Protection 1 Review 2017

Protection 1

 

If you aren’t concerned about keeping your home safe from intruders or break-ins, you should be. No one is immune from a home invasion. So unless you feel comfortable sleeping with every window and door in your house wide open, you need a home security system.

 

Founded in 1988 Protection 1 has become of the largest home security providers in the nation. Their commitment to staying current when it comes to technology, and their dedication to providing an above and beyond customer service experience has made them one of the most popular companies in the industry.

With a variety of packages, customers have options that start with a basic security package and end wth a full home automation system that provides some of the best home security and home automation devices in the market.

Performance Reviews
Overall Security System Performance
Customer Service Performance
Quality of Equipment

You can also choose to have your equipment installed by a professional, however,  there is some confusion around the installation fee, it can be a $99 fee, or with video added a $199 fee, or it can also be free. There is no real data about this on the Protection 1 site, but I was able to get some information after making a few calls. The first agent I spoke with agent advised me it was free however, on another call I as given a basic rate of $99, and $199 if I wanted video monitoring service.

The best way to determine if you have a fee is to call or you can choose a DIY option if you prefer to set your system up on your own. These are the current packages offered by Protection 1 and what they include.

Features	Secure	Secure +	Smart Control	Video
24/7 Monitoring
Intrusion Protection
Fire & Carbon Monoxide Protection
Environmental & Life Safety
Cellular Communication
2-Way Voice
Web and App Control
Motion Sensors
Home & Energy Automation
Video Surviellance

If you want to know pricing for a specific package it will require a phone call to Protection 1. The good news is they don’t use high-pressure sales tactics, and they are super friendly. Each package includes a color touchscreen control panel, three door/window sensors, a motion sensor, keychain remote, yard sign, three window decals and a battery back-up along with their 24/7 monitoring services.

One issue with the Secure plan is that it requires a landline phone. This plan is the most affordable at a rate of $34.99 per month. But if you don’t have a landline phone, and you aren’t willing to add one you will have to choose one of the other three package options.

Additional Equipment

If you want to add equipment that is not a part of your package, Protection 1 will allow you to add it for an additional charge. You can add cameras (you can choose from indoor night vision, indoor pan/tilt and outdoor) garage door controllers, lighting control, remote door locks, thermostats and wireless doorbells. To get pricing you will need to call them to get a quote.

Protection 1  will work with you to create a custom package and give you the price for the package. Their equipment is easy for you to install and usually more up to date than some of their competitors. They also have smart home automation plans and video monitoring packages available. They include features that allow you to view what is happening in your home using a smartphone app.

Their app also allows you to control remote door locks, lights and the temperature in your home. The majority of their service is managed over a cellular signal, which means if someone tries to cut wires to your power the system can still communicate with the monitoring center.

If you don’t have cellular service in our area, or the signal isn’t strong enough to support the system, they do have a landline option that can provide a better connection. They also pay up to $1000 towards your insurance deductible should you encounter damage or loss due to a burglary or fire.

Contracts

All of the packages require a contract, the minimum contract length for your Protection 1 plan is 36 months. While this allows them to keep the prices lower than some of their competitors, you do have to pay the full amount of the remainder of the contract if you decide to end your plan with them.

If you need to move to a new location during the duration of your contract and you are staying within the service area Protection 1 will install a new system into the new home and pay $150 of your activation fee.

Additional Fees

The cancellation fee is often of the main reasons customers choose a company that is month-to-month or one that has no fee over Protection 1. While you can cancel your service with the first 14 days without the cancellation fee you will still be subject to a $79 restocking fee. And if you wait to cancel after the 14 days you would be required to pay the remainder of your contract.

Customer Service

Protection 1 is dedicated to having the best customer service in the industry. You can contact a representative by phone, email or chat, and regardless of how you contact them, you will always be interacting with a real person. Their agents are friendly and knowledgeable, so if you often dread calling customer service, this is one time that you may find yourself pleasantly surprised.

The two times I called Protection 1 the customer service agents were very professional and friendly, although they gave me conflicting information on what the installations fees were.

Home Automation

This is one area where Protection 1 has a head up on the competition. While their first go at home automation was less, much less, than spectacular, they recognized it and made a smart course correction.  Now they use the Alarm.com app, which is often considered one of the smartest home automation apps around.

They also use Alarm.com for their home automation services, this lets you control your smart door locks, lights, thermostats and appliances using Z-Wave technology. They also use geo-services, including geofencing, this allows you to set rules and zones that can turn devices on and off automatically.

Geofencing allows you to create barriers that allow the home automation system to know when everyone has left the home and when they return. It can deactivate the alarm when it knows you are home and activate once it identifies that everyone has left the home. It can also lock the doors and windows should you leave and forget to do it yourself.

You set the rules and geofencing will take care of the rest. You will also receive notifications via the smartphone app if your system detects an intruder or fire or CO leaks.

Conclusion

Protection 1 has a lot of positive attributes, in addition to providing high-quality equipment, it also provides you with the ability to create a fully functional home automation system. By adding Alarm.com as their home automation provider the are now able to expand the systems by being able to connect a variety of Z-Wave devices.

They also make being a customer easy. Their agents are friendly and for the most part knowledgeable. In terms of areas of improvement, Protection 1 has a few. First, you should review the contract terms and cancellation fees. As more providers move to no contract or no cancellation fee options, making customers pay the remainder of a 36-month contract feels outdated.

While they offer a 14-dayare return policy, you will still have to pay them a $79 restocking fee, which doesn’t leave you feeling warm and fuzzy when you have only just started your service. And while they run promotions, they often require an even longer contract period that can be up to 58 months.

That being said if you want a monitored security system that excels at home automation and you don’t mind a 36-month contract with a cancellation fee, Protection 1 is an option you should consider.

If you want to choose Protection 1 over ADT because you don’t like their service there is something you should know, ADT acquired Protection 1 in 2016. While both remain independent home security providers today, Protection 1’s future is a bit uncertain. They could remain as they are today, or they could possibly be rolled into the ADT brand.

PROS:

Reasonable pricing Wireless device options Home automation solutions Video Surveillance

CONS:

Contract terms are long You can expect price increases when contract expire You don’t own the devices

The post Protection 1 Review 2017 appeared first on Home Security List.

source https://www.homesecuritylist.com/protection-1-review/

SimpliSafe Review 2017

SimpliSafe prides itself on being one of the easiest home security systems to install and manage. All equipment comes pre-programmed, so all you have to do is plug them in and you can expect to have a fully functioning system. They also give you the option to choose to have professional monitoring, or you can just keep your system local and manage it on your own. With no contract, you can also opt in or out of monitoring with no cancellation fee.

One of the most appealing things about SimpliSafe is the lack of a contract. You aren’t tied into a long-term commitment. So if you don’t like the system, you can move on without the fear of a looming, often hefty, fee for canceling your service. They also make building a quality home security system easy. On the downside their devices, while acceptable, look a little outdated when compared to some of the newer offerings from companies like Canary and Piper.

And speaking of Canary and Piper, that is another thing that you may want to consider when it comes to SimpliSafe. While they have added a camera to the mix, it’s not as advanced as some of the other smart home security cameras on the market. They are also behind when it comes to how they play with other devices; their inability to connect with Z-Wave or ZigBee restricts users who want to create a robust home automation system.

SimpliSafe Equipment Options

With five different packages available it is easy to find a solution that can provide you with the level of home security you are looking for unless you are building an underground highly secure bunker. But for those of us who live above ground, they have some comprehensive plans that will keep our homes and families safe.

Packages range in price from $229.96 to $539.85  which means they most likely aren’t the most inexpensive option. But they do offer some additional features like wireless connections that will keep your system operational should the power go out by using a backup cellular option that doesn’t rely on power or WiFi.

