Whether you live alone, with a spouse or a roommate, if you’re like the majority of older Americans you want to live in your own home and enjoy an independent lifestyle. You also want to be sure that your desire to be on your own doesn’t jeopardize your safety or cause your loved ones any undue stress.

There’s no reason you can’t live safely in your home if you acknowledge your vulnerability and then take the proper precautions to protect yourself.

Here are some basic home security tips to help you enhance your security and the security of your home – so you and your family members will be able to sleep better at night.

1. Install security devices such as a burglar alarm systems and home video surveillance system. As part of the alarm system, your service provider will install perimeter sensors on all doors and windows. You should also ask your alarm company to integrate your lights, locks and thermostat with your home security system, allowing you to control them from your smartphone. That way you won’t have to worry about getting up in the middle of the night to turn down your thermostat or check that your doors and windows are locked.
2. Don’t forget to arm your security system because it can’t keep the bad guys out otherwise. Installing a security system is great but you have to be sure to activate it. You should install a system that enables you to arm your system remotely from your phone.
3. Add remote video surveillance to your security system. That will give your loved ones peace of mind because they can log in and check up on you from their office computers, smartphones or tablets – any device that’s connected to the Internet.
4. Have someone trim any shrubs and trees that are covering low-level windows and could shield a burglar’s attempt to break into your home. Overgrown bushes are great places for the bad guys to hide. Any tall branches that would allow criminals to climb up to a second story window should also be removed.
5. A medical alert system is also critical. Your security service provider should be able to offer you a medical alert system that will connect you to the company’s 24-hour security command center with the push of a button. Your provider’s trained staff will evaluate any call and summon family or emergency personal to assist you.
6. Lock your doors and windows no matter how safe you think your neighborhood is. Although you don’t have to live in fear, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
7. Light up the area around your home. Motion sensor lights or spotlights can go a long way toward scaring off potential burglars.
8. Monitored fire protection is also critical. Relieve your family’s worry that you won’t hear the fire alarm at night. Your service provider will monitor your alarm for you and dispatch the fire department if it receives a trouble signal.

As a senior, peace of mind is often key to living a comfortable life. Following these home security tips will go a long way toward keeping you safe and allowing you to live independently in your own home.

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