Trustpilot

How to Monitor Elderly Parents Living Alone Without Invading Their Privacy

older woman on phone

As our parents age, many of us face the challenge of ensuring their safety while respecting their independence. For elderly parents living alone, the balance between monitoring their well-being and preserving their privacy can be particularly delicate. Fortunately, modern technology offers solutions that provide peace of mind for families without overstepping boundaries. 

At SECOM, we understand this delicate balance and have developed innovative systems to help families stay connected and informed while maintaining their loved ones’ dignity and independence.

The challenge of monitoring elderly parents

Elderly parents often value their independence and may resist intrusive monitoring methods. Traditional care options, such as moving into a care home or having a caregiver present at all times, can feel overwhelming and unnecessary for those who are still largely self-sufficient. However, the risks of falls, medical emergencies, or sudden changes in routine are real concerns for families.

This is where smart home monitoring systems and personal alarms come into play. These technologies allow families to keep an eye on their loved ones’ well-being without being physically present or overly invasive.

Smart Wellness: a discreet and effective solution

For those who aren’t ready to wear a personal alarm, our Smart Wellness system offers a smart home monitoring solution that doesn’t require wearables. Instead, it uses an array of detectors and sensors tailored to your loved one’s needs to monitor activity in their home.

Wellness sends notifications to your smart device, keeping you informed about whether your family member is active or inactive. The platform also provides a comprehensive overview of their daily routine and generates reports, helping you spot any unusual patterns of behaviour. This system is ideal for those who need extra support to maintain independent living but aren’t comfortable with wearable devices.

Smart Wellness is a cost-effective alternative to traditional telecare and care homes, offering peace of mind for the whole family. It’s a perfect example of how technology can bridge the gap between safety and privacy.

Personal alarms: tailored to your needs

For those who prefer a more direct form of emergency assistance, our personal alarm systems provide reliable and immediate support. We offer three (amongst many others) unique options to suit different needs:

  1. Care Hub: combines the freedom of a pendant alarm with an in-home alert system, offering instant help during emergencies at home.
  2. Care Hub Plus: includes all the features of Care Hub, with the added benefit of fall detection technology.
  3. Care Go: a discreet GPS alarm with two-way emergency communication, ensuring your loved one is protected both at home and on the go.

Our personal alarms are designed to be worn comfortably as a necklace or wristband, even in the bath or shower. In an emergency, simply pressing the button on the device sends an alert to our 24-hour Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC) and notifies your emergency contacts via the SECOM Care app. 

If your contacts are unavailable, our team will step in, assess the situation, and contact emergency services if needed.

What sets SECOM apart?

At SECOM, we pride ourselves on providing world-class monitoring services. Our personal alarms and smart home systems are linked directly to our Alarm Receiving Centre, staffed by some of the UK’s best-trained security specialists. These professionals are available 24/7, 365 days a year, ensuring that help is always just a button press away.

Our systems are not only reliable but also cost-effective. Personal alarms are a great alternative to more expensive care services, and VAT exemptions may be available for those with long-term health conditions or disabilities.

Respecting privacy while ensuring safety

One of the key benefits of our systems is their ability to provide safety without invading privacy. Smart Wellness, for example, monitors activity patterns without recording video or audio, ensuring your loved one’s home remains their private space. Similarly, personal alarms are designed to be unobtrusive, giving users the freedom to live their lives while knowing help is always available.

Protection doesn’t mean sacrificing autonomy

Monitoring elderly parents living alone doesn’t have to mean sacrificing their privacy or independence. With solutions like Smart Wellness and our range of personal alarms, you can ensure their safety while respecting their autonomy. At SECOM, we’re committed to providing innovative, reliable, and discreet monitoring options that give families peace of mind and elderly loved ones the freedom to live life on their terms.

If you’re exploring ways to support your elderly parents, consider our smart home monitoring systems and personal alarms. They’re designed to offer the perfect balance of safety, independence, and privacy — because everyone deserves to live with dignity and confidence.

If you want to have a chat about how we can help you, send us a message.