Quick answer
For most older adults living alone, a simple setup works best: a video doorbell, a couple of indoor or outdoor cameras and door sensors that alert you or a family member on a phone. Add professional monitoring if you want someone to call for help when an alarm goes off. Avoid long contracts, and pair home security with a medical alert device if falls are a concern, because a security system is not built to detect a fall.
Home security options at a glance
| Option | Best for | Ongoing cost |
|---|---|---|
| Wyze cameras and doorbells | Low-cost DIY setup a family member can watch | Optional low-cost subscription |
| Ooma home phone and security | Seniors who still want a landline-style phone | Monthly plan for premium features |
| BrickHouse Security | GPS trackers for a car or a loved one with memory loss | Monthly tracking plan |
| Professionally monitored alarm | People who want a monitoring center to call for help | Monthly monitoring fee |
Last reviewed October 27, 2026 by Greg Wilson. Sources: Federal Trade Commission, manufacturer websites. Partner links may earn SeniorAffair a commission.
Staying in your own home is the goal for most older adults, and a good security setup makes that easier for you and for the family who worry about you. The trick is choosing equipment that is simple to use and does not lock you into a contract you do not need.
What a senior-friendly system should do
- Show who is at the door before you open it. A video doorbell lets you talk to visitors through your phone or a smart display.
- Alert you, or a family member, when a door opens at night.
- Work without a complicated app. Large buttons and voice control help.
- Run on battery backup and cellular if the power or Wi-Fi goes out.
- Let you share access with family so they can check in.
DIY systems vs. professional monitoring
A DIY system is equipment you install yourself, usually cameras, sensors and a hub. Alerts go to your phone and to anyone you share access with. It costs less and you can cancel any subscription at any time.
Professional monitoring adds a call center that watches your alarm around the clock and contacts you, then emergency services, if a sensor is triggered. It costs a monthly fee. It makes sense if you live alone and no family member can respond quickly.
Read the contract before you sign. Some installers require multi-year agreements with cancellation fees. Many newer companies offer month-to-month plans.
Cameras and video doorbells
Cameras are the most useful part of a modern setup. An outdoor camera covers the driveway and porch. An indoor camera in a main room lets a family member check that everything looks normal, if you are comfortable with that. Agree on camera placement together, and keep cameras out of bedrooms and bathrooms.
Affordable cameras and trackers
Wyze sells low-cost cameras and doorbells. BrickHouse Security sells GPS trackers with U.S.-based support.
See WyzeSee BrickHouse SecuritySee Ooma
Partner link: SeniorAffair may earn a commission if you buy, at no extra cost to you.
Security vs. medical alert devices
A home security system protects against break-ins and fire. It does not know if you fall in the shower. If falls are a worry, add a medical alert device with fall detection. Our guide to the best medical alert systems for seniors compares options.
Protect yourself from security scams
Door-to-door alarm sellers sometimes pressure older homeowners into long contracts or claim your current company has gone out of business. The FTC advises you to never sign on the spot, to ask for everything in writing and to call your current provider directly before you switch.
Tips for aging in place safely
- Add motion-sensor lights outside and night lights inside.
- Use a smart lock or keypad so family and caregivers can get in without a hidden key.
- Keep a list of emergency contacts by the phone.
- Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms monthly.
Related guide: Identity theft protection for seniors
Frequently asked questions
Do I need Wi-Fi for a home security system?
Most cameras need Wi-Fi. Many monitored alarms use a cellular connection instead, which keeps working if your internet goes down.
Is professional monitoring worth it for seniors?
It is worth it if you live alone and no family member can respond quickly to an alert. If family checks in daily and lives nearby, a DIY system may be enough.
Does Medicare cover home security systems?
No. Original Medicare does not cover home security or medical alert systems. Some Medicare Advantage plans include a medical alert device as an extra benefit.
Part of our Senior Tech and Safety Guide. Phones and plans, medical alerts, home safety, mobility aids and hearing technology, all in one place. See the full guide →
Get guides like this in your inbox
Medicare changes, money tips, health guides and deals for adults 55+. Free, from Senior Affair Magazine.
Free. Unsubscribe anytime. Privacy policy.
