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ADT’s 12 monitoring centers secure homes and monitor medical emergencies for the older adults in your family.
Updated March 8, 2025
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Did you know that by 2030, 1 in 5 Americans will be of retirement age?1 With the country’s seniors becoming a major portion of the population, security companies have to find ways to cater to their needs. The good news is that some of the best security systems in the industry are ahead of the curve, with monitoring services and security features designed to keep older adults safe.
In our testing, ADT proved to be the most reliable with its network of monitoring centers specializing in home security and medical emergencies. However, SimpliSafe, Vivint, Cove, and Frontpoint have some unique features suitable for seniors as well. Whether you’re looking to protect your own property or help take care of a loved one, you’ll find something here that suits your needs, so keep reading.
From Anthony Travaglia, Retired Police Officer, Home Security Expert:
We’ve found the best way to make trustworthy and unbiased reviews is by testing home security systems ourselves. We buy all the equipment, install the devices in our homes, and test them extensively for weeks or months. This way, we can get a feel for what it’s like to live with the security system while assessing things like response times, features, and apps. We then share our experiences to make honest recommendations.
Several factors come into play when testing home security systems, so we look for ways to fairly compare them. For this review, we installed all the equipment in the same environment – a two-story, 2,200-square-foot home owned by one of our team members. Testing security systems in a real house gives us the most accurate results and helps us make better recommendations.
We also buy the same devices for every test unit and install them in identical locations. You can see the spots in the house where we frequently place home security devices below.
There are multiple factors to consider when choosing the best home security systems for seniors. Using our extensive experience in the industry, these are the factors we believe are the most vital:
Using these criteria, here is how we rated the top five security systems for seniors:
Rating the Best Security System for Seniors
We’ve all seen those websites that review everything from teapots to power drills. But you won’t find that at SafeHome.org. Our team of experts exclusively focuses on home security and safety equipment. It means we can spend more time analyzing systems and making more in-depth recommendations. The experts responsible for this review were:
Our team has over 75 years of combined experience, making us the most accomplished home security team online. Since SafeHome.org began in 2016, our work has been featured in several major outlets, including The New York Times and The Washington Post. Together, we have achieved:
Every recommendation is drawn upon our first-hand product experience and a thorough understanding of the security industry. Now, let's find out why we chose our top picks.
The new ADT base station features a non-touchscreen keypad that seniors will likely find easier to use than an app or touch-screen keypad.
ADT has been around for over a century and a half and currently serves more than 6 million customers. When we reviewed ADT, we had a choice between professional and DIY installation, as well as the option to pay for equipment outright or through financing. The latter is a good option for anyone on a fixed income. But the standout feature is the 12 monitoring centers that spring into action for security alerts and medical emergencies. This practice assures us that we and the older adults in our family are always taken care of.
ADT is one of the best professionally monitored home security systems on the market today. Couple that with their expert professional installation, and you’ve got a comprehensive security system that you’re rarely going to have to lift a finger for.
One of the ADT cameras, the Nest Cam with Floodlight, requires hardwiring, so we’re thankful ADT pro installers installed it for us.
One of our favorite features is SMART Monitoring’s group text alerts. In an emergency, a group text will be sent to everyone in the family circle, and any member can take action. A senior family member who lives close to us added us to her circle. We now get text alerts on our phone whenever a sensor is triggered. We think that’s a great setup whether you’re living with an aging loved one or providing care to a loved one who doesn’t live with you.
FYI: ADT has 12 monitoring centers across the U.S. and Canada. They don’t just deal with home security situations; they also offer medical assistance. You can learn more about it in our review of the ADT medical alert system.
ADT’s prices are flexible, but not as much as our next pick, SimpliSafe. Equipment packages start from $349 and professional monitoring starts from $24.99. However, if you’re including security cameras, then there’s only one monitoring plan. It’s $39.99 if you set up the system yourself and $49.99 if you opt for professional installation.
Budget Tip: You can save a minimum of $99 on professional installation and $10 per month on professional monitoring by choosing one of ADT’s Self Setup packages.