These are the current equipment packages that SimpliSafe offers.

Packages	Equipment Provided	Price
Starter	Base Station, Wireless Keypad, 1 Motion Sensor, 1 Entry Sensor, Keychain Remote	$229.96	Check Amazon
Economy	Base Station, Wireless Keypad, 1 Motion Sensor, 3 Entry Sensors, Keychain Remote	$259.95	Check Amazon
Classic	Base Station, Wireless Keypad, 2 Motion Sensors, 3 Entry Sensors, Extra Siren, Smoke Detector, Keychain Remote	$349.92	Check Amazon
Master	Base Station, Wireless Keypad, 2 Motion Sensor, 6 Entry Sensors, Extra Siren, Smoke Detector, Keychain Remote	$449.87	Check Amazon
Ultimate	Base Station, Wireless Keypad, 2 Motion Sensor, 4 Entry Sensors, Extra Siren, Smoke Detector, Panic Button, Water Sensor, CO Detector, Freeze Sensor,Keychain Remote	$539.85	Check Amazon

In addition to purchasing your equipment, you will find yourself paying $19.99 monthly to have your SMS and email alerts sent to you.  You can also tag on an additional $5.oo if you want to manage your system from your smartphone, which brings the total to $24.99.

If you only want cellular back-up and live monitoring you will just pay $14.99 monthly fee. But this fee is worth it, the system can function locally without the live monitoring and cellular backup, but it’s better to have the added protection.

Before testing the system it seemed a little pricey and we had our concerns about how it would compare to other similar options that did not have added fees. But the ease of the setup process and the fact that everything worked on the first go around made us see SimpliSafe in a new light.

The other thing that we love is you can try it, and if you don’t like it you can just return it. No questions asked, no hassle, no cancellation fees. From start to finish SimpliSafe makes the process, well, simple. And if you don’t like the packages, no worries, you can build your own. You can even add their recent beta released security camera.

You can also purchase items separately even if they aren’t part of your package. If you have more windows than sensors, you can buy additional entry sensors. Here is a breakdown of all of the devices you can buy and their prices.

Device	Price
Base Station	$114.99 each
Wireless Keypad	$69.99 each
Entry Sensor	$14.99 each
Motion Sensor	$29.99 each
Security Camera	$99.99 each
Glassbreak Sensor	$34.99 each
Panic Button	$19.99 each
Smoke Detector	$29.99 each
Carbon Monoxide Sensor	$49.99 each
Wireless Freeze Sensor	$49.99 each
Wireless Water Sensor	$19.99 each
Remote Keychain	$24.99 each
105dB Siren	$59.99 each
Yard Sign 9 X 9	$3.99 each

Installation and Setup

The first thing you should expect is that it’s not pretty. It’s not sleek or modern, but like dating someone with a great personality, over time it will start to look better, and it is always easy to be around. The base station is a plastic cone-shaped device with a blue light that will let you know the base is arming the alarm. If the light is blinking it is telling you that one of your sensors needs attention due to an error.

Setting up the base station is simple, you just need to place it in a location that is within 400 feet of your sensors and within 100 feet of the keypad. You will also need a power outlet to plug in your power cord. You don’t need to connect it to a WiFi router, which makes it easier to place within range of the sensors and the keypad. It also comes with a SIM card to allow it to use a cellular option to monitor the system.

One of the benefits of using cellular is that it has a constant connection. So if someone cuts your power lines, the cellular connection won’t be interrupted. Keypads and sensors run on lithium batteries that have a lifespan of up to five years. Should you find yourself with a dead battery, the system will send you an alert.

When it comes to placing the sensors its pretty easy, you just peel the back and place them where you want them to go. The nice thing is that the backing will hold the sensor in place, but when you need to move it they won’t leave any sticky residue behind. They are also easy to remove and place somewhere else, which makes it nice if you need to move. If you plan on living in your house forever, you can also use the screws provided with the kit permanently place the sensors.

You should be able to be up and running in less than an hour, even if you aren’t handy. All of the devices and sensors are covered by a 60-day return policy and a money back guarantee. The hardware is also protected by a three-year warranty.

This is how easy it is to install SimpliSafe.

How it works

Once you have your system set up, and you have a solid blue light to let you know its armed, you are good to go. If a sensor is triggered you will hear a beep from the keypad. From the time you hear the beep, you have 30 seconds to enter your PIN. If you don’t enter your PIN the siren in the base station will be activated and a notification will be sent to SimpliSafe. Once they have been notified they will call you and ask you for a safe word.

If you don’t answer their call, or you give them the wrong safe word they will contact law enforcement and the fire department (if a CO sensor or smoke detector triggers an alarm).  So if you fumble entering your PIN, or like me turn the volume way up on your earbuds and you can’t hear the alarm, you can have a chance to let them know you are safe, and just a little forgetful.

You can also set the system to delay the alarm (so you don’t scare your cat) for up to 250 seconds, to let you find your remote keychain or remember where you wrote your PIN down. Nothing is worse than telling the police officer that there is no emergency just a person who lost their PIN number.

Using the Dashboard and Mobile App

When you choose the monthly Interactive Plan with SimpliSafe you will get access to their dashboard. This lets you control your home security system, view your event log, change your PIN and add guest PINs, you can also arm and disarm the system. You can also set a Duress Pin that allows you to enter a PIN that alerts the monitoring system that you need help.

You can also see the status of, and manage, your sensors. You can remove and add new devices and adjust the settings of your current devices. The dashboard is well designed and easy to use as is the mobile app. You can use the iOS, Andriod or Windows app to manage your SimpliSafe system when you are away from home or cannot access your laptop.

However, using the app limits some of the functions you can perform on the dashboard. So if you need to make major changes to your system you will need to log into the online app. I am not sure why the app is so limited in its functionality, but hopefully, new versions will add new capabilities in the near future. For the meantime, this tutorial can help you get started using both the web interface and the apps.

Professional Monitoring or Self-Monitoring

While it is easy to think that you can manage your own security, it can be tough when you are on vacation or away on business. SimpliSafe has two plans to choose from when it come to monitoring your home security system.

• Standard: This plan provides monitoring 24 hours a day 7 days a week with a cellular connection that links to emergency services.
• Interactive: This plan provides monitoring 24 hours a day 7 days a week with a cellular connection that links to emergency services, SMS/Email alters, remote controls and secret alerts*

You can also choose to not use a plan, you can get alerts through the smartphone app, but you will need to have it with you 24/7 when you are away. If you start with self-monitoring and then decide to choose professional you can easily call and have it added.

*Secret Alerts allow you to know when someone has accessed safes, cabinets, file cabinets and other devices that you want to restrict access to.

Conclusion

SimpliSafe does everything it says it will do. It is easy to set up, and once everything is connected it is also easy to manage. While none of the packages currently include the beta version of their camera, you can buy it on the site if you want to add a camera to any of the packages. What SimpliSafe does is provide a workable home security system that can keep you and your home safe.

The cellular connection makes it a very reliable system, you can be assured that even if someone cuts your power lines you can still connect to the monitoring center and law enforcement. The start-up cost can be a bit pricey depending on the package, and you can end up paying $24.99 a month for monitoring and SMS/email alerts.

If you are looking for a less expensive system there are a few options you can choose from, iSmartAlarm has systems that cost less and have no monthly fee. Or if you want full home automation or systems that have stronger security cameras you can also look at options like SmartThings, Piper NV and Canary, all have home security cameras that have added features.  SmartThings also provides a hub for setting up home automation devices.

