8 Ways to Stay in Touch With Aging Parents

If you worry about your aging parents, then check out our favorite ways to keep in touch with them and make sure they are safe.

By: Carley Knobloch

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Stylish Cuff

Move over, "Fallen and I Can't Get Up" pendant — this stylish, smart jewelry is digitally connected. Mom can press it to send an instant alert to your phone if she's in trouble or lost, and it will send you and everyone in her cuff network her whereabouts. Photo courtesy of Cuff

Skype

If your parents have mastered computer basics, Skype is one of the best and easiest free video conferencing methods. You can set it to launch whenever their computer is open, so all you have to do is call — no smartphone necessary.

Presto

For moms and dads who feel overwhelmed by digital everything, Presto lets you send emails, photos and online stories straight to a proprietary printer without a computer or Wi-Fi network. It works similarly to a fax, but in color and with layout options. Photo courtesy of Presto

Lively

Lively is a set of sensors that keeps you posted on your parents' activities around the house, such as when the front door opens and closes or when a pill box is used. Lively also has a program called LivelyGram, a printed newsletter that compiles emails and photos and delivers them by snail mail. Photo courtesy of Lively

Wi-Fi Cameras

Especially for moms or dads who live alone, this easy-to-install camera offers secure HD video sent to your computer or phone, so you can always see what's going on in real time. They also sport two-way audio communication, so you can talk back and forth in an emergency or on any given Sunday morning.

Piccolo

Wish your digitally disconnected parents could see your Instagram or Facebook photos? Connect your accounts to Piccolo, a subscription photo service, so you can print your favorite photos each month and snail mail them to Mom and Dad. Photo courtesy of Piccolo

Life360

For the ultimate peace of mind, this app can be automated to send you or a circle of family members and caregivers check-in notices whenever Mom and Dad come or go. In case of an emergency, it offers a private social network just for your family, so you can all communicate and locate each other. Photo courtesy of Life360

Wallyhome

If Mom or Dad lives in an old house that's prone to mold or that basement hot water heater springs a leak, you will need to check on the house often. With Wally, you have around-the-clock monitors checking on water leaks, humidity and temperature. Place sensors under a sink, next to the washer and in other key places, and you'll get a message before a little leak becomes a major issue. Photo courtesy of Wally

8 Ways to Stay in Touch With Aging Parents

Related To:

Shop This Look

Stylish Cuff

Skype

Presto

Lively

Wi-Fi Cameras

Piccolo

Life360

Wallyhome

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