Home security is an important consideration for many of us. For elderly people, especially, who are often considered easy targets by criminals, it is crucial that homes are safe and secure. A piece of security technology that is seeing a major increase in interest is the doorbell camera.
What is a Doorbell Camera?
The doorbell camera is a piece of technology that has been around for the past decade. As its name suggests, doorbell cameras provide video footage of your front doorstep. The camera is integrated into your doorbell. Different models offer a few options. Many are activated when someone presses the doorbell; others are motion activated.
Doorbell cameras connect to a mobile phone app. Using this app, users can see who is outside their door. Most modern examples also have loudspeakers and microphones built in, allowing users to speak to whoever is at the door.
A doorbell camera offers several benefits, though they still have some shortcomings. So should you buy one?
Advantages of a Doorbell Camera
A doorbell camera offers several benefits to its users, some of which may prove especially useful for elderly or disabled people.
1. Sense of Security
One of the most significant advantages of a doorbell camera is the extra sense of security users feel. Like a CCTV camera, a doorbell camera shows what is happening outside the house. Recent models also send notifications to the connected phone app when movement is detected. This means users will know if someone is outside.
The app will also remain connected to the camera if the user is away from home, provided it has an internet connection. Therefore, you can leave home knowing you will still be able to see what is happening while you are away.
2. Stay Seated
For people with mobility issues, or who may be busy elsewhere in the house, a doorbell camera relieves the need to answer the door. If there is a delivery, you can use the loudspeaker to ask them to leave the package at the door. This could help avoid accidents whilst rushing to the door, and mean you no longer have to rearrange deliveries because you took too long to answer.
A tactic used by some thieves is to force their way in when the door is opened. With a doorbell camera, you can speak to whoever is at the door without opening it, reducing this risk. If they know someone is home – and they are on camera – they are more likely to be deterred. This adds to the sense of security outlined in point one.
3. Evidence
Though the doorbell camera may serve as an effective deterrent, there is always a risk that people may break in anyway. If this does happen, a doorbell camera could provide the evidence needed to track down the perpetrators. This could make it easier for you to get justice.
This will also prove useful in insurance claims. Whether after a burglary or an accident, the video footage recorded by a doorbell camera could provide evidence of the circumstances. This could prove vital in the alarm user making a successful insurance claim.
Disadvantages of a Doorbell Camera
As with any piece of technology, there are disadvantages to a doorbell camera. It’s important to consider these when deciding whether one is right for you.
1. Cost
Doorbell cameras can be expensive pieces of equipment. The cheapest models start at around £50, but for reliability and video quality you will likely want a higher priced model. After this initial expense, doorbell alarms require subscription fees for continued services. These fees could soon add up, and may prove too expensive for some elderly people.
2. Require Apps
Nowadays, more and more elderly people are learning how to use smartphones and apps. However, for others it can still be quite the learning curve. For people who struggle with modern technology, a doorbell camera may be too complicated. It requires an app in order for users to observe the camera, and if the elderly user does not already have a smartphone this could be an additional expense.
3. Security Concerns
Though designed to provide additional security and peace of mind, doorbell cameras are not infallible. They also have certain vulnerabilities. Because doorbell cameras connect to an internet network, there is the possibility of them being hacked. If this happens, it could give criminals access to the rest of the network.
Hacking isn’t the only potential concern. Whilst the doorbell camera offers a view of your front door, it doesn’t cover other areas. This means it may not provide reliable evidence if your home is burgled. Furthermore, many cameras have only short-range motion sensors, further reducing the likelihood.
Is a Doorbell Camera Right for You?
It is important to think carefully about whether a doorbell camera is right for you or your loved ones. They are quite the investment, after all. However, these devices could offer additional peace of mind at home, or when out and about. It’s important to weigh the potential advantages and disadvantages against each other when making your decision.
If you or your loved ones are considering purchasing a doorbell camera, research is important. There are now several providers, all offering a range of products. Make sure to choose one within your budget that offers the best possible specifications.
Additional Peace of Mind from Careline365
A doorbell alarm isn’t the only way to feel more secure at home. Personal alarms from Careline365 provide reassurance to elderly, disabled, and vulnerable people in their homes and outside. Help is available at the simple press of a button.
If the user feels unwell or has a fall, activating the alarm will send an alert to our 24/7 Care Team. The team will then assess the situation by speaking to the user through the alarm speaker. If they do not hear a response, they will assume help is needed.
Help is arranged in the form of the user’s emergency contacts. They will be informed that help is required and asked to attend the user.
The Careline365 personal alarm and GSM alarm offer coverage throughout the home and garden. For extra peace of mind, you can opt for the fall detector plan. If you want extra reassurance outside the home, such as when exercising or going to the shops, the GPS alarm provides coverage everywhere.
For more information on Careline365’s products, check out our detailed guide. If you have any questions about the Careline365 alarm service, call our helpful team on 0800 030 8777. Finally, you can order your Careline365 alarm online today.
Editor’s Note: This article was updated on 14th June 2024.
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