Having spent some quality time with SimpliSafe it is a solid home security system that you can rely on. It’s not the prettiest girl at the dance, but what it does it does very well. If you want something that is easy to set up, manage and move should you need to, SimpliSafe is a safe bet.

 

The post SimpliSafe Review 2017 appeared first on Home Security List.

source https://www.homesecuritylist.com/simplisafe-review-2017/

Best Home Security Systems 2017

Home security has changed a lot over the last few years, and while new options are great, they can still be confusing when it comes to choosing which one is right for your family. Most of us struggle to find the time to do the laundry, let alone research all of the home security companies in our area.

That is why we are here. Not all home security services are the same. To make sure you have the best service to keep your home and family safe we have done the research for you. We have reviewed top ten home security systems, both monitored and DIY, to help you make find the perfect one for you.

How to Choose the Right Home Security System

Before you select a home security system, there are a few decisions you will need to make. Here are some of the most common questions about home security systems to help you narrow down your selections.

DIY or Company Installed

One of the first things you should determine is if you are going to install your own home security system, or if you will have a home security provider install it for you. As do-it-yourself wireless options are becoming more popular, installing your own system can save you both time and money.

If you, like me, are the least handy person you have ever known, don’t worry all is not lost. There are still ways to help you get your home security system up and running. First, you can choose a traditional home security company that will come to your home and install everything you need to get started. But if you really want to install a do-it-yourself system, you can hire someone to install your DIY system for you.

DIY systems rely on Wi-Fi and not a landline connection, so if you don’t have a hardwired phone, you won’t need to add one. You can also find home security providers that have Wi-Fi connected devices, but they are not as familiar with the do-it-yourself home security options.

Contract or No Contract

As with every evolutionary event, change can be great for some, and not so great for others. The growth of the DIY home security system industry is ideal for consumers and not so ideal for traditional home security providers.

Contract services have been the most popular way to have a fully monitored home security system for over one hundred years (seriously). But their costly annual commitments have spawned a new DIY home security uprising. Newer contract free companies tend to lean toward month-to-month subscription solutions.

While there may be a higher equipment cost, in the beginning, the monthly fees tend to be lower than contracted options or even better non-existent. And the best part is you aren’t locked into a contract that makes you pay a cancellation fee. The no contract option is ideal for home and apartment rentals; you can’t be stuck with an annual agreement that makes you pay the penalty should you decide to move.

If you are comfortable with a contract because you are never going to leave your current house, then the traditional model is a good one to choose. But if you are a free spirit that cannot be tied down or you just want to pay less for 24/7 monitoring, then the no contract option is the perfect choice for you.

Most no-contract options will make you pay up front for the equipment, but once you pay for it, you own it. They also provide month-to-month billing options that you can cancel anytime. With less expensive monthly payments and no credit checks, they make it easy for new renters or homeowners to have a quality home security system.

What Equipment is Provided

If you are going to pay for the equipment, you should know what you are paying for. If you are choosing an annual subscription option, they will provide you with their equipment, but if you decide on the DIY route most likely, you will be buying the equipment.

If you are buying the equipment, you will want to make sure that what you are getting is everything ou need. You also want to know that the equipment comes from a from a high-quality provider. Here are some of the devices you want to ask about before paying for home security system equipment.

• Essential equipment: this should include sensors, alarms, motion detectors and a hub to connect your devices to.
• Additional sensors: entry sensors, motion sensors, water sensors, video camera sensors, these allow data to be reported back to the monitoring center in the event there is an anomaly.
• Additional detectors: carbon dioxide, smoke, door, window, garage door, power, and water sensors, these allow the monitoring center to alert you should a sensor indicate a water or power outage, or a broken window, etc.
• Central command center: this will allow you to connect other smart home devices to one central hub. Connected devices can include SmartThings, Z-wave, IFTTT and other providers.

You will also want to inquire about the technology used in provided devices. As Wi-Fi protocols and device technology updates you don’t want to find yourself with devices are behind the times. Before you decide on a company, you should make sure the technology is up to date.  These are a few of the devices you should check on:

• Smartphone apps
• Keypads and Touchscreens
• Home Automation Hub
• Home security cameras
• Two-way audio

Once you are confident that you know what equipment has been provided, and that it is the latest versions, you can move forward with your buying decision.

Choosing a Monitoring Service

It is not enough to have a monitoring service. You need to have a reliable, high-quality monitoring service. Before you sign up for a program, you should do some research. Here are a few things you should know before you decide on a home security system provider:

• Is the monitoring center certified by the Central Station Alarm Association (CSAA)? You want a center that is both UL and Five Diamond certified.
• What do customers (via reviews) say about the monitoring service?
• Can you find their response times online?  And if so are they acceptable?
• Is the service included in the monthly or annual fee?
• If you own their equipment what happens when there is an upgrade?

Once you have completed your research, you will want to contact the company to review all of the fees. If there is an additional cost for adding or using the service, you may want to continue your research. To help you in your research these what we consider to be the top five best home security systems that are professionally monitored.

Provider	Installation Support	Pro-Monitoring	Additional Fees	View Plans
Frontpoint	DIY	34.99-44.99 per month	Upfront Equipment Fees	View Plans
Protect America	DIY	19.99 per month	No Upfront Equipment Fees*	View Plans
Link Interactive	DIY	29.99-39.99 per month	Upfront Equipment Fees	View Plans
SimpliSafe	DIY	15.00-25.00 per month	Upfront Equipment Fees	View Plans
Scout	DIY	9.99-19.99 per month	Upfront Equipment Fees	View Plans

Frontpoint

 

There is a lot to like about Frontpoint when it comes to professionally monitored home security systems. During our interactions with Frontpoint, their agents were nothing but polite and professional. They are upfront when it comes to their prices, and they also offer new customers a 30-day trial of their service.

Equipment

You do have to install the equipment yourself, but the set up is relatively easy. While there are no fees for installation, but you do have to pay for the equipment. Prices for equipment range between $99 and $430. If you have a high credit score in at least the 600s, you can qualify for a $99 equipment cost.  All of the equipment provided is wireless so you can place items without worrying about cables. These are some of the equipment options you can get from Frontpoint when you choose the basic package.

• Control Center
• Motion Detector
• Door and Window Sensors

You can purchase additional equipment or choose a package that provides additional equipment, these options include:

• Lighting controls
• Thermostats
• Automated Door Locks
• Glass Break Sensor
• Smoke Detector
• Flood Sensors
• Wireless Outdoor Camera

While you can choose what equipment you want to purchase, all systems come with basic sensors and a control panel. Frontpoint offers cellular monitoring, which means you don’t need to have a landline, or even internet service, to get their monitoring service.

Monitoring Service Options

Frontpoint offers three options for monitoring services:

• Protection Plan: this is the lowest level of monitoring service provided and comes with essential features including:
  •  100% cellular service, intrusion, fire and environmental protections as well as life safety and 24/7 monitoring service.
  • Not included in this plan; crash and smash protection, email/text alerts, remote access, and control, lighting control, image sensors, geofencing, live video, motion activated recording, auto door locks, HD night vision, motion activated video and energy management control.

 

• Interactive Plan: this plan is considered to have the best value for consumers and adds additional features including:
  • 100% cellular service, intrusion, fire and environmental protections, life safety, 24/7 monitoring service, crash and smash protection, email/text alerts, remote access and control, lighting control, image sensors and geofencing
  • Not included in this plan; live video, motion activated video, HD night vision, auto door locks and energy management control.

• Ultimate Plan: this plan includes all of the features offered by Frontpoint.

One thing to remember is that you do need to pay for all equipment up front. Most of the additional options will require you to purchase additional equipment.

