Aging in place is the goal for most older adults, and for good reason. Staying in a familiar home means comfort, independence, and a sense of control over daily life. But as needs change over time, safety concerns can start to weigh on both seniors and their families. Today’s technology offers practical, approachable solutions that can make a real difference in seniors’ home safety. These products, including emergency response tools to simplified communication devices, address common challenges older adults face at home. Below, we’ve organized 10 types of technology by the problems they solve so you can focus on what matters most for your situation.
Safety and emergency response technology for seniors’ home safety
When it comes to aging in place, having a reliable way to call for help in an emergency is one of the most important first steps.
Medical alert systems
Medical alert systems give seniors a wearable device, typically a pendant or wristband, that connects them to a 24/7 monitoring center at the press of a button. Many newer models also include automatic fall detection, GPS tracking for use outside the home, and two-way communication so the wearer can speak directly with an operator.
Products like the Medical Guardian and Bay Alarm Medical systems offer a range of plans from basic in-home coverage to mobile options for active seniors. For a deeper comparison, check out our guide to the best medical alert systems for seniors.
Smart smoke, carbon monoxide, and water leak detectors
Traditional smoke detectors do their job, but smart versions take safety a step further. Devices like the Google First Alert SC5 smart smoke and carbon monoxide alarm send smartphone alerts to family members when smoke or carbon monoxide is detected, meaning someone can check in even if the senior doesn’t hear the alarm.
Smart water leak sensors, such as those from Govee, can detect leaks near water heaters or under sinks early, preventing costly damage and dangerous slip hazards.
Monitoring and security technology for seniors’ home safety
Feeling safe at home often starts at the front door. These tools help seniors see who’s visiting and allow family members to keep a caring eye on things from a distance.
Video doorbells and smart locks
Video doorbells like the Ring video doorbell and Google Nest doorbell let seniors see and speak with visitors from a tablet or smartphone without getting up to answer the door. This is especially helpful for those with mobility challenges or concerns about unexpected visitors. Paired with a smart lock like the August Wi-Fi smart lock, family members or caregivers can also unlock the door remotely for trusted visitors like home health aides.
Motion sensors and activity monitoring
Activity monitoring systems can use in-home motion and door sensors and wearable-based monitoring to track daily patterns, like when the refrigerator is opened, when someone gets out of bed, or how often they move between rooms. For example, Medical Guardian’s Family Guardian package includes in-home sensors and can alert caregivers when someone is not following their usual routine. CarePredict, via its Tempo wearable paired with in-home beacons, monitors patterns in activity, sleep, and mobility and can notify family members when it detects subtle changes that may signal a concern.
A note on privacy: These tools can be incredibly valuable, but they also raise important questions about autonomy. We’ll address how to navigate those conversations respectfully at the end of this article.
Medication management technology
Medication management is an important issue for seniors, as missed or incorrect doses are a serious concern for many older adults managing multiple prescriptions. Technology can offer helpful reminders and safeguards.
Medication reminder devices
Simple reminder clocks and apps can alert seniors when it’s time to take their medication. Devices like the MedMinder pill dispenser feature flashing lights, audible alarms, and even phone call reminders. For more options, see our roundup of useful products to increase medication adherence in seniors.
Automatic pill dispensers
For seniors taking multiple medications at different times, automatic dispensers like the Hero smart dispenser pre-sort and dispense the correct pills at the right time. Caregivers can manage schedules remotely through a companion app, and the system sends alerts if a dose is missed. This removes the guesswork and reduces the risk of dangerous medication errors.
Communication and connection technology
Social isolation is one of the biggest threats to seniors’ well-being. The right communication tools can help older adults stay close to family and friends without the frustration of complicated technology.
Simplified smartphones and tablets
Standard smartphones can be overwhelming, but devices designed specifically for seniors strip away the complexity. The Lively’s Jitterbug line of phones features large buttons, a simplified menu, and an urgent response button. The GrandPad tablet takes things even further with extra-large icons, a private family network that blocks spam, built-in 4G LTE connectivity, and 24/7 live customer support, all designed so that even someone with zero tech experience can make video calls and share photos. For help choosing the right device, explore our guide on what type of cell phone you should get.
Video-calling devices
Staying face-to-face with family doesn’t have to mean fumbling with apps. The Amazon Echo Show allows seniors to make video calls with simple voice commands. Just say the contact’s name, and the call connects. For an even more seamless experience, JubileeTV turns a senior’s existing television into a video-calling hub. Family members can initiate calls through an app, and the system can auto-answer so the senior doesn’t need to press a thing. It also doubles as a remote caregiving tool, letting family members send medication reminders and check in quietly when needed.
Smart devices around the home
Small changes to everyday lighting can make a big difference in preventing falls, the leading cause of injury among older adults.
Voice-controlled lighting
Smart bulbs and switches from brands like Philips Hue and Caséta by Lutron can be paired with compatible voice assistants (such as Alexa, Google Assistant, or Siri) so seniors can turn lights on and off with a simple voice command via a smart speaker. No more fumbling for switches in the dark or navigating dimly lit hallways. Caregivers can also set lighting schedules so that key areas of the home are automatically well-lit during evening and nighttime hours.
Motion-sensor nightlights
For a no-tech-required option, motion-sensor nightlights automatically illuminate when someone walks by and shut off after they pass. Products like the GE LED motion-sensor night light and Vont Aura LED night light are inexpensive, easy to install, and highly effective in hallways, bathrooms, and near staircases, areas where nighttime falls commonly occur.
A word about privacy and respect
As technology becomes a bigger part of home safety, it’s essential to remember that the senior’s comfort and autonomy should always come first. Monitoring tools and smart cameras can offer peace of mind, but they can also feel intrusive if introduced without open conversation.
The most successful approach is to involve the senior in every decision. Talk openly about what each device does, what information it shares, and who has access. Frame the conversation around shared goals, staying safe, maintaining independence, and reducing worry for everyone, rather than around control. When a senior feels like a partner in the process rather than a subject of surveillance, they’re far more likely to embrace the technology and benefit from it.
Taking the next step for seniors’ home safety with technology
You don’t need to adopt every tool on this list to make a meaningful difference. Start with the one or two areas that feel most pressing, whether that’s fall safety, medication management, or simply staying in touch, and build from there. Many of these products are more affordable and easier to set up than you might expect, and the right combination can extend the years a loved one can safely and comfortably remain at home.
