Convincing your elderly relatives to adopt home security technology can be difficult enough, but what do you choose when they're interested? Aging in place means giving senior relatives as much independence as they want while still making sure they're safe and watched out for – which means smart home devices are the ideal place to start.
If you have an elderly loved one living alone or transitioning to an aging-in-place home, devices like Medical Alert pendants or a monitoring Apple Watch can be important. But our experts have also rounded up home devices that can add much-needed capabilities for a granny pod, downsized home or other scenario.
When we asked senior home security experts at Brinks Home, they suggested that, "Home security systems, along with integrated smart home technology, can be tailored for seniors' needs to provide essential protection … Smart devices like cameras, locks, sensors, and plugs, enhance security and simplify daily tasks by automating lighting, detecting motion, and monitoring everything from appliance usage to visitor activity."
Our list includes a little of everything to address these needs. Here's how they can help.
Read more: We Found the Best Home Security for Off-Grid Living
Threshold Motion Wi-Fi Sensing Plugs
Threshold's approach to hands-off monitoring could be a path forward for noninvasive care.
CNET covered this technology last year, but Threshold Care has a fascinating solution for independent seniors who want to keep their privacy but still need some monitoring.
These Threshold Motion plugs ($60) connect to the Wi-Fi in a home and monitor changes in Wi-Fi signals. That allows the app to track movement and general activity patterns in a home without anything as invasive as a security camera or motion sensor.
The Motion system can then send alerts if it looks like something is wrong. For example, if a person hasn't gotten up in the morning like they usually do, or if typically activity patterns stopped at a certain spot. It's an easy way to keep an eye on seniors while still creating strong boundaries.
Smart Speakers Like a HomePod or Echo
Smart speakers are excellent aging in place devices for those comfortable using them.
Smart speakers offer many useful functions without needing to learn a lot of new gadgets and app controls. Elderly users just have to learn a wake-up word like "Alexa" or "Siri" and then can give a wide variety of commands to help with their lives. With conversational AI upgrades, they're also getting easier to talk to without having to master any techie lingo.
Those commands can include setting reminders, creating shopping lists, asking questions, voice-dialing family members, setting timers and controlling other smart devices. Speakers can also help in an emergency, like calling 911 automatically even when someone can't move or connecting with Alexa's Emergency Assist function.
The trick is getting people familiar with a voice assistant if they've never used one. Some users quickly take to it, while others find it very foreign. Encourage family to use smart speakers when possible so they receive the most from the experience.
Leak and water detectors
Eufy's leak detector pairs with its HomeBase for easy placement around the home.
Home leak detectors are devices that help monitor all kinds of leak situations under sinks, in bathrooms, beside water heaters and beneath old plumbing. They can sound sirens or send app alerts when they detect a certain amount of moisture in the area.
These devices are easy for those aging in place to use, and need minimal maintenance except for occasional battery replacements every few years. In return, they eliminate worries about leaks or concerns about forgetting to turn water off.
Versatile smart locks like those from Schlage
Lockly's new smart locks include Apple compatibility and an option for face recognition.
Smart locks don't just enable app controls for a front door lock (something those aging in place aren't always interested in). They also have useful features like auto-locking in case someone forgot to lock the front door. We also like multiple ways of gaining access, including codes, fingerprints, Bluetooth connections and even palm reading. Those methods come in handy if someone forgot their key or forgot to leave the door unlocked for cleaning services, family visits and more.
An outdoor security camera like a Nest Cam
Outdoor cameras can keep an eye on property and who has recently come and gone.
Outdoor cameras aren't as invasive to privacy as indoor cams, but they can still help those aging in place. A properly placed camera can keep an eye on both the front door and yard for those worried about trespassers. Or a family member can use the app to manage the camera and check to see when someone may have left or arrived at the home using video history. Models like the Nest cam even come with facial recognition if you're willing to pay the subscription.
Basic home security like sensors from Ring
Ring's system offers both quality and an ideal choice for smaller homes.
If those aging in place are interested in home security like sensors that you can arm to sound alarms when someone opens a door or window at night, there are many DIY systems that you can set up alone without professional installation fees. These systems from brands like SimpliSafe, Abode or Ring come in all different sizes, and you can typically use them without a subscription or with a minimal self-monitoring fee if you don't want professional monitoring.
The right home security system could even connect to door locks, fire alarms or leak detectors, combining multiple home devices onto one platform. Just make sure your loved ones aren't falling for home security scams.
Hero's Smart Pill Dispenser
Hero's pill dispenser and app make big changes to medication management.
Elderly family members sometimes need to take frequent medication with strict schedules. The old pill box may not be up to the task if medications are confusing, or if users forget a day or decide not to take a medication.
This smart pill dispenser from Hero addresses all those problems. The dispenser can hold a month's supply of up to 10 types of medications (no sticky or half pills), and dispense them accurately on the days and times required. It also uses lights and alarm sounds to remind users when it's time for a medication.
App support also allows the Hero dispenser to do much more, especially if family members or caregivers are keeping track. It can send alerts about being late for medication or for taking too much of a medication, as well as tracking overall adherence to a schedule over time. Plus, it can be HIPAA-compliant and even watch for dangerous medication interactions.
To learn more about your home safety options, check out our complete home security guide, the worst home security mistakes you can make, and the easy morning home safety checks everyone forgets.