I've lived in my home for over 30 years. My late husband and I raised our children here, saw them off to uni, and celebrated more birthdays than I can count under this roof. It’s always felt safe, not just because of locks and alarms, but because of the friendly & familiar neighbourhood. And if I had to be honest, with my kids living nearby, I have never really felt lonely.
But safety? That was never something I really thought about. I mean, I locked the doors, left a light on at night, and figured that was enough. But one afternoon, my son brought up something over the tea that made me pause. A burglary a few months earlier, just two streets over. It made the local news for a day or two, but I didn’t think much of it. Our street had always been close-knit. Neighbours checked in, and we all looked out for one another. But things change. Slowly at first, and then all at once. The old neighbours moved away, and new faces moved in. They were polite, yes, but not the kind of people you know well enough to leave a spare key with or ask to keep an eye on things while you’re away. That’s when it hit me: the safety net I had relied on all these years wasn’t there anymore.
Not long after, I had a small fall in the kitchen. It wasn’t serious, I slipped while reaching for a pot, but I was on the floor longer than I would’ve liked. I did manage to get myself up eventually, but when my daughter found out later, she was upset. “What if it had been worse?” she asked. “What if you couldn’t reach your phone?” I waved it off at the time, the way we often do. But the truth is, she had a point. I just didn’t want to admit it. But because I didn’t want to be a bother.
Since then, I’ve been noticing things quietly and worrying in the background, only to brush it off again. Sometimes it felt like someone had been through the side gate. Once, the motion sensor didn’t even go off when the neighbour’s dog wandered into the yard. It wasn't much, but just enough to give me a few sleepless nights.
Making the Change for All of Us
I’ve never been one to fuss over technology. I still use a handwritten calendar and prefer a real book over a screen. So when my kids began to suggest updating our home security system, I was hesitant. “What do I need that for?” I’d say. “This house has never let me down.”
But their concerns weren’t just about break-ins. They were worried about me, about getting to me quickly if something went wrong. Understandably, because I also live with a few medical conditions, nothing too serious, thankfully. But if something happened in the middle of the night, I had no way to call for help easily. My phone isn’t always on me, and I’m not the fastest getting around anymore.
That’s when my daughter gently insisted that we look into some options. I finally agreed when she said, “It’s not about being scared. It’s about peace of mind for you and us.”
Finding a Security System That I Understand
We started researching together, but most of what we found felt too technical, like they were designed for big, modern homes or tech-savvy people. I didn’t need twenty blinking lights or a confusing control panel. I needed something simple for someone like me, a not-so-tech-savvy old duck.
That’s when a neighbour recommended Security 1, a Canberra-based company they’d used for their daughter’s home. From the very first phone call, I could tell these folks were different. They didn’t make me feel silly for asking basic questions or for not knowing the difference between wireless and hardwired systems. They listened, really listened, to what I needed. And what I needed was a quiet layer of protection that let me keep living the life I love without feeling like I was being watched or managed.
What We Installed
A kind and charming technician came out to assess my home. He explained everything clearly. We decided on a simple but thoughtful setup that included
* A smart doorbell camera so I could see who was at the door before opening it
* Motion-sensor lights in the backyard and at the side gate made me feel safer at night.
* Indoor sensors near the entrances would notify my children if something seemed off.
* Emergency buttons by my bed and in the kitchen, just in case
* Mobile alerts are sent directly to my son and daughter’s phones so they can check in even if I’m not answering right away.
Everything is monitored around the clock. But I still go about my day just like before, watering the plants, chatting with friends, and baking for the grandkids, but now I know that if something goes wrong, help won’t be far.
What I’ve To Say
To anyone my age or to anyone watching their parents grow older in the homes they’ve loved for decades, upgrading your home security isn’t about fear. It’s about independence with reassurance. That first night after the system was installed, I slept better than I had in months. Not because I thought someone would break in, but because I finally felt sure that I wouldn’t be alone if something happened.
You don’t always realise the quiet worries you’ve been carrying until they’re lifted. I didn’t get this system out of fear. I did it because my children needed to know I was okay, and honestly, I needed that too, even if I didn’t admit it at first.
I still love this house. It’s still mine. But now it’s a little smarter, a little safer, and more ready for the years ahead.
If you’re considering a home security upgrade, I would suggest that you talk to someone local who truly understands. Someone who listens and helps you regain the peace you didn’t even know you’d lost.
While looking into Security 1, I came across a blog on their website that really made me think. It explained some common mistakes we all make with home security and showed me how small changes could make a big difference. It’s worth a read if you’re considering an upgrade too.
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