I'm concerned about my grandma who lives alone and has encountered some unsettling behavior, particularly a man knocking on her door in the early hours. She has neighbors who keep an eye on her, and one has a security camera that captured a man in a hood entering her backyard and knocking on her door, saying he knew she was inside. My grandma didn't call the police at the time, but I want to ensure she has some sort of security in place. Can anyone recommend a camera similar to a doorbell camera that can notify me when someone is at her door? I know she doesn't have Wi-Fi, so I'm considering whether I should get her internet access for safety. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
4 Answers
Consider going the mobile route with a data plan instead of Wi-Fi. Cameras that take SIM cards can be a good solution, just check that they can send pictures or alerts to your phone. Remember, a visible camera might also deter any unwanted visitors.
A mock camera or a clear 'under surveillance' sign could work wonders too!
You should definitely look into 4G or LTE cameras. Brands like Arlo and Reolink have models that use a SIM card to connect, and some come with solar panels too, which is perfect for outdoor setups. Just keep in mind that these usually have a subscription cost for the data service.
Yeah, I got a Reolink one with 4G for around $80. It’s been great for monitoring, but the data plan can be a bit pricey.
That’s true, but having immediate alerts when something happens is worth it for peace of mind!
If you're able to get her Wi-Fi, that opens a lot of options. Most smart cameras like Ring or Google Nest are user-friendly for seniors. But without Wi-Fi, you might have a tough time finding a reliable system that sends phone notifications.
True, but if her neighbors have Wi-Fi, she could use that for her camera. You don't need to set up her own network if they’re willing to share!
I like this idea! Plus, it keeps costs lower if you can hook her up to the neighborhood network.
Have you thought about trail cameras? They often have cellular connections, so you can get notifications directly on your phone. I’ve used these for monitoring remote gates, and they can be a solid option, especially if you get one that has solar charging for convenience. Just check the battery life!
Totally agree! They do work well if set up right. Just make sure the lighting is good for clear images.
Absolutely! Sometimes just the presence of a camera makes people think twice before approaching.