10 Budget-Friendly Smart Devices for Seniors To Enhance Home Security

These smart home devices provide conveniences to older adults like the effortless adjustment of thermostats. Some alert them instantly when there are unexpected visitors.

This article lists energy-saving devices and cutting-edge security systems that can improve retirees’ quality of life. This smart home technology promotes independence and peace of mind among seniors.

Energy-Efficient Devices To Save Money

Lowering utility bills is a top priority for many seniors. This is why energy-efficient smart devices are ideal for them. They pay for themselves through reduced energy consumption, which leads to substantial savings, and are easy to install and use.

1. Smart Thermostats

Devices like the Nest Thermostat, Ecobee Smart Thermostat, and Honeywell Home T9 let you program temperature schedules easily. For example, you can set the thermostat to lower the temperature at nighttime or when you’re not home. Doing this lets you optimize energy use and reduce heating and cooling costs. Some models even integrate with local utility rebate programs for additional savings.

2. Smart LED Bulbs

Philips Hue, Wyze Bulbs, or Sengled Smart Bulbs offer more than colorful lighting. You can customize your schedules to turn lights off during the day or when you leave the house.

You can even use the motion-activated features to turn lights on at night, enhancing your safety and conserving energy. If you have a mobility issue, these bulbs are incredibly helpful. You can also control them with a voice command using Alexa, Siri, or Google Home.

3. Smart Power Strips

Belkin WeMo Insight Smart Plug or Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Power Strip helps eliminate phantom energy or the electricity plugged devices consume when not in use. Plug electronics like chargers, TVs, and coffee makers into the power strip and control them remotely.

Using a smart power strip to control your entertainment system can reduce your monthly energy bill by 10%.

Smart Security Devices for Peace of Mind

As an older adult, you need to feel safe and secure in your home or when traveling. Installing smart security devices can provide peace of mind as they have remote monitoring and instant alerts. Having this convenience will also ease your loved ones’ worries, especially if you are living independently.

4. Video Doorbells

Ring Video Doorbell, Arlo Essential Video Doorbell, or Eufy Video Doorbell allow you to see and speak to visitors from your smartphone, no matter your location. They have built-in two-way audio that lets you talk with delivery drivers, salespeople, or unexpected visitors without answering the door.

You can customize them to have a motion-detection zone and avoid false alarms from nearby neighbors or streets. So, if you have a video doorbell, you can prevent package theft because you can respond immediately to an alert.

5. Smart Locks

August Smart Lock, Schlage Encode, or Yale Assure Lock provides keyless entry and remote access through a smartphone app. These smart locks can easily grant access to caregivers, family members, or home service providers without the need to hand out keys. You can even receive notifications when your door is locked or unlocked, giving you information about your home’s activity.

So, for example, you are suffering from arthritis. A smart lock will make it easier to lock or unlock your door as it rids you with the hassle of fumbling with keys.

6. Smart Security Cameras

Blink Outdoor Camera or Google Nest Cam can monitor your property around the clock. Place the cameras in key areas of your home, like driveways and entryways to easily monitor them. So, for peace of mind, you can use your camera to check on your pets and house when you travel out of town.

These smart security cameras have cloud storage options that allow you and your family to review footage remotely. This feature provides valuable evidence in case of incidents.

Devices To Simplify Daily Living

Smart home devices are not only good for security and energy efficiency. They are also ideal for promoting convenient living among seniors. As these gadgets can automate daily tasks, they can help you fare better even if you are living alone.

7. Smart Speakers With Virtual Assistants

Amazon Echo (Alexa), Google Nest Hub (Google Assistant), or Apple HomePod Mini (Siri) offer hands-free control over many aspects of your home.

You can use them to schedule medical appointments or meetings with friends and set medication reminders. You can even use voice commands to play music, make calls, get weather updates, and control other smart home devices.

8. Smart Plugs

TP-Link Kasa or Amazon Smart Plugs allow you to control appliances plugged into them remotely. You can plug your lamp, coffee maker, or fans into these plugs and turn them on or off using a voice command or a mobile app. You can even schedule devices to turn off automatically to save energy and reduce fire risks.

Health and Safety Devices for a Worry-Free Home

Many elderly now want to live alone. Regardless of how much you love your kids, you still want to exert and enjoy their independence. So, your loved ones will expect you to place your health and safety as the topmost priority.

Health and safety devices can help you and your loved ones lessen uncertainties about your daily living, especially if you live alone. They provide real-time monitoring and alerts that can appease just about anyone, including yourself.

9. Smart Medical Alerts and Monitors

Life Alert, Medical Guardian, or Apple Watch with fall detection has automatic emergency call features for additional security. They also monitor vital signs like blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen levels. This feature is helpful when you’re managing a chronic condition like hypertension or diabetes.

So, if you have had a history of falls, it’s best to use a medical alert system that will quickly get you help after a fall. You can ensure prompt medical attention in case of accidents if you have a smart monitor.

10. Smart Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Nest Protect or First Alert Onelink provides real-time alerts to your smartphone if it detects smoke or carbon monoxide, even when you’re not at home. Voice alerts will let you know the specific danger and its location, thus giving you vital information in an emergency.

So, whether you’re home or out for lunch with friends, you will know once a kitchen appliance overheats. You will receive an alert about it, so you can turn it off or call for help, preventing any untoward incident.

Budget-Friendly Tips for Getting Started With Smart Home Technology

Although smart home technology offers many benefits, their cost may seem daunting. You might hesitate at the idea of investing that much all at once. However, there are ways for you to get started without breaking the bank.

Prioritize Your Needs

Focus on high-impact devices first like a thermostat or video doorbell. This way, you can get immediate gains and see a quick return on investment. List pain points to know which device is most essential. These could include security and high energy bills, and check these off as your top targets.

Look for Senior Discounts and Bundles

Many retailers offer discounts and bundles for seniors, making it easier to afford multiple devices at once. For example, Amazon Echo devices often go on sale during events like Prime Day or Black Friday.

You can also check with AARP or utility companies for discounts or rebates on smart home devices.

Use Free Apps for Added Functionality

Apps like IFTTT (If This, Then That) can link devices for free automation, expanding the capabilities of your smart home ecosystem.

Smarter Living Starts With the Right Devices

Incorporating smart home technology into your daily life can enhance your safety and reduce energy costs, allowing you to enjoy your independence stress-free. From energy-saving appliances to cutting-edge security systems, these devices can give you and your loved ones the peace of mind you need.

However, remember to do your research on choosing the devices that fit your needs and budget. Get the security and convenience you deserve without worrying about the costs.