Helpful Caregiving Technology

Family Caregivers Updated March 31, 2026

Helpful Caregiving Technology

Using the right technology can be a huge help! Easy to use tech tools can make the Caregivers daily life easier and sometimes replace or delay the need for in-person Caregiver visits from a care provider.  We try to list Canadian retailers and products that we have personally used and been satisfied with when possible, there are no affiliate links and we do not receive any compensation for these suggestions.

Carbon Steel Pans

to replace Cast Iron if the weight is making it difficult to cook

Thick Handled Utensils

can help with hand pain, cramping and may reduce shakiness

Non-slip Jar Opener

of the type that works for your hand dexterity and strength

  • Locked to counter or above counter or gripper pads although each of these can be difficult to use depending on grip strength

Automatic Jar Openers

have improved a great deal in recent years and do not require bracing or pressure on the jar by the individual

No-tip Electric Kettles

to pour boiling water without lifting a heavy kettle

Alternative Food Cutters

like a mandolin or press chopper

Cut-resistant gloves

are strongly recommended if using a mandolin or cutting while shaky or unsteady

Touch sensor faucets

to easily turn faucets on and off without using the lever controls

  • We've been happy with these for people with grip issues or difficulty raising their arms

Induction Cooktops

to help someone continue cooking without the risk of burning themselves and reduced risk of starting a fire

These tools help people communicate or reach out for assistance

Audio Monitors

, more commonly called Baby Monitors, are a tried and tested tool to help Caregivers listen to someone for health alerts or communication

  • In most situations, audio is enough to understand when help is needed without the intrusion of video

Wifi Cameras & Video Monitors

have audio and video seen on a handheld monitor or connected device

  • Video monitors are indicated when it's important to see if someone at high risk of falls is getting up from bed to help them mobilize. They are also useful to assess night time activity and mobility risk
  • We do not recommend two-way video systems and often suggest covering the activity light on wifi cameras with electrical tape
  • Wifi Cameras watching the medications are great for monitoring medication compliance remotely and being able to call someone in to take meds

Dial-by-photo Phones

are phones with push-button photos instead of numbers to dial. Some do have numbers still but we do not recommend those. In most situations if someone needs to call by photo then they don’t need the added complexity of numbers

Electronic Call Buttons

ring a remote alerting device worn by the Caregiver

Devices to monitor movement, alert the Caregiver and help prevent a fall or injury

Bed, Chair and Floor Sensors

are all a type of pressure activated device that sends an alert to a Caregiver wearing the remote monitoring device. There can be false positives with these devices but they do work well most of the time.

Door Opening Sensors

will detect when windows or doors are opened and sends an alert to the remote monitoring device. Not used as frequently but useful in certain situations for wanderers.

Motion Sensors

use an IR laser which when broken sends an alert to the remote monitoring device. These work well and are not prone to false positives. 

Room Sensors 

use anonymized video, radar, IR or other sensing to detect motion and activity

Many fall alert options include some form of automated call to a contact or emergency services when an incident is detected and there is no response.

Phones

are good for relatively independent individuals

Watches

are better when someone is forgetful and can’t remember their phone. Charging is often the challenge here but wireless charging pads help in many cases.

Pendants

are an additional option although many people don’t love wearing an item that hangs from their neck. Pendants can be worn lower on the body but with reduced alerting capability.

When none of the fall alert wearables are a fit for whatever reason we sometimes see success with an extra pocket added on or inside of a favorite piece of clothing to hold the Pendant or Watch. If none of the above fall alert solutions are a fit for the situation there are other less common activity monitoring solutions that include There are a variety of phones Apps with physical tracking tags or devices that provide GPS geo-location monitoring and geo-fencing alerts. We only recommend using devices for this purpose that use GPS + Cellular for precise, reliable alerting.

Medication Machines

store and dispense medications according to a programmed schedule. Many have alerts and safeguards to help ensure that medications are taken and not just removed from the machine holder.

Incontinence problems can be minimized or prevented to protect hygiene and skin condition. Never seen these in the wild but they are available.

Wetness sensors

Ultrasound Bladder monitors

Interactive games

using a projector to play them on a table or wall

Engaging Art

 

Fidget spinners

are handheld objects that can be manipulated repetitively in a satisfying way. Useful for individuals with progressed dementia and those of us who like to spin things.

Fidget boards

are large panels with a variety of straps, locks, beltsand gizmos to fiddle with. Useful for individuals with progressed dementia.

Animatronic Pets

Baby Dolls

Water Escape Shutoff

devices can turn off water for the home or for an appliance.

Automatic Faucet Shutoff

devices turn off the water when the person leaves.

Anti-Scald

devices limit water temperature to the home or a fixture for safety. 

Stove Shutoff

tools can turn off stoves or limit temperatures and some can detect gas leaks.

Using technology tools there is often a balance to be found between respecting the individuals privacy and protecting their safety. As medical conditions or personal abilities change and vulnerability increases the boundaries of privacy are often shifted to provide greater security. If you are looking for the least intrusive option we're happy to chat and provide our perspective for what might work in your situation. 250-658-6508
Pro-tip: Buying the simplest technology is often the best choice. More features at greater expense is not always better. Durability and ease of use are priority.
The CommunityPlus Difference: Healthcare Navigation Support

Have questions about your care options? Our Coordination Team is ready to help.

Contact Us Call 250-658-6508