Some of the additional features that come with your Frontpoint service include:

Mobile Apps

You can control and adjust your security system using the Frontpoint mobile app. You can turn your system on of off, turn on or off lights or watch live video feed from your security cameras.

Home Automation

Beyond the basic security functions, you can also use your Frontpoint service to build a fully connected smart home. You can manage your thermostat, interior and exterior lights and door locks using the app.

Crash and Smash Technology

What is this crash and smash technology you say? Most people have probably never heard of crash and smash monitoring. It is a service that will prevent an intruder from destroying your equipment before a signal can be sent to the monitoring center. The command center will know when the alarm is disarmed without your code.

Once it recognizes that someone has disarmed your security system without proper authority, it will send a signal to alert the monitoring center that officials should be sent to your home to investigate.

Geofencing

Geofencing uses GPS or RFID technology to create a virtual boundary. The boundary will enable smart home devices to know when people leave and enter your home. If your family leaves the house, but you forget to lock the door geofencing will know that you aren’t home and send an alert to your smart door lock and lock the door.  It can also manage things like lighting and temperature control. It is both super awesome and a bit creepy at the same time, but way more awesome than creepy.

PROS:

• Customer service agents are pleasant and helpful
• Several monitoring plans
• Variety of home monitoring and automation devices

CONS:

• You pay for all equipment upfront
• If you have a low credit score, you pay more for equipment

Protect America

Protect America makes it easy for you to get started. They do not have an upfront charge for their equipment, so you can get your home security up and running with little or no cost. However, you need to love them, for at least the term of your contract. If you want to move on to another provider, you will have to pay 100% of what you owe on the remaining contract. Which is one of the highest cancellation penalties when it comes to home security companies.

With a variety of security devices and package options, they will work with you to customize a package that meets your needs. You can choose from a wide range of smart home devices from wireless motion, glass, smoke and flood detectors. They also offer medical pendants and key chains that allow you to operate devices remotely.

However, any equipment that is added outside of the original devices may result in you paying an additional fee. While the cancellation fee can be substantial, Protect America provide customers with a highly competitive rate for its professional monitoring services.

Equipment

There are several different monthly equipment packages that provide that Protect America offers, they include:

• Cooper Package: priced at $19.99 this package includes:
  • Simon XT control panel, three door/window sensors, one motion detector, three window decals and one-yard sign.
• Bronze Package: priced at $35.99 this package includes:
  • Simon XT control panel, six door/window sensors, one motion detector, three window decals and one-yard sign.
• Silver Package: priced at $37.99 this package includes
  • Simon XT control panel, nine door/window sensors, one motion detector, three window decals and one-yard sign.
• Gold Package: priced at $39.99 this package includes:
  • Simon XT control panel, eleven door/window sensors, one motion detector, three window decals and one-yard sign.
• Platinum Package: priced at $42.99 this package includes:
  • Simon XT control panel, fourteen door/window sensors, one motion detector, three window decals and one-yard sign.

The only thing that changes between the packages is the number of door and window sensors, so you should determine how many sensors you need and then choose the correlating package.

Monitoring Service Options

Protect America offers three different types of monitoring options, these include:

Packages	Copper	Bronze	Silver	Gold	Platinum
Equipment Fees	Free	Free	Free	Free	Free
Monthly Fees	Landline $19.99 Broadband and Cellular $41.99	Landline $35.99 Broadband and Cellular $47.99	Landline $37.99 Broadband and Cellular $49.99	Landline $39.99 Broadband and Cellular $51.99	Landline $42.99 Broadband and Cellular $54.99
Commitment Term	36 months	36 months	36 months	36 months	36 months
Equipment provided	Base, Motion Detector, 3 door/window sensors	Base, Motion Detector, 6 door/window sensors	Base, Motion Detector, 9 door/window sensors	Base, Motion Detector, 11 door/window sensors	Base, Motion Detector, 14 door/window sensors

While Protect America has more options that other professional monitoring companies, there is a downside. The monitoring service is handled by an outsourcing provider named Criticom. This doesn’t mean that your calls won’t be answered. However, when you use a third party provider that handles monitoring services for hundreds of companies, you may experience a less personal interaction.

Outside of its core monitoring packages, there aren’t many additional features. You can add video surveillance and auto door locking options for an additional fee, but that is about it.  If you want to add a smart thermostat or lighting control, you will need another command center to manage them.

PROS:

• No upfront equipment charges
• More monitoring options than competitors
• Offers landline, broadband, and cellular options

CONS:

• Locked into a 36-month contract
• If you cancel service, you have to pay the remainder of the contract
• Limited smart device options

Link Interactive

Link Interactive may not be a name you are familiar with, but it’s one you should get to know. This new DIY security company was created by Mountain Alarm, a regional security company in Utah. And while they may be regional they bring 60 years of security experience to the table.

Link Interactive allows their customer to create their own security system by providing a wide variety of devices to choose from.  In addition to home security products, Link Interactive also offers home automation devices that allow you to control your thermostat, door locks, lighting and garage door using Z-Wave devices. While the set up is DIY, all of the equipment you choose will arrive programmed and ready to use.

Equipment

You can build your own package for both security and home automation on the Link Interactive site. They also offer two options when it comes to their equipment; you can pay for everything upfront, this will get you the lowest rate on monitoring. Or you can have a few items (they didn’t specify what a “few” meant when I spoke with them) broken up into smaller payments monthly.

Security and home automation devices are available online to purchase; you can add items to your cart and complete the purchase once you have everything you want to add to your home security system. If you want the option where you pay monthly, you will need to reach out to a sales agent.

You can build your own system using the devices found on their site. Link Interactive has a vast library of smart home security and automation devices that you can purchase. They provide one free control panel, but they also offer a second IQ panel that you can buy for $100. Also, they provide a broad range of sensors, detection devices, security cameras and home automation devices for purchase on their site.

Monitoring Service Options

Link Interactive offers three options when it comes to their monitoring service; prices vary depending on the package you choose, below is a breakdown of what each package offers.

Services Offered	Basic	Gold	Platinum
Monthly Fee	$29.99	$34.99	$39.99
Cellular Monitoring 24/7
Fire, Carbon Monoxide, Smoke Detectors
Distaster Monitoring (flood, fire, freeze)
Smartphone App
Home Automation Control
Text/Email Alerts
Motion Activated Video
Recorded Video Playback
Ability to Schedule Video
Video Monitoring
Live Video Monitoring

Using a 100% cellular monitoring options provide you with an additional level of security should someone cut your data or landline phone cables. Link Interactive also provides a 2-way voice panel which means if you don’t have access to your phone they can still communicate with you. It also allows them to contact the police or emergency services if you do not respond.

PROS:

• They offer a wide variety of security and home automation devices
• They use 100% cellular, which is a more secure solution than landline or wireless options
• System comes with a 2-year warranty and 30-day money back guarantee

CONS:

• You have to purchase all the equipment upfront
• If you cancel outside of the 30-day guarantee, you will pay a cancellation fee of 100% on the remaining contract

SimpliSafe

SimpliSafe has one distinct advantage, no contracts. Yep, you can live in a world where your home security system is monitored 24/7 with no long term commitment. Which makes SimpliSafe popular with buyers who don’t want to be tied into a 36-month payment plan with a huge cancellation fee.

It is also one of the easiest DIY options to set up. If you follow the video on their site, you can usually have a fully functioning security system installed in about an hour. They provide a variety of easy to connect devices and sensors, which makes installation less painless than some of the other more complicated home security DIY providers.

One thing that was glaringly absent in their equipment offerings were security cameras. They have a wide variety of sensors, but none of their packages feature indoor or outdoor security cameras. Given the growing popularity of smart security cameras, it seems to be a missed opportunity that SimpliSafe should consider when adding new devices.

