As our loved ones age, ensuring their safety and well-being becomes a top priority, especially when they choose to live independently. For many families, this presents a unique challenge—balancing the desire for their elderly family member’s autonomy with the need for protection. Thankfully, modern technology offers a solution: smart home devices. These innovations can provide the peace of mind you’re looking for by helping protect elderly family members living alone, allowing them to maintain their independence while staying safe.
From medical alert systems to security cameras, smart locks, and even medication management tools, today’s smart home technology offers a wide range of options designed to enhance safety, convenience, and communication. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the top smart home devices that can make a real difference in the lives of your elderly loved ones—and in yours, too.
Why Smart Home Devices Are Essential for Elderly Safety
Before diving into specific products, it’s important to understand why smart home devices are an excellent choice for elderly family members living alone. These devices can be integrated seamlessly into the home, working quietly in the background to keep your loved ones safe, while offering key benefits:
- Increased independence: Elderly individuals can manage daily tasks more easily without constant supervision, allowing them to maintain their independence.
- Enhanced security: Devices like smart locks, cameras, and alarms can help keep elderly family members safe from intruders or accidents.
- Emergency support: Medical alert systems and fall detectors can instantly notify emergency services if something goes wrong.
- Improved communication: Smart home assistants and video calling devices make it easier for seniors to stay connected with family and caregivers.
- Health monitoring: Medication management systems and health trackers can ensure they stay on top of their health.
Now, let’s explore the best smart home devices that offer these benefits and more, tailored specifically for elderly safety.
1. Medical Alert Systems: Instant Help When It’s Needed
One of the greatest concerns when it comes to elderly family members living alone is what happens in the event of a fall, accident, or sudden medical emergency. Medical alert systems are a cornerstone of smart technology for seniors, providing an easy way to call for help with the touch of a button or even automatically detecting a fall.
Top Medical Alert Systems for Elderly Safety:
- Life Alert: Perhaps the most well-known medical alert system, Life Alert offers wearable devices that allow seniors to call for help at any time. Its emergency buttons can be worn as a pendant or wristband, and it connects directly to a 24/7 call center.
- Bay Alarm Medical: This system offers both in-home and mobile options, meaning elderly family members can use it even when they’re away from home. With automatic fall detection and GPS tracking, it ensures that help is always available in case of an emergency.
- GetSafe: Ideal for seniors who may be reluctant to wear a pendant or wristband, GetSafe uses voice-activated emergency systems in addition to wearable buttons. This system allows seniors to call for help simply by speaking, which is particularly useful if they are unable to reach their emergency button.
Key Features:
- Fall detection
- 24/7 emergency monitoring
- GPS tracking for mobile devices
- Two-way communication
Medical alert systems are essential for immediate assistance, and many now offer automatic fall detection, which can save precious minutes in critical situations.
Related Post: Reviews Of Best 10 Medical Alerts
2. Smart Door Locks: Controlled Access for Extra Security
Smart locks are a must-have for elderly family members living alone, as they can provide an extra layer of security without being intrusive. These devices allow for remote access, meaning family members or caregivers can lock or unlock the door from anywhere. Additionally, some smart locks offer features like temporary access codes, which can be especially helpful for caregivers, cleaning services, or neighbors who may need to check in.
Best Smart Door Locks for Elderly Safety:
- August Smart Lock Pro: This highly-rated smart lock allows for remote control via a smartphone app, and it integrates with popular voice assistants like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit. Family members can check the lock’s status and control access from anywhere.
- Schlage Encode Smart Wi-Fi Deadbolt: This smart lock connects directly to Wi-Fi, so there’s no need for an additional hub. It allows you to create and manage up to 100 unique access codes, which is perfect for caregivers or trusted neighbors who may need entry.
- Yale Assure Lock SL: A sleek and secure option, the Yale Assure Lock SL offers keyless entry and integrates with various smart home systems, ensuring your elderly loved one’s home is always safe. You can control the lock remotely via a smartphone app and receive notifications if the door is left unlocked.
Key Features:
- Remote access and control
- Temporary access codes for caregivers
- Integration with smart home systems
- Alerts and notifications
Smart locks not only improve security but also make it easier for caregivers or family members to check on their loved ones without the need for physical keys.
