What Technology Can Help Caregivers Monitor Someone at Home?

A growing range of technology is available to help caregivers monitor the safety and wellbeing of someone at home. These tools range from simple audio monitors and wearable alert buttons to more sophisticated sensor systems, vital-sign monitors, and medication management devices. No technology replaces human care and judgement, but the right tools can extend a caregiver's awareness, reduce anxiety, and allow the person being cared for to remain at home more safely. Privacy, consent, and the person's own preferences are important considerations in any monitoring decision.

Community experiences are being collected and reviewed. Share your experience below if you have personally dealt with this situation.

Categories of available technology — not endorsements of specific products or companies

• Movement or bed-exit sensors — devices placed under the mattress or near the bed that alert the caregiver when the person gets up or moves significantly.

  Widely used in home care; particularly useful for people at fall risk or with nighttime confusion.

• Personal emergency response systems (PERS) — wearable buttons or pendants the person can press to call for help if they fall or feel unwell.

  Well-established technology; effectiveness depends on the person wearing the device and being able to press the button.

• Wearable devices — smartwatches or fitness trackers that can monitor heart rate, activity levels, and in some cases detect falls automatically.

  Emerging category; accuracy and reliability vary by device and individual. Not a substitute for medical monitoring.

• Vital-sign monitoring — devices that measure blood pressure, oxygen saturation, or heart rate at home and can share readings with caregivers or healthcare providers.

  Useful for people with chronic conditions; readings should be interpreted in consultation with a healthcare professional.

• Medication reminder systems — automated dispensers or apps that remind the person when to take medications and alert the caregiver if a dose is missed.

  Can significantly reduce medication errors; particularly valuable for people managing multiple medications.

• Video or audio communication — tablets, smart displays, or simple video-call devices that allow the person to see and speak with family members or caregivers remotely.

  Reduces isolation and allows visual check-ins; privacy and consent of the person being monitored must be respected.

• Environmental sensors — devices that monitor temperature, humidity, smoke, or carbon monoxide, and can alert caregivers to unsafe conditions.

  Practical safety measure; widely available and relatively low cost.

• NIA — Aging in Place: Growing Older at Home ↗

  The NIA discusses home monitoring technology as part of its guidance on ageing in place, noting that personal emergency response systems and other devices can support safety and independence for older adults.

• AHRQ — Remote Patient Monitoring ↗

  AHRQ has reviewed evidence on remote patient monitoring and home-based technology, finding that some systems — particularly for chronic disease management — show promise, while evidence for other applications remains limited or mixed.

• CDC — Falls Prevention ↗

  The CDC's fall-prevention resources note that technology such as bed-exit alarms and personal alert systems can be part of a broader fall-prevention strategy, alongside environmental modifications and exercise programmes.

• WHO — Assistive Technology ↗

  WHO's work on digital health and assistive technology recognises the potential of home monitoring tools to support older adults and people with disabilities, while emphasising the importance of affordability, usability, and ethical use.

These are suggested questions you may wish to discuss with a doctor, occupational therapist, or assistive technology specialist.

• 1

  What are the specific safety risks for this person at home, and which types of monitoring technology would address them most effectively?

• 2

  Are there any health conditions — such as a pacemaker or skin sensitivity — that would affect which devices are safe to use?

• 3

  How should we interpret readings from home monitoring devices, and when should a reading prompt us to seek medical attention?

• 4

  Are there occupational therapy or assistive technology services that could help us assess and set up appropriate monitoring tools?

• 5

  How do we ensure the person being monitored understands and consents to the monitoring, and that their privacy is respected?