Ring Home Security Systems for Seniors

I first learned about Ring back in 2013, after seeing the product on Shark Tank, one of my favorite TV shows. And while Ring sank in the tank and none of the sharks offered Jamie Siminoff a deal, this didn’t stop him from making waves in the home security market.

Ring was one of the first to introduce the smart doorbell, which is now a staple in most home security system packages. Over the last seven years, Ring has grown from a smart doorbell company to one of the biggest home security system companies in the world. So, is it the right one for you?

In this piece, I’ll break down everything you need to know about this popular company. From device offerings to monitoring options to features, when you finish reading this, you’ll know whether or not Ring is the home security system you need in your home.

Ring Makes a Splash

Headquartered in Santa Monica, California, Ring has more than 1,300 employees and is on a mission to “make neighborhoods safer.” In 2018, Amazon bought Ring for one billion dollars. Now, because the company is part of Amazon, I got the same great customer service I’ve come to expect from one of my favorite brands.

Ring was the first video doorbell to hit the market and is still the most popular. According to a recent survey, Ring makes up 40 percent of video doorbells used by homeowners. While the company is best known for its video doorbells, Ring now offers a variety of home security devices including security cameras, motion detectors, contact sensors, alarms, and smart lights.

I always recommend a home security system for older adults because, like Ring’s mission states, it’s a way to keep everyone safer. For older adults, a security system allows them to maintain independence while also having peace of mind that help is available in case of an emergency.

How To Get Your Hands On A Ring System

I was pleasantly surprised by how easy it was to buy a Ring system. Companies get only one chance to make a great first impression, so for me, a user-friendly website is essential. Many of my older clients aren’t completely internet-savvy, so I always appreciate a website that is simple to navigate. Also of great help is a customer service line that connects me to the pros.

Ring’s website was so straightforward that anyone can figure it out very quickly. Because of this, I didn’t care if the phone number wasn’t posted on the homepage like it is with other companies such as ADT. I would say the easiest way to get your hands on a Ring security system is to buy online. The products are broken down by category, making it a piece of cake to find exactly which device or system is needed for the home.

All Ring products can either be installed by either a professional or yourself. Having a professional installation option is something I like when looking for security systems. Because I work with older adults, I feel better knowing they can have someone help them install their system, as opposed to it being their responsibility.

Ring Security Systems

Once I figured out how to buy a Ring system, I needed to determine what I wanted to get. Here is a quick breakdown of the options for their systems, doorbells, and cameras.

Ring Security Systems

Ring Video Doorbells

Ring Security Cameras

Ring Security Systems, Video Doorbells, and Security Cameras

Now that I’ve given you a quick look at some of Ring’s most popular security choices, it’s time for a more detailed breakdown.

Security Systems

Ring has security system options for any sized home, making it a great choice for older adults who are looking to downsize at some point in the near future. Ring’s five-piece kit is best for smaller homes or apartments, while the 10-piece and 14-piece kits are better suited to larger properties.

Each kit comes with a base station, keypad, motion detectors, contact sensors, and a range extender. The systems connect to the Ring App and send notifications to the users whenever any part of the alarm system is triggered. I know many older adults who like to set their alarms even when they are home and a system like this can help alleviate panic. That’s because if a family member decides to come for a surprise visit and the alarm is triggered, the homeowner can easily look at their app to see who is making the commotion. If it is something more serious, the homeowner can either call 911 or get help if they decide to pay extra for the 24-hour monitoring option.

The remote arming and disarming options are also great for older adults who live an active lifestyle. It gives caregivers and family members the ability to go inside their loved one’s home even when the homeowner isn’t there, and it reduces the risk of false alarms since the homeowner can disarm prior to someone entering.

Video Doorbells

Like I mentioned above, video doorbells are Ring’s specialty and the company offers a variety of options. Video doorbells are one of my favorite smart home devices for older adults because they allow you to communicate with a person at your front door without having to open it.