The good news is you don’t have to pay for the equipment upfront; you can finance it and roll it up into the monthly bill. The bad news is you’re paying this bill for at least three years. Another option is to wait for an ADT sale or see if you’re eligible for a discount through memberships like AARP.
| Equipment Cost | Packages starting at $349 |
|---|---|
| Monitoring Options | Professional or DIY |
| Monitoring Cost | Starting at $24.99 per month |
| Contract Length | Monthly |
| Installation Options | Professional or DIY |
| Smart Platform Integration | Alexa and Google Home |
Originally designed to be the best security system for renters, SimpliSafe has since expanded its offerings to protect everyone in any kind of dwelling. That said, they haven’t lost sight of their DIY roots, keeping their equipment simple to install, easy to use, and affordable. SimpliSafe has also added innovative features like Intruder Intervention and Active Guard Outdoor Protection, in which SimpliSafe agents use the security camera live feeds and two-way audio to talk down intruders if they see one.
My SimpliSafe equipment, unboxed and ready to be set up.
When we reviewed SimpliSafe, the simplicity stood out to us the most. All you’ll need to do is follow the step-by-step instructions on your smartphone app and use the provided command strips to stick your equipment where you want it to go.
Pro Tip: Consider using the provided mounting hardware for the larger pieces of equipment, like the motion sensor and keypad. We found that the sticky adhesive wasn’t strong enough to affix them to the walls long-term. And if you’re adamantly against installing the system yourself, SimpliSafe offers professional installation starting from $125.
The SimpliSafe Base Station doesn’t look out of place on our shelf.
The base station is where your siren is going to sound if the system detects a problem – and that siren is loud. Ear-piercing, even. When we were testing out the system, it brought my next door neighbor out of their house. This makes SimpliSafe a great system for anyone suffering from hearing loss, including seniors.
SimpliSafe’s equipment and monitoring costs are less than an ADT system. A wireless indoor camera with SimpliSafe is $149.99, and a Google Nest Cam with ADT is $179.99. However, the Nest Cam works outdoors as well. But it’s what the SimpliSafe Wireless Indoor Camera can do that is more impressive than the price.
When combined with the Core monitoring plan, SimpliSafe agents can access the live feed and interact with intruders during active alarms. This means you or your aging loved one won’t have to fend off intruders alone. The Core plan is $31.99 per month, but there are cheaper monitoring plans available, including a free self-monitoring option. Plus, you’re not forced to sign up to the most expensive option if you have security cameras, like you must with ADT or Cove.
>> Read More: SimpliSafe Pricing, Plans, and Package Costs
Installing one of SimpliSafe’s motion sensors.
FYI:SimpliSafe almost always runs some type of deal. We’ve seen packages slashed by up to 70 percent and free equipment thrown in. You might even get to try a month of the professional monitoring plans for free..
| Monitoring Options | Professional and DIY |
|---|---|
| Installation | Professional and DIY |
| Smart Platform Integration | Alexa and Google Home |
| Equipment Cost | Packages starting at $249.96 |
| Monthly Monitoring Cost | From $21.99 |
| Contract Length | Monthly |
Vivint is one of the best professionally installed systems out there, with white-glove service from start to finish. All of the systems are custom-designed for your property with your specific security needs in mind. But Vivint’s real strong suit is home automation that can help seniors age in place independently. It’s one of the best security systems for Alexa, with voice commands for arming and disarming the system or running scheduled routines like locking the house after 6 p.m.
Vivint handles the installation and explains how to work everything from the app or 7-inch touch-screen panel. While it’s a high-tech system with some of the best home automation we’ve come across, it is simple to use.
All the components of our Vivint home security system.
The Smart Deterrence feature stood out to us the most when testing Vivint. It’s similar to SimpliSafe’s Active Guard Outdoor Protection, but it’s more advanced. The outdoor cameras and doorbell cameras use video analytics to ward off would-be intruders. During our simulations, the outdoor camera shone a spotlight on us when we didn’t move on. Eventually, the ring light turned red, a strobe light flashed, and a siren began to blare. We recommend it to seniors who live alone and feel vulnerable to outside threats.
Since each system is custom-made, it’s difficult to give you an exact Vivint price. Our equipment costs were pushing $1,000. Add to that the $100 installation fee and required professional monitoring that will run you between $29.99 and $49.99 per month, and your bill can get pretty steep.
Pro Tip: You don’t need to pay for all your equipment upfront. Like ADT, you can finance it and pay it off in installments. We opted for two years, but they let you spread them over a maximum of five.
| Monitoring Options | Professional only |
|---|---|
| Installation | Professional |
| Smart Platform Integration | Alexa and Google Home |
| Equipment Cost | From $599.99 |
| Monthly Monitoring Cost | From $30 |
| Contract Length | 48 to 60 months |
Cove is one of the best and most affordable no-contract security systems on the market today. The equipment is all designed with longevity in mind, and, similar to SimpliSafe, Cove is able to keep its costs low by having customers install the system themselves. But Cove is also similar to ADT in that you need to sign up for the most expensive monitoring plan for security camera support.
