Amazon’s Echo, Apple’s HomeKit or Google Home allows homeowners to control their home with their voice or app – locking doors, turning lights on and off, adjusting the thermostat, viewing camera feeds, calling 911 or family member in emergency, set reminders, make phone and face to face calls. $30-$200​​​​​​

Medical Alert Systems (Personal Emergency Response Systems): will notify a predetermined emergency contact or emergency medical services. Some systems automatically detect issues, such as falls, and send out a message right away. With others, you must manually press a button or take some sort of action to get help. (Requires contracted monitoring/monthly fee) Landline or Cell connectivity. $40-$60 per month

• MinnesotaHelp.info - Personal Emergency Response Systems (PERS)
  • Taxonomy code: PH-1800.6260
  • Suggested filters: Private Pay

Smartwatches: A smartwatch or other wearable device can help people living alone. Smartwatches include features such as heart rate monitoring, EKG, fall detection, and built-in medical alert systems, can contact 911 or caregivers. (one-time fee/purchase of watch) No monthly fees for monitoring. $200-$400.

Medication Reminders/Dispensers: For older adults who take daily medication but may have trouble remembering when to take it, a tech-based medication reminder can help. This device may look like an alarm clock, a smartphone app, a pill dispenser or a pill cap/bottle. Some dispensers will alert a caregiver if a person did not take their medication. $10-$700

• MinnesotaHelp.info - Medication Management Device
  • Taxonomy code: LH-6700.6500
  • Suggested filters: Private Pay

Indoor/Outdoor Cameras: High-definition video and two-way talk, advanced motion detection and real-time smartphone alerts, compatible with Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit or Google Home. Allows a caregiver to monitor a loved one in their home. $20-$100

Smart Contact Sensors: Small devices that you can attach to any door or window can alert a caregiver when doors or windows are opened (including possibility that someone has left home and may be wandering). Can attach to a refrigerator so caregivers can monitor if a loved one is eating. (Compatible with Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit and Google Home) $10-$15

Water-Leak Sensors: Small sensors can detect a water leak. Place them in places such as by the water heater, as well as by the tub, sink, or toilet in case they forget or don’t notice that the water is running. $10-$50

Stove Fire Prevention Devices: These devices automatically shut off a stove if it is left unattended for a specific time. Devices like this are especially helpful for older adults living with dementia. $50-$200

Smart Plugs: Just plug one into any outlet, pair it with a smartphone, and plug in an electronic device you wish to control, such as a table lamp or fan, space heater, etc. Once you’ve set that up, you can remotely control or schedule the connected electronics to go on and off as needed. $7-$20​​

Bidet: The benefits to senior users can be especially fantastic, as bidets make for more efficient, more thorough, and comfortable hands-free cleaning after using the commode. $20-$300

Grab Bars: No drill grab bars for bath, shower, toilet area that use adhesive or suction. Most attach to the wall, some attach directly to the tub and others are floor to ceiling. $10-$150

Raised Toilet Seat: Specially designed device intended to increase the height of a standard toilet seat. It is especially helpful for individuals with mobility challenges or physical disabilities that make it difficult to use a standard toilet. $40-$150

Handheld Shower Head: Makes it easy for seniors to sit or stand while bathing. $15-$100

Toilet Safety Frame with Arms: A toilet safety frame gives seniors a helpful guide and support when using the toilet. $20-$50

Shower Chair/Bench: Makes it safe for seniors to shower/bathe. Some sliding models, slide/transfer seniors into a standard tub with very little effort. $20-$200

Motion Light: Automatic night lights help seniors see their path and reduce fall risk when going to the bathroom at night. Some lights plug into a standard outlet, others are battery powered and can be attached to the toilet. $2-$15

Bathtub Grip: Anti-slip bathtub coating. Some are roll-on clear coat liquid; others are stick-on products. $5-$40

Universal Grip Turner: This helpful tool can be used to grip and turn many different types of small, slippery knobs found on stovetops, microwaves, dishwasher, etc. $5-$15

Cut Resistant Gloves: Cut-resistant gloves keep fingers and hands safe from injury when slicing meat or veggies. $8-$20

Electric Water Kettle: Electric water kettles heat water quickly and the auto-shut off and boil-dry protection makes it safer than stovetop boiling. $30-$50

Oven Rack Guards: Protect older adults from accidental burns with oven rack guards. They can be made of cloth or silicone. $20-$30

Automatic Electric Jar Opener: Opens jars easily with the touch of a button. $20-$40

Minnesota Access to Communication Technology (MN ACT, formerly known as the TED Program) provides a variety of adaptive phone devices to people who have difficulty using the phone. People who are deaf, deafblind, hard of hearing or who have a physical or speech disability often find these devices make it easier to use the phone. If a person qualifies, they can use the devices for free as long as they need them. 

Minnesota Access to Communication Technology is funded through the Department of Commerce – Telecommunications Access Minnesota (TAM) and administered by the Minnesota Department of Human Services.