Ring doorbell, camera initiative to help older Philadelphians feel safer at home
Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (PCA) has launched a new initiative to help older Philadelphians feel safer and more secure at home.
In partnership with USAging and Ring, an Amazon company, PCA will receive up to 1,000 Ring devices. Each doorbell or camera comes with a basic Protect subscription for the life of the device. PCA will also receive a $20,000 donation to support its ongoing work across Philadelphia. The contribution totals more than $250,000 in home security products and support.
The initiative will support older adults who may be at greater risk of scams, unwanted visitors or isolation. It will also help family caregivers feel more at ease.
“Philadelphia Corporation for Aging is committed to helping older Philadelphians remain safe, independent and connected in their own homes,” said PCA President and CEO Najja R. Orr, DBA, FCPP. “This collaboration with USAging and Ring adds a meaningful layer of relief for those most at risk of isolation, scams or unwanted visitors — while also providing peace of mind for family caregivers.”
Priority to receive a device goes to participants in PCA’s Caregiver Support Program, Domiciliary Care Program, and Home-Delivered Meals Program, as well as members of PCA’s Firehouse Active Adult Center and Southwest Senior Center.
To qualify for the PCA Ring Community Program, applicants must:
• Be age 60 or older
• Live in Philadelphia County
• Have home Wi-Fi
• Have a smartphone that can download the Ring app
• Have access to an email address to create a Ring account
Patricia Clark, a Ring device recipient and Firehouse Active Adult Center member, said the device has already made her feel safer at home.
“I can see who’s at my door, talk to them through the app, and decide whether it’s someone I know before I answer,” Clark said. “That extra level of security gives me peace of mind, especially when I’m home alone.”
The technology can help older adults balance safety with social connection. “Ring is a technology that addresses critical needs of older adults by adding a layer of safety and security at home,” said USAging CEO Sandy Markwood. “The Ring device enables older adults to see who is at their door.”
The Philadelphia initiative builds on a broader national partnership. In 2024, Ring donated 5,000 devices to 10 Area Agencies on Aging around the country through USAging. Recipients reported that features, such as Two-Way Talk and Live View, increased their sense of safety and peace of mind.
The program reflects a shared effort to help older Philadelphians remain safe, independent and connected while aging at home.