Post: Reviews Of Best 10 Smart Locks
3. Smart Cameras and Doorbell Cameras: Monitoring for Peace of Mind
Smart cameras, both indoor and outdoor, offer a valuable way to monitor elderly family members and their surroundings. While respecting their privacy, these cameras provide an extra set of eyes to ensure their home is safe from intruders or hazards. For elderly individuals who may struggle with mobility, smart doorbell cameras can also be a huge help, allowing them to see and communicate with visitors without having to get up.
Best Smart Cameras and Doorbell Cameras for Elderly Safety:
- Ring Video Doorbell: Ring is one of the most popular doorbell cameras on the market, and for good reason. It allows users to see who’s at the door and communicate with them via a smartphone app, without needing to physically answer the door. This can help elderly individuals avoid unwanted visitors or potential scams.
- Nest Cam IQ Indoor: This high-definition indoor camera offers excellent video quality and integrates with Google Assistant. It features motion detection, person alerts, and even the ability to recognize familiar faces, which can help caregivers monitor for unusual activity in the home.
- Arlo Pro 3: For outdoor surveillance, the Arlo Pro 3 offers a weather-resistant camera with crystal-clear 2K video, night vision, and motion detection. Family members can check in on the home at any time, providing peace of mind that the property is secure.
Key Features:
- Live video streaming
- Two-way communication (doorbell cameras)
- Integration with smart home systems
Smart cameras are an excellent way to keep an eye on elderly family members from a distance, ensuring their home is secure and that they’re safe inside.
Related Post: Best 10 Smart Video Doorbells That You Shouldn’t Hesitate to Invest in
4. Smart Thermostats: Energy Efficiency and Comfort
As we age, our bodies become more sensitive to temperature changes, making it essential for elderly individuals to maintain a comfortable environment at home. Smart thermostats not only help regulate temperature efficiently, but they can also be controlled remotely by family members or caregivers, ensuring that their loved ones are always comfortable without having to adjust the thermostat manually.
Best Smart Thermostats for Elderly Comfort:
- Nest Learning Thermostat: The Nest Learning Thermostat is one of the most popular smart thermostats available. It learns the user’s preferences over time and adjusts the temperature accordingly, ensuring comfort without any manual adjustments. Family members can also control the thermostat remotely via the Nest app, which is particularly helpful if the elderly individual forgets to adjust the temperature themselves.
- Ecobee Smart thermostat: This device not only controls temperature but also includes a smart speaker with Amazon Alexa built in, allowing seniors to use voice commands to control various aspects of their home. It can even detect occupancy, ensuring rooms are heated or cooled based on activity.
- Honeywell Home T9 Smart Thermostat: The T9 Smart Thermostat offers remote room sensors that monitor temperature and humidity in specific areas of the home. It allows caregivers to ensure that the elderly individual’s bedroom, living room, or other frequently used spaces are always at a comfortable temperature.
Key Features:
- Remote temperature control via smartphone app
- Learning capabilities for personalized comfort
- Voice control integration (Alexa, Google Assistant)
- Occupancy sensors for energy efficiency
Smart thermostats offer both convenience and energy savings, while ensuring that elderly family members are always comfortable, no matter the weather.
Related Post: Best 10 Smart Thermostats For Your Ultimate Home Automation Experiences
5. Medication Management Devices: Staying on Track with Health
For many elderly individuals, taking medications on time is crucial for maintaining their health. However, it’s easy to forget doses, especially for those managing multiple prescriptions. Medication management devices can help seniors stay on track with their medications, providing reminders and even dispensing the correct dosage.
Best Medication Management Devices for Elderly Safety:
- MedMinder: This smart pill dispenser offers a compartmentalized system that can hold medications for up to a week. It sends visual and audio reminders to the user, and it can even alert family members or caregivers if a dose is missed. It also has the ability to lock certain compartments, preventing accidental overdosing.
- Hero Health: Hero is a smart medication dispenser that automatically dispenses the right medication at the right time. It connects to a smartphone app, allowing caregivers to monitor adherence and receive alerts if a dose is missed.
- TabTime: For elderly individuals who may not need a full dispenser but still benefit from reminders, the TabTime device offers a portable solution with up to eight alarms per day. It’s easy to use and can help ensure that medications are taken on schedule.