With a wireless system that provides a cellular back-up, you can rest assured that your home security system won’t be compromised. SimpliSafe has a variety of packages that can range in price from $230-$540. Each package comes with a variety of devices; these are their current package offers:

Packages	Equipment Provided	Price
Starter	Base Station, Wireless Keypad, 1 Motion Sensor, 1 Entry Sensor, Keychain Remote	$229.96
Economy	Base Station, Wireless Keypad, 1 Motion Sensor, 3 Entry Sensors, Keychain Remote	$259.95
Classic	Base Station, Wireless Keypad, 2 Motion Sensors, 3 Entry Sensors, Extra Siren, Smoke Detector, Keychain Remote	$349.92
Master	Base Station, Wireless Keypad, 2 Motion Sensor, 6 Entry Sensors, Extra Siren, Smoke Detector, Keychain Remote	$449.87
Ultimate	Base Station, Wireless Keypad, 2 Motion Sensor, 4 Entry Sensors, Extra Siren, Smoke Detector, Panic Button, Water Sensor, CO Detector, Freeze Sensor,Keychain Remote	$539.85

Monitoring Service Options

SimpliSafe offers two professional monitoring options, Standard and Interactive. The Standard plan is priced at $.50 per day and has two features, 24/7 live alarm monitoring, and cellular connectivity. The Interactive plan includes 24/7 live alarm monitoring, SMS/Email alerts, remote control devices, secret alerts, and cellular connectivity.

Secret alerts allow you to know who opens your cabinets, safes and private files that you want to keep protected. Their monitoring options also offer a rapid response option when they detect something that seems unusual if they cannot reach you they will immediately contact law enforcement and emergency services.

PROS:

• Variety of packages that make it easy to get started
• Wide variety of sensors and alarms
• Professional 24/7 monitoring for $14.99 per month

CONS:

• No security cameras in their packages
• Equipment looks cheap and dated

Scout

Scout is the DIY professionally monitored home security system you didn’t know existed. But now that you have been properly introduced, there are a few things you should be aware of. Scout is modeled after some of the other a la carte providers like Oplink, Viper Home, and Simplisafe. One thing that makes Scout a little unique is you can choose the equipment you want. So you aren’t stuck with items you don’t want because they are a part of a package.

Scout provides a solid way to get started on building a basic home security system. It only has four accessories, which makes it a more limited option when compared with SmartThings or companies like Link Interactive. But what Scout does is blend professional features with an easy to install a DIY system.

Scout is reasonably priced when compared to some of its competitors, like SimpliSafe and Viper Home. Below is how Scout compares to the Viper Home and SimpliSafe home security systems.

Feature	Scout	SimpliSafe	Viper Home
Monthly Fees	$19.99 with live monitoring	$14.99-$24.99	$229.99
Upfront Cost	$129	$229.96-$539.85	$9.99 with camera $0 without camera
Professional Monitoring	Yes-$19.99 per month	Yes- no additional charge	Not Offered
Cellular Backup	Yes (free with live monitoring, $9.99 without)	Yes-no additional charge	Not Offered
Compatibility	Only compatible with Zigbee	No	Yes with Zigbee and Z-Wave
Camera Option	Yes for an additional $169	No	Yes for an additional $149.99

The first thing Scout provides is a hub with a 100 ft range; they also include an Ethernet cable and power cord to connect the hub. The devices come with an adhesive backing that seems to do a decent job, they can be a bit of a pain to remove, but there is no backing left on the walls when you remove them.

Another nice thing about Scout is that you can make the rules. While some of the basic options like Home, Away and Sleep come preset you can edit the pre-populated modes and even add new ones. Scout is a reliable system if you aren’t looking for bells and whistles.

It also has a decent app, but at this time it’s like a one trick pony. In the past, Scout wouldn’t work with third-party devices, which limited it to just being a workable home security solution. Now Scout can work with Nest and IFTTT, with more to come.

Self-Monitored Home Security

If you have control issues or you just don’t like to pay a monthly fee to have your home security system professionally monitored, then a self-monitored system is exactly what you need. Controlling your own system means that you will get notifications from your system when a motion detector picks up movement or a door or window with a sensor is opened.

Once your security system detects unusual movement, it will send you a notification to a smartphone app. You will then need to contact authorities to alert them that there may be a possible break-in at your home. With most self-monitored systems you will be able to respond to alerts from anywhere at any time.

If you are looking for the best self-monitored security system for your home, here is a list of our top five systems.

Provider	SmartThings	iSmartAlarm	Piper	Iris	Canary
Monthly Fee	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0
Home Automation Connection
Intergration
Sensors
Detectors
Thermostat
Alarm Siren
Cameras
iOS & Andriod App
Smartphone Notification

There are a few things you should prepare for when putting together your self-monitored system:

Buy a (g00d) Battery Backup

Most self-monitored systems rely on your wireless network, so if you lose power, you also lose the protection of our security system. Adding a battery back-up will make sure that your system continues to work even when the power is out.

Have the App on More than One Device

When you travel, it can be difficult to manage your home security system. To keep your home safe when you are away, you should provide a close friend or family member with access to your home security app. This will allow them to act on your behalf if you have an emergency and cannot be reached.

Keep Your Smartphone Close By

With self-monitoring systems, you are the one in control, which means you will need to have a smartphone with you whenever you are away from home. These DIY home security systems will send you a notification if a sensor, detector or camera detects something is wrong. That means you need to have a way to receive and respond to these notifications immediately in the event you need to call authorities.

If you are more comfortable managing your home security experience on your own, these providers should work well for you.

SmartThings

SmartThings is a home automation system from Samsung. It allows you to connect a variety of ZigBee and Z-Wave devices using the SmartThings Hub. While SmartThings is designed to be both a home automation and security system, it can manage both tasks with ease. When it comes to your home security system, there are a variety of devices that can work with the SmartThings Hub.

One of the things that made us add SmartThings to the list is the flexibility of the system. You can start small with just a few devices, to begin with, and eventually grow your home into a self-monitored wonderland.

While we often see home security systems primarily being a collection of cameras, sensors, and detectors, SamsungThings allows you to enhance those devices with that include lighting controls and window controls. These enable you to remotely manage to turn on and off lights or opening or closing window blinds to give the appearance that you are home when you are away.

You can also connect devices like the Ring Video Doorbell and the SmartThings Arrival Sensor.  They also offer a broad range of door, window and motion sensors along with smoke, flood, water and carbon monoxide detectors. You can also connect security cameras that you can access anytime using the Samsung iOS, Windows or Andriod app.

While the original app seemed a bit clumsy, the new app has a sleeker design and is much easier to use. It will sort your devices by room, which makes them easy to find and manage. You can also create routines to set your appliances to turn on and off when you are home or away.

What makes the SmartThings different from traditional self-monitored home security systems is the way it works with other providers. They connect with ZigBee, Z-Ware, and voice automation devices like Amazon Echo and Google Home. This allows you to build a robust self-monitored security system and has the added benefit of letting you create a home automation system.

If you realize, after setting up your self-monitored home security system, that you would prefer a professionally monitored option, SmartThings has you covered. They have partnered with the popular home security monitoring provider Scout. Which means you can add a monitored solution to your DIY home security system.

PROS:

• Updated app that is easier to use
• Easy to Install
• Supports IFTTT, ZigBee, Z-Wave and IP devices
• Can add Scout for professional monitoring

CONS:

• Relies on ethernet connection
• Doesn’t support Insteon or Clear Connect
• Issues can be difficult to troubleshoot

iSmart

If you are looking for a cost effective self-monitored home security system that is both smart and easy to install, iSmart is a good option. Like most self-monitored systems you are the point of contact, which means if the system notifies you there is an issue you will need to contact the authorities.

