What kind of monitoring system works for a parent living alone?
The right monitoring system depends on how your parent lives and what worries you most. Most families choose among medical alert buttons, fall detection devices and home sensors.
- Medical alert button: worn on the wrist or neck. Your parent presses it to get help.
- Fall detection: a wearable that can call for help after a fall, with no button press.
- Home sensors: small devices on doors or beds that alert you to activity, like your parent being up at night.
Some systems connect to a call center with live staff for a monthly fee. Others call family or 911 directly. If your parent goes out often, ask about GPS.
Before you sign up, watch for activation fees and look for a free trial. Ask about battery life and low battery alerts.
Choose the system together so it feels like support, not spying. Not sure it is needed yet? Read whether your parent can live alone safely.
Sources
This answer is general information, not medical, legal or financial advice. Rules can vary by state.
ASK CASA
Have a question about your parent?
Tell us what you are noticing. A member of the CASA team will reply by phone or email with guidance that fits your family.
KEEP EXPLORING
Keep going with the questions that come next
You don't have to figure this out alone
Ask questions and learn from other families in the CASA community.