Key Features:
- Audio and visual medication reminders
- Automated pill dispensing
- Caregiver notifications for missed doses
- Locking mechanisms for safety
Medication management devices provide an essential layer of protection for elderly family members, ensuring they stay on top of their health without added stress or confusion. With the ability to automate reminders and track adherence, these devices help prevent missed doses and accidental medication errors, which can be crucial for seniors managing complex treatment plans.
6. Smart Home Assistants: Hands-Free Help and Connectivity
Smart home assistants such as Amazon Echo (Alexa), Google Home, and Apple HomePod can greatly improve the quality of life for elderly individuals living alone. These devices offer voice-controlled assistance, allowing seniors to perform a variety of tasks without needing to physically interact with devices. From adjusting the thermostat and controlling lights to making phone calls or setting medication reminders, smart assistants can provide invaluable support.
Best Smart Home Assistants for Elderly Assistance:
- Amazon Echo (Alexa): Amazon’s Alexa-powered devices offer hands-free control over a wide range of smart home products, from lights and thermostats to security cameras and locks. Seniors can ask Alexa to play music, set reminders, or even call family members with just their voice.
- Google Nest Hub: Google’s smart display offers similar functionality to Alexa, with the added benefit of a built-in screen. This can be especially helpful for video calls, checking weather updates, or even displaying recipes and instructions for daily tasks.
- Apple HomePod: For elderly users who are more familiar with Apple devices, the HomePod integrates seamlessly with other Apple products like iPhones and iPads. Siri, Apple’s voice assistant, can be used for hands-free control of smart devices, reminders, and calling family members
Key Features:
- Voice control for hands-free operation
- Integration with smart home devices (lights, locks, cameras, etc.)
- Voice-activated reminders and notifications
- Communication tools (calls, messages, and video calls)
Smart home assistants provide convenience and safety by allowing elderly family members to perform daily tasks without needing to navigate complex devices or interfaces.
Related Post: 3 Most Popular Smart Home Platform
7. Smart Lighting: Illuminating Pathways for Safety
One of the major concerns for elderly individuals is navigating their home safely, especially at night. Poor lighting can lead to falls, trips, or disorientation. Smart lighting systems can address this issue by automatically adjusting lights based on motion, time of day, or even voice commands. These systems can also be programmed to turn on lights at specific times, ensuring that seniors never walk through dark rooms.
Best Smart Lighting Solutions for Elderly Safety:
- Philips Hue Smart Lighting: Philips Hue offers customizable smart lights that can be controlled via a smartphone app, voice commands, or motion sensors. These lights can be programmed to turn on and off based on motion, ensuring that elderly individuals always have a well-lit path when moving around their home.
- LIFX Smart Bulbs: LIFX offers Wi-Fi-enabled smart bulbs that don’t require a hub, making them simple to install and use. The lights can be controlled via an app, and they integrate with voice assistants for hands-free control. They also offer different brightness levels and colors to suit individual needs.
- Kasa Smart Light Switch by TP-Link: This smart switch allows elderly individuals to control their home’s lighting with the tap of a smartphone or voice commands. Family members can also control the lights remotely, ensuring that seniors aren’t left in the dark.
Key Features:
- Motion-activated lighting
- Remote control via smartphone app
- Voice control with smart assistants
- Programmable schedules for automatic lighting
Smart lighting not only makes it easier for elderly individuals to navigate their home safely, but it also adds an extra layer of convenience and security, especially during the nighttime.
Related Post: Best 10 Smart Lighting System
8. Smart Sensors and Alarms: Detecting Hazards Early
Whether it’s a fire, gas leak, or carbon monoxide exposure, quick detection of hazards is critical in preventing serious injuries. Smart smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms can alert elderly individuals (and their family members or caregivers) to danger much faster than traditional alarms. Many smart sensors can also be connected to a smartphone app, allowing family members to receive alerts even when they’re not at home.
Best Smart Sensors and Alarms for Elderly Safety:
- Nest Protect: This smart smoke and carbon monoxide detector offers both voice alerts and smartphone notifications. If smoke or carbon monoxide is detected, it notifies the user with a clear voice command, telling them exactly where the danger is located. Family members can also receive notifications on their phones, ensuring they’re aware of any issues immediately.