>> Keep Reading: How Much Does a Home Security System Cost?
The biggest appeal of Cove is that it’s one of the most affordable home security systems available. When we were reviewing Cove, our test system cost us just under $300. When you consider that a Vivint system can easily cost three times more, it’s easy to see why a lot of folks looking to save rely on Cove to keep their families and their properties safe.
Here’s everything we got in our Cove home security system.
Similar to SimpliSafe, the installation process was a breeze. The app walks you through everything you need to know, and mounting the equipment was no problem for us. Another great feature for seniors is InstaText. When an alarm goes off, a text message is instantly sent to the homeowner. But, you can also add emergency contracts. So, the whole family knows to check in, similar to ADT SMART Monitoring. If no one responds, Cove will call the main contact and dispatch authorities within 30 seconds.
FYI: Cove offers professional installation through HelloTech. Prices start from $129. However, we don’t think you’ll need it. All of Cove’s equipment comes preprogrammed. All you need to do is choose the best spot to put them. The customer service team can even give you tips if you need it.
Cove might not have an extensive list of equipment, but when it comes to core functionality, Cove covers all bases. It’s also worth pointing out that they don’t offer pre-packed systems like SimpliSafe. But, this can be a good thing, as it means you’ll only get equipment you need.
Cove’s entryway sensors stand out more than those of other brands.
Keep in mind that you’ll need to purchase a monitoring plan with your Cove system. The basic package costs just $19.99 per month, and the more advanced package costs $29.99 per month. As we mentioned earlier, if you are getting security cameras, you’ll need the more expensive plan. A bonus is that Cove cameras have local storage options. So, you can save more money by not having to pay extra for cloud storage, which is $2.99 per camera, per month.
>> Check Out: Cove Pricing 2025
Product Stats: One of Cove’s downsides is its limited app functionality. You can’t even view live security camera feeds through the Cove app; you’ll need the Eufy app to do so. That can make things a little more difficult for caregivers hoping to use security cameras to keep an eye on seniors under their care. We recommend ADT instead because of its advanced security cameras with facial recognition.
| Monitoring Options | Professional or DIY |
|---|---|
| Installation | Professional or DIY |
| Smart Platform Integration | Alexa and Google Home |
| Equipment Cost | From $300 for hub and keypad |
| Monthly Monitoring Cost | From $19.99 |
| Contract Length | Monthly |
Frontpoint offers the best of both worlds, with elements of both a traditional and DIY system. You’ll get great professional monitoring while keeping costs low with a DIY installation. They have exceptional customer service but allow for unlimited flexibility in the construction of your system. Whether this is your first home security system or your 50th, Frontpoint is likely going to fill in all the gaps.
>> Read On: Best Home Security Systems With Great Customer Service
Similar to Cove and SimpliSafe, Frontpoint is among the best DIY security systems in the industry. For our Frontpoint review, it took us around 45 minutes to install everything. As you can see below, the equipment is bulkier than some of the other security systems on this list, but it’s reliable. Especially when you combine it with a professional monitoring plan. The Ultimate Monitoring Plan can incorporate up to 50 sensors, which is handy if you have a big home.
>> Check Out: Best Home Security Systems for Large Homes
Frontpoint’s entryway sensor compared to a Ring sensor.
That is — everything but the entryway sensor. While it was easy to install and worked really well, the thing was pretty huge. That might not be a deal-breaker for some, but my partner cringed when she saw it mounted to our door frame.
FYI: All Frontpoint equipment has a three-year warranty. This is more than SimpliSafe and Cove, which are only 12 months.
Another useful Frontpoint feature is geofencing. It reminds you to arm and disarm your system based on your proximity to the house. If you know seniors who have a tendency to forget to set the alarm when leaving the house, this feature is perfect for them. They won’t even have to go back, they can arm it from the app.
Frontpoint keeps its costs down with a do-it-yourself approach. If you want to know more about how this system stacks up against another top DIY provider, you can check out our comparison guide of Frontpoint and SimpliSafe.