There are many times I’m rushing to the door when I hear the bell. For older adults, it’s never a good idea to rush around the house, as this could cause a fall. With this in mind, having a video doorbell eliminates the need to get up. Instead, you can pull up the Ring app and use the two-way talk feature to communicate with whoever is on the outside.

The video option also adds an extra layer of protection to those older adults living independently. If there is someone at the door, the video doorbell allows the person inside to see who is there and determine whether they want to answer it or ignore it. Additionally, being able to see activity outside your home when you are out can help you feel at ease about your house and belongings.

Security Cameras

Above, I broke down a handful of the best-selling security cameras, but it’s important to remember some of the lines have higher-end options with additional features. For example, the Stick-Up Cam has four different versions, including a camera that only needs batteries to work, a camera that needs to be plugged in, a camera with a solar option for charging, and an elite version, which is the most expensive. The elite version of the Stick-Up Cam has power over the ethernet capabilities, meaning you don’t have to worry about dead Wifi zones or dead batteries.

These cameras vary in price depending on those features. Naturally, devices with more features are more expensive. It’s also important to note that the cameras, doorbells, and security systems all integrate with one another and are all controlled through the same Ring app.

Ring Security System Add-Ons

In addition to the security systems, Ring offers a handful of add-on items. Below are some of the most popular products that add even more security to any existing Ring system.

Chime

The Chime connects to Ring Doorbells and Cameras and acts as the ring, or chime, inside the home. Think of the noise a traditional doorbell makes, and the ring from this add-on is the same. It rings when the doorbell or video detects motion and is great for those times you’re not near your phone to look at the app. And for those times when you don’t want to hear a ring, all you have to do is hit the snooze alert feature and you will have silence.

Solar Security Sign

A security sign in the front yard is one way to deter burglars. The Solar Security Sign, which is weather-resistant, charges when the sun is up and lights up at night as a warning to intruders.

Alarm Window and Door Contact Sensor

The Alarm Window and Door Contact Sensor is another add on that enhances a Ring Security System. This device connects with the Ring Alarm and triggers the alarm if whenever a door or window is opened.

Monitoring the Ring Security Systems

Ring offers a few different monitoring options. First, I could self-monitor my system, meaning that if there was any type of break-in or intruder it was up to me to call 911. If I didn’t want that burden, I could opt for the Ring Protect Plus plan.

For $10 a month or $100 a year, Ring Protect Plus provides video recording for all Ring devices as well as 24/7 professional monitoring for my Ring Alarm. With coverage in 50 states and an average response time of 30 seconds, in my opinion, it’s a no brainer to pay the extra money for this package, especially when it comes to older adults. With professional monitoring, a call center operator responds in less than a minute in the event of an emergency like a burglary. This option allows older adults peace of mind that they won’t have to fend off an intruder on their own.

With professional monitoring, there is always someone available to help if there’s an emergency. A Ring operator will call if they detect a security issue or if you press a Ring Panic Button. After pushing the Ring Panic Button, which costs an extra $34.99, the Ring alarm sounds, and an operator will call. This additional service allows caregivers and family members to rest assured their loved one will get help if there is an intruder, a carbon monoxide leak, a flood, or any other type of emergency.

For those who don’t want to spend the extra $10 a month, Ring offers the Ring Protect Basic for $3 a month or $30 dollars a year. That plan includes video saving and sharing, video history, and snapshot capture.

Here’s a breakdown of all the monitoring options and the features included with each offering:

My Final Thoughts On Ring

Overall, Ring is a good choice for older adults looking for a home security system. I like it for the clients I work with because of its professional installation and professional monitoring options. Older adults aren’t always the most technologically savvy so having a professional installation option means the homeowner will confidently know their system is set up correctly. And professional monitoring allows people like me, who work with older adults, to sleep easy knowing they will have someone around the clock to help them in the event of an emergency.

The easy to use website and high level of customer service makes it easy for older adults to figure out what exactly they need. It’s also a great choice for those who may be looking to get just one or two devices as opposed to an entire system.