Can anyone give me a recommendation for a good, hopefully not hugely expensive, security camera system?

My FIL is a wanderer and we need several cameras (currently eight cameras and we need more) for our large wooded lot. Since I didn't want to invest a great deal of money I took some old smartphones and made a security system. You can waterproof the phone fairly well by wrapping them with packing tape. Blue Isis is a good cheap security monitoring software and there is a free IP camera app at the play store. You have to have a good battery, a constant power supply, a strong Wifi and a good computer for this system but most people have that anyway. Each phones has a front and rear camera plus sound so they work good outside. It takes a little doing to set it up and maintaining but it is a lot cheaper. We have one regular security camera connected to Blue Isis and the phone cameras have a sharper video. Blue Isis also has a trigger function to alert you if there is motion.

I'm going to try putting an iPhone in Mom's kitchen and using the 'Presence' app for the rest of the week of the caregiver's stay and after for the near future. I'll let you know how the installation and the actual use works out!

BTW, I'm starting with this because I have it available. Most of the cameras have to be ordered. I'm still making my decision about them.

I would also be interested to hear more info about cameras, such as hidden cameras, from those who have experience with same. Recommendations, pricing, level of experience needed for installation and operation, etc. Naysayers need not comment, thanks.

yes, excellent topic...and would still like to hear more! thanks

THANK YOU ALL!!!! (...well, except for one noted negative nellie who didn't stick to the topic… and she got her own private response concerning her judgment and negativity!) Your answers have been extremely helpful and enlightening. I have learned so much and now have some great new ideas and avenues to research, whereas before I felt like I was spinning in circles. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Since RobinF didn't like what I said in a private note, I might add I only answer given the information I am handed. Going ballistic on me will not solve your camera issue. I just don't happen to have any electronic gadgets including a cell phone, so I was trying to provide other alternatives. Sorry RobinF. Merry Christmas!

This is a great question...and i needed info on security cams also...because i need to hire someone to help clean the house. and yes, ferris1 always has something negative to say!! so much for support for valid questions??

Thanks for your ideas, everyone. Passing them along.

I had a guy install security cameras (audio and video). I was able to check live on my phone at any time. The feed was also recorded, and I could play it back. I paid about $2500 for the system and 5 "night vision" cameras. No monthly fee. If you're in NY, NJ, or CT, private mail me and I'll give you the guy's information. Highly recommended. Anytime you have a caregiver in your home, you need to keep an eye on things. Take all valuables out of the house. (I've even had caregivers steal towels and drinking glasses!) Stay on top of things. You or someone you trust need to show your face at least a couple of times a week. Good luck. Been there and wishing you the best.

The D-link system does have recording capability. Different models have different capabilities. Please check the specifications to ensure the model you purchase meets your needs, regardless of the manufacturer. Additionally, not all people with Alzheimer's wander. And different facilities offer different levels of care. My mother is in independent living and the facility offers "memory care" when she is ready to transition. The "memory care" unit is a secure area with doors that require a key code to unlock. This ensures that residents are unable to wander away. Not sure what type of facility your parent is in or what services are offered but the most important thing is to make sure the camera system meets your individual requirements. One size does not fit all!

I use the Presence app for iphone. I was so worried about my mom, who refused any help, so I found this app. It began with just keeping an eye on her for safety. Works great, just need an old iphone 4S or later that you are no longer using. I have 2 running at my Mom's and for only $4.99/month. (You can get for free, but I wanted more memory). You can set parameters. I use motion detection and set a record time and a time frame between recordings. With the $4.99 package you can set alarms. You can watch live, too. I believe, for a bit higher price they have door alarms. You can use multiple devices, and get alerts. It's been great for me. My mom is now in assisted living, but without this tool, I wouldn't have a clue to all she was doing! So many scams and safety issues that she didn't do around me, were found with this system. Good luck! (It might be available now with android, not sure, but coming)

We installed the Dropcam PRO in my dad's house. The placement gives up a view of most of the living room and kitchen. We do pay for cloud recording and I've made clips of dad for evidence of dementia and also conversations with others. We caught my ex SIL who was living with dad getting into his wallet. We are pretty satisfied with it. Every now and then we lose our connection but that's probably Verjzon our internet provider. We can ck the camera on our laptop and smartphones.

We have installed the Piper camera and also a switch that we can use to turn a light on if needed at night. My dad is fine with it. We only have it in the living room/kitchen area. He has pull chords in his bed and bathrooms. It can be viewed live from a cell phone or tablet, it also can be set to record video. You can listen in and also speak to the person. It does not have a monthly fee to do any of this. You just set it up and go. It must be connected to WIFI obviously. Ferris1, no everyone can go visit if they live out of town or out of state. This has been a wonderful thing for us and for peace of mind. We have one in our own home as well.

Sorry I'm posting again - wish I could just edit previous responses to note that the Nest Drop Pro, in order to enable recording, requires a monthly subscription service ($9.95/mo and less for longer term). This makes it much more expensive, even though it is the top rated hardware and software. I may get it anyway and use the free trial to see if I want to continue. I suspect that just having the cameras there, will be sufficient to give me peace of mind, and I would only need recording if there was reason to go to court, I think. There is another product that can provide non-subscription storage via a memory card. Good luck with you decision-making!

Are you worried about the caregiver? If she has someone there even a camera won't help if she falls unexpectedly. Nothing you can do is going to change the diagnosis and at this point in time she is probably not able to move too much (muscles fail to respond in late stages). Save your money and visit more often as she will not be around forever. Gas prices are pretty reasonable now, so put your funds into your time spent with your mother.

I meant to include this review of the Nest Drop Pro as well, as it contains additional relevant info in its review of multiple cameras: ip-camera-review.toptenreviews/dropcam-pro-review.html

I have the D-link, the lowest version out there, for when Im away from home and want to see how my dogs are doing in 1 room. It doesn't have recording capability. The Nest Drop Pro is a bit expensive, but I am seriously considering this for my parents now that they have caregiver presence. I would definitely inform the caregiver and agency involved that I have cameras so that they don't claim invasion of privacy later. If they have a problem with it, then that lets me know I may have reason for concern anyway. This one has some reviews for the same purpose you are interested in - viewing caregiver, so scroll down. You do have to have wifi, and if you are not tech proficient you will need help to set up.

If your mother is moblle, i.e. abie to walk on her own and capable of opening a door and going outside by herself, then you need a system that alerts the caregiver and you immediately that she has opened a door to the outside. Wandering is a huge threat to people with ALZ. In some states, if a person is found wandering by police, the social services agency can be called to ensure the person's wellbeing. People can wander without being detected for an extended period.
After a client with moderate ALZ went to an assisted living facility, neighbors told me how often she was out at night by herself. Neither her son nor I had any idea that she was out at night.

My mother has Alzheimer's and lives in an assisted living facility. We installed the "Dlink" security cameras in her apartment. The system is wireless, affordable and relatively easy to install. These cameras offer both audio and video, come with a SD card., and can be accessed via your iPhone, iPad, laptop or computer. The cameras are a great support tool since we use them not only for security but also to help us guide/direct mom when she is confused or unable to find something in her apartment. Because of her illness she doesn't even realize the cameras are there.

If your homecare is topnotch they will provide this type of technology simply to cover themselves. Even my dog sitter will provide this for an additional charge. Also keep in mind what you will need to do should you see abuse. Is there a back up person who can step in for you, don't relay on the service for this. Good luck