A New Type of Wi-Fi Sensor Keeps an Eye on the Elderly — Without Cameras

More than 48 million Americans are reportedly looking after older family members, not to mention independent living and retirement homes. And while today’s smart home gadgets have security cameras, smart displays and speakers to help keep an eye on seniors — they usually come at the cost of privacy. Older folks aren’t big fans of that. Threshold is offering a better way with new Motion technology, an innovative way to keep an eye on people through Wi-Fi waves without compromising their privacy.

Motion plugs into existing outlets much like a smart plug, but instead of controlling devices it monitors the signals that the Wi-Fi router produces. Gauging how signals change throughout a home lets Motion detect, well, motion — learning where and when activity takes place in an area. It can do this without standard motion detection or video, so it’s not specifically tracking bodies, just cycles of movement.

This approach preserves older peoples’ privacy, but can also alert others if those activity routines get disturbed, such as if someone stayed in bed when they are usually up and about, or if someone has an unexpected fall and isn’t moving around like normal. Motion is, above all, designed to be easy to use: Plug in the sensor, download the app and it takes care of the rest. The important part is connecting to the Wi-Fi network and keeping that Wi-Fi signal strong. Three sensors can cover an area of up to 1,500 square feet, making them suitable for small to midsized living situations.

If this sounds right for family members you’d like to keep a noninvasive eye on, you can pick up a pack of the Threshold Motion sensors for $60. There’s no ongoing subscription either, so the one-time cost is all you need to start monitoring. The app works with both Android and Apple devices, too.

I haven’t seen monitoring for an older person’s living situation quite like this before, and I like how the technology could be used in so many different situations. For older adults who prize their independence, it could be just the sort of answer they’ve been waiting for.