Protecting Mom: Three Things To Consider When Choosing An Alarm System For Your Elderly Parent
Today, many senior adults are choosing to age in place since this option allows them to make the best of their good health. However, it is normal to feel a little apprehensive about your mother living alone when the news is full of elderly adults being targeted by criminals. Fortunately, you can find a compromise by working with your mom to find alarm systems that keep her safe and you alerted if she faces any danger.
Assess Current Security Concerns
The first step toward choosing an alarm system is to identify your current concerns. Spend some time thinking about how your mom uses her home. For instance, you may want to focus on a security system that sounds if there is a fire if she seems to forget to turn off her stove sometimes. You can also choose systems that run constantly or that have to be turned on at night when your mom is less active. Making sure that the system you choose works with her lifestyle ensures that she will use it.
Check For Ease of Use
It is also important to make sure that the system is easy enough for your mom to figure out. Alarm companies today have make those false alarms less likely by giving people more warning time to turn it off when it sounds and allowing people to create their own codes. Allow your mom the opportunity to explore how easy a specific system is to use, and be realistic about her abilities. For instance, your mom may not be able to deal with a complicated code system if she is juggling groceries when she accidentally sets it off. Yet, she may love knowing that her alarm system automatically sets itself after she closes her doors for the night.
Know How Alarms Are Handled
It is important for both you and your mom to feel comfortable regarding who will be answering the alarm system. After all, it does no good if no one hears the alarm go off. Ideally, a live person should be available to check on the situation and alert emergency authorities if it is warranted. This way your mom has an immediate response to a potentially life-threatening situation.
Help your mom stay independent by eliminating the threat of bodily harm that could occur with an intruder or fire emergency. With a quality alarm system in place, you can rest assured that you will be one of the first people to know if something goes wrong.