But with prices starting at $149 for a complete home security solution, iSmart has a lot to offer if you are just getting started adding your own security system. They have several packages to choose from:

• Starter Package: this package is great for people just getting started out or living in a small apartment or home, it includes:
  • one contact sensor (window or door)
  • one motion sensor
  • one remote keychain tag
• Plus Package: this package adds some additional features and includes:
  • one CubeOne with built-in 110dB siren
  • three contact sensors
  • one motion sensor
  • one remote keychain tag
  • iSmartAlarm window decal
• Preferred Package: this package provides the best value to customers and includes:
  • one CubeOne with built-in 110dB siren
  • two contact sensors
  • one motion sensor
  • two remote keychain tags
  • iSmartAlarm window decal
• Deluxe Package: this package continues to expand the features offered and includes:
  • one CubeOne with built-in 110dB siren
  • four contact sensors
  • one motion sensor
  • two remote keychain tags
  • four iSMartAlarm window decals
• Pan & Tilt Video Bundle: this bundle adds the HD iCamera KEEP, and includes:
  • one CubeOne with built-in 110dB siren
  • two contact sensors
  • one motion sensor
  • one HD iCamera KEEP Smart home security camera
  • two remote keychain tags
  • four iSmartAlarm window decals
• Flexible Smart Home Video Bundle: this bundle adds two HD Spot video cameras and includes:
  • one CubeOne with built-in 110dB siren
  • two contact sensors
  • one motion sensor
  • two Spot home security cameras
  • two remote keychain tags
  • four iSmartAlarm window decals

There are three different cameras offered by iSmart, the HD cameras KEEP, KEEP Pro and Spot. You can buy them all of these cameras independent of the package or bundle you choose. Here is how they both break down:

	Spot	KEEP	KEEP PRO
Price	$99.99	$149.99	$99.99 presale, $199.99 retail
Sound Recognition
Time Lapse Video
HD Resolution		720p	1080p
Pan & Tilt
Free Cloud Recording
Local Video Storage	up to 32GB with MicroSD card, the card is not included	up to 32GB with MicroSD card, the card is not included	up to 32GB with MicroSD card, the card is not included
Wi-Fi HD Streaming	On App	On App	On App
2-Way Audio
Zoom	4X Digital Zoom	4X Digital Zoom	8X Digital Zoom
Night Vision
Motion Detection
Apps	iOS and Andriod	iOS and Andriod	iOS and Andriod

Another perk that comes with your iSmart home security system is Smart Switch. This allows you to manage lights and appliances while you are away.  Just plug your lamps or appliances into the Smart Switch, and you will be able to control them from anywhere using a smartphone app.

Smart Switch can start your coffee in the morning and turn your lights off at night. It is a simple, straightforward way to add home automation without a hub or pricey equipment. You can also use the app to set schedules for plugged in appliances or other devices. So, if you are on vacation, you can set the lights to turn on and off on their own, which means you can spend more time enjoying your trip.

PROS:

• No monthly fees
• Smart Switch lets you build inexpensive home automation
• Completely Wireless
• Smartphone controlled

CONS:

• There can be a delay in camera notifications
• You have to buy your own MicroSD card for local storage
• KEEP Pro has few improvements over the original KEEP camera

Iris

While the first generation of Lowes’ Iris Smart Home home automation hub was less than promising. The second generation has the promise the first lacked. Unlike the original version, the app has been refined and now makes installation much less painful.

The Irish Smart Hub is reasonably priced at $59.99, and you can pick it up at any Lowes store, which allows you to enjoy the fun of instant gratification. Currently, Iris supports zWave, and ZigBee, Bluetooth, and wireless devices. Which can make it feel limited in the devices that it can connect with. But with over 100 certified Irish compatible devices and more to come, it is a more than a workable hub.

In addition to providing devices that can manage doors, windows, garage doors, thermostats, indoor and outdoor lighting, and a variety of home detection devices and sensors, you can also control your devices using Alexa from Amazon when connected to Echo, Dot or Tap.

Irish also requires you to subscribe to a plan to manage your devices. They currently have two plans, the Basic plan which is free and the Premium Plan, here is how they compare to one another:

Features	Basic Plan	Premium Plan
Remotely turn devices off and on	Free	Free for 2 Months then $9.99 per month
Remotely turn devices off and on
Schedule devices on and off times
Stream video via smartphone
Build custom scenes and control them
Receive notifications when a device is triggered	only account holder	up to 6 people
View activity history	Prior 24 hours	Prior 14 Days
Record video on command
Control temperature devices remotely
View inside temperatures from more than one device
Set rules that allow one device to trigger another device
Set rules to manage family members routines and get an alert if something seems unusual.
Lock and Unlocks Doors when away

You are required to choose a plan. If you don’t have a complicated set up the Basic can be a good way to go. But if you want to build a more robust home security system you would need to purchase the Premium to allow you full control. Unlike a contract, these plans can be canceled at any time with no cancellation fee.

The Hub has come a long way from the first generation, but it is still a relatively young smart home option. The easier setup and robust library of compatible devices make Iris a  good starter system.  But the Premium fee seems unnecessary since it doesn’t exist with any the other self-monitored home security systems on our list.

Canary

Canary is pure home security, so if you are looking for a blend of home automation and security stop here. However, if security is your primary driver, there are some good things about the Carnary line of security cameras. Canary offers more feature than most other smart home security cameras; they provide temperature, air quality and motion sensor all packed into an HD night vision camera.

Just an idea in 2013, the IndieGoGo created company has had its struggles. Primarily due to its rush to market. As with all of the “best new things,” it takes a few updates and corrections to deliver on its original promises.

Canary today works as originally promised, but while it was getting there so were other home security camera options. Today it has some serious competitors in Piper NV and iSmart KEEP. The idea that you can have a complete security system in one small camera is very appealing, but Canary isn’t quite there yet. I have every belief that they will get there, but it was a daunting task for any new company.

One thing that is clear is Canary makes a good looking camera, which is most likely how it became such a popular item on IndieGoGo. It is easy to place the camera due to the design it looks modern and isn’t too bulky.

There is a lot packed into the 1080p night-vision camera; it houses a motion sensor to alert the camera to start recording and sensors that detect temperature, humidity levels, and air quality. Also, include is a 90 dB siren, a Wi-Fi radio and a color changing ring to allow you know when the device is armed.

The Canary is no longer the only home security camera that they offer, and the Canary Flex is a new camera designed to work both indoors and outdoors. Portable it aims to be able to move easily between the inside and outside of your home. It connects to a swivel base using a strong magnet, which allows you to adjust viewing angles.

The Flex only streams live feed in 720p, which is still decent but with competitors live streaming at 1080p it seems a little behind some of the other home security cameras. It plays well with Wink and is working on integrations with IFTTT and HomeKit from Apple.

With some decent accessories, including a mount for Verizon 4G LTE access, the Carnary Flex has a lot more potential than you would think. It also has a rechargeable battery with a lifespan of two months. You can view an event based video history free for the first 24 hours if you want to see data after that you will need to add an optional 30-day plan for $10 per month.

Either camera, the Canary or the Canary Flex would be a great start to building your home security system. If you want something that works indoors and out, I would recommend the Canary Flex as it can do both jobs and it does them a bit better than the original Canary.

PROS:

• Swivel base with magnetic connector works well.
• Battery power last up to two months
• Camera can transition from outdoor to indoor camera

CONS:

• Currently only connects with Wink
• You have to pay to view video feed.

