Best Monitoring Devices for Seniors: Safety & Health Tracking Guide
Aging-in-place can introduce a host of new challenges and concerns for both the individual and their loved ones.
Monitoring devices and advances in the technology that make them possible offer reliable support and peace of mind for seniors living at home and their extended care networks.
With a wide range of monitoring devices available, finding the right one for you or your loved one will vary depending on your goals, your budget, and your comfort level with technology.
In this article, we’ll cover some of the most common capabilities of monitoring devices for seniors, their advantages and drawbacks, and how to choose the right one for your needs.
Key takeaways
Monitoring devices can help seniors manage their health and support their physical safety and independence.
Common features of monitoring devices for seniors include medical alerts, fall detection, GPS tracking, and remote health monitoring for chronic conditions.
Finding the right monitoring device for you will vary based on many individualized factors, including your health goals, your budget, and your comfort with technology.
What is a monitoring device for seniors?
Monitoring devices are technological solutions that support the safety and independence of seniors who choose to stay at home rather than moving into an assisted living facility. Many of these devices offer a variety of capabilities, including emergency response systems, fall detection, GPS tracking, and remote health monitoring.
Medical alert system
Medical alert systems, sometimes referred to as personal emergency response systems, enable the individual to call for help, usually with the push of a single button. Many of these medical alert systems are designed to be worn around the neck like a necklace or around the wrist, making the call button as accessible as possible.
Examples of medical alert systems include:
Fall detection
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one out of four older people falls each year, accounting for roughly 3 million emergency department visits.
Devices with fall detection technology can connect the wearer with an immediate response team if and when a fall occurs. Research also suggests that wearing devices with fall detection makes seniors living at home feel more confident in remaining active around their home.
Monitoring devices with fall detection are typically worn all day. If a fall is detected, most devices will provide feedback in the form of alerts and calls for help, which can be to local emergency services and/or emergency contacts.
Monitoring devices that offer fall detection include:
GPS tracking
Older adults who are prone to wandering or getting lost, including those who suffer from dementia or Alzheimer’s, may benefit from GPS tracking on a monitoring system. GPS tracking allows family members and caregivers to keep track of their loved one’s real-time location in and out of the house.
Devices with GPS tracking include:
Remote health monitoring
Remote health monitoring devices, sometimes referred to as remote patient monitoring devices, collect and report real-time health data of people managing a chronic health condition. Some people may also choose a remote health monitoring device to prevent a chronic condition from developing.
Examples of health data that these types of devices collect include:
Blood pressure
Heart rate
Blood glucose
Temperature
Blood oxygen saturation
Some types of remote monitoring devices can also share your data with your professional healthcare team in effort to identify emerging health problems.
Examples of devices that offer remote health monitoring include:
Choosing and implementing a monitoring device
Choosing the right monitoring device requires assessing your unique health goals and comfort with wearable technology.
How to select the right monitoring device
There are a few questions you can ask yourself to help guide you in selecting the right monitoring device for your needs:
What are my health goals?: Underlining your primary goals with a monitoring device will help you select the one best for your needs. For example:
Are you interested in a reliable medical alert system that’s easy to call if you fall or sustain an injury?
Are you concerned about falling?
Do you want to track specific health metrics that support chronic condition management?
Or are you looking for a device that supports all of these capabilities?
Usability: How comfortable are you or your loved one with technology? If comfort level is low, you may want to choose a monitoring device that’s simple and easy-to-use, with one or two main features. But if you’re more comfortable with complex technology, you may consider a device with more robust capabilities.
Where will you use the device? Evaluate likely coverage areas and response capabilities. Will you need access to WiFi to use the device? Will you use the device primarily at home, or at home and on the go?
Cost: What is your budget for a monitoring device? Will your insurance help to cover the cost?
Important features and factors to consider
In addition to the factors listed above, there are other features that may be of particular interest to you, including:
Battery life and charging requirements: How often do you want to recharge your device?
Waterproof ratings and durability: Will you need your device to be waterproof or especially durable?
Cellular vs WiFi connectivity: How will you connect to your device?
Setup and activation process
Understanding the setup and activation process of a potential monitoring device can also help you to pick the right one for your needs. If you’re able, ask a loved one or friend who’s proficient in technology to help you install your device and train you on its main features.
Setup and activation factors to consider include:
Device installation and initial configuration
Emergency contact setup and testing procedures
Bottom line
Monitoring devices can support your independence and peace of mind while living and aging at home. Pinpointing your health goals, whether it be fall detection, medical alerts, or remote health monitoring, will help you to find the best device for your needs. However, it’s important to consider other factors, including cost and usability, as well.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most reliable monitoring device for seniors living alone?
The most reliable monitoring device for seniors living alone will vary depending on their health needs and comfort with technology. Picking a device that’s easy to use and understand can help to ensure the device adds value to their quality of life and peace of mind.
Do monitoring devices work without WiFi or cell service?
Yes, some devices can work over bluetooth. However, it’s important to research a potential device’s capabilities to ensure you select the right one for your needs.
How much do senior monitoring devices cost per month?
The cost of senior monitoring devices will vary depending on the type and its features. However, some monitoring devices do not require a monthly fee.
Sources
Moore, K., O’Shea, E., Kenny, L., Barton, J., Tedesco, S., Sica, M., Crowe, C., Alamäki, A., Condell, J., Nordström, A., & Timmons, S. (2021). Older Adults’ experiences with using wearable Devices: Qualitative systematic review and meta-synthesis. JMIR Mhealth and Uhealth, 9(6), e23832. https://doi.org/10.2196/23832
Facts about falls. (2024, May 9). Older Adult Fall Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/falls/data-research/facts-stats/?CDC_AAref_Val=https://www.cdc.gov/falls/facts.html
De San Miguel, K., Lewin, G., Burton, E. L., Howat, P., Boldy, D., & Toye, C. (2017). Personal emergency alarms: do health outcomes differ for purchasers and nonpurchasers? Home Health Care Services Quarterly, 36(3–4), 164–177. https://doi.org/10.1080/01621424.2017.1373718