You’ll only see one professional monitoring plan on the website, and it’s $49.99 per month. That puts it up there with Vivint and ADT’s top plans. But you can call Frontpoint to discuss plans starting from $14.99. Just don’t expect to get access to all the features in the Ultimate Monitoring Plan, like home automation, video camera analytics, and cellular backup.
>> Learn More: Best Cellular Home Security Systems
FYI: A bonus feature handy for seniors is storing personal emergency info with Frontpoint. You can add medical information and allergies to your account. If you raise a medical alarm, this information is passed on to medical responders so they’re prepared when they arrive on the scene.
| Equipment Cost | Packages starting at $386.93 |
|---|---|
| Monitoring Options | Professional |
| Monitoring Cost | Starting at $14.99 per month |
| Contract Lengths | Monthly or 36 months |
| Installation Options | DIY |
| Smart Platform Integrations | Google Home, Alexa, and Siri |
If you’re a senior shopping for a security system or doing research for an older loved one, there are a few considerations that should be made when determining which system to choose. Some of those include:
Our ADT Glass Break Sensor is installed and ready to go.
As a group, seniors tend to live in lower crime areas and have tighter-knit communities. But that doesn’t mean they aren’t at risk, as our home security market research has shown:
>> Keep Reading: Home Security Statistics 2025
SimpliSafe’s Keypad is a great alternative for seniors who don’t like touch-screen panels.
From Anthony Travaglia, Retired Police Officer, Home Security Expert:
“Burglars don’t like to be seen or made known, so the louder the system, the better. Cameras and professional monitoring are also good ways to protect your home. Cameras allow law enforcement to identify perpetrators from the outside of the home and inside. If a burglary does occur and there is camera footage available, the solve-rate increases exponentially. And having 24/7 professional monitoring is the best way to keep your home protected while you’re away. The goal is to catch the criminals in the act, and having a reliable monitoring company can help get officers on the scene asap.”
Besides security, safety is one of the top concerns among seniors and their caregivers. Medical emergencies can occur at any time, which is why we recommend using a medical alert system. Unfortunately, we have yet to see a security system that can double as a medical alert system. There are some workarounds, though. For example, SimpliSafe offers a programmable panic button that you can set to trigger a medical alert when pressed.
Those workarounds aren’t as effective as a real medical alert system, though. There’s no fall detection, for example, so they’re less than ideal for older adults who are at a high risk of slipping and falling. Panic buttons from security systems also don’t work outside the home, unlike mobile medical alert systems.
Of course, we understand that keeping two different types of alert systems that require a monthly fee can be expensive. We suggest getting in touch with companies that offer both types of systems, such as ADT. You might be able to get a good deal if you let them know you’re buying both systems. You can also check out our list of the best and most affordable medical alert systems.
Another concern among seniors when it comes to buying a security system is whether or not they are required to sign a contract. Circumstances can quickly change, and, once they do, a contract locking you into a service can put a strain on your budget.
The good news is that there are security systems that don’t require a contract. Of our top five picks, two fit the bill: SimpliSafe and Cove. ADT also offers a no-contract option if you go the Self Setup route.
Even if the security system requires a contract, some companies give consideration to older adults and their changing circumstances. For example, when we assessed Vivint’s contract, we learned that it lets some customers terminate their services without penalties. However, this is only the case provided there’s an extenuating circumstance influencing the decision, including moving into assisted living, bankruptcy, and passing.
Of course, it might be best to sign a no-contract security system. But, if you can only find what you need from a security system that requires a contract, make sure to read the fine print before signing on the dotted line.
The sad fact of the matter is that seniors are seen as a vulnerable group by thieves and scammers alike. They are more likely to be victimized when they’re living in situations where they can easily be preyed upon. While many burglaries are opportunistic, a fair amount are perpetrated by people known to the victim or by thieves who purposefully selected the victim due to their perceived inability to defend themselves.
The best way to prevent these crimes is by investing in a rock-solid security system that deters would-be burglars and intruders. In our experience, ADT does this the best with its exceptional equipment range and award-winning professional monitoring. But, we also recommend checking out SimpliSafe, Vivint, Cove, and Frontpoint. Each of these companies includes useful features that benefit seniors and keep them safe while living independently.
S&P Global. (2024, Nov 14). 1 in 5 Americans to be 65 years old or older by 2030. https://www.spglobal.com/market-intelligence/en/news-insights/articles/2024/11/1-in-5-americans-to-be-65-years-old-or-older-by-2030-86270288