Piper NV

Piper NV is a smart home security camera that plays well with a variety of Z-Ware devices,  which makes it the center of your home security system. When it comes to DIY home security, Piper has everything you would want in a home security camera.

With so many do-it-yourself options on the market, from Canary to SmartThings, Piper is the closest thing to complete as you can get. That is why I saved the best for last when it comes to self-monitored home security options.

Not so say everyone on the list is without merit, they are all beyond capable. It’s just that Piper NV seems to have thought more about design, installation, and use than some of its competitors.

Packed with a solid base of features, this monthly free option is one you should stop and take a long look at. Piper NV is an improvement on the original Piper model. While they may look the same, they are quite different when it comes to their insides.

Easy to install, it takes around three minutes, this indoor camera can be placed inconspicuously in a variety of locations. It is designed with the user in mind, you can see the thought that went into putting together a camera that looked modern and sleek, but that was still easy to use and simple to put together.

Inside the camera, there is a lot to see, besides the obvious camera, it includes a siren, a two-way mic, a speaker and a Z-wave hub. And if that isn’t enough it also houses motion, temperature, sound, light and humidity sensors.

Another way you know that Piper is thinking more about customer experience than some other providers can be found in the app design. The iOS and Android apps allow you to arm and disarm the Piper NV, set your own custom alerts, view live video, view clips triggered by your custom alerts, review sensor changes over a set period and add new Z-wave devices.

The Piper app allows you to add smart plugs, thermostats, sensors, motion detectors, smart locks and doorbells with ease. A few things we would like to see with the Piper NV are an IFTTT channel, and connections with HomeKit, Google Home, Nest, SmartThings, and Wink.

PROS:

• Piper NV delivers on performance
• Easy to install
• The App makes it easy to add new devices and view video

CONS:

• It plays well with Z-wave but no one else
• It doesn’t have an auto siren

Conclusion

Self-monitoring and professional monitoring are both appealing options when it comes to putting together your home security system. Self-monitoring allows you to have full control, while your home security devices will send you notifications you are the one who is responsible for calling authorities should a notification alert you to something serious.

One of the downsides of managing your own system is that you need to be tied to your smartphone 24/7 when you are away. Which can difficult when you are on vacation. The upside of self-monitoring is that you don’t have to pay a monthly fee, so if you don’t mind managing your home security or maybe you are always on your smartphone, so you never miss an alert, it can be a cost-effective way to protect your home.

Professional monitoring isn’t as cost-effective, but it does have its benefit. You have someone else managing your smart home security system 24/7. Which means you never have to worry about missing a notification. But it is important to remember that not all professional monitoring companies are the same.

Taking time to review the company can save you time and money. Some providers may provide monitoring services for hundreds of companies, which can be a concern. You want to take the time to research providers, knowing their response times, customer service skills and professionalism will help you make an informed decision.

Keeping your home safe is one of the most important things you will do, it is not just an investment in technology, it is an investment in keeping your family secure. Researching companies will tell you a lot about what they offer, and what you want. It is well worth the time spent to know your home and family don’t have to worry.

The post Best Home Security Systems 2017 appeared first on Home Security List.

source https://www.homesecuritylist.com/best-home-security-systems-2017/

21 Tips To Make A Home Safe For Seniors

As we age, our physical capacity deteriorates. While this is not by any means ideal, it is a fact of life that we do need to accept on both an individual and societal level.

As a result of this deterioration, we will find it increasingly difficult to get around the house, we will be highly likely to develop limitations in our ability to balance effectively, and we may even find it more difficult to perceive depth and see objects in our peripheral vision.

Each of these factors are known to contribute to an increased risk of falls [1], while also making us more susceptible to home based incidents – and I can guarantee that your home (or the home of your loved ones) is not prepared for them.

One of the few things that we have a direct influence over is our environment. By making positive alterations to our home environment we can account for age related declines in function, and subsequently improve the safety of our home considerably.

Home Safety and Risk of Falls For Seniors

It may seem unlikely, but here in the United States, falls are actually one of the largest leading causes of mortality and injury within older populations. A somewhat simple fall has the terrible potential to lead to a severe (and possibly fatal) knock to the head, a nasty upper or lower limb injury, as well as disastrous damage to the bony structures of the pelvis and spinal column.

This is can be greatly worsened by the fact that elderly individuals often live alone, and may not receive visitors for days or weeks at time – therefore turning what could have been a somewhat minor hip fracture into something much more fatal.

Moreover, the houses that we live in are rarely equipped to manage the declines in physical capacity experienced by the aging population, and as such can greatly increase the likelihood of experiencing a fall in this population [2].

Fortunately we can make a number of key changes to our home environment that will increase their safety, and as such make them more accommodating to the age related declines in function experienced by our population.

In the following article I will outline the most dangerous areas of the home (in regards to falls and fall related injuries), while also providing the best ways to correct them – ensuring a safe and accommodating home environment for both ourselves and our loved ones!

Most Senior Falls Occur In The Bathroom

Did you know that a whopping 69% of all falls occur in the bathroom?

While this may seem like a lot (maybe even too many), it does make sense if we take a second to think about it. The bathroom is the one of the few rooms within the home that is tiled from floor to ceiling (tiles are arguably the slipperiest surface to appear in our home).

Combine this with the mass of water, mist, and condensation that accumulates in the bathroom after a bath or shower, and we have the perfect combination for a fall to occur. Fortunately, there are a number of things we can do within the bathroom to limit the likelihood of a fall occurring.

Add Grab Bars

The addition of grab bars near the shower, bathtub, and toilet can go a very long way to preventing bathroom related falls. These bars provide a means of support to aid balance when moving around the bathroom, stepping in and out of the shower or bath, and standing from the toilet. Moreover, they can provide something stable and safe to grasp onto if a fall does happen to occur.

Implementing Bath Mats

As previously mentioned, bathrooms typically have notoriously slippery surfaces, which are further worsened by the vast amounts of water that are thrown around when bathing.

But by adding plastic or rubber matting on the bottom of the bathtub, the floor of the shower, and the floor surrounding the sink, we can cause major improvements in the surface of the bathroom. This can go a very long way to reducing the risk of falling in the bathroom.

These sorts of mats can be easily purchased at your local homeware or hardware store, or of course online.

Check the height of the bathtub

A lot of old homes have bathtubs with either clawed feet or antique style footings. While these may undoubtedly look nice, they can cause a substantial increase in the height of the bathtub, which can increase the difficulty of getting in and out of the tub.

This can be managed by introducing either a tub transfer bench, or a small step, as means to increase the accessibility of the tub. By placing an intermediate step in between the bath and the floor we can greatly reduce the risk of falling when exiting the bathtub.

Bedroom Safety

The bedroom comes second only to the bathroom when it comes to frequency of falls in the home (and fall related injuries). While the bedroom may seem like a safer place than most, it is important to note that this is where people change clothes, and frequently go from lying to standing (often quite quickly) – both of which can challenge balance and lead to the occurrence of a falling incident.

Remove all rugs

A common fixture in most well decorated bedrooms is the addition of both floor and throw rugs. While they may look nice, they do create a near perfect tripping hazard and as such can contribute to an increased risk of falling.

As such they should be removed from the bedroom (and the remainder of the house really), thus excluding all tripping hazards from the home.

Remove Clutter

We (as humans) have a tendency to hoard things – even if they don’t offer any real benefit to our lives. These things tend to accumulate until, once we have reached our twilight years, we have an abundance of things that take up too much space, and have greatly outlived their usefulness.

They themselves can become tripping hazards, while also making manoeuvring in and out of bedroom cupboards not only awkward, but also dangerous. By removing clutter and unnecessary items of clothing, furniture, and other inanimate objects, we can substantially reduce the number of tripping hazards within the bedroom, which will greatly reduce our risk of falling.

