Daily Check-in Apps
These apps are the most straightforward way to monitor someone living alone. They operate on the principle of a daily, scheduled 'check-in,' which the user performs by tapping a button on their smartphone. If the check-in is missed, the app automatically alerts pre-selected emergency contacts.
- Snug Safety: One of the most prominent apps in this category, Snug offers a daily, scheduled check-in process. A user simply opens the app and confirms they are okay. If a check-in is missed, the free version notifies emergency contacts via text message. The paid version includes a dispatcher service that will call the user and, if there is no response, coordinate a wellness check with authorities.
- AllsOK: Similar to Snug, AllsOK is a daily check-in app that sends an email alert to a trusted contact if a check-in is missed. It's a simple, email-based notification system suitable for users who prefer fewer features and an easy setup process.
- CheckinBee: Designed for family members and caregivers, CheckinBee provides a daily touchpoint for loved ones living alone. If a check-in is missed, designated family members receive a notification, offering peace of mind from a distance.
Apps with GPS and Fall Detection Features
For those with a higher risk of falls or a tendency to wander, more robust apps offer enhanced monitoring features. These often require a wearable device, like a smartwatch, to function effectively.
- Life360: While primarily a family safety app, Life360 features real-time location sharing, crash detection, and emergency alerts that can be very helpful for seniors living alone. It allows family members to know their loved one's location and receive alerts for emergencies.
- FallSafety Pro: This app uses a smartphone's accelerometer to detect falls and automatically alerts emergency contacts with the user's GPS location via text, call, or email. It's a more proactive solution than a simple check-in for those with higher mobility risks.
- AngelSense: Specifically designed for individuals with dementia or a tendency to wander, AngelSense uses a wearable GPS tracker that is discreetly attached to clothing. It offers continuous updates on location, includes an SOS button, and provides two-way communication capabilities.
Passive Monitoring Systems
For a more comprehensive and non-intrusive approach, smart home technology and sensor-based systems can monitor daily routines without requiring the user to interact with an app. These systems learn a person's habits and alert caregivers to any significant changes in routine.
- Caregiver Smart Solutions: This system uses discreet sensors placed around the home to monitor activity, including door openings, medication cabinet usage, and movement patterns. The system alerts caregivers to unusual behavior, such as a sudden change in sleep patterns or activity levels, providing valuable insights without the need for cameras.
- envoyatHome: This passive monitoring service uses sensors that track movement and daily routines without requiring the user to wear a device. It alerts caregivers to unusual behavior patterns, such as staying in the bathroom for an extended time or wandering at night, providing critical information for early intervention.
- Alarm.com Wellness: This system integrates with a home security system and uses sensors to track daily activity patterns. It can alert caregivers to unusual changes, such as a lack of activity during hours when the user is normally active, and can be paired with an emergency button.
Comparison of App and System Types
| Feature | Daily Check-in Apps (e.g., Snug Safety) | Apps with GPS/Fall Detection (e.g., Life360) | Passive Monitoring Systems (e.g., Caregiver Smart Solutions) |
|---|---|---|---|
| User Interaction | Requires active daily tap to confirm safety. | Often requires carrying a smartphone or wearable device. | No user interaction required after initial setup. |
| Privacy | High. Only contacts are alerted upon a missed check-in. | Lower. Involves continuous GPS tracking. | Highest. Uses non-camera, non-audio sensors to protect privacy. |
| Proactive Monitoring | Reactive. Alerts sent after a missed check-in. | Can be proactive with features like fall detection. | Most proactive. Learns routines and alerts to subtle changes before an emergency occurs. |
| Cost | Ranges from free (basic) to low monthly subscription. | Free versions available, premium features cost extra. | Often involves a higher upfront cost for hardware and a monthly fee. |
| Use Case | Best for tech-savvy individuals who are generally independent but want a safety net. | Best for individuals with mobility risks or a tendency to wander. | Best for maximizing privacy while enabling comprehensive monitoring for subtle changes in routine. |
Conclusion
For those asking, "Is there an app to check on people living alone?", the answer is a resounding yes, with a multitude of options tailored to different needs and privacy levels. Daily check-in apps like Snug and AllsOK provide a simple, respectful way to ensure a loved one is okay. For enhanced safety, apps with GPS and fall detection features like Life360 and FallSafety Pro offer more proactive alerts. Finally, for the most discreet and comprehensive monitoring, passive systems from providers like Caregiver Smart Solutions or envoyatHome track routines without compromising privacy. The right choice empowers both the person living alone and their family with greater security and peace of mind. For more insights on how technology can aid independent living, read this comprehensive guide.
