't be able to, for example, remember a code to unlock his doors. Is there a "simple" system to keep him (and make him feel more) safe?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:He's still in the family home. Wife passed away a few years ago. He has some memory and cognitive decline but can still live on his own. Wants some home security because there have been reports of increasing crime in his area. He won't be able to, for example, remember a code to unlock his doors. Is there a "simple" system to keep him (and make him feel more) safe?

IMO, it is likely time to start looking at an assisted living facility. If memory and cognitive decline is such that he cannot remember a code to arm/disarm the alarm system, at a minimum he would be better in an independent living facility.

[Anonymous]

We have a security system that allows us to program when it goes on and tu rns off. Right now it turns on at 10 pm and turns off at 530 am. If we need to opn doors once it's armed, we manually t urn it off.

Would something like that work where it can be disabled remotely, by your phone? I assume he has a pretty tight schedule.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:He's still in the family home. Wife passed away a few years ago. He has some memory and cognitive decline but can still live on his own. Wants some home security because there have been reports of increasing crime in his area. He won't be able to, for example, remember a code to unlock his doors. Is there a "simple" system to keep him (and make him feel more) safe?

IMO, it is likely time to start looking at an assisted living facility. If memory and cognitive decline is such that he cannot remember a code to arm/disarm the alarm system, at a minimum he would be better in an independent living facility.

This

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:He's still in the family home. Wife passed away a few years ago. He has some memory and cognitive decline but can still live on his own. Wants some home security because there have been reports of increasing crime in his area. He won't be able to, for example, remember a code to unlock his doors. Is there a "simple" system to keep him (and make him feel more) safe?

IMO, it is likely time to start looking at an assisted living facility. If memory and cognitive decline is such that he cannot remember a code to arm/disarm the alarm system, at a minimum he would be better in an independent living facility.

This. 100%

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:He's still in the family home. Wife passed away a few years ago. He has some memory and cognitive decline but can still live on his own. Wants some home security because there have been reports of increasing crime in his area. He won't be able to, for example, remember a code to unlock his doors. Is there a "simple" system to keep him (and make him feel more) safe?

Can't you just program it to the year he was born or accomplished something?

[Anonymous]

Some fake cameras you say connect to your phone? Or I guess some cameras that do connect to your phone? This person needs assisted living but if they won’t go then just make something up to help alleviate their fear.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Some fake cameras you say connect to your phone? Or I guess some cameras that do connect to your phone? This person needs assisted living but if they won’t go then just make something up to help alleviate their fear.

OP here - I am worried about someone breaking into his house. There has been theft in cars on the streets of his neighborhood (an upscale community in Potomac). He doesn't want to leave his home and he is still able to drive, care for himself, keep the house together, and take his medications. He doesn't need assisted living yet. It's also possible I will be moving in with him at some point.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Some fake cameras you say connect to your phone? Or I guess some cameras that do connect to your phone? This person needs assisted living but if they won’t go then just make something up to help alleviate their fear.

OP here - I am worried about someone breaking into his house. There has been theft in cars on the streets of his neighborhood (an upscale community in Potomac). He doesn't want to leave his home and he is still able to drive, care for himself, keep the house together, and take his medications. He doesn't need assisted living yet. It's also possible I will be moving in with him at some point.

And if someone figures out he lives there alone, he could be an instant easy target. I'd work on getting him into at least an IL facility, or start your plan to move in with him, if that is the path you'd prefer. It just doesn't seem safe for him to be alone most of the time.

[Anonymous]

Can he use a smart phone? Simpli Safe has an app that he can use to turn it on and off. You can get the app too so you can get notifications when he leaves and comes back.

Can he park in a garage? In terms of the home, supposedly having a system and sign can be a deterrent. I would also help him get lights on timers etc.

Have there been home break ins or just cars? It could be that people are robbing unlocked cars.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Can he use a smart phone? Simpli Safe has an app that he can use to turn it on and off. You can get the app too so you can get notifications when he leaves and comes back.

Can he park in a garage? In terms of the home, supposedly having a system and sign can be a deterrent. I would also help him get lights on timers etc.

Have there been home break ins or just cars? It could be that people are robbing unlocked cars.

Yes, he has an iPhone but struggles more and more to use it effectively. It's mostly for navigating to wherever he's driving, and making calls.

I think just car break-ins lately. He parks in his garage.

[Anonymous]

I'd set up either Ring or Google Home. And have the app on your phone (his as well.) Doorbell camera and alerts on the doors. Cameras in key places around the house. If a door opens, you can set it so it sends you a notice, even if the system isn't set on alarm.

We have this. My DH travels a lot, and he has texted me that I've left door X open. (I do this a lot to allow our dog to come in and out. I know, I know, I shouldn't.) Basically, it makes me feel secure in the house. We can turn on the alarms, but we never do. I like having the cameras, though. Especially the front doorbell camera. Even if I'm not at home, I can talk to whoever comes to the door from wherever I am, and they have no idea if I'm inside or gone.

[Anonymous]

He can't remember a code and has trouble with a phone but drives and cooks.. oh no.

[Anonymous]

I would not install an alarm system if he can't remember a code to turn it on or off. It will quickly just remain off and be a waste of money. Maybe install a ring doorbell cam or other exterior camera that will send you and him an alert if there's motion close to the house.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Some fake cameras you say connect to your phone? Or I guess some cameras that do connect to your phone? This person needs assisted living but if they won’t go then just make something up to help alleviate their fear.

OP here - I am worried about someone breaking into his house. There has been theft in cars on the streets of his neighborhood (an upscale community in Potomac). He doesn't want to leave his home and he is still able to drive, care for himself, keep the house together, and take his medications. He doesn't need assisted living yet. It's also possible I will be moving in with him at some point.

I think you and he are in denial about his level of independence. I would not feel comfortable having a loved one live alone given his condition.