8 Devices to Keep Elderly Family Members Safe at Home

In short, your mind will be easier and your elderly relative will be safer at home.

Some of the devices below (and other smart, safe, and sound security devices:4 Great Smart and Secure Home Security Devices:4 Great Smart Home Security Devices More We've Covered Before) will need a Internet connection. But in case this isn't available, we've included a few that will still work offline. We have tried to select only those that are affordable and easy to set up, although there is one device that will require a plumber to install.

We hope these suggestions help you keep your elderly relatives safe and reduce the stress of knowing they may be home alone.

Self-learning alarms

The dangers of falling asleep when (or forgetting) the stove is on are hard to underestimate. That's why a number of stove alarms, like Innohome's highly recommended offering, have hit the market. These act as more than just a simple smoke or heat detector.

The Innohome SA101 model actually learns The usual cooking habits within a specific kitchen. So if your great aunt likes to fry her bacon on high heat, the alarm won't startle her every time she's in the kitchen.

The purpose of the alarm is to alert your family member. before toxic gases are produced, before a fire starts, and without being a hindrance like many other kitchen alarms tend to be.

Temperature alerts to your phone

There are a variety of temperature and humidity monitoring devices available. These alert the user to unusual or dangerous temperature changes. This technology is often used in companies to ensure greenhouses don't get cold or server rooms don't get too hot. It also has useful home uses. That is, to let you know if your relative's house is dangerously cold during the winter, forcing you to stop by to make sure everything is okay.

One reliable option is La Crosse Alerts 926-25101-GP, which sends text or email alerts to a selected recipient. However, this model requires a Wi-Fi connection to work. If your grandparents don't have internet connectivity, you may want to consider the more expensive Temperature Alert ($399.99 for the cellular version) that plugs directly into an electrical outlet.

To send text messages, both options will require an annual cellular plan, which is an additional cost to consider.

Motion Triggered Reminders

Memo Minder senses when your family member is leaving the house (or in a certain room). It then automatically plays a personal message recorded by your relative or family member, which can be up to 20 seconds long.

For example, if they are about to leave the house, a message could play saying, “Hey Pops, it's Dan! Don't forget your keys and medications.” If they're approaching the stairs, you could tell. "Make sure you use your stick." If door-to-door sales staff is an unwanted problem, the message could be a reminder to request identification.

Unfortunately, there are currently no reviews on the Amazon US page, but you can read some on Amazon UK.

The updated Memo Minder Plus also detects the direction of movement to help further personalize the message, although this model is not yet available in the US.

Monitoring audio, video (and more)

Canary is a complete and intelligent security system that is controlled remotely and adapts to your home over time. You can read our full review here Canary Home Security System and Review Canary Home Security System Review and Competition Canary is finally here:"everyone's first smart security device." Is it the last word in affordable home security and monitoring systems, or just another overpriced and glorified webcam? Read more.

Once installed, you can receive a real-time audio and video feed of your home, with an optional motion-activated recording option. This means that when no one is home, Canary knows to monitor for unusual activity.

If someone breaks into the house, there's also a 90+ DB siren that can sound, along with built-in humidity, air quality, and temperature sensors.

Unlike the temperature alert devices mentioned elsewhere in this article, there are no monthly fees, no contracts, and no cellular plans to sign up for. Despite a couple of issues some people have with installing on Android, setup is largely a painless procedure. This configuration issue should be fixed shortly.

Of course, Canary can't communicate with other smart devices (other than her phone). However, this is a fantastic option that allows you to check that everything is okay at your relative's house simply by logging into the (occasionally updated) app. If something is wrong, push notifications can be set up to notify you immediately.

Motion detection light sockets

First Alert:Motion detects light sensors when someone enters and leaves a room, and turns the light on and off accordingly. This saves on energy bills., and means no one needs to stumble around in the dark looking for the light switch.

To install, simply screw the light sensor into the light socket, then screw the bulb into the sensor. The sensor will detect movement around a full 360 degrees and has a sensitivity range of 12 feet.

Other options are light detection. bulbs (instead of just the sensor), including the iRainy E27 and the Mudder E27. If you are more electrically minded, installing a motion sensing light switch may be preferable.

Easy key access

A key safe can ensure that your family member can always get into your home if he loses or forgets his keys. There are many options available, with the wall mounted Master Lock 5401D being one of the most reputable.

These safes are secured with customizable combinations. So make sure you have access to the combination in case your family member forgets.

Smart keyless locks

If you're not comfortable leaving a key out in a safe, you can always use Lockitron (now open for pre-order at $99). This is a smart lock that remotely opens a deadbolt lock from anywhere (as long as there is Wi-Fi access). If your family member forgets their password, they can call you, you open the Lockitron app (iOS / Android) and click to open the front door.

This seems to be one of the best options available, as it doesn't damage or replace your existing lock, and you can still open it with a key. Unfortunately, it doesn't work with all locks, but you can check it from the app itself, before you buy the device.

Prevent toilets from overflowing

Anyone with a forgetful mind will know the dangers that come with running a toilet. In response to this, the Flowban (~$180) is a clever piece of engineering that prevents toilets from overflowing. The contraption works by mechanically closing the faucets when the water level reaches overflow.

Although you will have to pay a plumber to install Flowban, as the company's chief engineer says, “Installing these is an insurance policy. It's not uncommon for a guest to leave the bathroom running and maybe take a phone call or watch TV, only to find there's water all over the floor.”

You can purchase your own Flowban on eBay or by emailing the company directly.

What other devices could help?

With our lives so hectic, sometimes we can put it off too long to see an elderly friend or relative. Or maybe we spend more time than we need to worry about them being okay. These are just a few of the devices on the market that can help ensure that when we're not around, those who are more vulnerable than we are are kept safer. This allows us to have more confidence that they are safe both inside and outside Don't be a victim:your smartphone as a personal security device Don't be a victim:your smartphone as a personal security device Whether you are a man or a woman, visit New places can present a long list of dangers you didn't even know existed, especially if it's the first time you've been there... Read more about your home.

Like the Internet of Things What is the Internet of Things and how will it affect our future? [MakeUseOf Explains] What is the Internet of Things and how will it affect our future? [MakeUseOf Explains] It seems there are new buzzwords that are appearing and dying with each passing day, and "the Internet of Things" is one of the newest ideas that... Read More Devices will require an Internet connection. If this is something your older family members lack due to lack of technical knowledge, you need to introduce them to a Chromebook 5 Reasons Chromebooks Are the Perfect Computer for an Elderly Person older It's your grandfather's birthday - but what should you buy him? You could get her socks (again), some gardening equipment, or maybe a big bottle of whiskey… Or you could buy her a Chromebook. Read more . A basic smartphone with bigger icons and screens Bigger icons and keyboards for a phone Mom would love:Android can make the techies of older people Bigger icons and keyboards for a phone Mom would love:Android can make the elderly tech savvy The elderly are often intimidated by new technology. Smartphones in particular have not caught up with retirees compared to the Facebook generation. And for good reason:the tiny screens and keyboards seem designed to be addictive... Read More This will help them not only enjoy the benefits of being online, but also ensure that you can always reach them.

What other devices have you seen that could help older friends or family members stay safe?