PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — Paid Sponsor Partnership: Philadelphia Corporation for Aging
Patricia Clark is one of the first older adults in Philadelphia to receive a Ring security camera through PCA’s new community initiative.
“I received the doorbell Ring, and I really do like it,” said Clark. “Because I can see what’s going on before I even get to the door.”
Clark spoke about her experience since getting it at the Firehouse Active Adult Center, where she’s also a member.
“It gives me peace of mind,” she said at a recent press conference to announce the program.
“This is a tremendous partnership that we have with our national association, USAging, and our team that we’re working with from Amazon, the Ring program, to distribute 1,000 devices to older adults within Philadelphia,” said Dr. Najja R. Orr, President and CEO of Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (PCA).
“Ring’s mission is to make neighborhoods safer,” said Raquel Medrano, Community Engagement Manager for Amazon Devices. “And so sometimes it is literally just knowing what’s going on around your home.”
Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker also voiced her support for the pilot program.
“You are expanding what it means to care for seniors in a modern and a forward way,” said Mayor Parker.
“Our goal is really to ensure that we try to assist people stay in their homes as safely as they can, as long as they can,” said Orr.
Five hundred Ring doorbells and five hundred cameras are being distributed.
Clark said she can access her Ring doorbell camera through an app on her phone. She receives notifications when motion is detected and then she can check and see who is at the front door.
“It makes me feel good,” she said.
The devices offer live views in real time, have night vision and a two-way talk feature.
“You could talk through your phone to the person at your door,” said Medrano. “That’s a great feature for people that either are a little slower to move to the door, or maybe if they’re not home, it helps them feel safer, like someone is home answering the door.”
To be eligible for a device, you must be 60 or older, reside in Philadelphia, have Wi-Fi and a smartphone to download the Ring app. An email is also needed to set up a Ring account.
“Anybody who we’ve seen and connected with, assessed, we’ll be able to consider them for this program,” said Orr. “It will cost older adults zero.”
“And then we’re also giving free subscriptions for the life of each device,” said Medrano. “We understand that aging gracefully at home is very important, so we hope that this is a tool that’s used for that.”
“I do feel a lot safer in my home now,” said Clark.
Philadelphia Corporation for Aging’s mission is to improve the quality of life for older adults and those with disabilities in Philadelphia, and that includes helping them to age in place, and so the hope is that this community initiative can make older adults feel safe to do so.
For more information:
Philadelphia Corporation for Aging
PCA Ring Security Camera Community Initiative
Firehouse Active Adult Center
Firehouse Active Adult Center
5331 Haverford Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19139
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