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Best Apps for Checking on Elderly Parents in 2026
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Comparisons & Reviews9 min read

Best Apps for Checking on Elderly Parents in 2026

Technology makes it easier than ever to stay connected with elderly parents. This guide reviews the best apps and services for monitoring their safety and wellbeing from any distance.

FamilyPulse Team
January 16, 2026

Best Apps for Checking on Elderly Parents in 2026

Staying connected with elderly parents has never been easier thanks to modern technology. From location sharing to AI-powered wellness calls, there are numerous apps and services designed to help families monitor their loved ones' safety and wellbeing. Here are the best options available in 2026.

Categories of Elderly Care Apps

Apps for checking on elderly parents fall into several categories:

  • Communication Apps: Video calling and messaging

  • Location Sharing: GPS tracking and check-ins

  • Wellness Monitoring: Health and mood tracking

  • Medical Alert Apps: Emergency response

  • Medication Management: Prescription reminders

    • Best Communication Apps

    Video Calling

    FaceTime (iOS)

  • Free for Apple users

  • Simple interface

  • Good video quality

  • Best for: Apple device families

    • Google Meet/Duo

  • Free, works on all devices

  • Easy to use

  • No account needed for Duo

  • Best for: Mixed device families

    • Zoom

  • Free basic plan

  • Works on computers and phones

  • Can handle multiple family members

  • Best for: Group family calls

    • Senior-Friendly Options

    GrandPad

  • Simplified tablet with video calling

  • Pre-loaded with family contacts

  • Monthly subscription required

  • Best for: Tech-averse seniors

    • Oscar Senior

  • Simplifies existing devices

  • Large buttons and icons

  • Video calling built in

  • Best for: Using existing hardware

    • Best Location Sharing Apps

    Life360

  • Real-time location sharing

  • Place alerts (arrival/departure notifications)

  • Driving safety features

  • Free basic version

  • Best for: Families wanting location awareness

    • Google Maps Location Sharing

  • Free with Google account

  • Simple to set up

  • No additional app needed

  • Best for: Occasional location check-ins

    • Apple Find My

  • Built into Apple devices

  • Free for Apple users

  • Shows device locations

  • Best for: Apple device families

    • Best Wellness Monitoring Solutions

    AI Wellness Calls

    FamilyPulse

  • Daily AI phone calls to elderly parents

  • Mood and health detection

  • No app needed for the senior

  • Works with any phone (landline or mobile)

  • Family receives summaries and alerts

  • $9.99/month

  • Best for: Daily wellness monitoring without tech burden on senior

    • Activity Monitoring

    Aloe Care Health

  • Voice-activated smart hub

  • Activity monitoring

  • 24/7 emergency response

  • $29.99+/month

  • Best for: Comprehensive home monitoring

    • CarePredict

  • Wearable activity tracker

  • Predictive health insights

  • Enterprise-focused (senior living)

  • Best for: Facilities, not individual families

    • Best Medical Alert Apps

    Lively

  • App connects to Lively devices

  • Emergency response

  • Health tracking

  • Requires Lively device purchase

  • Best for: Those wanting phone + alert combination

    • Medical Guardian

  • Family caregiver portal

  • Location tracking

  • Activity monitoring

  • Requires Medical Guardian device

  • Best for: Families wanting traditional alert + app

    • Best Medication Management Apps

    Medisafe

  • Free medication reminders

  • Tracks adherence

  • Family can monitor

  • Best for: Complex medication schedules

    • CareZone

  • Medication tracking

  • Journal feature

  • Appointment reminders

  • Best for: Comprehensive care management

    • Comparison: Apps vs. Services

    NeedApp OptionService Option

    Daily check-insManual calls/textsFamilyPulse AI calls
    Location awarenessLife360, Find MyBuilt into devices
    Video connectionFaceTime, ZoomGrandPad service
    Medication remindersMedisafeAutomatic dispensers
    Emergency responsePhone 911Medical alert systems

    The Challenge with Apps for Seniors

    Many apps require seniors to:

  • Own and use a smartphone

  • Download and set up apps

  • Remember to check or respond

  • Navigate interfaces

    • This is why services like FamilyPulse that require no action from the senior (just answering their existing phone) can be more effective.

    Our Top Recommendations

    For Tech-Comfortable Seniors


  • Video calling app of choice (FaceTime/Zoom)

  • Location sharing (Life360 or built-in)

  • FamilyPulse for daily wellness monitoring

    • For Tech-Averse Seniors


  • FamilyPulse AI wellness calls (works with any phone)

  • Simple cell phone for family calls

  • Medical alert system for emergencies

    • For Long-Distance Families


  • FamilyPulse for daily monitoring

  • Video calling for face-to-face connection

  • Location sharing for awareness

  • Medical alert for emergencies

    • Key Considerations

    When choosing apps and services:

    For the Senior:

  • What technology can they actually use?

  • What will they consistently engage with?

  • What feels comfortable rather than intrusive?

    • For the Family:

  • What information do you need?

  • How often do you want updates?

  • What is your budget?

    • For Everyone:

  • Privacy considerations

  • Ease of use

  • Reliability

  • Customer support

    • Conclusion

    The best apps for checking on elderly parents depend on your specific family situation. For comprehensive coverage without overwhelming seniors with technology, combining FamilyPulse AI wellness calls (for daily monitoring) with occasional video calls and a basic medical alert system provides excellent protection and connection.

    Remember, the goal is not to surveil your parents but to ensure their safety and maintain meaningful connection. Choose solutions that respect their dignity while providing you peace of mind.

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