- First Alert Onelink Safe & Sound: This all-in-one device combines a smart smoke and carbon monoxide detector with Alexa voice control, making it both a safety tool and a hands-free assistant. It sends alerts to a smartphone app and can even play music or control other smart devices.
- Kidde Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarm with Indoor Air Quality Monitor: In addition to detecting smoke and carbon monoxide, this device monitors indoor air quality, which can be especially important for elderly individuals with respiratory issues. It sends alerts to a smartphone app, allowing family members to stay informed.
Key Features:
- Smoke and carbon monoxide detection
- Smartphone notifications and alerts
- Voice alerts for easier comprehension
- Integration with other smart home devices
By integrating smart sensors and alarms into the home, you can ensure that elderly family members are protected from potential hazards, with early detection and instant notifications that can save lives.
Related Post: Best 10 Smart Smoke and CO Detectors
9. Smart Plugs and Power Strips: Reducing Energy Hazards
Many elderly individuals may forget to turn off appliances or electronics, creating a fire hazard or unnecessarily increasing energy usage. Smart plugs and power strips can solve this problem by allowing family members or caregivers to remotely control appliances, or even set schedules for turning off certain devices.
Best Smart Plugs and Power Strips for Elderly Safety:
- TP-Link Kasa Smart Plug: This easy-to-use smart plug allows users to control any connected device remotely via a smartphone app. It’s compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant, making it easy for elderly individuals to control appliances with voice commands.
- Amazon Smart Plug: This simple smart plug integrates seamlessly with Amazon Alexa, allowing elderly individuals to control devices like lamps, fans, or even kitchen appliances with their voice or through the Alexa app. It’s perfect for those who might forget to turn off appliances.
- APC Smart Plug Surge Protector: For added protection, this smart surge protector offers six outlets that can be controlled remotely. It also protects against electrical surges, which can damage devices or pose a safety risk.
Key Features:
- Remote control of connected devices
- Voice control integration with Alexa and Google Assistant
- Scheduling capabilities for automatic power management
- Surge protection for added safety
Smart plugs and power strips can reduce the risk of electrical fires, manage energy usage, and provide family members with peace of mind, knowing that important appliances are safely turned off when not in use.
Related Post: Best 10 Smart Plugs And Outlets
10. Smart Door and Window Sensors: Extra Security at Entry Points
For elderly individuals living alone, one of the primary concerns is home security. Smart door and window sensors can provide an added layer of protection by detecting when doors or windows are opened. These sensors can send notifications to both the elderly resident and family members, alerting them to any potential security breaches.
Best Smart Door and Window Sensors for Elderly Security:
- Ring Alarm Contact Sensors: These sensors are part of the Ring Alarm security system and can be placed on doors or windows to detect when they are opened. They send instant alerts to a smartphone app, allowing family members or caregivers to monitor their loved one’s home security in real time.
- Wyze Sense: This budget-friendly option offers door and window sensors that can be paired with a Wyze Cam for full home monitoring. Notifications are sent to the user’s phone if a door or window is opened unexpectedly.
- SimpliSafe Entry Sensors: These sensors are part of the SimpliSafe security system and can be used on doors and windows to detect unauthorized entry. Family members can receive alerts via the SimpliSafe app, allowing them to act quickly if necessary.
Key Features:
- Instant alerts for door and window openings
- Integration with home security systems
- Smartphone notifications for real-time monitoring
- Easy installation
By using smart door and window sensors, you can ensure that elderly family members living alone are protected from potential break-ins, giving both you and them greater peace of mind.
Related Post: Best 10 Smart Motion Sensors
Final Thoughts
Protecting elderly family members living alone doesn’t have to be complicated or intrusive. With the right smart home devices, you can provide them with the safety, security, and convenience they need while respecting their independence. From medical alert systems and smart locks to cameras, sensors, and medication management tools, these devices can significantly improve the quality of life for your elderly loved ones.
The key is to find the right combination of devices that meet your specific needs. Whether it’s ensuring they take their medications on time, monitoring their home’s security, or making it easier for them to manage daily tasks, smart home technology can make a world of difference in keeping your elderly family members safe and comfortable while they live independently.
By investing in these smart home solutions, you can rest easier knowing that even if you’re not physically present, you’re always connected and informed, providing your loved ones with the best care possible in their golden years.
