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Over 50 million people at least 65 years old live in the U.S., and more than a quarter of them live alone, according the Administration for Community Living[1]. Among people in that age group, one out of four fall every year, reports the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)[2]. Because risk of falls and other adverse health events increases as people age, older adults interested in living independently as long as possible might want to consider a home monitoring device that can help them age in place safely.
Thanks to recent technological advances in home monitoring systems designed for older adults, there’s now a wide variety of advanced systems to choose from that can increase peace of mind for older adults, their loved ones and their caregivers. Read on to learn about monitoring systems for in-home safety, including top choices from experts.
- $30 for fall detection equipment, service starts at $39.95 a month
- Automatic fall detection included in package cost
- Home base device plugs in, and battery for wearable button lasts up to five years without charging
- Better Business Bureau Rating: A+; Trustpilot Rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars
What Are In-Home Monitoring Systems?
In-home monitoring systems are part of a growing industry where researchers are investigating more efficient, cost-effective ways to improve the health and safety of older people living alone while reducing the care burden on health care providers and family caregivers. These monitoring devices and systems use technology to help monitor older adults at home or on the go, connecting them to caregivers and emergency services if needed. A company’s software captures data it receives from the user—whether from a button the user pushes or motion or inactivity detected by sensors—that could be cause for alarm.
Home monitoring systems can be described as either “active,” meaning a system requires a user to press a button on a home unit, wearable device or wall to call for help, or “passive,” which describes a system that can transmit data from the user without requiring them to do anything if they fall or become unresponsive.
These systems vary in terms of purpose and technological complexity. In health care settings, for example, remote patient monitoring via wearable devices can measure and transmit real-time health data, such as heart rate and blood pressure, from patients at home to their health care providers, says Ankur Patel, M.D., chief medical officer for Tabula Rasa HealthCare in Moorestown, New Jersey. Older people at risk for falls, dizziness or vertigo might prefer a simpler call button that provides a link to emergency services via a two-way speaker. Meanwhile, active older adults might benefit from an on-the-go device equipped with GPS to provide peace of mind during outdoor activities or travel.
The best monitoring system for an older person depends on their individual goals, says Dr. Patel.
“If an older person is healthy but isolated and not moving much, a wellness device that tracks how well they’re sleeping, how much they’re walking and whether they take medications on time can be helpful,” says Dr. Patel.
If caregivers are concerned a loved one has dementia, yet they want to remain independent and live alone, a more robust home monitoring system (such as one with cameras or motion sensors) might be appropriate. Many monitoring systems connect to free apps that keep caregivers up to date about doors opened late at night, for example, or opened refrigerators or missed medications, adds Dr. Patel.
Typically, the best in-home monitoring systems are simple to set up and easy to use—and include a two-way speaker option, a water-resistant wearable and fall detection technology, says Jennifer Conlan, a registered nurse and gerontologist based in North Carolina. Additionally, consider the range of the system (the maximum distance a call button device can function from a base unit, for instance), how the device is worn (such as a wristband or necklace), its battery life and whether it includes cameras to see what’s going on in the home if that level of monitoring is warranted, says Conlan.
How In-Home Monitoring Systems Differ From Medical Alert Systems
In-home monitoring systems for older adults tend to fit into one of three categories, says Dr. Patel:
- Wellness devices that can monitor health data, such as steps, heart rate and sleep
- Personal emergency response systems (PERS), such as medical alert systems or dementia-related monitoring devices that use cameras or motion detectors
- Remote patient monitoring, or telehealth, which is offered by health care providers
Medical alert systems are a specific type of an elderly monitoring system, but not all in-home monitoring systems are considered medical alert systems.
- Service starts at $19.95/mo
- 2-way communication during an emergency
- 32-hour battery backup in the event of a power outage
- Help button has a signal range of up to 1,000 feet
- Up to 5 years of battery life
Call NowIn-Home, Elderly Monitoring System Costs
Simpler monitoring systems that connect to a landline can cost as little as $25 a month while mobile-friendly systems or motion detector home systems can cost as much as $100 a month. Most monitoring systems fall within that price range.
Prices also vary when it comes to a system’s required equipment and setup fees. Fall detection usually costs extra, too—typically $10 per month. On-the-go systems that use a cellular network and/or GPS often cost more than in-home systems that connect to landlines.
When researching elderly monitoring systems, ask about discounts for veterans or AARP members.
Are In-Home Monitoring Systems Covered by Insurance?
Monitoring systems aren’t considered “medically necessary” under Medicare’s Durable Medical Equipment (DME) guidelines and therefore aren’t typically covered by Medicare.
Some states’ Medicaid programs, however, offer Home and Community Based Services (HCSB) or 1915 waivers that might provide funding for a PERS if you meet certain age, health and income requirements. Check with your state’s area agency on aging and Medicaid services office to see if you qualify.
Private health care typically doesn’t cover in-home, elderly monitoring systems, but some Medicare Advantage (Medicare Part C) plans might cover PERS, says Dr. Patel. It’s worth contacting your Medicare Advantage provider to find out what your coverage offers.
Best Elderly Monitoring Systems for In-Home Safety, According to Experts
Ready to shop for an elderly monitoring system? Check out our expert recommendations below.
Apple Watch
- Equipment costs range from $249 to $799 depending on the model
- No monthly monitoring fees
- 10% veterans discount available
Get Your First Month Free On annual orders using code FORBESFREE at checkout
envoyatHome
- Eight home sensors cost $399
- Monthly monitoring fees cost $99
- Additional sensors cost $35 each
Lively Mobile Plus
- Lively “Health & Safety” packages range from $25 per month for the basic plan and $35 per month for the premium plan
- Fall detection costs an additional $10 per month
- Activation fee is $35 if ordering by phone and $25 if you activate online
- Customers can add Alexa to any existing Lively Health & Safety package for free if they already have a Jitterbug phone or Lively Mobile Plus device
- A separate plan, Lively on Alexa, is $25 with no activation fees