Improve light quality

While this tip can be applied to the entire house, it requires specific emphasis in the bedroom. Bedrooms are traditionally one of the darkest rooms in the house (who can sleep when its light?). Poor lighting can hide tripping hazards and make it quite difficult to see objects and gauge depth.

This can be vastly improved by the inclusion of bright lightbulbs, large lamps, and even remote controlled night lights, all used as means to increase illumination and improve the room’s visibility during night hours.

Check the height of the bed

Similar to the bathtub situation, if the bed sits too high off the ground it can create a nasty falling hazard. If your feet cants rest completely on the ground when sitting on the bed, then the bed is too high. The addition of a small step can significantly reduce the distance one has to travel from the bed to the floor, which can greatly reduce the risk of falling from the bed.

Remove tangled cords

With the vast number of electrical appliances in the typical household, we tend to have an abundance of electrical cords running around the various rooms of the house. This tends to be worse in the bedroom where we keep home phones, mobile phone chargers, laptop chargers, etc. etc. (the list goes on and on).

These cords can pose a serious tripping hazard if left uncovered or out in the open.

By using extension cords and power boards, we can ensure that electrical cords run behind furnishings (this may mean rearranging furniture to areas closer to power outlets if necessary) and not across the floor. This will limit the number of tripping hazards within the bedroom.

Kitchen Safety

The kitchen is the third most common place for falls and trips in the home. With most kitchens offering some of the firmest flooring in the house (think floorboards and tiles!), it can be one of the worst places to fall in regards to resulting injury.

Fortunately there are a number of small and simple changes we can make to the kitchen to substantially reduce the likelihood of falling.

Check the height of your cabinets

If our kitchen cabinets are too high or too low, they can increase the risk of falling during exaggerated reaching movements (think reaching up to get something out of the back of a cabinet). While it can be difficult to change the height of all your kitchen cabinets, you can easily install wall hooks (at shoulder height) to hold all your larger pots and pans, and move all your larger appliances into easily accessible areas (such as counter tops).This will greatly reduce the risk of overreaching and falling as a consequence.

Remove clutter from your countertops

Kitchen counters tend to be full of appliances, car keys, todays washing, and whatever else we feel like putting on them. Unfortunately if any of these items fall, they can obstruct pathways and create an additional tripping hazard.

By improving our storage and organisation options at home and in the kitchen, we can reduce clutter and limit the likelihood of creating a tripping hazard. This can go a surprisingly long way in making the kitchen a much safer room.

Check the floors

Similar to the bathroom, kitchen tiles or floorboards don’t offer much grip, and as such can promote slipping and falls. While changing the flooring can pose a somewhat large task, this can be easily avoided by purchasing socks with rubber soles OR using rubber matting around the stove and oven (those areas where oil spills are more likely to occur).

Living Room Safety

The final room we have on our list is the living room. The living room tends to be one of the least organized in the house, and typically pose various tripping hazards as a result. By making some simple changes to our living room set up we can greatly reduce the risk of falls associated with a cluttered living room.

Is there enough room to move around?

If the living room is so full of furniture that it makes it difficult to move around, it is time to reorganise. By changing the layout of the furniture in the room, we can greatly increase the ease of access within that room (and subsequently reduce the risk of tripping and falling).

Is the furniture stable?

If your lunge chairs and side tables wobble when leant upon, then they may actually pose a very nasty falling risk. Unstable furniture has the potential to tip over or break with very little notice, which can lead to a very bad falling injury.

By removing all unstable furniture from the living room (and replacing them with more stable furniture if necessary) we can greatly improve the safety of the room.

Check the carpet

Carpet receives a HUGE amount of wear and tear. As a result, it is not uncommon for carpet to become torn or uneven in areas. This change in carpet quality can create an uneven surface and greatly increase the risk of falling.

Small tears can be fixed with carpet staples or some high quality glue. If the floors are very uneven, then it may be best to see a contractor.

Reducing risk of falls

By taking the steps outlined above we can greatly improve the overall safety of our home, and the homes of our loved ones. This will go a very long way to minimising the risk of home based falls in the elderly population, even despite obvious declines in physical capacity [3].

While it may take a bit of time I can guarantee that when considering the high prevalence of falls (and the negative health implications associated) making these changes are well worth it – the benefits being both obvious and profound.

It is important to note that, while making these changes will go a very long wat to making the home safe for the more senior population, there is one other aspect that requires covering.

Seniors and Home Security

Most of us are not fortunate enough to live in a brand new house. In fact, most of us probably don’t live in a house that was built this decade – let alone one that was built this year.

And while this is normal (and there is nothing wrong with this – houses are built to last, after all), it does have some potential downfalls associated. One of which is the fact that older homes tend to be quite out of date when it comes to their safety standards.

This holds especially true when discussing home security.

Additionally, when it comes to petty crime, theft, and home invasion, while seniors are not necessarily targeted any more than any other age group –if they are targeted, they can do very little to stop it.

This can make the repercussions of such an incident much worse than they would be otherwise.

But again, fortunately there are a number of things we can do to increase the safety of our home, protecting ourselves (or our elderly relatives) from the likelihood of an incident occurring in the first place. By ensuring that the following recommendations are managed, we can maximise the safety of the home, vastly improving security and safety.

• Install deadbolt locks on all exterior house doors to ensure that they cannot be easily broken in to.
• Replace any decorative door glass with thick safety glass – this will ensure that they will not be broken or used as an access point in the case of a home invasion or theft.
• Replace any hollow or glass exterior doors with solid wood or metal doors – this will reduce the chance of someone physically breaking down a door to be used as an entry point.
• Install a peephole into your exterior front door – this will ensure you can see who is at the door, reducing the likelihood of opening a door to a stranger.
• Replace windows with thick safety glass – this will greatly improve the strength of the windows, and reduce the risk of a break in.
• Install motion sensor lighting around the building – this not only improves visibility but also acts as a deterrent to potential criminals.

The implementation of the above tips can greatly improve the security level of the home. They will not only reduce the likelihood of such an incident occurring, but will also protect the home owner from all harm if an incident did still happen to occur [4].

Summary

While we may not have the ability to stop ourselves aging (or stop the physical declines associated), we can make large changes to our home environment to accommodate them. This can vastly improve the safety of our home, causing substantial reductions in the risk of falling and the likelihood of home invasion.

Home safety becomes increasingly important in our senior populations, and by improving their surrounding environment through a number of different means we can greatly increase their health, safety, and longevity!

Sources

Cadore, Eduardo Lusa, et al. “Effects of different exercise interventions on risk of falls, gait ability, and balance in physically frail older adults: a systematic review.” Rejuvenation research 16.2 (2013): 105-114. Viewed at: http://online.liebertpub.com/doi/abs/10.1089/rej.2012.1397

Rubenstein, L.Z., 2006. Falls in older people: epidemiology, risk factors and strategies for prevention. Age and ageing, 35(suppl 2), pp.ii37-ii41. Viewed at: https://academic.oup.com/ageing/article/35/suppl_2/ii37/15775/Falls-in-older-people-epidemiology-risk-factors

Chang, John T., et al. “Interventions for the prevention of falls in older adults: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised clinical trials.” Bmj 328.7441 (2004): 680. Viewed at: http://www.bmj.com/content/328/7441/680.short

Sundeen, Richard A., and James T. Mathieu. “The fear of crime and its consequences among elderly in three urban communities.” The Gerontologist 16.3 (1976): 211-219. Viewed at: https://academic.oup.com/gerontologist/article-abstract/16/3/211/544156/The-Fear-of-Crime-and-Its-Consequences-Among

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